The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is proud to announce its 2021-22 Officials of the Year in 22 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 2022 IHSA Officials Conference, which will be held on Saturday, July 9 at Normal Community West High School. “Officials are vital to our students’ high school sports experience, and we are proud to be able to honor these 22 outstanding individuals as IHSA Officials of the Year,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director and Officials Department administrator Sam Knox. "High school sports do not exist without them and the countless other officials around Illinois whom IHSA schools rely on every day. This award only recognizes a small percentage of our dedicated and talented officials, but we know they are all worthy of our respect and admiration. We understand they do not officiate for awards or recognition, but it remains a very special tradition for the IHSA to be able to honor its Officials of the Year.” See the full list of honorees by sport below: IHSA OFFICIALS OF THE YEAR
Sport Official of the Year Hometown
Boys Soccer Doug Neufeldt Roselle
Girls Soccer Hannah Shehaiber Chicago Ridge
Football Donald Hackler Ridge Farm
Boys Basketball David Gilliand Stockton
Girls Basketball Randy Wilson West Chicago
Boys Lacrosse Brian Larsen Salem, WI
Girls Lacrosse Patrick Fajardo Schaumburg
Baseball Tom Plaster Freeport
Softball Rich Birckelbaw Bloomington
Girls Volleyball Joseph Meyer Springfield
Boys Volleyball Tarah Dickerson Chicago
Boys Swimming & Diving Dennis Yard Dixon
Girls Swimming & Diving Glenn Gabriel Hickory Hill
Water Polo Joseph Fritsch Bensenville
Cross Country David Stier Sherman
Boys Track & Field Joseph Geiger Frankfort
Girls Track & Field Andrew Bergstrom Rockford
Wrestling Ray Eickelschulte Fowler
Boys Gymnastics Zach Crandell Arlington Heights
Girls Gymnastics Annette Nocek Lombard
Competitive Cheer Laurie Wager O'Fallon
Competitive Dance Christina Erickson Mundelein
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