And the envelope, please...
Andrew Siderius- Andrew was a long time Crew Chief, and officiated in the NNFOA for over 20 years. Andrew was a gentle giant, and widely known and respected as one of the best umpires in the state of Nevada. He was a starting offensive lineman for the University of Nevada, and when he took up officiating following his playing career, he did it with the same dedication and drive that he had as a player. His love of officiating was infectious and he was always especially supportive of new officials. Andrew was tragically taken from us by cancer in 2021.
Dan Anderson - Dan officiated in the NNFOA for 50 years (no that's not a typo). He served many years in many leadership capacities in the NNFOA including crew chief, and was on the crew of many state championship games. Dan's calm demeanor on the field gave confidence to his crewmates, players and coaches.
Skip Houk - Not to be outdone by Mr. Anderson, Skip officiated in the NNFOA for 52 years! Skip served in many leadership positions during his long tenure. He pioneered using a field microphone to make announcements of fouls and other game situations to the crowd over the PA. In fact, Skip even owned his own field mic system and brought it to every game.
Wade Walker - Wade served as an official for 37 years in the NNFOA, served many years as a crew chief, and worked 9 State Championship games. Wade's "tell it like it is" style ensured that players, coaches, and fellow officials were never left guessing. Wade was widely known as a rules expert, and could work any position on the field with supreme competence. Wade was also known for his witty repartee with those who had an ear to listen, which were come to known as "Wade-isms"
Jeff Dahle - Jeff officiated in the NNFOA for over 20 years. Jeff served as a Crew Chief, NNFOA President, and NNFOA Commissioner. Jeff is widely known in officiating circles as a rules guru, and is the gold standard of rules and mechanics knowledge. He was a long time deep wing and referee in the Pac-12. Jeff's officiating knowledge is vast and he continues to give back to the NNFOA by speaking and teaching at the annual Andrew Siderius Preseason Clinic.
Jerry Gribble - Jerry served over 30 years as an official in the NNFOA and in many leadership positions. Jerry was instrumental in training and setting officiating standards for others to follow, and even after retirement stayed on to help train new officials and share his love of the game.
Cal Wilson - Bio on Cal will be posted soon.
All of these men, and those who will follow are owed our enduring gratitude and respect for being instrumental in shaping the NNFOA into one of the premier officiating associations in the Western US.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
– Benjamin Franklin