The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is proud to announce its 2015-16 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. All of this year’s winners will be recognized at a banquet during the 2016 IHSA Officials Conference, which will be held on Saturday, July 23 at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria.

“I have routinely said that one of the great highlights of my 25 years at the IHSA has been having the opportunity to work closely with officials,” said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman. “The IHSA Officials of the Year are some of the best officials we have to offer, yet, no matter how well they do their jobs, they will still be questioned by coaches, fans and players. It takes a special kind of dedication and personal integrity to excel in this vocation. Thank you to these individuals, as well as to all IHSA officials, for all that you do."

Sport	Official of the Year	Hometown
Boys Soccer	Larry Cooper	Collinsville
Girls Soccer	Michele Waldbeesser	West Peoria
Football	Jim Glueckert	Arlington Heights
Boys Basketball	Tom Huster	Elmhurst
Girls Basketball	Gail Huster	Elmhurst
Baseball	Steve Besse	Frankfort
Softball	Tom Starr	Rock Falls
Girls Volleyball	Augie Werner	Belleville
Boys Volleyball	Connie Scott	Winnebago
Boys Swimming & Diving	Ken Cherwin	Crystal Lake
Girls Swimming & Diving	Kathleen McWhorter	East Dundee
Water Polo	Nick Cargola	Elk Grove Village
Cross Country	Jim Rhode	Dwight
Boys Track & Field	Roger Brown	Chicago
Girls Track & Field	Tim Cross	Metamora
Wrestling	Don Mekeel	Sterling
Boys Gymnastics	Joseph Skowronski	St. John (IN)
Girls Gymnastics	Howie Sokol	Park Ridge
Competitive Cheer	Betty Moore	Taylorville
Competitive Dance	Cyndi Kraemer	Decatur