Stevens Point (OnFocus) – Longtime area official Jason Wolfe of Stevens Point received recognition as the Wisconsin State Fastpitch Coaches Association Umpire of the Year. OnFocus caught up Wolfe to learn more about the honor, and to take a look at the softball and baseball umpire and basketball official’s path to success.
OnFocus: Tell us a bit about the honor you received, and how you found out you had been recognized.
Wolfe: Well, I didn’t even know I was in consideration for the award, nor that I won until a good friend of mine (John Jones) reached out and gave me a huge congrats!
OnFocus: What did it mean when you were selected as official of the year?
Wolfe: I think its a HUGE honor to be selected. I have spent many years as a youth and high school official, and a handful of years ago made the leap to NCAA softball umpiring. It still hasn’t sunk in yet fully. Doesn’t mean it’s time to coast, its time to focus harder on the rules and personal/professional relationships and move up to whatever that next level is.
OnFocus: What do you enjoy most about officiating? How does officiating softball compare to other sports you have officiated?
Wolfe: I really love the relationships I’ve made with fellow officials as well as coaches and game assigners, and even players. I also officiate basketball and baseball, and each sports brings its own challenges.
OnFocus: The shortage of officials continues – what advice can you provide others with, why should they consider giving back to the game and officiating?
Wolfe: If the numbers keep declining, or remain low, that means the officials still in the game will get worked harder and harder. We need officials for all sports. You get an opportunity to meet new people, make money, and challenge yourself to be better each day. Seriously, you NEVER stop learning on the court/field!
OnFocus: Is there a funny instance or two you would like to share related to officiating?
Wolfe: Yeah, one time I took my son to a boys varsity basketball game, and apparently there was a disgruntled dad or 2 that didn’t like my/our calls, and pennies came bouncing down from the stands. Needless to say, a public announcement or 2 was made, and it got eerily quiet in there after that!
OnFocus: Are there some heartwarming moments you’ve encountered during officiating that will always be remembered?
Wolfe: Personally, I feel that the “thank you” after the game, or even “hey ref, great job” is as heart warming as it gets.
OnFocus: The officiating ‘brethren’ I have learned is kind of like a family. Can you share a bit about the friendships and bonds you have made with other officials?
Wolfe: Absolutely. There are so many officials that I have met, and many are deep friendships. We get together every once in a while, and chat via chat apps daily. The “family” that is created on field/gym floor is just something quite hard to describe, but its definitely Italy very TRUE and REAL!
OnFocus: Last question: What led you to want to be a sports official?
Wolfe I was at work and a friend mentioned it, and he said it would be a good fit for me…..and boy did he hit the nail on the head. I really sucked the first year, but after that the focus on details and rules and to “get better” was infiltrating. Like I said, you never stop learning/growing.
I forgot to mention that I’ve gotten my son Lucas into officiating softball and baseball through the PWYA program, and he’s been doing it now for 8 yrs. Now we travel to tourneys as far as Janesville together, and he’s made officiating friends on the side and travels to his own tourneys with dad being along. It may stick in the long run. I hope! He has a good teacher!
**********************************************************************
Know some top athletic performances? Seeing some great teams in action?
We can use your help, and it’s simple. Witness some great performances? Hear about top athletes and top teams in our area?
Nominate an athlete or team: HERE
Pancakes or Waffles! We feature top area athletes with our world-renowned feature. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
Baked or Fried! We also feature difference makers throughout central Wisconsin: coaches, booster club leaders, adminstration, volunteers, you name it. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
College Athlete Roundup! We want to recognize student-athletes from the area who are competing at the college level. Send us information on college athletes from the area with our simple form HERE
Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach or difference maker who we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HERE
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
