IHSA Announces 2016-17 Officials of the Year

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IHSA Announces 2016-17 Officials of the Year

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The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is proud to announce its 2016-17 Officials of the Year in 20 IHSA sports. To be considered for this honor, an official must first be nominated by an Officials Association recognized by the IHSA. IHSA staff members then vote on the winners based on factors such as character, skill as an official, and levels worked in the IHSA State Series. This year’s winners will be recognized at a banquet during the 2017 IHSA Officials Conference, which will be held on Saturday, July 22 at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria.

“The IHSA Officials of the Year banquet is truly one of the highlights of the year for the Association,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “These individuals give back so much to high school athletics, so having the opportunity to see them recognized in front of their peers is very special. This year’s ceremony will take on an ever more special meaning as we posthumously recognize Dance Official of the Year Paula Hess.”

A native of Glenview, Hess

(right) passed on August 2, 2016, after a lengthy battle with cancer. A long-time fixture in the Illinois dance community, she served on the committee that helped formulate the IHSA’s Dance State Series and served as the Tournament Manager at the inaugural state final competition in 2013.

“Paula was an incredibly knowledge and respected dance official,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Tracie Henry. “But what made her so special was her ability to connect with people. Everyone loved her. She had a way of bringing people together and bringing calm to any situation. She was integral to Dance becoming an IHSA sport and we miss her every day.”

Sport
Official of the Year
Hometown
 Boys Soccer
John Martelin  Rockford
 Girls Soccer
Richard Geati  Arlington Heights
 Football Kevin McMurray
 Willow Springs
 Boys Basketball
William DePue
 Palatine
 Girls Basketball
Robert Brendel  Fairview Heights
 Baseball Keith Medema  Sterling
 Softball Rick Howarth
 Pecatonica
 Girls Volleyball
Ruth Holliday
 Vandalia
 Boys Volleyball
Stan Wiedeman  Morton Grove
 Boys Swimming & Diving
John Mulsoff
 Huntley
 Girls Swimming & Diving
Bob Graf
 Pekin
 Water Polo
Patrick Bauer
 Chicago
 Cross Country
John Betteridge
 Elmhurst
 Boys Track & Field
Keith Jacobi
 Batavia
 Girls Track & Field
Don Hackler
 Ridge Farm
 Wrestling Roy Snyder
 Rochelle
 Boys Gymnastics
Scott Hagel
 Wauconda
 Girls Gymnastics
Carol Myers
 Lake Forest
 Competitive Cheer
Tiffany Michaels
 Bloomington
 Competitive Dance
Paula Hess
Glenview



   

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