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. Th
is 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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