Pictured are the recipients of the Siouxland Officials Association scholarships. From left to right: Katelyn Langel of Gehlen Catholic, Marybeth Rasmussen of South Sioux City, Nebraska; Madeline Else from Ridgeview High School, Kevin Eeekhof, of Le Mars, treasurer with the Siouxland Officials Association, Haden Wayne Kuhl of MVAO-COU, and Carter Francis of Boyden-Hull High School.
(Le Mars) — The Siouxland Officials Association held its annual banquet Wednesday evening at the Willow Creek Golf Club in Le Mars. The group of referees and umpires heard a key-note address from Mike Cannon of Minnesota. Cannon is a referee with the Big 10 conference, and was selected to officiate the 2019 College Football Playoff Championship Game between Clemson Tigers and Alabama Tide. Cannon shared with the gathering what steps he had to take in order to rise to the ranks of becoming a Big 10 football official.
The referees presented $1,000 scholarships to five area high school athletes, including Katelyn Langel of Gehlen Catholic High School of Le Mars. Other scholarship recipients included: Madeline Else of Ridgeview High School of Holstein, Carter Francis with Boyden-Hull, Haden Wayne Kuhl of MVAO-COU, and Marybeth Rasmussen of South Sioux City, Nebraska.
Awards were also presented to several referees. Steve Wick of Le Mars was recognized as the recipient of a national officiating award. The Distinguished Service Award was given to Jenny Malsam of Sioux City. Former Akron-Westfield athlete, now the head football coach for Newell-Fonda, Brian Wilken was presented the Contributor Award. Scott Wilmott of Sergeant Bluff was named the Official of the Year, and Kevin Schultz was chosen as the New Official of the Year.
(photo contributed.)
