Teaching at Heart of Norris Honoree's Work
April 17, 2019
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
David Buck’s degree in education did not lead him into a fulltime job in the classroom.
But the longtime St. Joseph baseball umpire and basketball referee has had an undeniable impact as a teacher and trainer of officials in southwest Michigan, across the state and far beyond its borders.
Buck, one of the state’s most highly-respected officials on the court and considered among the nation’s top collegiate baseball umpires, will be recognized for his vast contributions to the high school games with the MHSAA’s Vern L. Norris Award for 2019.
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.
Buck has earned similar regard. He’s also a mentor as part of southwest Michigan’s Fruit Belt Officials Association, and considered an elite clinician who has taught the baseball umpiring trade on the national level.
“Dave Buck generously gives of his time to teach and instruct at clinics all over the country. He is an outstanding teacher who relates to all officials, from the rookies and up-and-comers to the veterans still working at improving their craft,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “Dave also has brought a level of enhanced professionalism to the officiating landscape in southwestern Michigan, where he has improved the continuing education, recruitment and retention efforts and assignment process for many officials. I cannot think of a more worthy Vern Norris Award winner than Dave Buck.”
Buck will be honored at the 40th Officials’ Awards & Alumni Banquet on May 4 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in East Lansing.
He also will be recognized with his 40-year service award and remains registered with the MHSAA for basketball. He previously officiated football for 16 years, volleyball for his first seven and baseball for his first five beginning with the 1979-80 school year.
He has focused solely on basketball for the MHSAA since 2002-03 and officiated Boys Basketball Semifinals in 2012 and 2013 and the Class B Final in 2009. Additionally, he officiated 30 college basketball seasons, stepping away from that level a year ago, and has begun his 21st at the NCAA Division I baseball level, working in the Big Ten, Mid-American, Pac-12 and Big West conferences. He earned College World Series assignments in 2004 and 2007 and umpired in minor league baseball for 11 seasons, including four at the Triple-A level. Buck also is in his 15th year observing and evaluating umpires for Major League Baseball.
As noted, those experiences on the field have supplied valuable knowledge he gladly continues to pass on. After attending the prestigious Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School – he was named the “outstanding student” in 1984 – Buck also served there as an instructor for eight years. He has taught for 24 years at Doane Umpire Camps and instructed at the Division I Baseball Regional Umpire Camp.
On the high school level, he’s been a member of the Fruit Belt Officials Association for more than three decades including more than 15 years serving on its Board of Directors. He developed the FBOA’s mentoring program that pairs novice basketball officials with experienced partners for low-level games, and he also developed the FBOA website and continues to serve as its webmaster.
“We want people to succeed so much … and I still get a lot of joy out of seeing someone who discovers the world we’re in with officiating,” Buck said. “The camaraderie part of it, the feeling you get from doing the job properly, although for the most part you’re not getting pats on the back from people other than your own. It’s a unique group of people at all levels.”
Buck graduated from North Adams-Jerome High School in 1978, then earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University. In addition to the College World Series and nine Division I Super Regional assignments, Buck umpired two Olympic Qualifier tournaments and the Baseball World Cup in 2007.
Locally, in addition to officiating basketball, Buck has served as an assigner and evaluator for multiple southwest Michigan conferences for 15 years.
Buck most recently has been affiliated with the FBOA, Amateur Baseball Umpires’ Association, Collegiate Baseball Umpires Alliance and National Association of Sports Officials. He currently works as an electronic health records analyst at Lakeland Health in St. Joseph.
While officiating has played a significant part during the majority of Buck’s adult life, he’s equally passionate about his fundraising work to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. Buck’s oldest daughter Hannah battles the disease; he’s personally raised more than $175,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and served as the co-chairperson of St. Joseph’s “Great Strides Walk” from 2002-16. Hannah, who was diagnosed at age 5, will graduate from University of Michigan earlier in the day May 4.
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
High school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45 and 50 years of service also will be honored at the Officials’ Awards & Alumni Banquet on May 4.
Thirteen officials with 50 or more years of service will be honored, along with 53 officials with 45 years. A 40-year award will be presented to 66 officials. In addition, 99 officials with 30 years and 160 officials with 20 years of experience will be honored. With the induction of this year’s group of 391, the honor roll of officials who have aided young student-athletes grows to 11,397 since the inception of the banquet in 1980.
Tickets for the banquet are available to the public and priced at $20. They will not be sold at the door. Tickets can be ordered by calling the MHSAA office at (517) 332-5046 or by sending the order form available at this link. Deadline to order is April 22.
MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
20, 30, 40, 45 & 50-YEAR OFFICIALS
The officials on this list will receive their 20, 30, 40, 45 or 50-year service awards at the 40th annual Officials’ Awards & Alumni Banquet on May 4 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in East Lansing.
20 YEAR OFFICIALS
Ada - Dawn M. Hart
Adrian - Aaron S. Crowley
Alden - Gerald R. Grieve
Allen Park - Scott M. Antioch
Allen Park - Ronald B. Rowland
Allendale - Brent J. Clark
Allendale - Alison M. Haraburda
Ann Arbor - Kevin S. Behmer
Ann Arbor - Bradley R. Mutnick
Athelstane - Robin G. Elsner
Bad Axe - Mark J. Schultz
Battle Creek - Kim M. Leach
Battle Creek - Mark J. Nabozny
Battle Creek - Marty D. Whalen
Bay City - Rosalinn I. Hardy
Beaverton - Susan J. Walker
Belleville - John R. Cast
Berkley - Daniel J. Monaco
Berkley - Chet Ostrowski
Bronson - Al Sosinski
Brownstown Township - Mark D. Johnson
Byron Center - Alicia S. Foote
Cadillac - Roger A. Fauble
Calumet - Marc J. Norton
Canton - Luther A. Bradley
Carleton - Michael R. Norgren
Caro - Manuel J. Sapien
Carsonville - William E. Wheat
Cass City - Russell P. Biefer
Cassopolis - Jim Foster
Cassopolis - Gerald Stewart
Cheboygan - Stephen R. Warren
Clark Lake - James M. McKinley
Clarkston - Kurt N. Haines
Columbiaville - Lenny Chaltraw
Concord - Kelly Khon
Crystal - James L. Brown
Dearborn - Barry M. Morang
Detroit - Walter R. Strong Jr.
DeWitt - Scott A. Helmic
Dorr - Lynne F Hunter
East Jordan - Peter A. Elliott
Escanaba - Scott E. Kwarciany
Farmington Hills - Raymond Washington Jr.
Fenton - Juli A. Brown
Fenton - Wayne M. Mentier
Flat Rock - Nichole Mullins
Flushing - Brian R. Conover
Flushing - Matthew D. McLaughlin
Flushing - William R. White
Fort Gratiot - Steven P. Goudy
Fraser - Nicole D. Cuello La O
Fremont - Ann L. Pell
Fremont - Randall W. Pell
Fruitport - Shaun M. Danicek
Gaylord - Kent Bowen
Grand Ledge - Bruce A. Vida Jr.
Grand Rapids - Michael A. Bauer
Grand Rapids - Thomas V. Oliver
Grand Rapids - Darrian C. Thompson
Grandville - Michael S. Baio
Grandville - Robert J. Powers
Greenville - John J. Forton
Grosse Pointe Shores - Daniel F. Moffitt
Haslett - Brian M. Smith
Hillsdale - Joe P. Burkhart
Holland - Rick P. Haskins
Howard City - Alan J. Parker
Indian River - Thomas B. Stone
Ionia - Denny M. Ferguson
Ionia - Steven L. Gross
Ionia - Tim J. Swain
Ira - Harry A. Thomas Jr.
Iron River - Crystal L. Bongi
Jackson - Everton G. Davidson Sr.
Jackson - Brian A. Draper
Jackson - Tony W. Griggs
Jenison - Leisa A. Lobbezoo
Kalamazoo - Priscilla L. Bagley
Kalamazoo - Brent J. Bos
Kalamazoo - Cory M. Hinga
Kalamazoo - Susan M. Riksen
Kalamazoo - Daniel B. Stahr
Kimball - Clarence Wendell II
Lansing - Jerry L. Armstrong
Lansing - Richard C. Preston
LaPorte - Kendall L. Schaeffer
Livonia - Kire Bosnjakovski
Macomb - Dennis M. Kennedy
Marquette - Steven Paul Ritenour
Mason - Kirk R. Petee
Mason - Donald R. Sherwood
Mattawan - Anthony W. Coulter
Midland - Edward E. Saunders
Millington - Gailan R. Reinert
Monroe - Daniel W. Jukuri
Monroe - Marvin A. Krueger
Montague - Darric E. Roesler
Mt. Clemens - Jack C. Robinson
Mt. Pleasant - Todd Heller
Muskegon - James A. Allen Jr.
Muskegon - Lon C. Cross
Muskegon - Kevin D. Floyd
Muskegon - Matthew R. Koekkoek
North Branch - Jason Castle
North Branch - Lyle D. Jamison
Norvell - Trenton A. Withrow
Onsted - David C. Lauer
Petoskey - Gregory B. Brown
Pickford - Vance M. Barber
Pierson - Andrew D. Paulen
Port Austin - Michael L. Rea
Portage - Thomas L. Crook
Portage - Scott A. Muffley
Portland - Michael J. Hilley
Rochester Hills - Kevin M. May
Romulus - Victor R. Lambert
Rudyard - Sarah E. Kwiatkowski
Saginaw - Scott R. Helmka
Saginaw - Jeremy M. Mueller
Sanford - Keith Steele Stewart
Sault Ste. Marie - Todd M. Menard
Schoolcraft - Paul M. Rigby
Scottville - Nicholas T. Marshall
Shelby - Thomas E. Morningstar
South Haven - Wayne A. Wilkinson
South Lyon - Julie L. Fisette
South Lyon - Jason E. Rigley
Southfield - Kim F. Bell
Southfield - Thomas E. Marshall
Southfield - Kendall G. Sherman
Southfield - Jerome A. Shipp
Spring Lake - Marty D. Gravelyn Sr.
Spring Lake - Patrick N. Stegeman
St. Clair Shores - Michael Drake
St. Clair Shores - James E Haddad
St. Clair Shores - Randy Stuart
St. Ignace - Stacy McNamara-Perry
St. Louis - Julie G. Anderson
Sterling Heights - James P. Collier
Stevensville - Ron A. Waldvogel
Swartz Creek - Tashema M. Hayter
Sylvania - Gary F. Grycza
Taylor - Michael A. Daniel
Trenton - William T. Sanfilippo
Troy - Anthony T. Howard
Vermontville - Brian A. Hopkins
Waterford - Jeffrey P. Harnack
Weidman - John A. Cotter
West Bloomfield - Dennis J. Hannon
West Bloomfield - Michael Tarnopol
West Branch - Harold W. Wangler
West Olive - Jan Milek
West Olive - Cort E. Musolf
West Olive - Dan D. Zwick
Westland - Stephen R. Shiner
Westland - Mark J. Wludyka
Williamston - Roger F. Blasey
Wyoming - Bradley T. Brunet
Wyoming - Dennis J. Hodges
30 YEAR OFFICIALS
Allegan - Thomas D. Collins
Alpena - Terry W. King
Battle Creek - Damon J. Fox
Battle Creek - James R. Hughes
Bay City - Raul Gonzales
Bay City - Paul L. Sevilla
Bay City - Holly L. Watson
Bear Lake - Ross E. Schuch
Belleville - James M. Neal
Bloomfield Hills - Bette Norman
Brooklyn - Kevin R. Carpenter
Caledonia - Greg L. Pilbeam
Calumet - Sean D. Jacques
Carleton - Rick Grant
Carney - Paul A. Polfus
Charlotte - Ronald B. Beegle
Commerce Township - Brian R. Conley
Comstock Park - Robert L. Neier
Comstock Park - Terri L. Richards
Davison - Michael E. McKenna
Detroit - Troy Campbell
Detroit - Johnny P. Green
Detroit - John L. Walton
DeWitt - Dennis M. Beecham
Dowagiac - William J. Ward
Dundee - Robert L. Kroeger
East Leroy - Dale A. Traister
Eastpointe - David W. Vojinov
Edwardsburg - Roger A. Hostetler
Escanaba - Raymond Robitaille
Farmington Hills - Derek S. Adolf
Farmington Hills - David P. Drake
Farwell - Fred L. Witchell
Fenton - Earl L. Coad
Flint - Anthony A. Lewis
Flint - Michael L. Tipton
Flint - Gregory G. Waller
Fort Gratiot - Lowell W. Spiess
Goodrich - Kathleen S. Schollar
Grand Haven - Mark Knopf
Grand Rapids - Dawn D. Brackmann
Grand Rapids - Michael S. Dolce
Grand Rapids - James G. VanEenennaam
Grandville - Gary A. Jandernoa
Granger - Richard A. Cox
Hastings - Mark E. Martin
Holland - Duane D. Baker
Holland - Robert J. Durham
Holland - Brent T. Gawlik
Holt - David P. Gonzalez
Jenison - Jack H. Blauwkamp
Kalamazoo - Mark B. Heineman
Kalamazoo - Paul E. Kampen
Kalamazoo – R. Scott Ryder
Kalamazoo - Bradley J. Stapert
Kewadin - Jan R. Veliquette
Lacota - Ted S. Krzemen Jr.
Lansing - Robert C. Troub
Livonia - David C. Robitaille
Lowell - Randall C. Halstead
Marne - Mary J. Gavin
Marquette - Scot C. Fure
Midland - Cathy L. Bourne
Midland - Brian L. Taglauer
Monroe - Ben F. Budzios
Monroe - James O. Bunkelman
Naubinway - Elmer H. Albright
New Lothrop - Richard L. Ustishen
Norway - Donald R. Lofholm
Owosso - Randy L. Nesbit
Petoskey - Mark W. Lennemann
Plainwell - Nancy J. Snyder
Plymouth - Michael J. Craig
Rogers City - Valerie S. Peacock
Romulus - Debbie L. Dick
Royal Oak - Michael C. DeVuyst
Sandusky - Daniel W. Guibord
Sault Ste. Marie - Anthony D. Abramson
Shelby Township - Rock Dedvukaj
Shelby Township - Donald E. Schima
Southfield - Steven E. Woodfork
St. Clair Shores - Joseph S. Denomme
St. Louis - Matthew T. Chovanec
Sterling Heights - Martin A. Hacias
Sterling Heights - Brian S. Hopp
Stevensville - Charles D. Jager
Tecumseh - Lori Spotts
Thompsonville - Scott W. Lonoconus
Toledo - Thomas P. Donovan
Walker - Joseph A. Geluso
Warren - Kenneth A. Seidenwand
Waterford - Charles A. Inama
Waterford - Christopher P. Lund
Watervliet - Brian E. Hall
Wayne - Dan F. Kimberlin
West Bloomfield - Bernard Muhammad
Williamston - Norman H. Gozalka
Wyoming - Jon M. Hendrickson
Ypsilanti - Howard Portis
40 YEAR OFFICIALS
Adrian - Darwin L. Hukill
Alger - Leroy A. Oliver
Alpena - Phil C. Schultz
Bay City - Brian F. Dugan
Berrien Springs - Jamie L. Stacey
Big Rapids - Jill E. Baker-Cooley
Brighton - Thomas J. Mora
Cadillac - William T. Bartholomew
Caledonia - Conroy Zuiderveen
Cass City - Craig A. Weaver
Cheboygan - Lynwood Leightner Jr.
Concord - Charles T. Ewing
Crystal - Bruce E. Waldron Sr.
Daggett - Michael P. Lyons
Davisburg - William J. Davis
DeWitt - Perry M. Costello
Eaton Rapids - David E. Harns
Essexville - Robert J. Adamowski
Flushing - Dennis L. Harland
Franklin - Fred Tenorio
Galesburg - William W. Weese
Grand Blanc - Roy H. Linkowski
Holland - Fred C. Schmitt
Ionia - Kaye Breining
Jackson - David L. Clouse
Jackson - Chuck D. Walters
Kalamazoo - Willie B. Watson
Lake Orion - Michael J. Callahan
Lansing - Michael R. Conlin
Lansing - David D. Shipman
Lewiston - Jim Hilgendorf
Manistee - Jo L. Arnold
Marshall - Linda K. Hoover
Marysville - Thomas J. Ridas
Midland - Robert Baillie
Midland - Ken P. Beaudin
Midland - Eldon J. Dean
Midland - James A. Gillis
Monroe - Barry P. Little
Nashville - Brian D. Pufpaff
Okemos - Jay Marcotullio
Otisville - Douglas R. Fillmore
Plymouth - Henry L. George Jr.
Portage - Mike T. Hinga
Ravenna - Thomas C. Wright
Riverview - Ronald J. Barger
Rochester - Brian E. York
Rochester Hills - Fred B. Castelvetere
Saginaw - Brian D. Wakeman
Sandusky - Alan DeMott
Shelby - Edmundo Flores
South Haven - Patrick J. Conroy
Southgate - Douglas M. Pastor
St. Clair Shores - Tom P. Frattini
St. Ignace - Donald P. Gustafson
St. Joseph - David J. Buck
St. Louis - Kathleen V. Hutfilz
Toledo - Jon Everhart
Traverse City - Mark E. Stewart
Trenton - Daniel K. Whaley
Wallace - Bruce A. Pearson
Waterford - Mark W. Richer
Westland - Robert W. Allen
White Cloud - Tony A. McHattie
Whitmore Lake - David L. Wint
Wyandotte - Thomas S. Palamara
45 YEAR OFFICIALS
Ada - Bryan D. Cullens Jr.
Adrian - Judith A. Walter-Kohn
Albion - Raymond Drysdale
Alpena - David M. Kuznicki
Battle Creek - Steven K. Higgs
Birmingham - Robert S. Stark
Britton - Kenneth W. Kormos
Brooklyn - Michael Timms
Burton - Patrick M. O'Reilly
Byron Center - Andrew J. DeVries
Calumet - Bruce Coppo
Canton - Dennis J. Bostwick
Canton - Terry A. Wash
Carrollton - Ralph S. Gnotek
Chesterfield - Harold T. Younce
Davison - James L. Eastman
Dearborn Heights - Lou Giroux
East Leroy - James Alday
Fenton - Martin R. Covert
Grandville - Pat Folkertsma-Garrett
Grandville - Andrew J. Kovac
Grosse Pointe Park - Mike C. Dempsey
Holland - Bruce E. Kruithoff
Holly - Paul W. Matson
Hudsonville - Allan J. Owens
Lexington - Richard R. Hug
Livonia - Ann K. Hutchins
Macomb - Ronald L. Minoletti
Marquette - Leonard M. Angeli
Middleville - Bruce F. Bender
Milan - Brad D. Susterka
Mio - Edwin L. Cline
Monroe - Eric E. Jenkins
Mt. Pleasant - Dale P. Brecht
Mt. Pleasant - James R. MacLean II
Muskegon - Craig W. Weirich
Newaygo - Dave Baldus
Norway - Milt J. Krznarich
Petoskey - Edward L. Gunderson
Portage - Allan R. Thompson
Rives Junction - Dale A. Baum
Rochester Hills - Tom Delia Jr.
Royal Oak - Byron A. Photiades
Saginaw - Ronald L. Dressler
Saugatuck - Catherine Dritsas
South Haven - Henry L. Allen
Swartz Creek - Larry L. Schutt
Tawas City - Robert L. Ritsema
Troy - Kenyon D. Shively
Warren - Hugh R. Jewell
Waterford - Frederick A. Cohen
Wayland - Norman L. Taylor
Wyoming – H. Joseph Perrin
50 YEAR OFFICIALS
Canton - Pamela G. Yockey
Dryden - Louis W. Miramonti
Grand Rapids - Robert J. Rodenhouse
Holt - Denny Fulk
Jackson - Dennis K. Lautzenheiser
Lakeport - Donna H. Frohm
Lansing - Donald R. Murray
Lansing - Darwin S. Petersen
Negaunee - Rodney J. Guizzetti Sr.
Portage - William H. Rapley Jr.
Spring Lake - Daniel L. Bouma
Toledo - William J. Lauer
Warren - Dolores A. Marquis
PHOTO: (Top) David Buck officiates a 2013 Class C Boys Basketball Semifinal between Flint Beecher and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central at the Breslin Center.
Norris Honoree Continues Setting Standards on Track, as Mentor
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
May 19, 2021
A staple of Michigan High School Athletic Association postseason track & field events for more than three decades, Grand Rapids’ Lewis Clingman continues to serve as an easily-recognizable host of Regionals and Finals in that sport for teams from all over the Lower Peninsula each spring.
But his tireless service to school sports stretches across the entire school year and is rooted in 53 years as an MHSAA-registered game official, and those contributions are being celebrated with his selection for this year’s MHSAA Vern L. Norris Award.
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.
Clingman was to be honored with his Norris Award this month at the MHSAA’s 41st Officials’ Awards & Alumni Banquet. However, the banquet was canceled for the second-straight year due to safety concerns because of COVID-19. He instead will accept his award as part of a virtual banquet to be published on the MHSAA Website and social media feeds later this spring.
Clingman first registered as an MHSAA official for the 1968-69 school year, to work track & field, basketball, baseball and softball. He has registered for track & field throughout his 53-year officiating tenure, and added cross country during the 2009-10 school year. He has officiated nine cross country and four track & field MHSAA Finals.
But that just scratches the surface of his many contributions. He is noted by many as a mentor – 2018 Norris Award honoree Jill Baker-Cooley that year specifically recognized Clingman among those who assisted her in getting started in the avocation. He also has been a catalyst of the MHSAA Lower Peninsula Track & Field Finals’ two-decade run in the Grand Rapids area, where as a meet manager he continues to schedule and organize officials for all four locations of the season-ending series.
“I love being with the kids. It’s for the kids. And that’s why we’re here,” Clingman said. “The camaraderie with the other professionals that I’m with, and just watching the successes that go on. … But I love being with the kids. My kids are all gone; they’re all over the country, my grandkids are around the country. This is a great way to substitute (by serving) the kids who are here.
“If you’re in this for ego, you’re in the wrong business. And if you’re in this to make a lot of money and retire, you’re in the wrong business. When you think about it, 50 years of officiating, there’s a lot of (officials) who don’t last that long – they don’t because they’re not in the right business. But there’s a lot of people in this area, that are officiating, have been officiating, who will be (longtime officials) because they do it for the right reason.”
Clingman is a longtime member of the Association of Track Officials of Michigan (ATOM) and has received its Bob Bloomer Award, Bernie Abrams President’s Leadership Award, Art Jevert/Bruce Jacobs Distinguished Service Award, and three times its Past President’s Service Award. He also is a member of the West Michigan Officials Association.
Clingman also has served more than 40 years as an administrator, teacher and coach. He began his career at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Comstock Park, serving as middle school athletic director and basketball coach while also coaching football and track at Comstock Park High School. He served as head boys basketball and track coach and football assistant at Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills during the second half of the 1970s and after also serving as head basketball coach for five seasons at St. Joseph’s Prep in Grand Rapids.
He moved on to serve as athletic director at East Grand Rapids High School, then after a brief stint in the business world began a 20-year tenure teaching middle school for Grand Rapids Public Schools before retiring from GRPS in 2011. During that time he became the spring event manager at Houseman Field, where at its peak he hosted on average a combined nine high school and college track meets per week. He also during his time at GRPS served as an assistant coach in football, basketball and track at Grand Rapids Catholic Central. He joined the staff at Catholic Central seven years ago and continues to serve as event manager and assistant to the athletic director.
Clingman was added to the Grand Rapids Catholic Central Wall of Honor in 2016 and has received a GRPS service award.
“Lew has been someone who has given tirelessly, most of all of his time, over the years to really benefit not just officiating but school sports as a whole,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “The work Lew has done, specifically recruiting and training track & field officials – providing for a sport we don’t think of very often as having those needs – and the work he’s done with ATOM has just been incredible. There’s been nobody more important to the track & field and cross country officiating community than Lew Clingman.”
Clingman graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central in 1965 and with bachelor’s degrees in history, physical education and English from Aquinas College in 1969. He earned a master’s in secondary administration from Michigan State University in 1978.
In addition to his continued service to Catholic Central, Clingman serves on the Aquinas Hall of Fame Committee and Alumni Association board, and on the Grand Rapids Public Schools committee for Houseman Field renovation. He also serves as an official for local Special Olympics events.
Clingman and his wife Cindy have been married 52 years. They have four children, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
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
2020 – Hugh Matson, Saginaw
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 49 officials with 45 years. A 40-year award is being presented to 40 officials. In addition, 98 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 - Carl J. Cress
Alto - Joseph E. Geroux
Alto - Jeff A. Harp
Ann Arbor - Dana P. Fuller
Ann Arbor - Thomas R. Sumner
Armada - David R. Coenen
Battle Creek - Douglas R. Jones
Battle Creek - Steven C. Peine
Battle Creek - Ronald D. Stewart
Battle Creek - Pete A. Zapata
Bay City - Robert A. Bluhm Jr.
Bay City - Brad G. Champagne
Bay City - William R. Walter
Belleville - Rodney M. Sullens
Belmont - Duncan Powell
Berkley - Tony A. Beaulieu
Breckenridge - Gerald W. Saunders
Brighton - Melissa M. Flores
Brockway - Dennis L. Gerlach
Brownstown - Larry D. Pierce
Brownstown - Michael V. Roach
Brownstown Township - Joseph P. Ciaravino
Brownstown Township - Franco Gonzalez Jr.
Bruce Township - Nicholas G. Nowakowski
Burt - William J. Carstens
Burt - Ryan D. Galloway
Cadillac - Steve W. Fuhst
Caledonia - Daniel A. Stockel
Canton - Robert L. Altizer
Canton - Steve Nesovski
Cheboygan - Gail N. Scharffe III
Chesaning - Leonard L. Strait Jr.
Clinton Township - Arthur D. Jones
Clinton Township - Rachel M. Krone
Clinton Township - David T. Ryall
Coldwater - Scott D. Galloway
Crystal Falls - Thomas P. Courchaine
Davison - Joseph Whitman
Dearborn - Joseph D. Corso
Dearborn Heights - Stan M. Karchefske
Deford - Larry R. Barrons
Detroit - Michael G. Byrd
Detroit - Brian K. Smith
Detroit - Gaylon B. Williams
DeWitt - Quentin V. Alverson
Dexter - Robert J. Leadley
Dowagiac - Jim R. Nate
Drummond Island - Jack K. Miles
Empire - Charles M. Leduc
Essexville - Gary P. Schulz
Flint - Matt S. Kateman
Flushing - Todd J. Willis
Frankenmuth - Mark C. Jarlock
Freeland - Jerry J. Haines
Fremont - John H. Pell
Garden City - Lawrence P. Mills
Grand Haven - John F. Jakubiec
Grand Rapids - Steven E. Hedke
Grand Rapids - Michael James
Grand Rapids - Kevin B. Krauss
Grand Rapids - Timothy J. Likens
Grand Rapids - Megan J. Pell
Grand Rapids - Thomas D. Siver
Grand Rapids - Ronald D. Masters
Grandville - Richard J. Funk
Grandville - Troy A. Ungrey
Grawn - Kenneth C. Koehler
Grayling - Timothy J. Swope
Greenville - Martin A. Taylor
Grosse Ile - Raymond D. Geist
Grosse Pointe Farms - William C. Cunningham
Hastings - Andrew L. Discher
Hastings - Pattrick M. Jansens
Hillsdale - Keven D. Wolcott
Holland - Jeffrey A. Carper
Holland - George W. Kantz Jr.
Holland - Michael B. Torrey
Holt - Troy Gladstone
Hubbard Lake - Gary A. Medland
Hudsonville - John D. Wiercinski
Iron Mountain - William D. Edberg
Iron River - Robert P. Busakowski
Ironwood - Don J. Cvengros
Jackson - Nathan A. Gross
Jackson - Scott S. Maurer
Kalamazoo - Timothy J. Eastman
Kalamazoo - Janelle B. Holland
Kalamazoo - Robert A. King
Kalamazoo - Deborah L. Noble
Kalamazoo - Robert V. Wagley
Kalamazoo - Keith Williams
Kaleva - James K. Frizzell Sr.
Kent City - Rick D. Stockhill
Kentwood - Jermaine C. Jennings
Kentwoood - Donell R. Jones
Kingsford - Nicholas L. Gayan
Lake Orion - Michael J. Ley
Lansing - Gary N. Simpson
Lansing - Anthony D. Winston
Lenox Township - John J. Essenmacher
Leslie - Robert V. Barrett
Leslie - Jerry E. Miller
Linwood - Brad T. Wehner
Livonia - Ken Lauer
Lowell - Mark T. Bradburn
Lowell - Paul P. Durkee
Lowell - Chris T. German
Macomb - Gordon Machleit
Macomb Township - Ronald K. Jacobs
Madison Heights - Amy Bessler
Madison Heights - David B. McPhail
Manistee - Curtis J. Mathieu
Marcellus - Wade L. Bent
Marinette - Robert Deschaine Jr.
Marysville - Kevin T. Leeman
Metamora - Noelle R. Cole
Monroe - Kevin J. Holden
Montrose - Mark A. Emmendorfer
Mount Pleasant - Roger L. Lintemuth
Mt. Morris - Robert P. Emery
Mullett Lake - Alan J. Granger
Muskegon Heights - Ronald S. Jenkins
Nashville - Keith H. Jones
Negaunee - Christopher O. Sholander
New Baltimore - Mark W. Masters
North Muskegon - Michael J. Belmonte
Northville - Mark J. Parrinello
Oak Park - Mario Blocton
Oakland - Robert L. Zbytowski
Ontonagon - Jeffery M. Rule
Owosso - Brian L. Mendyk
Paw Paw - Alton J. Laupp
Paw Paw - Rick Jay Mitchell
Perrinton - Dan L. Sweet
Pontiac - John Cantu
Pontiac - Vance L. Hardiman
Portland - Adam J. Schrauben
Portland - Anthony J. Costello
Ravenna - Ted F. May
Remus - John S. Mayer
Rochester - Barbara Gemellaro
Rockford - Michael C. VanDyke
Rockford - John A. Woods
Roscommon - David E. Hansen
Royal Oak - Perry A. Brunetti
Saginaw - Patrick A. Campbell
Saginaw - Felipe Echeverria
Saginaw - Thomas A. Lewis
Saginaw - Daniel A. McIntyre
Saginaw - Barb A. Streeter
Saginaw - Jason R. Wildey
Sebewaing - Cheri L. Nitz
Sebewaing - Holly A. Roth-Guza
Sheridan - James Forton
South Lyon - Christopher R. Duprey
South Lyon - John C. Lindeman
Southfield - Eric V. Lee
St. Helen - Donald W. Clements
St. Johns - Chris H. Hyzer
St. Johns - Penny L. Keener
St. Joseph - Ronald L. Scudder
Stanton - Frank P. Marinello
Sturgis - Jean E. LaClair
Swartz Creek - Bill A. Dean
Swartz Creek - Dennis D. Simnitch
Swartz Creek - Derick R. Woodworth
Temperance - Kevin V. Brown
Three Rivers - Rebecca M. Neff
Three Rivers - Ed M. Smith
Traverse City - Dave R. Jones
Trenton - Eric J. Hoerle
Troy - Darrin Millar
Wakefield - Paul E. Harley
Warren - Roman R. Jablonski
Washington - Douglas H. Lutkenhoff Sr.
Waterford - Dwayne E. Little
Westland - Sharvon M. McNab
White Lake - David J. Schoenegge
White Lake - Keith M. Verellen
Williamston - Aaron L. Porter
Woodland - Kevin J. Duits
30-YEAR OFFICIALS
Adrian - Michael K. Stevenson Jr.
Allegan - Kevin Lawrence Gilligan
Allen Park - James C. Marker
Ann Arbor - Edward J. Mcconnell
Battle Creek - Cary P. Grant
Battle Creek - Roger L. Steele
Battle Creek - Chad D. Jackson
Bay City - Laurence E. Jacobs III
Belding - Francis Mason
Bellevue - Candice J. Whitney
Benton Harbor - Robert A. Edelberg Sr.
Benton Harbor - Larry Edwards
Bessemer - Sandra J. Muzzy
Beulah - Tammy A. Sedlar-Wing
Bridgman - Paul J. Pantaleo
Cadillac - Penny L. McDonald
Caledonia - David J. Driscoll
Cass City - David W. Hoard
Charlevoix - Dennis A. Phelps
Charlevoix - Randy K. Tarzwell
Clark Lake - Mike J. Jordon
Clinton Township - Robert M. Cichowski
Concord - Michael G. Ogden
Dansville - Charles H. Barrett
Detroit - Darlene J. Barber
Detroit - Kathleen S. Bridge
Detroit - Michael J. Dobson
Dowagiac - Randall G. Gross Sr.
East Jordan - Norman J. Vogt
Eastpointe - Jerry VandeVyver
Flat Rock - Theodore M. Wegienka
Flint - Michael D. Moreau
Freeland - Thomas E. Behmlander
Gaylord - David M. Becker
Grand Haven - Scott A. Vanderberg
Grand Rapids - Gene S. Debbaudt
Grand Rapids - Thomas M. Farley
Grand Rapids - Chris LaMange
Grand Rapids - Scott L. Smith
Grand Rapids - Mark D. Swets
Grosse Pointe Farms - Robert B. Conway
Hartford - Jason D. Meachum
Hastings - Stephen J. Laubaugh
Hillsdale - Scott E. Chase
Holland - Steven S. Bredeweg
Holland - William L. Lawton
Holland - Raymond G. Thomas Jr.
Holland - Mark A. Volkers
Holt - John D. Greathouse
Iron Mountain - Edward D. St. Arnauld
Iron River - Curtis J. Olexa
Jenison - Laurie A. DeWitt
Kalamazoo - Chris L. Grimes
Kaleva - Dixie L. Hoeh
Kalkaska - Diane L. Buttermore
Laurium - Matthew Vertin
Lincoln - Tim Paul Somers
Livonia - John P. Morris
Macomb - Douglas J. Rizzi
Mattawan - Michael W. Walters
Midland - John W. Day
Monroe - Douglas Boylan
Mount Pleasant - Brian J. Gould
Mount Pleasant - John Straight
Muskegon - Clinton A. Todd Jr.
Northville - Clinton C. Lawrence
Northville - Aaron M. Woodbury
Norton Shores - Jim P. Adrian
Ottawa Lake - Richard L. Deisler
Plainwell - Pete J. Boyd
Portage - Kevin L. Haun
Portland - Brian D. Russell
Redford - Anthony Johnson
Reed City - Earl G. Kage
Rock - Robert J. VanDamme
Rockford - Brooks McIntyre
Rogers City - Mary E. Fairbanks
Roscommon - Brian W. Reicks
Roseville - Glenn A. Jablonowski
Royal Oak - Raymond L. Smith
Saginaw - Cornelius Walker Jr.
Sault Ste. Marie - Murray J. Meehan
Shelby Township - John M. Rakowski
Southfield - Wallace L. Whitfield
St. Joseph - Kenneth R. Nolte
St. Joseph - Michael J. Petlick
Sterling Heights - Robert M. Iwasko
Stevensville - Howard L. Jackson
Swartz Creek - Richard E. Hunt
Warren - Steve C. Miller
Waterford - Michael Blom
Wayland - Robert J. Wolf
Webberville - Troy B. Perkins
West Branch - Douglas B. Grezeszak
White Lake - Charles E. Johnson Sr.
Wyandotte - Robert C. Wolsek
Wyoming - Carol L. Ross
Zeeland - Gretchen J. Galloway
40-YEAR OFFICIALS
Allen Park - James C. Bales
Battle Creek - David L. Eubank
Battle Creek - Edward B. Smith
Canton - Jeanne L. Martin
Canton - John O. Wright Jr.
Constantine - Marge Caid
Davison - Mitchell J. Olejniczak
Deerfield - William P. Gomoluch
Detroit - Robert W. Kirkland
DeWitt - Mark A. Robinson
Evart - Tom W. Adams
Flushing - Gerald Marenkewicz
Grand Blanc - Curtis L. Williams
Grand Rapids - Michael J. Duffy
Grand Rapids - Thomas D. Shearer
Grand Rapids - Jeffrey A. Wierzbicki
Grosse Pointe Park - Kelvin W. Wise
Grosse Pointe Shores - James L. Valliere
Holt - Lee Rodgers
Howell - Jim A. Murray
Ionia - Michael S. Antonides
Ionia - Mike A. Fuller
Iron Mountain - John N. Meyer
Kentwood - Rick S. Hazel
Lansing - Mark S. Ditsworth
Lapeer - Gordon L. Bade
Livonia - Brian R. Dinsmore
Ludington - John F. Shears
Madison Heights - Wilford J. Laveirge
Maple City - Joseph F. Dechow
Mayville - Clare L. Kreger
Muskegon - Onesiphorus B. Burrel Sr.
Muskegon - Melville B. Foster
Muskegon - Todd R. Geerlings
New Hudson - Dennis E. Evans
Norton Shores - Randall S. Martinus
Okemos - Michael J. Maisner
Plymouth - William R. Baumgart
Portage - Jerry A. Mais
Quincy - Robert C. Coward
Rogers City - Roger M. Wenzel
Roscommon - William A. Root
Smiths Creek - James D. Evans
Spring Lake - Robert L. Mol
Sterling Heights - Philip J. Lieblang
Traverse City - Dennis W. Hall
Troy - Jerald J. Sosnowski
West Branch - Matt Emerick
Wixom - Patrick L. Beagle
Zeeland - Linda S. Schmidt
45-YEAR OFFICIALS
Baraga - James L. Holm
Bloomfield Hills - Dennis F. King
Bloomfield Hills - W. Jack Morris
Bowling Green - Thomas L. Ford
Cadillac - William J. Allen
Caledonia - George B. Watterson
Clarkston - Dale A. Kutchey
Clinton Township - Dennis G. Clark
Essexville - William L. Post
Fairgrove - Jerry L. Lasceski
Flat Rock - Robert J. Brodie
Fort Gratiot - Julius A. Traub
Freeland - Kim D. Heisler
Gaylord - George-Tom T. Johnson
Gaylord - Kevin M. Leary
Gladstone - Wayne W. Marshall
Gladwin - Michael E. Steinkraus
Grand Rapids - Patricia A. Treman
Hancock - John D. Vaara
Hermansville - Robert J. Maule
Highland - Evan H. Lehto
Holland - Mary F. Colenbrander
Holland - Thomas J. Kruithoff
Holland - Barbara A. Shelley
Holland - David W. Smits
Iron Mountain - Jerry Reddinger
Jackson - Ardis Jill Conat
Kaleva - David K. Hoeh
Lansing - Karen L. Yanna
Livonia - Laura J. Alves
Manitou Beach - Allen L. Schuch
McMillan - Cliff J. Fossitt
Michigan Center - Daniel C. Bentschneider
Newberry - Thomas J. Rahilly
Northville - Edward K. Gabrys
Norton Shores - Duane A. VandenHeuvel
Oconto - Peter C. Pericolosi
Pontiac - Jerome C. Chaumley
Portage - Frank S. Gawkowski
Portage - Timothy J. Osterman
Posen - Kenneth Wozniak
Saginaw - John C. Flukes
Saginaw - John E. Oczepek
Sturgis - Raymond Martin
Swartz Creek - David J. Sutton
Three Rivers - Kim D. Losik
Traverse City - Michael J. Muldowney
Troy - James J. Stone
Wyoming - Sandra K. Noto
50-YEAR OFFICIALS
Battle Creek - Richard L. Randle
Bessemer - Henry E. Aapala
Caro - John H. Amend
Comstock Park - Riley S. Swinehart
Delton - Gregory W. Nikitas
Detroit - Richard L. Miller
Grand Rapids - James J. Aalderink
Grand Rapids - George H. Kniola
Holt - John S. Malatinsky
Howell - John S. Hardy
Jackson - Ozzie L. Hashley
Macomb - Chet W. Boss
Marcellus - Deborah L. Schug
Mesick - Paul G. Williams
Owosso - Paul A. Chaffee
Owosso - Edwin L. Rappuhn
Plymouth - Don A. Vogt
Prudenville - Robert J. Studer
Spring Lake - Joseph G. Popiel
Tecumseh - Nancy A. Hebert
Troy - Mike Luttenberger
Warren - Collette C. Hallberg
Warren - William Upina