Article on Tom Lopes
 

NCAA official Tom Lopes is retiring at age 65 and The Tablet, a Brooklyn Catholic newspaper, published a nice article about him. Lopes had a twenty year streak of officiating in the NCAA tournament.

http://www.dioceseofbrooklyn.org/tab...07/sports.html

Nice article. But, according to Nevada, Lopes should have been forced to retire 15 years ago.

I've met Tom several times at camps, at IAABO annual meetings, and at my CBOA meetings. I've always known him to be a very positive person, even when giving criticism at camps. He's also a bit of an inspiration for me, as he didn't work Division 1 ball until he was 40 years old; and the same is true for me.

I wish him the best as he moves forward.

Amazing, eh? The NCAA kept giving the guy Final Fours after he wasn't able to keep up. Who woulda thunk it?

I thought all people at that age were in nursing homes? That must explain most of JR’s posting.

Peace

Are you saying that I'm talking through my Depends?:D

Tom Lopes as a mentor
 

Tom has been great in his instruction and giving back to younger officials. I've been fortunate to hear his stories and also "tips to be a better official". I think very highly of him and regardless of everyone's opinion on his officiating of big time games, being a good person is the key, and that he is.