Congratulations to one of our own...

Bob M. · #1 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 30, 2003, 11:20am

It hasn't been mentioned on this board, but I'm going to change that: TxMike has been selected to officiate the 2004 U.S. Army All-American Bowl to be played Saturday, January 3, 2004 at the Alamodome. On NBC at 1pm EST. A great opportunity for an obviously great official. Best wishes Mike!

JugglingReferee · #2 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 30, 2003, 11:51am

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob M.
It hasn't been mentioned on this board, but I'm going to change that: TxMike has been selected to officiate the 2004 U.S. Army All-American Bowl to be played Saturday, January 3, 2004 at the Alamodome. On NBC at 1pm EST. A great opportunity for an obviously great official. Best wishes Mike!

Congrats TxMike!

What position?

cmathews · #3 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 30, 2003, 11:56am

Way to go Mike, have a great game, and have fun

BktBallRef · #4 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 30, 2003, 12:10pm

We have a young man from our area who will be playing in the game. George Bell, a running back from Jack Britt HS in Fayetteville, NC will play. He's committed to Virginia Tech.

Snake~eyes · #5 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 30, 2003, 01:19pm

Congrats, I'll watch the game. Let us know what position he's at.

TXMike · #6 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 30, 2003, 01:30pm

Thanks to all. While the football part is going to be fun, the Army really does this thing up big and the sideshow alone is worth the price of admission. This year they are bringing in about 100 wounded servicemembers to take part in a pregame tribute to the American soldier. It will be a chance for the kids (and I suspect an adult or 2 to personally thank them for their service).

Although these kids are some of the best HS senior footballers in the nation, that alone is not enough to get them in this game. There is a vetting process which ensures they are also good character kids. I'm looking forward to working with them.

I'll be the F and with any luck will stay so far ahead of the play I can stay out of view most of the time.

ump76 · #7 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 30, 2003, 01:50pm

Congrats TXMike, what an honor.

Snake~eyes · #8 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 30, 2003, 06:22pm

I'll be watching you and waiting for you to wave to me. lol

good luck and have fun!

Mike Simonds · #9 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 30, 2003, 08:30pm

Way to go Mike... I know you will make us all proud to be an American football official on that day.

Is there any chance it will be picked-up on one of the networks like ESPN? I know ESPN picks-up the California Shriners' all-star game every summer...

Whoops, okay, I'll check the NBC schedule and make sure to watch it...

Again, good luck Mike! Remember: start 20 yards deep and start back-pedaling on the snap!!!

[Edited by Mike Simonds on Dec 30th, 2003 at 07:33 PM]

mikesears · #10 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 30, 2003, 10:58pm

Congrats on a GREAT assignment. I know everyone here at OfficialForum will be rooting for you. Keep up the good work and don't forget the rest of us here.

JugglingReferee · #11 (**permalink**) Sat Jan 03, 2004, 01:11pm

I can see TxMike! Woohoo!

He had this left arm up on the KO.

ref18 · #12 (**permalink**) Sat Jan 03, 2004, 03:15pm

Do you guys in the states usually wear the posistion plackets for high school ball?? I see in this game the officials are, and that really helped me to find out which one was TXMike.

AndrewMcCarthy · #13 (**permalink**) Sat Jan 03, 2004, 03:37pm

Quote:

Originally posted by ref18
Do you guys in the states usually wear the posistion plackets for high school ball?? I see in this game the officials are, and that really helped me to find out which one was TXMike.

Not in my state and I don't think in many others either. However, this game is in Texas and they usually have their own way of doing things.

BktBallRef · #14 (**permalink**) Sat Jan 03, 2004, 03:44pm

Pass is thrown to A1.

B1 makes a nice defensive play and breaks up the pass.

While A1 is on the ground, B1 stands over him and signals incomplete.

Why isn't that taunting?

BktBallRef · #15 (**permalink**) Sat Jan 03, 2004, 05:52pm

Nice job, Mike.