TOPEKA, Kan. – Each year, the Kansas State High School Activities Association recognizes and honors a select group of contest officials for their dedication and service to Kansas interscholastic athletic programs. The KSHSAA Official Recognition program started in the 1999-2000 school year to honor officials who have contributed significant years of service. Award plaques are given for 20, 30, 40 and 50 years of service to the youth and schools of Kansas. Officials reaching these milestones are recognized at a ceremony in conjunction with a state championship event.

Each school year approximately 4,000 men and women, including some high school students, become KSHSAA registered athletic officials. The Association registers officials in 10 of the 14 sports it sponsors. Officials at interscholastic athletic events not only provide for a fair and safe contest environment but also play an important role as participants in the educational development of high school students.

The KSHSAA was pleased to recognize these special individuals for their years of study, preparation, sacrifice of personal time, and most of all, their enduring commitment to the schools and youth of Kansas.

KSHSAA Registered Officials Honored in the Winter of 2018

20 Years of service
Mike Buchanan, Manhattan
Steve Fellers, El Dorado
Terrell Black, Cheney
Doug Clark, Wichita
Mark Hintz, Hebron
Thomas Drake, Ottawa
Donald Dufield, Wichita
Kurt McAfee, Wichita
Monty Enright, Manhattan
Jeff Freeman, Topeka
Roy Smith, Iola
Michael Wilmoth, Wellington
Tad Gellender, Lawrence
Troy Wiseman, Topeka
Jeffery Gottstein, Gardner
Richard Nitsch, Leawood (posthumously)
Terrance Powell, Council Grove
Jim Riener, Phillipsburg
Ron Sturgeon, Osborne
Lance Ziegler, WaKeeney

30 Years of service
Steve Fellers, El Dorado
Mark Hintz, Hebron
Kurt McAfee, Wichita
Roy Smith, Iola
Troy Wiseman, Topeka

40 Years of service
Terrell Black, Cheney
Thomas Drake, Ottawa
Monty Enright, Manhattan
Michael Wilmoth, Wellington