Bloomington, IL – The Illinois High School Association has unveiled the 2023-24 Officials of the Year, spotlighting the top referees in high school sports. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon officials nominated for their exceptional skill and integrity in officiating.
According to IHSA, the honorees represent the pinnacle of sportsmanship and dedication and will be recognized at the upcoming IHSA Officials Conference in Normal, Illinois. IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson extolled the virtues of the 21 officials, acknowledging their contribution to the spirit of high school sports.
The full roster of these exemplary individuals, alongside their hometowns, is as follows:
- Boys Soccer: Jay Weis, Mundelein
- Girls Soccer: Kevin Parker, Lombard
- Football: Fred Steinway, Quincy
- Boys Basketball: Darrin Sortor, Sherman
- Girls Basketball: Kenneth Pink, Arlington Heights
- Boys Lacrosse: Scott Rogowski, Algonquin
- Girls Lacrosse: Patrick Nolan, Elmwood Park
- Baseball: John Cyr, Woodridge
- Softball: James Bauser, Springfield
- Girls Volleyball: Sharon Walker, Stanford
- Boys Volleyball: Aaron Woods, Channahon
- Boys Swimming & Diving: Mark Markwell, South Elgin
- Girls Swimming & Diving: Patricia Flesher, Waukegan
- Water Polo: Colleen Lyons, Homer Glen
- Cross Country: Leo Vanderlugt, Chillicothe
- Boys Track & Field: Thomas Miller, Carpentersville
- Girls Track & Field: Kelley Lucas, Mt. Zion
- Girls Gymnastics: Hilary Carlson, Bloomingdale
- Competitive Cheerleading: April Mahy, New Lenox
- Competitive Dance: Laura Panuska, Woodridge
- Wrestling: Derek Ryan, Kankakee
This announcement is a part of IHSA’s commitment to recognizing the hard work and dedication of officials who are fundamental to the success of high school athletics.
