'It's about the kids': Central Ohio high school football officiating crew honored by NFL
High school officials don’t work events to earn recognition, but for one central Ohio football crew that is what it recently received for its performance during the 2023 season.
Thanks to a partnership between the NFL and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the crew was named as the first NFL High School Football Officials Crew of the Year. Seven crews were nominated for the honor by NFL teams, with the six-man central Ohio crew being nominated by the Cleveland Browns.
The NFL-NFHS partnership was started to increase recognition and participation of high school football officials and honor crews for “objectivity, fairness in rules implementation and commitment as high school officials,” according to the Ohio High School Athletic Association. An NFL-selected panel judged the nominees.
“We love football and we’re there for the kids,” said line judge John Clay of Gahanna, who completed his 35th season. “We all have the same philosophy – it’s not about us, it’s about the kids. We look for people for our crew that have the same philosophy, that’s important. We also have a commitment to excellence. We’re always trying to get better and we want people who are receptive to constructive criticism, and we’re pushing each other to be the best.”
Other crew members are referee Mark Riley (Westerville), head linesman Nate Filkins (New Albany), back judge Trevor Lotz (Columbus), center judge Kurt Schooley (Hilliard) and umpire Jake Smith (Centerburg).
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As part of their recognition, the six officials attended the NFL Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, Florida.
Schooley completed his 16th year of officiating football. He also is a basketball official.
“It definitely helps to have continuity,” he said. “It helps because you know where your crew is looking (in terms of) how they’re going to call the game and how they communicate verbally and non-verbally. You hang out with them a lot. You’re with them every Friday night. If it’s people that you’re working with that you don’t enjoy working with, it can make for a long Friday night. It’s definitely enjoyable to have people that you know and enjoy working with.”
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The youngest member of the crew at 25, Lotz has enjoyed his brief tenure. He completed his third year with the crew and sixth overall as an official.
“I’ve really been blessed with the guys that I’ve worked with,” he said. “These guys push me, and I can’t be more thankful for it. I know the expectations, but just being able to do it for the kids on Friday nights, that really is the most rewarding during the fall for me.”
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio high school football officiating crew honored by NFL, NFHS
