For Immediate Release – January 15, 2026
IHSA Announces 2025-26 Officials of the Year
This year’s winners will be recognized during the 2026 IHSA Officials Conference, which will be held July 10-11 in Normal, Illinois.
“The IHSA Officials of the Year exemplify professionalism, consistency, and respect for the game,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Their dedication extends far beyond enforcing the rules. They help teach sportsmanship, maintain competitive balance, and uphold the values of education-based athletics. We truly appreciate the efforts of every IHSA official around the state and are excited to be able highlight these 22 exemplary individuals.”
See the full list of honorees by sport below:
—2025-26 IHSA OFFICIALS OF THE YEAR—
| SPORT | OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR | HOMETOWN |
| Boys Soccer | Mariusz Folta | Arlington Heights |
| Girls Soccer | Dylan Kramer | Elmhurst |
| Football | Chris Hartbank | Mattoon |
| Boys Basketball | James Kowzan | DuQuoin |
| Girls Basketball | Michael Bell | Charleston |
| Boys Lacrosse | Greg Smith | Bartlett |
| Girls Lacrosse | Jay Abbassian | Evanston |
| Baseball | John T. Allen | Carterville |
| Softball | Fred McNeeley | Princeville |
| Girls Volleyball | Derek Sieg | Normal |
| Boys Volleyball | Pat Doyle | Manhattan |
| Boys Swimming & Diving | Michael Baughman | Geneva |
| Girls Swimming & Diving | Janet Stern | Deerfield |
| Water Polo | Mark Menis | Naperville |
| Cross Country | Gary P. Gullone | Galena |
| Boys Track & Field | Arthur P. Ashbrook | Makanda |
| Girls Track & Field | Shawn Strachan | Reynolds |
| Girls Gymnastics | Betty Bennett | East Dundee |
| Competitive Cheerleading | Carla Taylor-Walton | Kokomo, IN |
| Competitive Dance | Lisa Djani | Chicago |
| Boys Wrestling | Dion Wiley | Richton Park |
| Girls Wrestling | Rich Vine | Aurora |
