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Hall of Fame

2024 Hall of Fame

Michael Gibbs

Mike started his track and field career as an athlete at Oak Park-River Forest High School and culminated that career as a 1980 IHSA State Qualifier in track. He continued that path as a 4-year Loras College Track letterman (1980-84). In 1987 he became an IHSA Official, rapidly ascending to the Certified level culminating with an assignment as Clerk of the Course for the State Meet by Roy Gummerson. During that time, he was also an assistant coach at OP-RF (3 years).

Mike was an initial member and officer for the ITCCOA, including as section chair upon the founding of ITCCOA, helping get the organization started by contributing its mission of giving a voice to and mentoring new IHSA officials. Mike has also served as the ITCCCA Secretary and chaired the ITCCCA Scholarship committee in his early years.

Mike’s officiating career, besides the incalculable indoor and outdoor track meets he’s officiated over the past 30 plus years, are too numerous to highlight here. Mike has held numerous positions for the IHSA State T&F Series, some of which are listed below:

HEAD SCORER-Girls

HEAD CLERK-Girls

STARTER and ASSISTANT STARTER-Girls

REFEREE and ASSISTANT REFEREE-Girls

ASSISTANT CLERK-Boys

HEAD CLERK-boys, currently over 10 years in that position

STARTER and ASSISTANT STARTER-Boys

ASSISTANT REFEREE-Boys

AWARDED HONORARY REFEREE

Other notable career highlights include being a USATF MASTER Official and NCAA official, working college and various youth meets since 1990. Some of those positions are listed below:

1990-2002—STARTER--University of Illinois

1996-NCAA National Championship Official-University of Oregon

2003 to Present—STARTER—University of Notre Dame

STARTER and REFEREE multiple times for the Patriot League Conference Championships

HEAD CLERK of Course for the BIG 10 Cross Country Championships hosted by Northwestern University

HEAD CLERK of COURSE for Big 10 Indoor Track Championships at the University of Illinois

ASSISTANT Clerk for the ACC Conference Championship held by Notre Dame University

STARTER-REFEREE multiple times for the UNITED STATES NAVEL ACADEMY-Annapolis

STARTER-REFEREE multiple times for the UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY-West Point

Click here for the Hall of Fame Archives

Past Hall of Fame Award REcipients

2024 - Michael Gibbs

2023 - Galen Bennett

2021 - Jamero Rainey

2019 - Jim Rhode

2018 - Dale Huwer

2017 - Lonnell Poole & Tom Todd

2016 - Pete Tucker & Van Steckelberg

2015 - Jim Effinger

2014 - Ron McGraw

2013 - Mike Powers & Phil Salzer

Nomination Criteria

To become a member of the ITCCOA Hall of Fame, the person must have performed, acted, or accomplished something over their career to have made a positive impact on officiating track or cross country in Illinois in addition to the following requirements:

The nominee is a member of the ITCCOA
The nominee has displayed exemplary service to the organization (i.e. section leader, executive board member, committee head, etc.)
The nominee has greatly contributed to the development of the sport (being a mentor, clinician, etc)
The nominee has served the track and field/cross country officiating community for no less than 10 years.

The ITCCOA nominating member must submit a personal statement of 250 words or less illuminating the nominee’s impact and contributions in the areas of :

a) contribution to the sport

b) ITCCOA involvement

c) state meet experience

d) officiating at other levels

e) recognition by peers

f) years of service

Submissions must be made to the Executive Board no later than the Sunday after the State Cross Country Meet in order for the candidate to be considered for the award.

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