My dad just got selected for his first state tournament. Guy's 'one of the good ones' who just enjoys officiating, has loved basketball all his life, works hard, and in the last year or two had kind of resigned himself to the fact that he probably wasn't going to get that call.
I've really been hoping he'd get one. He's never officiated college ball (didn't have the desire - just loves HS hoops), and he works in a part of his state that doesn't have many officials. He travels long distances to officiate some awful games, and gets good games, too. His state is a coach-driven state, and he's never been one to 'play the games.'
I'm betting he's only got a couple years left in him, as he doesn't want to be one of those guys who can't get up and down the court anymore. Needless to say, I was ecstatic for him when he got the call. He deserves it.
So...I'd love to get him a little something. Problem is, gift-giving is one of my least creative skills. Anyone done anything cool for another official who made their first state tournament? Would love the suggestions - thanks for any you can provide.
PS While dad has never done a lick of college ball, one of the 'fun' things about this opportunity is that he'll be officiating on the college court of his favorite D-I basketball team. I can tell he thinks it's pretty cool.
