KSHSAA Release

INDIANAPOLIS,  Ind. – Two distinguished Kansas State High School Activities Association registered officials have been recognized by the NFHS for their service to interscholastic activities. Herbert Schwartzkopf was awarded the 2013 NFHS National Contributor Award for Officials and Jim Knight has been dubbed the 2013 Section 5 Active Official of the Year.

Schwarzkopf’s contributions to Kansas schools, students and the KSHSAA during his more than forty years as an active official and area supervisor are too numerous to list. Herb began officiating in 1972 and served not only the KSHSAA and Kansas colleges, but continued officiating during his military service. For twenty-three years, the KSHSAA depended on Herb to conduct rules meetings, clinics and serve as an Area Supervisor of officials in football and basketball. He conducted mechanics clinics and has been actively involved in training scores of young officials.  Herb personally mentored more than 50 young officials in his career and continues to track their progress and careers. 

Herb Swartzkopf has been a dedicated supporter of the Kansas State High School Activities Association and the member schools of Kansas working over 4,000 games at all levels, grades 7-12, and the collegiate level.  He is a proud veteran and family man who holds a statewide elective office as State Adjutant-Quartermaster for the Kansas VFW.  In addition, he serves as an elected County Commissioner in Trego County, where he farms.  The KSHSAA is proud to honor Herbert Swartzkopf with the NFHS National Contributor Award for Officials.

KSHSAA Official Jim Knight exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct, moral character and has the full support of the Kansas State High School Activities Association as an active official.  The Overland Park native is a 50 year veteran of Kansas basketball and football officiating.  He has been selected to officiate a total 26 times at the State Championship level 14 times in basketball and 12 times football.  In addition to officiating, Knight serves the KSHSAA and Kansas officials as an area supervisor of officials in basketball and football, and is also a member of the KSHSAA Official Advisory Committee.  He continues to mentor young officials at all levels in clinics and camps in the Kansas City area. Knight is the Section 5 winner which includes the states of: KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD.