The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is proud to announce its 2013-14 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 2014 IHSA Officials Conference, which will be held on Saturday, July 19 at the Civic Center in Peoria.
“We are privileged to honor these individuals, along with all officials, for their dedication and commitment to young people,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Officiating is often under-appreciated, but it is an incredibly important part of the educational experiences that high school athletics provide. It is important to continue to recognize those who go above and beyond to promote fair play.”
The 2013-14 IHSA Officials of the Year are listed by sport, recipient and hometown below:
Baseball-Bob Copas, Elmhurst
Boys Basketball-Samuel K. Moran, Lewistown
Girls Basketball-Thomas E. Daugherty, Bloomington
Cheerleading-Becky L. Weslow, Orland Park
Cross Country-David A. Mitchell, Peoria
Dance-Candace M. Gadomski, Decatur
Football-Octavio Herrera, Jr., Melrose Park
Boys Gymnastics-Gregg B. Didech, Barrington
Girls Gymnastics-Barbara Oczkowicz, Carol Stream
Boys Soccer-Randy S. Brickman, Deerfield
Girls Soccer-Gregory R. Shierling, Quincy
Softball-Christopher J. Schaefer, Chicago
Boys Swimming & Diving-Louis Estes Gantz, Northbrook
Girls Swimming & Diving-Janice L. Plack, Des Plaines
Boys Track & Field-Jamero J. Rainey, Edwards
Girls Track & Field-Robert A. Rice, Danville
Boys Volleyball-Mark D. Trapp, Villa Park
Girls Volleyball-David A. Sands, Salem
Water Polo-Michael A. Mitchell, Palatine
Wrestling-Jeff A. Sorensen, Bloomington