Kaitlyn Ford ‘25

Often overlooked by students, but the teachers have multiple identities outside of the classroom beyond their titles of “Mr.” or “Mrs”.  For Mr. Mark Begey and Mr. Mark Beerends, that title includes “Ref”. 

Mr. Begey is an Instructional Coach, which means they are the communication or “mortar” between teachers and administration. They work with teachers to improve their lessons, and with students to improve the quality of their education. Mr. Begey has been officiating since high school but that was at the community level. And high school baseball for 10 years. Volleyball for 5 years and basketball for 8 years. Mr. Beerends is entering his ninth season of college baseball. And 10th high school baseball, he also finished my 9th year of football” 

Mr. Begey said, “We have multiple jobs. We work with students and teachers in classrooms, working with strategies to help improve student learning. We provide professional development and serve on leadership teams within the school.”  

Both play a role in shaping learning so that students benefit. 

Mr. Beerends said, “I am a special ed teacher, and I work in co-taught classes in classrooms that need extra support. I meet with Mr. Begey sometimes to see how to help students to the best of both of our abilities.”

However, these teachers ditch their day jobs at the high school, to become refs by night. They referee different sports across different levels, including high school for Mr. Bejey and high school and college level for Mr. Beerends.

Mr. Beerend said, “I referee high school football, high school, and college baseball. As well as the shot clock for basketball games.” 

The variety of levels and sports allows for refs, like Mr. Begey, to think about what they like and dislike about each experience. 

Mr. Begey said,  “I'm going to take the politically correct stance and say I do not have a preference. They all have perks and drawbacks. In volleyball, I don't have to move a lot, which is good and bad because it is less exercise. In basketball, there's a lot of movement with the players, so I would have to say that is the most difficult to officiate. Baseball is much warmer outside which is nice. I would have to pick volleyball as a favorite though because it is newer, but I have been in other sports longer.” 

The “Marks” are good at handling a lot at once, and bouncing between different sports

“I have a planning period for the last period of the school day. So if I have to be at a game early I can leave the school to be able to get in there when I am needed, and it was really nice for the administration to do that for me,” said Mr. Beerends.

Being a teacher at such a populated high school can change the perspective of the identity of being a teacher and a ref. 

Mr. Beerends said, “It is an extension of the classroom because umpiring and officiating is a lot like a teacher. There is a correlation when you're teaching academic lessons but on the athletic field having rules in the game. It makes a positive role model and a good citizen.” 

Mr. Begey said, “The connection of being involved in activities is truly eye-opening. They're connected in almost all the schools that I have. It's great. I've built connections. So if I possibly (hypothetically) need to get a job somewhere, I could make a few calls and I am sure that it would be set up quickly. It's just an amazing thing that has come out of it.”  

Since they do officiate games within the community, it could possibly intersect with their teaching careers regarding their relationships with the students, and how they are treated. 

“I would be lying if I said no it did not interfere. It varies from school and building. If you've been to basketball games it's tricky and a play that doesn't go in a particular way, it is possible that it can create hard feelings. For the most part, it's our kids that are really good about the fact that I'm officiating whenever the time,” said Mr. Begey. 

One time while officiating a Sophomore and Varsity game at Davenport North the Muscatine student section began a chant of “WE LOVE YOU BEGEY,” which could be problematic to an outsider if they were to perceive the ref was biased and showing preferential treatment in officiating. 

 “I could not let them know that I worked there so the other student section didn't think there was a bias with me officiating the game. My relationship with the vast amount of students is positive. I don't think it is better or worse because I'm an official, ” said Mr. Begey. 

“I could say it's the opposite, there was an incident that happened. There was an ejection from the opposing coach. I can not play varsity football. It kinda did well for me because it interfered. Students and teachers would come up to me and ask how it played out. I'd have to say the same thing for my relationship with the students, said Mr. Beerends. “I try to keep the same positive relationship and lead with an example on the field and in the classroom.” 

Students may be curious as to what if they went in the direction of officiating; what it would look like. There can be a variety of opinions expressed. 

 “I think that pursuing officiating as a career could be complicated. It's more of a hobby or a side job. It's helpful money and you really have to enjoy the sports that you are officiating. Reach out to people who are officiating so it's a smoother process, and easier to learn,” said Mr. Begey. 

These two incredible teachers make a difference on the court, field, and especially the classroom.