Well said GR sometimes these guys get no props for the service they provide. We are quick to cut them down, it is good to give a nod every once in a while.

 

God knows we give them plenty of other gestures during the season - I guess we can send them a nod during the offseason!

God knows we give them plenty of other gestures during the season - I guess we can send them a nod during the offseason!

 

 

Isn't that the truth.

 

:ylsuper:

Some solid officials listed in this mess...all are very professional and capable officials. There are many other zebras not mentioned that are solid as well.

 

Good list so far!

I agree, Nets. I think Chad Cook is a promising young official. As you said, there are several more that are not getting ink in this thread, that really should be.

 

 

Frances

I agree, Nets. I think Chad Cook is a promising young official. As you said, there are several more that are not getting ink in this thread, that really should be.

 

 

Frances

 

 

I don't know if Chad is officiating anymore. Not football I know, he's coaching with the Ashland freshman squad. I don't know if he'll come back to basketball or baseball either. There are a few good upcoming officials in all sports. They are working hard to recruit new guys and girls to secure the future of officiating in our area.

Chad is helping with the football team at Ashland now I hear.

I just learned of Ms Liberty's concern and want to thank Frances for explaining my post. Indeed, Frances is correct. The three officials I named are legendary referees in this region as well as around the Commonwealth. It was meant to salute some of our past greats and not to belittle the present group of officials.

 

As Frances said, "Nard" and "Chigger", both of whom are from Ashland, are well known to knowledgeable fans. Both have been honored on Sports Day by the local Elks Club. Both, I believe, called several state tournaments as well as numerous districts, regionals, and AITs.

 

However, I am surprised that one with Frances's knowledge of sports history in this area doesn't remember "Sid" Meade. Mr. Meade was an administrator in the Lewis County schools and served there as superintendent for a while. He was a very colorful referee. It was almost an honor to have him blow the whistle on you and to see him perform and to know that you were the cause of it. He was a fine man and left his mark on area academics as well as athletics. It is unfortunate that Ms Liberty is apparently not familiar with these three legends because their reputations, as I said, extend to all parts of the Commonwealth and beyond.

Scooterbob -

 

I am afraid that I don't remember "Sid" Meade. I'm sure that he was an excellent official in his own right, but you have to remember, I'm only 83 years old, and I wasn't around when you were a young man...

 

 

 

Frances

 

PS - to those that don't know, I'm kidding with Scooterbob. He's only a little older than my great, great grandmother would have been, had she not passed away in 1934.

Bobby Kouns

Bobby Kouns

Lets try to stay away from sarcasm.

Lets try to stay away from sarcasm.

Hey, He brings back fond memories from 30+ years ago.

He may be the best, I agree that he could call one of my games anytime, I have confidence in him. Wonder why then, when ratings come out it is others who get the nod for the state tournament?

 

POLITICS!!!!Plain and simple. It's political.

Sorry, Frances. I sometimes forget about your relative "youthfulness". It does indicate the swift passage of years when you attend an event, mention Coles and Putnam, and find out that everyone else there remembers these two fine institutions of learning as "the old days".

 

By the way, you would have enjoyed Foster "Sid" Meade if you had had the chance to see him perform. Cubster knew him far better than I and I am sure he would echo my accolades.

 

I like Bobby Kouns. His many years of service have earned our respect.

...I like Bobby Kouns. His many years of service have earned our respect.

 

I agree with your assessment of Kouns. If I ever see you face to face, I'll tell you a story about a great lesson he taught me, and it's one I'll never forget.

 

I was sitting in the stands one evening, and listening to people scream at him at the top of their lungs, while he's calling a basketball game. The guy sitting beside me was laughing and shaking his head. I asked him what was so funny, and he grinned at me and said "These people think they're getting to Kouns, and they couldn't be more wrong. Kouns completely tunes out what is going on in the stands."

 

When you watch Kouns work, you may not agree with his calls, but you have to give him his due on one thing - nobody, and nothing will get under his skin. He truly is immune to it. He is the exact opposite of an official that has "rabbit ears".

 

 

Frances

I agree with your assessment of Kouns. If I ever see you face to face, I'll tell you a story about a great lesson he taught me, and it's one I'll never forget.

 

I was sitting in the stands one evening, and listening to people scream at him at the top of their lungs, while he's calling a basketball game. The guy sitting beside me was laughing and shaking his head. I asked him what was so funny, and he grinned at me and said "These people think they're getting to Kouns, and they couldn't be more wrong. Kouns completely tunes out what is going on in the stands."

 

When you watch Kouns work, you may not agree with his calls, but you have to give him his due on one thing - nobody, and nothing will get under his skin. He truly is immune to it. He is the exact opposite of an official that has "rabbit ears".

 

 

Frances

Bobby "Porter Waggoner" Kouns I always thought did a fairly decent job back in the early to mid 70's when I played and he should be considered an institution in the 16th Region. I love going to the games now and watching him call the games of my sons. I dont feel nearly as old.