Norris Honoree Adding to 60-Year Legacy

Officials

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

May 13, 2020

One of many who recommended Saginaw's Hugh Matson for this year's Vern L. Norris Award called him "an interscholastic icon" and what "high school athletics should be all about."

Already recognized prestigiously for his leadership as a coach and administrator, Matson made lasting impacts on Michigan high school sports serving those duties over a career stretching four decades.

And more than 20 years after retiring from that work, Matson’s contributions to school sports continue in another key role. He has been selected as this year’s honoree for the MHSAA's Norris Award as he celebrates his 50^th school year as an MHSAA-registered contest official.

Matson is the second honoree in MHSAA history to receive both the Norris and Charles E. Forsythe Award, the latter presented to Matson in 2015 for his overall contributions to interscholastic athletics. Matson joined Kalamazoo’s Blake Hagman, who received the Norris Award in 1998 and the Forsythe Award in 2000.

Matson was to be honored with his Norris Award this month at the MHSAA’s 41^st Officials’ Awards & Alumni Banquet. However, the banquet was canceled due to safety concerns because of COVID-19, and he instead will be invited to accept his award formally at the 2021 banquet.

Matson first registered with the MHSAA to officiate track & field and cross country during the 1970-71 school year and has officiated combined more than 800 meets in those sports – including more than 20 Regionals and nearly 20 MHSAA Finals. He also has officiated cross country and track & field at the Division I, II and III and NAIA collegiate levels.

His career in education began when Matson took his first teaching job in 1957, at Mattawan. He then moved to Saginaw Township Community Schools, teaching and coaching at Saginaw MacArthur High School from 1962-71 and then Saginaw Eisenhower from 1971-88. Matson served as head varsity football and track & field coach at Mattawan and as head track & field coach at both MacArthur and Eisenhower, in addition to serving as an assistant football coach at both schools. He became the first and only athletic director in Eisenhower’s history – holding that position from the school’s first day during the 1970-71 school year until the end of the 1987-88 school year, when he became co-athletic director of the new Saginaw Heritage High School, which was created from a merger of MacArthur and Eisenhower. Matson served as the sole full-time athletic director of Heritage for 1996-97 before retiring.

“When I started, I knew wanted to be a coach; I didn’t know for sure if I wanted to be a teacher. But I found out teaching and coaching are really the same thing, and I enjoyed the teaching as much as the coaching. Then I found out that officiating is much the same,” Matson said. “I enjoy the kids. One of the things that warms my heart is when a kid will come up and say, ‘Thanks for officiating.’ Officiating is all just part of working with kids as I did as a coach and as I did as a teacher.”

Matson has been a member of the Association of Track Officials of Michigan (ATOM) since 1993 and received its 2009-10 Art Jevert/Bruce Jacobs Distinguished Service Award. He also received the Chuck Wheeker Volunteer of the Year Award from Saginaw Valley State University track & field in 2012 and the USA Track & Field (USATF) National Officials Committee Outstanding Service Award in 2014. He received designation as a Certified Master-level starter by USATF in 2000.

He has served as a volunteer track starter for SVSU and as a volunteer official for middle and high school meets as part of the Michigan Indoor Track Series, both since 1997.

While an athletic director, Matson was a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA) from 1970-97 and served as its president during the 1989-90 school year. He was a member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) from 1980-97 and served as a representative and speaker for the MIAAA at regional conferences in Iowa and Wisconsin and to the NIAAA Leadership Forum in 1987. Matson was named to the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

“The same attributes that made Hugh Matson a beloved teacher, coach and athletic director have made him beloved to the officiating community as well,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “His selflessness and dedication continues to shine through in his mentorship of officials, as well as athletes and coaches, and his guidance and insights continue to benefit the track & field and cross country communities statewide.”

Coincidentally, Matson had crossed paths with both men whose awards he has received before beginning his career in education. Matson was a sophomore on the 1951 Newaygo boys basketball team that reached the Class D Semifinals and was greeted in East Lansing by Forsythe. And as a senior at Western Michigan University, Matson received advising from Norris, who was working in the placement office at the time. Matson then did his student teaching at Godwin Heights, Norris' alma mater.

Matson graduated from Newaygo in 1953, having earned 13 varsity letters over four sports – football, basketball, baseball and track. He received his bachelor’s degree in physical education with minors in English and history in 1957 from WMU.

He taught English and history at Mattawan, and then English and physical education during his three tenures as part of Saginaw Township Community Schools. Matson remains an active member of First Congregational Church in Saginaw, having served as an usher for more than 50 years, as a board member and as part of a breakfast club serving local homeless.

He's been married to his wife Jackie for 59 years, and together they have two daughters.

Previous recipients of the Norris Award

1992 – Ted Wilson, East Detroit
1993 – Fred Briggs, Burton
1994 – Joe Brodie, Flat Rock
1995 – Jim Massar, Flint
1996 – Jim Lamoreaux, St. Ignace
1997 – Ken Myllyla, Escanaba
1998 – Blake Hagman, Kalamazoo
1999 – Richard Kalahar, Jackson
2000 – Barb Beckett, Traverse City; Karl Newingham, Bay City
2001 – Herb Lipschultz, Kalamazoo
2002 – Robert Scholie, Hancock
2003 – Ron Nagy, Hazel Park
2004 – Carl Van Heck, Grand Rapids
2005 – Bruce Moss, Alma
2006 – Jeanne Skinner, Grand Rapids
2007 – Terry Wakeley, Grayling
2008 – Will Lynch, Honor
2009 – James Danhoff, Richland
2010 – John Juday Sr., Petoskey
2011 – Robert Williams, Redford
2012 – Lyle Berry, Rockford
2013 – Tom Minter, Okemos
2014 – Hugh R. Jewell, West Bloomfield
2015 – Sam Davis, Lansing
2016 – Linda Hoover, Marshall
2017 – Michael Gentry, Shelby Township
2018 – Jill Baker-Cooley, Big Rapids
2019 – David Buck, St. Joseph

High school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45 and 50 years of service also are being honored with service awards. Twenty-three officials with 50 years of service are being honored, along with 55 officials with 45 years. A 40-year award is being presented to 55 officials. In addition, 108 officials with 30 years and 181 officials with 20 years of experience are being honored.

MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
20, 30, 40, 45 & 50-YEAR OFFICIALS

The officials on this list are receiving their 20, 30, 40, 45 or 50-year service awards.

20-YEAR OFFICIALS

Ada - Michael D. Packard

Adrian - Keith J. Zubke
Allen Park - Julie A. Goodwin
Alpena - Ian K. Lundquist
Ann Arbor - Nancy E. Brucken
Auburn Hills - Frank Benion Jr.

Bath - Ruth J. Miehlke
Battle Creek - Jack McCulley
Battle Creek - Michael W. Smith
Battle Creek - Levi R. Watkins
Bay City - Jason R. Andrzejewski
Bay City - James J. Fitrakis
Bay City - Thomas L. Oleniacz
Bellevue - Stanley L. Guzy
Benton Harbor - Denny L. Edwards
Benzonia - James R. Sheets
Bessemer - Tony Gheller
Bessemer - Mark L. Movrich
Beulah - Jeffrey T. Bretzke
Beulah - Dennis J. Keeney
Birmingham - Patricia M. Hayes
Bloomfield Hills - Eric T. Seifert
Brighton - Jennifer J. Brown
Brighton - Jeffrey J. Houtteman

Cadillac - Kyle J. Hondorp
Caledonia - Timothy J. Restau
Canton - Makia D. Alexander
Canton - Gregory S. Santilli
Canton - Kevin W. Winningham
Cedarville - Charles G. Paquin Jr.
Charlotte - Eric C. Frohriep
Clinton Township - William R. Blickensdorf
Clio - Tim C. Ashbury
Clio - Gene VanAlst
Coleman - Jerry R. Evans
Commerce Township - Ronald J. Eberline
Crystal Falls - Jason W. Price

Daggett - Richard J. Dietz
Davisburg - Paul E. Knudson
Davison - Thomas M. Dowdall
Dearborn - Dave Deckert
Dearborn Heights - Gerald P. Boudreaux
Dearborn Heights - Bennie C. Roach
Detroit - Aaron F. McDaniel
Detroit - W. James Pierce
Dorr - James R. Graham
Dowagiac - Ronald A. Gunn

Eau Claire - Lance E. Green
Elsie - Nathan R. Taylor

Farmington - Timothy A. Fino
Farmington Hills - Katherine E. Williams
Fenton - Eric R. Golota
Fenton - Thomas C. Ureche Jr.
Flat Rock - Douglas R. Hill
Flint - Gregory T. Folsom
Flint - Arden P. Irwin
Flint - Floyd B. Williams
Flushing - Caron M. Sullivan
Fort Gratiot - Todd A. Kackman
Fowlerville - Robert G. Myers
Fremont - Paulette J. Moon

Gladwin - Art J. Adamec Jr.
Gowen - Patrick M. Cain
Grand Blanc - Jared R. Hoffmeyer
Grand Blanc - Scott C. Smith
Grand Haven - Daniel R. Holt
Grand Ledge - Marvin E. Hardy Jr.
Grand Rapids - Greg T. Adams
Grand Rapids - Burton J. Cook
Grand Rapids - Thomas C. Emery
Grand Rapids - James H. Fellinger
Grand Rapids - Bruce L. Hull
Grand Rapids - Richard G. Koperski
Grand Rapids - Scott A. Maternowski
Grand Rapids - Kelly A. Richardson
Grosse Pointe - Allan Diver

Hamilton - Douglas W. Braschler
Hanover - Donald M. Bergstrom
Harrison Township - David B. Jones
Haslett - David R. Miller
Holland - Brian E. Burtch
Holland - Walter C. Lamb
Hudsonville - Mike S. Bartosiewicz
Huntington Woods - Gary R. Schack

Iron Mountain - Ryan C. Gordon
Irons - Thomas R. Batista
Ironwood - Judy Cisewski
Ironwood - Ted E. Sim
Ishpeming - Adam J. Bergman

Jackson - Pete J. Ambs
Jackson - Eric L. Baldwin
Jackson - Larry E. Owens Jr.
Jenison - Mark E. Heagle

Kalamazoo - Karen L. Asch
Kalamazoo - John M. McBride
Kalamazoo - Larry A. Morrell

Laingsburg - David M. Barnhill
Lake Odessa - Phillip J. Whitcomb

Lansing - Elliotte Love
Lansing - Daniel W. Mausolf
Lansing - Calvin G. Sanders
Livonia - Michael C. Cushman
Livonia - Michael J. Smith
Livonia – Bill Williams
Ludington - James T. Nordlund
Luther - Robert L. Rose

Macomb - Daniel P. Westfall
Manistique - Mark A. Giannunzio
Manistique - Barbara A. Landis
Maple City - Lawrence R. Olsen
Marshall - Toby L. Crull
Mason - Philip S. Nardone
Mendon - Kenneth R. Blough
Mendon - Shawn D. Griffith
Michigan Center - George A. Wyers
Midland - Jill A. Bertuleit
Midland - Carl H. Smith
Monroe - Ronald P. Coury
Monroe - Paul N. Howey
Monroe - Tracy L. Yeary
Moran - Mitchell J. Perry
Muskegon - Bob Covert
Muskegon - Thomas J. Nichols Jr.

Negaunee - Michael F. Leanes
Negaunee - Jeffrey A. Marshall
New Baltimore - David A. Koch Sr.
North Muskegon - Gene A. Hyrns
Norton Shores - Kirk C. Antekeier

Okemos - Robert Ianni
Olivet - Dana S. Higgins
Owosso - Mike W. Valasek

Parma - Douglas D. Higelmire
Petoskey - Joseph R. Malec
Plymouth - Kara M. Burns
Plymouth - Jay D. Buelow
Pontiac - Troy F. Craft
Port Huron - Mitchell J. Nichols
Portage - Dustin J. Ruthven Sr.
Prescott - Gary A. Ragels

Riverview - Joseph S. Murnane
Rochester - Gary M. Cook
Rochester Hills - Peter D. Oudsema
Roseville - Wayne Cupp
Royal Oak - Michael F. Henahan Jr

Saginaw - Michael J. Fick
Saginaw - Charles F. Lydy
Saginaw - Clarence A. Thompson
Saline - Gary S. Quantock
Shepherd - Michelle E. Turpin
Sheridan - Randy A. Freed
Southfield - Quincey J. Price
St. Ignace - Doug J. Ingalls
St. Joseph - John K. Carr
Stanton - Thomas M. Wall
Stanwood - Doug VanSyckle
Sterling Heights - Ronald M. Camilletti
Sterling Heights - Jon Caran
Sterling Heights - Gratian P. Moldovan
Sterling Heights - Dean Ristovski
Sterling Heights - Tyrone Smith
Stevensville - Brandon D. Stacey
Sturgis - Kenneth A. Schau
Sylvania - Bruce E. Ralston

Taylor - Mark X. Rigotti
Tecumseh - Sarah S. Eubanks
Three Rivers - Tom L. Muckel
Traverse City - Bruce E. Falberg
Traverse City - Scott C. Jones
Traverse City - Kenneth J. Knudsen
Tustin - Jerry A. Nelson

Vicksburg - Neil E. Kreamalmeyer

Warren - Darrell Brown
Warren - Chad C. Davinich
Warren - Milissa A. Schell
Warren - Mark W. Sullwold
Williamsburg - Mark D. Stormzand
Wyandotte - Scott F. Neifert
Wyoming - Roger L. Bouma
Wyoming - Frits J. Hoekstra

Ypsilanti - Thomas D. Biggs
Ypsilanti - Richard J. Mull

30-YEAR OFFICIALS

Allen Park - Lisa S. Lee
Alma - Pamela J. Hanson-Bender
Alpena - Joseph M. Garant
Ann Arbor - Larry T. Kenyon

Bay City - Kevin J. Sinicki
Blissfield - Ronald A. Gentz
Brooklyn - Charles A. Janke
Brownstown Township - Joseph C. Barzo
Brownstown Township - Jim M. Joseph
Buchanan - Francis M. Brown
Byron - David A. Czerniakowski

Cadillac - Douglas E. McGiness
Cadillac - Kevin L. Taylor
Caledonia - David C. Dzierzyc
Carson City - Ted A. Kelly
Carson City - Arthur G. Kurtze III
Chesterfield - Douglas P. Stark
Clark Lake - John J. Jimenez
Clinton Township - Clifford S. Bliss
Coldwater - Brien S. Kelly
Coldwater - William M. Peiffer
Columbiaville - Donald W. Gordon

Dearborn Heights - David P. Mann
Delton - Katherine R. Dolfman
Detroit - Darren F. Ford

East Lansing - Douglas D. Ripley

Farmington Hills - Jack G. Light
Farwell - Patrick H. Uhrig
Fenton - Dan A. Reason
Flushing - Neil T. McCarthy
Fraser - Thomas A. Suminski
Freeland - Dennis J. Argyle

Gladstone - Jeffrey D. Diebolt
Grand Blanc - James M. Brigance
Grand Blanc - Michael E. Fair
Grand Blanc - David J. Griffel
Grand Rapids - Don L. Buchholz
Grand Rapids - Daryl S. Henderson
Grand Rapids - James F. Jakubowski
Grand Rapids - Scott W. Markham
Grayling - David K. Latusek

Hamilton - John A. Wood
Hart - Victor N. Salazar
Haslett - Lisa M. Bain
Highland Park - Melvin D. George
Holland - Christine E. Durham
Holland - Kevin E. VanderHulst

Iron Mountain - George D. Pond
Ithaca - Bradley D. Peet Sr.

Jackson - Shawn C. Spitler
Jenison - Steven C. Warber

Kalamazoo - Richard A. Hurdelbrink
Kalamazoo - Steven J. Nuyen
Kentwood - Christopher T. Maday
Kingsford - Mark E. Shanks

Laingsburg - Thomas A. Rourke
Lansing - Justin E. Terry
Lansing - Amy L. Willing
Leonard - Thomas F. Kmita
Lincoln - Brad D. Cole

Macomb - Thomas M. Heabeart
Macomb - Kyle J. Plutschuck
Marquette - Bruce A. Tiseo
Marysville - W. Randy Jacobs
Mesick - Paul W. Osborne
Midland - Oliver G. Myers
Monroe - David H. Gelwicks
Monroe - John C. Hilken
Mt. Morris - Robert F. Sunday
Muskegon - Theo R. Burrel
Muskegon - Timothy A. Cook

New Boston - Wayne C. Hamilton
Newport - Glen A. Scafidi
North Muskegon - Daniel L. Millhisler
Northville - Robert P. Juhasz

Olivet - Lonnie L. Spencer
Onsted - William M. Bayko
Onsted - Robert Wright
Ortonville - Franklin E. Olson
Owosso - Gary W. Barta

Port Sanilac - Dan Dean

Ray - Danny P. Kuskowski
Riverview - Benjamin Madero
Romulus - A. Terry Brinston
Royal Oak - Ronald G. Buchanan

Saginaw - Daniel L. Houston Sr.
Saginaw - Robert C. Kubczak
Saline - Kirk D. Spangler
Scottville - Stacey R. Swiatlowski
Shelby Township - Lawrence Gerbe
Shelby Township - Jeffrey P. Sandora
Sidney - James R. White
South Bend - David P. Sexton
Southfield - Anthony W. Johnson
St. Clair Shores - John W. Hartley Jr.
St. Joseph - Patrick J. Clark
Stalwart - Barbra A. Storey
Sumner - Jeff D. Rowley

Three Rivers - Bruce E. Mastny
Traverse City - James P. Barbera
Traverse City - Peter J. Garthe

Vassar - Matthew J. Cox
Vassar - Mark A. Schoenow

Washington Township - Peter J. Friedrich
Westland - Richard W. Kus
Westland - Thomas E. Mallon
Wixom - Lawrence W. Grant
Wyandotte - David A. Maloney

40-YEAR OFFICIALS

Bad Axe - Paul A. Binder
Berkley - Sheila M. Homic
Blissfield - Christopher L. Bates
Brimley - Jerald P. Cook

Calumet - Daniel W. Junttila
Champion - Gary P. O'Brien
Clarksville - Jim D. Johnson

Dearborn Heights - Kevin P. Kabacinski
Decatur - Patrick L. Boitnott
Delta - William H. Wiseman
Detroit - James E. Briggs
Dundee - Karl J. Schmidt

Farmington Hills - Mark J. Kronk
Ferndale - Bradford D. Skauge
Flint - James V. Newell
Fremont - James M. Goorhouse
Fruitport - George L. Frederick

Gaylord - Paul B. Holmes
Grand Blanc - Douglas W. Tipton
Grand Haven - Richard W. Lott
Grosse Pointe Woods - Robert E. Zaranek

Harbor Beach - Steven M. Linn
Hillsdale - Bruce Caswell
Hudson - Fred C. Bowers
Hudson - Patrick W. Wollet
Hudsonville - Bob C. Wojcik

Iron Mountain - John R. Pucci

Kalamazoo - James L. Ketelaar

Lansing - Sam L. Davis
Lansing - Eric D. Wills
Lansing - Donald J. Yuvan
Ludington - David L. Wright

Madison Heights - Marie S. Bessler
Madison Heights - Richard Hillman
Manistee - David A. Nemecek
Marshall - David N. Benham
Marysville - Joel P. Venia
Mattawan - David W. Breithaupt
Muskegon - Charles M. VanDongen

Niles - Michael J. Nate

Okemos - John H. Garrison
Onsted - Kathi Frank

Pinckney - David D. Sontag

Redford - Gregory J. Smetek
Richland - Thomas D. Cox
Rockford - Timothy G. Erickson

Saginaw - Roberta A. Beyerlein
Scottville - Rodney D. Marshall

Temperance - Randall A. Sehl
Trenton - Frederick L. Bruley

Vicksburg - Timothy A. Baker

Waterford - Douglas E. Zimmerman
West Bloomfield - Benjamin R. Armstrong
Westland - Donna J. Strang

Zeeland - Marvin F. Hinga

45-YEAR OFFICIALS

Ann Arbor - Jack L. Coffey

Battle Creek - Kendall A. Lewis
Bay City - Thomas F. Cole
Berrien Springs - Timothy A. Krieger
Boyne City - Kirk D. Kujawski
Brighton - Bill T. Rubin
Brownstown Township - Joseph A. McCormick

Caledonia - Edward T. Hedgecock
Caledonia - Tom A. Hoffman
Canton - John A. Davidson
Caseville - Barry L. Zinger
Clark Lake - Robert L. McComb Jr.
Clarkston - Eugene R. English Jr.
Clarksville - David A. Mersman
Clawson - Betty A. Wroubel

Detroit - Lawrence D. Freeman
Detroit - Billy L. Waters
Dowagiac - William L. Brooks

Flushing - Edwin H. McKimmy

Grand Rapids - Robert G. Galvin
Grand Rapids - Dirk E. Pegman
Grand Rapids - Jeanne L. Skinner
Grayling - Thomas A. Kemp
Grosse Ile - James R. Knopp

Haslett - David E. Gillison
Hemlock - Rudy Godefroidt
Howell - L. Lee Piepho
Howell - Dennis M. Troshak

Ironwood - James K. Krznarich

Jackson - Michael C. French

Kent City - Robert J. Sarachman
Kentwood - Betty J. Near

Lansing - Ken J. Sudall

Manistee - Michael J. Gielczyk
Manton - Burton Harrison
Marysville - Mark A. Brochu
Mason - Victor T. Cena
Michigan Center - Charles D. Sprang
Muskegon - James A. Goorman

Negaunee - Steven R. Ayotte

Ontonagon - Eugene Fiszer

Pittsford - Chuck Pelham

Rogers City - Gerald Purgiel
Royal Oak - Carol A. Sheldon

Smiths Creek - Jud D. Kastner
Southfield - Thomas R. Sullivan Jr.
St. Clair Shores - Thomas L. Driscoll
St. Clair Shores - Fusako Hines

Taylor - Terry H. Styer
Tekonsha - Daniel A. Washburn
Trenton - Robert Bolak
Trenton - Evelyn Langlands

Vicksburg - Richard L. Simon

Whitmore Lake - Charles E. Lindsay
Wyandotte - Michael R. McMahon

50-YEAR OFFICIALS

Byron Center - Joe A. Zomerlei

Cheboygan - William B. Watkins
Clio - Anthony J. Leonardo
Custer - Edward C. Miller

Essexville - Donald A. Rose Sr.

Hudson - Michael A. McCullough

Ishpeming - David J. St. Onge

Kingsford - Joseph R. Reddinger

Lowell - Curtis J. Cummings

Monroe - Albert M. Fernandez
Muskegon - Larry T. Vaandering

New Baltimore - James C. Cleverley

Okemos - Tom Woiwode
Onsted - John M. Springer

Redford - Robert J. Williams
Royal Oak - Paul M. Engelberts

Saginaw - Hugh R. Matson
Sanford - Charles P. Russian
Shelby Township - Frank A. Talerico

Vassar - H. Dan Johnson

Walker - Dennis J. Rothenthaler
Waterford - Burton Hurshe
Wyoming - Daniel J. Schultz

Official Bob Czech, top left, monitors the action during the 2022 11-Player Division 1 Football Final at Ford Field.

Longtime Official, Assigner, Association Leader Czech Named 36th Norris Honoree

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

April 10, 2026

While a game official’s most recognizable work is done on the field of play, much must be accomplished behind the scenes as well to produce that finished product – and Oak Park’s Robert Czech long has been revered while serving as a game official in four sports, an assigner of officials to work high school and middle school events, and a supporter of his colleagues as co-creator and continuing mentor for one of the state’s largest officials associations.

To celebrate his vast contributions to officiating in Metro Detroit and statewide, Czech will be honored with the 36^th Vern L. Norris Leadership in Officiating Award during the MHSAA’s Officials Awards & Alumni Banquet on April 25 in East Lansing.

The Norris Award is presented annually to a veteran official who has been active in a local officials association, has mentored other officials, and has been involved in officials’ education. It is named for Vern L. Norris, who served as executive director of the MHSAA from 1978-86 and was well-respected by officials on the state and national levels. Czech will be honored at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Center along with high school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 55 years of service.

Bob Czech headshot Czech is in his 44^th year as an MHSAA-registered official for football, basketball, softball and baseball, and he previously was registered for two years to officiate volleyball as well. He also has assigned officials for more than 35 years, currently doing so for selected sports in the Oakland Activities Association, Lakes Valley Conference, Kensington Lakes Activities Association and Michigan Independent Athletic Conference, and he is a longtime leader with Metro Detroit Athletic Officials (MDAO), an association which counts 650 officials among its membership.

His first games as an official came on the football field in the Detroit Police Athletic League, and from there he followed mentors including past Norris winners Robert Williams and Hugh Jewell into an avocation that has become a life’s work.

“When you’re younger, you can catch a little heat from coaches and players and parents, (and) it’s easy to get down on yourself a little bit – but you just have to stick with it,” said Czech, a retired Detroit police officer. “All the older guys will tell you, hey, it will go away, you’ll be fine and you’ll learn from it, you’ll grow and you’ll feel a lot better. And one good thing about this type of business, or this avocation, you’re running into people from all different walks of life – cops, teachers, insurance people, lawyers, doctors, dentists – there’s all kinds of people who work in this kind of avocation. So you get to see a whole side of life, and that’s good, (with) great relationships and many, many friendships.”

Several of those relationships and friendships also were cultivated with local athletic directors, who approached Czech decades ago requesting help with the time-consuming task of finding officials for their contests. Before assigners, schools contacted individual officials, and individual officials made their own schedules. Czech was among assigning pioneers, and currently places officials on thousands of games every season in the four sports he also officiates.

He also has continued to work on the field at an elite level. He has received 297 MHSAA Tournament assignments over the years, including football, girls and boys basketball playoff games this school year. He’s officiated a combined eight Finals in football and baseball, most recently wearing the white hat for the 2022 11-Player Division 1 Football Final between Belleville and Caledonia.

“Bob Czech personifies leadership in officiating, not only on the field but in the ever-important areas of support, education and recruiting of the next generation of officials,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “Integrity, fairness, professionalism and commitment are among Bob's qualities referenced by his colleagues, and they also will tell you he is always available to them and always doing his utmost to make sure students receive the best experience.”

Czech graduated from Detroit Benedictine High School in 1974. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from University of Detroit Mercy in 1978 and a master’s in political science from Wayne State University in 1983. He has served as a director of the annual Prep Kickoff Classic football series and been active with the Fraternal Order of Police, Friendship Circle of West Bloomfield, Macomb-Oakland Regional Center and March of Dimes. He also has contributed to the Miracle League of Southfield, Forgotten Harvest and City of Oak Park.

Czech received a lifetime achievement award from the Oakland County Athletic Directors Association (OCADA) in 2016 and was inducted into the Catholic High School League (CHSL) Hall of Fame in 2008.

He and his wife Patricia have three adult daughters.

Previous recipients of the Norris Award

High school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 55 years of service also will be honored at the Officials Awards & Alumni Banquet on April 25. A total of 17 officials with 55 years of service will be honored, as will 32 with 50 years of service, 28 officials with 45 years and 56 officials with 40 years of service. A 30-year award will be presented to 99 officials, and 153 officials with 20 years of experience will be honored.

Also being honored during the Awards & Alumni Banquet is Legacy Program official Owen Rottier, a senior at Grand Ledge High School. He intends to continue his studies toward becoming an emergency medical technician at Lansing Community College after completing multiple courses during his junior and senior years of high school. He already has earned his certified nurse aide (CNA) and patient care technician (PCT) licenses. Rottier has competed in cross country and track & field throughout his high school career and served as team captain of both, and officiated both sports as part of the Legacy Program.

MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
20, 30, 40, 45, 50 & 55-YEAR OFFICIALS
The officials on this list are receiving their 20, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 55-year service awards.

20-YEAR OFFICIALS

Adrian - Cary F. Carrico
Adrian - Casey R. Opsal
Alanson - Dennis C. Hewitt
Albion - Raymond D. Courter
Allegan - Scott T. Jones
Ann Arbor - Richard J. Gilbert
Argyle - Jamie Davison
Auburn Hills - Deborah S. Archer
Augusta - Haig D. Black
Battle Creek - Shikoko H. Cantrell
Bay City - Robert J. Spyhalski
Bay City - Ryan M. Schalk
Bellevue - Paul I. Temple
Belmont - Brian Patterson
Beulah - Roark V. Pargeon
Bloomfield Hills - Kenneth J. Paszkiewicz
Brighton - Shawn P. Waterman
Brownstown - Stephen M. McInchak
Burr Oak - Randy Walls
Burton - Ken W. Carver
Cadillac - James A. Dawson
Caledonia - Amber J. Traves-Sterkenburg
Canton - Michael J. Burke
Canton - Mark A. Collins
Capac - Brent J. Boers
Caro - Brian V. Newcomb
Cassopolis - Brian A. Kuemin
Cedar Springs - Randy J. Thiel
Cement City - Thomas E. Cameron
Channing - Cory M. Roell
Chesterfield - Thomas V. Michno
Clarkston - Yalda P. Peera
Clinton Township - Christopher E. Dalida
Clinton Township - Elizabeth A. Gulick
Coldwater - Scott Heckman
Coloma - Anthony Bertuca
Commerce Township - David R. Eberline
Detroit - Ozzie S. Ashley
DeWitt - Chris B. McNeilly
Dowagiac - Anthony J. Saviano
Durand - Christopher P. Goodrich
Eastpointe - Matthew W. Cowan
Erie - Joshua Sweigert
Farmington Hills - Tia M. Stanley
Fennville - Bruce R. Klosner
Flushing - Linda M. Bishop
Fowlerville - Cynthia L. Champagne
Frankenmuth - Brent A. Shoemate
Frankfort - William C. Henning
Fraser - Shemek P. Pryszczewski
Freeland - Michael R. Williams
Fremont - Brian Peets
Gladwin - Patrick A. Peters
Grand Blanc - Richard E. Brochu
Grand Haven - James R. Corgan
Grand Ledge - DeLee M. Dankenbring
Grand Rapids - Otto N. Brannum
Grand Rapids - Diana G. Dildine
Grand Rapids - Luke C. Griemsman
Grand Rapids - Daniel R. Heitzman
Grand Rapids - Steven D. Lee
Grand Rapids - Terry C. Seely
Grand Rapids - Kevin R. Weber
Grand Rapids - David W. Running
Grandville - George M. Dillard
Grass Lake - Terry J. Sullivan
Grass Lake - Bill T. Walker
Grosse Ile - Denise Smith
Grosse Pointe Woods - Russell Hapanowicz
Hancock - Steve Aho
Harbor Beach - Brian M. Fuller
Hart - Kayla J. Dennert
Hawks - Glenn Budnick
Hermansville - Kevin J. Bellefeuil
Hesperia - Douglas W. Baird
Holland - Anne M. Huizinga
Holland - Jame Phonechanthasone
Hopkins - Chad O. Burch
Hudsonville - Joseph J. Amante
Hudsonville - Kurt L. Berens
Hudsonville - David A. Bott
Imlay City - Allen L. Hibbler
Ionia - Robert S. Sykes
Iron Mountain - Dean A. Lefebvre
Jackson - Craig Dreyer
Jackson - Jeffery D. Oliver
Jackson - Matthew L. Tuttle
Jenison - Steven J. Meyer
Jerome - Chris Zombor
Kalamazoo - Terry L. Fields
Kalamazoo - Robert H. Flach
Kalamazoo - Dennis Keith
Kalamazoo - Alex D. Vigh
Kalamazoo - Jerome C. Jones
Kentwood - Rodney S. Suggs
Kingsford - Lisa J. Harry
Lakeview - Tim G. Rasmussen
Livonia - Aaron J. Rumberger
Livonia - Sean R. Williams
Macomb - Steven A. Livingston
Madison Heights - Tom A. Turczyn
Maple City - Amede A. DeCruydt
Mason - Johanna Andersen
Menominee - Robert J. Villas
Midland - Greg S. Pattinson
Monroe - Christopher T. Westover
Muskegon - Ben Hylland
Muskegon - Scott A. Sikkenga
Muskegon - Donald Snider
Muskegon - Cameron Carr
Onaway - Kymberli A. Wregglesworth
Otisville - Mark D. McDowell
Otsego - Kevin L. Ordway
Parma - Steven T. Walker
Petoskey - Shaun Lamp
Portage - Jeremy Lassiter
Prescott - Anton W. Gersten
Quincy - Michael A. Siegel
Redford - Omar I. Sanders
Rochester Hills - Matt Lewis
Rochester Hills - Derrick A. Roman
Saginaw - Mark A. Kinnett
Sandusky - Nathan E. Rose
South Lyon - John P. Evans
Spring Lake - Paul Richards
St Clair Shores - Michael Billiu
St Joseph - Bruce L. Bittenbender
St Joseph - Kevin P. Boyle
St. Clair Shores - Anthony P. Djurasaj
Sterling Heights - Nicole L. Toth
Sturgis - Brady L. Driver
Swartz Creek - Michael A. McLaughlin
Tecumseh - Brece M. Clark
Tecumseh - John D. Craig
Traverse City - Matthew J. Ameel
Trenton - Steve T. Seward
Troy - Joseph H. Amann
Troy - Paul W. Boehms
Utica - Tom Szynski
Walled Lake - John R. Lyons
Warren - James N. Leshan
Waterford - Richard D. Crouse
Waterford - Deno G. Pappas
Waterford - Robert Trumble
Westland - Jack D. Profitt
Westland - Roger A. Schmittling
White Lake - Michael B. Andrews
Whitehall - Ace J. Covey
Williamston - Giles J. Brereton
Ypsilanti - William M. Nuttall
Ypsilanti - Demetrius L. Owens
Ypsilanti - Steven A. Vinson
Ypsilanti - Ron C. Blevins

30-YEAR OFFICIALS

Acme - Randall S. Smith
Allendale - Brian G. Haraburda
Alpena - Shawn T. Ballor
Ann Arbor - Thomas W. Richards
Bark River - Joseph L. Richer
Bay City - Frank W. Sniecinski
Big Rapids - Timothy J. Leyder
Big Rapids - Gregg S. Sanders
Big Rapids - David A. Scott
Birch Run - Stanley M. Krajkowski
Bowling Green, Ohio - Jim Evans
Boyne Falls - David M. Kruskie
Brimley - Steven C. Wilson
Bronson - Jayne A. Sabaitis
Brown City - Christine J. Lee
Byron Center - Curt A. Stuck
Canton - Andrew B. Calvetti
Chesterfield - Gregory Blick
Clarkston - Craig H. Zinser
Davison - Bryan K. Illig
Dearborn Heights - William J. Stewart
Detroit - Thomas B. Harris
East Tawas - David C. Thunberg
Essexville - James W. Niswander
Fishers, Ind. - Martin K. Spees
Flint - Ronald S. Thomas
Fowlerville - James K. Jonas
Fremont - David C. Steele
Galesburg - Steve C. Pearce
Garden City - Robert E. Phillips
Gaylord - James F. Vanderveer
Grand Blanc - James J. Blakley Jr.
Grand Blanc - Greg D. Hamilton
Grand Haven - Frank E. Roder
Grand Rapids - Wallace L. Campbell
Grandville - John P. Kievit
Greenville - Paul R. Richardson
Hillman - David M. Wcisel Sr.
Holland - Douglas J. Smith
Houghton Lake - Louise C. Hofer
Hudsonville - Daniel N. Hendrickson
Hudsonville - David L. Weick
Inkster - Ed J. Mingo
Jackson - Chris R. Dauterman
Jackson - Willie N. Godfrey Jr.
Jackson - Troy D. Miller
Kawkawlin - James J. Metz
Kentwood - Rebecca L. Cajka
Lathrup Village - Crathman G. Stephens
Lexington - William E. Cayce
Livonia - Paul J. Mardeusz
Marquette - George D. Pond Jr.
Marshall - Rodney S. Dawson
Midland - Richard E. Campbell Jr.
Mount Pleasant - Douglas A. Downhour
Muskegon - Ollie L. Sandifer Jr.
Muskegon - Johnnie F. Tanner Sr.
New Baltimore - Rodriquez A. Lackey
Novi - Charles H. Edwards
Novi - Lonnie C. Erickson
Otsego - Brian W. Bonnell
Owosso - Robert J. Pumford
Peck - Jeff Kosal
Perry - Jake T. Baumgartner
Pinckney - James E. Chapman
Plymouth - Brent D. Albrecht
Quinnesec - Jerry W. Sanders
Redford - Arnold R. Rambus
Romulus - James D. Hinojosa
Romulus - Michael J. Jackson
Roseville - Steven M. Garbarino
Saginaw - Joe F. Schimpf
Saginaw - Monte A. Steward
Saginaw - Roger L. Swanson
Saginaw - Henry Velasquez
Shelby Township - Shana L. Poll
South Lyon - Patrick G. Bracco
Southgate - Byron J. Beattie
St. Joseph - Robert C. Banasik
Stanton - Douglas W. Mascho
Stanton - Edmund F. Phillipson Jr.
Sterling Heights - Robert L. Fort Jr.
Sterling Heights - Bret Turner
Sylvania, Ohio - John F. Blessing
Tecumseh - Jamie D. Mossburg
Trenton - David H. Mossoian
Walker - Wayne R. Bentley
Walker - Jess W. Hollenbeck II
Warren - Stanley L. Wright
Waterford - Michael D. Morgan
Wayland - Thomas J. Hudson
White Lake - Becky L. Lioi
Woodhaven - Frank L. Vilardi
Wyandotte - Allen C. Hall
Wyandotte - Larry J. Martin
Wyandotte - Robert J. Szczechowski
Wyoming - Robert D. Dabakey
Ypsilanti - Daniel L. Cobello
Ypsilanti - Mary F. Gray

40-YEAR OFFICIALS

Ada - Brian J. Todey
Alma - Chris A. Taylor
Alvordton, Ohio - Max A. Smeltzer
Arden - Christopher B. Haack
Auburn - Philip G. Ouillette
Bad Axe - Dale J. Grifka
Bannister - Bryon P. Taylor
Battle Creek - Carl P. Olson
Brighton - Carolyn I. Richards
Byron Center - Curt Johnson
Cheboygan - Matt C. Redmond
Chesterfield - Marty McCabe
Coldwater - Randolph E. Spangler
Fenton - Lisa M. McKenney
Gobles - Steven L. Grybus
Grand Ledge - Todd H. Compton
Grand Rapids - Jeffrey P. Kirchhoff
Grand Rapids - Stephen J. VanHammen
Grawn - Thomas M. Hallead
Grayling - Scott T. Gabriel
Hessel - Joseph E. Baker
Holt - Mark D. Coscarella
Honor - Richard L. Zych
Houghton - William J. O'Connor
Iron Mountain - John E. Hogberg
Iron Mountain - Lawrence J. Ross
Kalamazoo - Charles E. Parker
Kentwood - Susan J. Barthold
Lapeer - Stephen R. Fox
Lathrup Village - Dale K. Harris
Manistique - Charles A. Richey
Marshall - Brad Hall
Menominee - Michael F. Andre
Midland - Donald A. Rose Jr.
Mio - Luke D. Houlton
Munising - Dee Jay Paquette
Myrtle Beach, S.C. - Scott D. Dobie
Owosso - Eugene S. Davis
Pentwater - William C. Bainton
Pentwater - Brett A. Spalding
Pewamo - Bruce G. Nurenberg
Redford - Mark A. Sleboda
Reed City - Sharon R. Lucey
Romulus - Fred M. Waybrant
Saginaw - Luis H. Paredes
Sandusky - Brian P. Jones
Sheridan - Michael T. Myers
Southgate - David J. Weidenbach
Sterling Heights - Armando Melchiorre
Sumner - Rollie L. Carman
Sylvania, Ohio - Daniel J. Miller
Union Pier - Joseph J. Gonzales
Warren - Charles "Tony" Pankowski
Westland - Stephen L. Patterson
Westland - Roger R. Provey Jr.
Whitehall - Dominic E. Pulaski

45-YEAR OFFICIALS

Allen Park - James C. Bales
Battle Creek - David L. Eubank
Blissfield - Christopher L. Bates
Byron Center - Rick S. Hazel
Canton - Jeanne L. Martin
Constantine - Marge Caid
Deerfield - William P. Gomoluch
Evart - Tom W. Adams
Grand Blanc - Curtis L. Williams
Grand Rapids - Thomas D. Shearer
Grand Rapids - Jeffrey A. Wierzbicki
Grosse Pointe Park - Kelvin W. Wise
Ionia - Mike A. Fuller
Iron Mountain - John N. Meyer
Lansing - Michael R. Conlin
Livonia - Brian R. Dinsmore
Madison Heights - Wilford J. Laveirge
Mayville - Clare L. Kreger
Muskegon - Onesiphorus B. Burrel Sr.
New Hudson - Dennis E. Evans
Norton Shores - Randall S. Martinus
Okemos - Michael J. Maisner
Okemos - Lee Rodgers
Plymouth - William R. Baumgart
Rogers City - Roger M. Wenzel
Sterling Heights - Philip J. Lieblang
Wixom - Patrick L. Beagle
Zeeland - Linda S. Schmidt

50-YEAR OFFICIALS

Baraga - James L. Holm
Bowling Green, Ohio - Thomas L. Ford
Cadillac - William J. Allen
Caledonia - George B. Watterson
Fairgrove - Jerry L. Lasceski
Flat Rock - Robert J. Brodie
Freeland - Kim D. Heisler
Gaylord - Tom T. Johnson
Gaylord - Kevin M. Leary
Gladwin - Michael E. Steinkraus
Grand Rapids - Patricia A. Treman
Hancock - John D. Vaara
Hermansville - Robert J. Maule
Highland - Evan H. Lehto
Holland - David W. Smits
Jackson - Ardis Jill Conat
Lansing - Karen L. Yanna
Livonia - Laura J. Alves
Mattawan - William L. Post
McMillan - Cliff J. Fossitt
Michigan Center - Daniel C. Bentschneider
Northville - Edward K. Gabrys
Norton Shores - Duane A. VandenHeuvel
Oconto, Wis. - Peter C. Pericolosi
Portage - Frank S. Gawkowski
Posen - Kenneth Wozniak
Saginaw - John C. Flukes
Saginaw - John E. Oczepek
Swartz Creek - David J. Sutton
Three Rivers - Kim D. Losik
Traverse City - Michael J. Muldowney
Wyoming - Sandra K. Noto

55-YEAR OFFICIALS

Battle Creek - Richard L. Randle
Caro - John H. Amend
Clio - Anthony J. Leonardo
Comstock Park - Riley S. Swinehart
Delton - Gregory W. Nikitas
Grand Rapids - James J. Aalderink
Holt - John S. Malatinsky
Jackson - Ozzie L. Hashley
Macomb - Chet W. Boss
Marcellus - Deborah L. Schug
Mesick - Paul G. Williams
Prudenville - Robert J. Studer
Rochester Hills - William Upina
Royal Oak - Mike Luttenberger
Spring Lake - Joseph G. Popiel
Tecumseh - Nancy A. Hebert
Traverse City - Collette C. Hallberg

PHOTO Official Bob Czech, top left, monitors the action during the 2022 11-Player Division 1 Football Final at Ford Field.

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Previous recipients of the Norris Award

Previous recipients of the Norris Award