Always Aiming to Provide a 'Fair Start'
June 6, 2013
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Tom Truscott was glad where he stood as he raised his hands to start the 100-meter boys Regional race at Lansing Sexton in 1987 that featured Corey Pryor of Jackson, Tico Duckett of Kalamazoo Loy Norrix and the host Big Reds’ Alan Haller.
They’d go on a few weeks later to finish first, third and fourth, respectively, in arguably the fastest MHSAA Finals race of all time. And on this afternoon, Truscott was glad he didn’t have to referee at the finish and figure out who crossed the line first.
To be honest, he’s never paid much attention to finishes during 42 years as an MHSAA track and field and cross country official who has launched a few generations of athletes in the classroom, on various playing fields and as one of the best-recognized race starters in the Lansing area.
His philosophy is simple – and surely has stretched across an educational career that began with his first MHSAA officials registration for the 1959-60 school year.
“I start,” Truscott said, “because I want to give the kids a fair start.”
Truscott has officiated for 42 years in addition to the nearly four decades he spent as a coach and athletic director. In keeping with that desire to give a “fair start,” Truscott quietly told organizers of the longtime Lansing Area Honor Roll Track and Field Meet that last Wednesday’s would be his 32nd and last as starter – not because he doesn’t love it still, but because it’s time to give younger officials the opportunity to run the prestigious show.
It’s a decision consistent with a career of creating opportunities – in track speak, starts – through sports.
“That’s typical Tom. He’s a gracious, humble man,” said retired longtime Grand Ledge and Fowler coach Kim Spalsbury, who now serves as director of the Honor Roll Meet. “That’s what Tom’s all about.”
Standing tall
There’s no way Truscott is 75 years old, one might conclude as he stands tall and instructs runners at the start of a race in a smooth baritone voice.
But he’s been involved as a high school athlete, coach, director or official for more than 60 years – and has officiating dates already stamped on his 2013-14 calendar.
Truscott remains best known in school circles for his more than three decades as a coach and administrator at Potterville High School. A three-sport standout at Lansing Everett from 1953-56 and then two-sport athlete at Hillsdale College, Truscott joined Potterville schools in 1961. He went on to coach Vikings boys basketball teams to more than 300 wins and four District titles during 35 seasons, and he also led the football program for 24 seasons over two tenures – five of his teams won league championships, and he joined the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1986.
He also served as Potterville High School’s athletic director from 1963-96, even during a brief time when he also coached football as an assistant at Lansing Sexton. Potterville was one of few small schools in the mid-Michigan area with full track and field facilities, so Truscott hosted just about every significant event. He served as meet manager for 16 Regionals and also the 1977 and 1978 Lower Peninsula Class D Wrestling Finals.
Truscott also was a strong advocate as girls sports began to grow after Title IX. Among his best coaching hires was Sheryl Mox – who ended up leading both the girls basketball and volleyball teams to MHSAA championships and also became the athletic director.
“He’s a tall man in stature, and that’s a good way to list his long list of accomplishments,” said Spalsbury, who met Truscott in 1980 as their schools belonged to the same league, the Central Michigan Athletic Conference.
Truscott took an officiating course while at Hillsdale, and soon after debuted as an official for a few Thursday night football games. He was a third base umpire during the inaugural Capital Area Diamond Classic baseball tournament, which finished up its 52nd running this week. Cross country and track and field became his sports of choice for officiating because they best fit into his schedule as a coach and athletic director. He took a break from officiating for most of the 1970s, but has been a consistent presence again for the last three decades.
“You can stay associated with athletics by doing it. And you’re the person that’s going to influence the charisma of the game, how the game goes,” Truscott said, explaining how he'd sell the avocation to someone who might be considering it. “You don’t want to be noticed; you’re there to make a fair call and give kids a fair start.”
Seeing the big picture
That's another way Spalsbury described his longtime colleague.
Truscott continues to love the sports he played and coached. But running sports he officiates have earned a special place in his heart.
“You’re always going to the dugout or the locker room (with other sports). You never socialize with your competitors,” Truscott said. “With track and cross country, that’s the marvel of it; you talk to each other, know each other and then get into the blocks and try to beat each other. Then associate with each other again.”
History is among Truscott’s favorite non-sports pastimes, although he certainly finds ways to tie the two; he emulated his Everett history teacher and coach Ted Bauer and so became a history teacher as well who often found a way to mix historical context into halftime speeches.
Truscott is an active member of the Michigan Historical Commission and has dedicated roughly 60 landmarks across the state. An officiating experience recently crept into one of those dedications – when placing a marker at Battle Creek’s Kellogg Community College last month, he likened the continuing education aspect of junior college to a Fulton-Middleton runner who despite trailing by laps continued until she had finished her race.
As word began to spread Wednesday that Truscott was retiring from the Honor Roll Meet, a few admirers made sure to pass on what he’d meant to them. Former Lansing Catholic standouts Zach Zingsheim and Jimmy Hicks – now running at Georgetown University and the University of Georgia, respectively – made sure to let Truscott know he was the best they’ve had start them, including those they’ve seen during their first seasons at the college level.
“They made a point to search him out and go and talk to him and tell him what they thought of him,” Lansing Catholic coach Tim Simpson said. “It is rare that kids would gain that much respect and like for an official.”
But Truscott has earned it by understanding how best to relate to high school athletes.
His son John Truscott, a former athlete at Sexton, remembered a situation concerning a championship-caliber competitor who was committing a minor violation that would've meant disqualification – but before taking that step, Tom Truscott gave the athlete a head's up instead. “He’s always looking out of kids,” John Truscott said.
Simpson recalled another occasion when one of his more “fiery” freshman girls threw a baton in the infield after a disappointing finish. Truscott called out “Ma’am” – which might’ve been a first for the stunned runner – and then explained why what she did was wrong. “Instead of just disqualifying her, he took the extra time. And that incident was never forgotten by that girl,” Simpson said. “It could have been a negative, and he turned it into a positive.
“He treats the kids with respect and in turn gets it back.”
Truscott started the Big Ten Cross Country Championships in 1991 at Michigan State University, and early in his career started meets at Olivet College and the University of Michigan.
But officiating at those levels never stacked up to the fun he’s had starting high school athletes.
John Truscott still hears from his dad after meets about the latest standout he saw or the one showing the potential to do great things. John knows better than most what the high school games mean to Tom – he often assisted his father during Saturday events – and why providing that "fair start" became a life's work.
“That really is his philosophy,” John Truscott said. “Over his career he coached great athletes, mediocre athletes and bad athletes. And he wanted them to all enjoy sports and learn from them, no matter what the future held for them.”
PHOTOS: (Top) Tom Truscott starts a race during last week's Lansing Area Honor Roll Track and Field Meet at Holt High School. (Middle) Truscott oganizes the 3,200 relay teams before their race. (Below) The 100-meter finalists await Truscott's start. (Photos by Geoff Kimmerly.)
The Right Stuff at the Right Time
October 19, 2012
By Rob Kaminski
MHSAA benchmarks editor
MHSAA Championship history is filled with unforgettable moments for participants and spectators alike. Every now and then, the contest on the biggest stage delivers the cliche’ finish of everyone's dreams: close game, final seconds, trophy on the line, someone’s gotta win, someone’s gotta lose.
For the three teams out there, it’s as exciting as it gets. Yes, three teams. For every classic crunch-time moment, there are officials who have earned the right to share that moment with the participants.
Following, benchmarks reflects on two such moments from the viewpoints of those in stripes.
Ford Field, Detroit, Nov. 24, 2006
Muskegon (13-0) vs. Warren DeLaSalle (11-2)
At Stake: MHSAA Division 2 Football Title
Officials: Referee Charles Sprang (3rd MHSAA Final); Umpire Mike Wallace (1st); Linesman Troy Miller (2nd); Line Judge Reginald Smith (1st); Back Judge Trenton Withrow (1st)
THE MOMENT: DeLaSalle trails 32-30 with time running out, when QB Brian Lewis completes a slant pass to Don Fowler. Fowler is into the clear and headed for the end zone when he is hit by Muskegon’s Ronald Johnson at the 4-yard line, and stretches for the end zone. The ball pops loose, Fowler’s knee goes down, and Muskegon’s Bobby Miller recovers the ball in the end zone within a few furious seconds. The Big Reds get the ball, the undefeated season, and the championship.
Withrow: “They were in a hurry-up on the last drive and the game, which was fast-paced the entire time, got even faster. When the receiver got into the open, I knew I had to get back to the goal line and keep my eyes on the play. That was the first thing on my mind; if I don’t get to the goal line, I can’t make that call.
“Immediately after I made the call (correctly, a fumble and touchback), I just remember chills down my spine, the DeLaSalle kids trying to argue that he was down, and hoping I got it right. We don’t have the luxury of replay. It was a bang-bang call; knee coming down, lost ball, goal line right there.”
Smith: “As the play took place, I was telling myself not to rush, but be precise in my call. Just move in to box the play with Trent and watch for the ball at all times as the play developed.”
Sprang: “I did not see the fumble as I was about 60 yards up field. I got to Trent and said, ‘What do you have?’ Trent said, ‘Touchback.’ Mike Wallace asked, ‘Are you sure?’ Trent never wavered and said, ‘He never got in the end zone with the ball. It was out at the 1.’ I asked again, ‘Are you sure?’ Trent said, ‘No doubt.’ Trent, as I saw on film, was in perfect position. That call was the game and he nailed it.”
Miller: “It was great that Reggie and Trent spent very little time communicating and they had the same ruling. Being on the Warren DeLaSalle sideline, I explained to the head coach what we had and there was really no reaction, as I believe he saw exactly what Trent had seen, and knew that Trent was in great position.”
Wallace: “I just remember seeing the play from a distance as I was the umpire. I saw the call and just said to myself, ‘I hope that was the right call.’ I didn't have any doubt, but just didn't want a call missed at that point in the game. The call was so smooth, as if he had made the call a hundred times.
“Moments afterward I just remember telling him ‘That was a heck-of-a-call,’ and I was not even sure if he got it right or not.”
Withrow: “I’ll never forget when Mike came running down the field, he said, ‘That’s why I’m glad I’m the umpire; so I don’t have to make that call.’
“Chuck and I discussed it, and he just wanted to make sure of what I saw; I told him exactly what happened, and then he repeated the signal.”
Sprang: “At every opportunity, we talked about ‘staying in the game.’ Muskegon had a two touchdown lead twice in the game and DeLaSalle fought back each time to either tie or go ahead. I am not sure if Mike Wallace had a crystal ball, but he said, ‘One play is gonna win this game, be ready.’”
Miller: “I remember walking up the tunnel going back to the locker room and walking past a reporter from one of the Detroit papers and having him say, ‘Nice job guys, that was a great call.’”
Sprang: “I knew at that point Trent had it right and the replay only confirmed it. When I saw the replay, it sure was a great feeling to see that ball pop out at the 1-yard line and Trent on the goal line with his bean bag. He made four other guys on the field that day look very, very good.”
Withrow: “Looking at the replay, I was surprised my bean bag came out, because I didn't remember that during the play. It’s a reaction, and I just relied on mechanics. If you do all the right things mechanically, you’ll be in position to make the calls, and it certainly paid off at that moment.”
Wallace: “In the locker room it felt like we just went 15 rounds with Apollo Creed and we were still standing. We knew that we all worked hard, concentrated and nailed it. Maybe it was just that one call, but it was an incredible feeling of success that you strive for when you officiate.”
Breslin Center, East Lansing, March 27, 1999
Muskegon Western Michigan Christian (25-2) vs. Detroit City (22-3)
At Stake: MHSAA Class D Boys Basketball Title
Officials: Dick Kalahar (4th MHSAA Boys Final), Mike Robillard (2nd), Tim Belt (1st)
THE MOMENT: Game tied, clock ticking down, as Muskegon Western Michigan Christian’s Nick Bultema uses a screen and goes airborne to launch a last-second three-point shot. The ball is tipped by Detroit City’s Michael Williams, but momentum takes his body into Bultema’s before the shooter reaches the floor. Foul. 0:00 on the clock. Bultema makes the second free throw, and secures the title.
Kalahar: “I was the trail official, and as the clock was winding down I was looking for a three-point shot, as Detroit City’s defense on the inside was very good. As the player (Bultema) attempted the shot, a very big Detroit City player tried to block the shot. The WMC shooter was still in the air after releasing the ball, when the Detroit City player contacted the shooter and drove him into the table at press row.
“I made a foul call on the Detroit City player just before the horn went off. Before I went to the table to report the foul, I met with Mike and Tim to confirm the foul was called before time ran out. We all agreed there would be three shots given to the WMC player.”
Robillard: “I knew going into the game I was with two outstanding officials, and we would handle any situations that might occur. As the game was getting into the final minutes I was hoping for overtime because both teams had competed so hard and the game had such a great flow.”
Kalahar: “I reported the foul and explained to the table what we were going to do. I also called both head coaches together to explain what the call was and how we would proceed. Both coaches were gentlemen.”
Robillard: “As the end of the game approached, our crew communication was outstanding. We knew we had to be out on the perimeter and protect the shooters. So when the left-handed shooter pulled up behind the three-point arc, both Dick and I had him booked in. It was Dick's primary, but I was doubling back to protect the backside of the shooter. As soon as the defender ran into the shooter, Dick nailed the whistle.”
Kalahar: “Experience always helps. Trying to anticipate what might happen as well as good concentration in a game like this comes with experience. Having two good partners is also a key.
“As we entered the locker room, much to my surprise, Jack Roberts, Nate Hampton and Tom Minter of the MHSAA office were there. I will always remember their support. Our crew then talked about the game, and felt we gave the teams a good game. Mike or Tim told me they thought the last call took courage and they were proud to be a part of this crew.
“I had some very anxious moments the first time I saw the replay. As officials, we always want to get the call right, especially in a game like this. I've seen it many times, and to this day I believe the right and fair call was made.”
PHOTOS: (Top) Warren DeLaSalle's Don Fowler loses control of the ball just before reaching the goalline during the 2006 Division 2 Final at Ford Field. (Middle) Muskegon Western Michigan Christian's Nick Bultema is about to be engulfed by a teammate moments after sinking the winning free throw during the 1999 Class D Final at the Breslin Center.
NOTE: This is the fourth installment in the series "Making – and Answering – the Call" detailing the careers and service of MHSAA officials. Click the links below to view the others.