In case you didn’t know, officiating the SEC Championship is big. I wanted to send out some ProFootballReferee love to some very good football officials with whom I’ve had the pleasure to interview, share the field, or simply hang out with. White Hats off to Matt Austin, Wilbur Hackett, Jr. and Roy Potts.
These three SEC officials (all from Louisville, KY) were selected to officiate the SEC Championship game next Saturday. If you recall I interviewed Wilbur Hackett, Jr back in October. I consider Matt Austin to be one of my mentors and I vividly recall Matt as my association president when I started officiating 7 years ago.
Over the years Matt has consistently progressed up the ladder and not only is he going to white hat the SEC Championship game, he officiated Tim Tebow’s last game at the Swamp today. Matt is the consummate professional football official and represents everything this website stands for. He’s always willing to discuss rules, talk football and remains very approachable to even the first year rookies in our association.
I’ll see if I can get him to sit for a short podcast following Saturday’s game. I think that would be a GREAT interview.
Matt, Wilbur and Roy in the SEC Championship. Very cool indeed.
Another PFR White Hat off to PJ Doyen and his crew for their selection in the NAIA playoffs.
This fine NAIA crew (with whom I was fortunate enough to work two games this year) drew an NAIA Quarter Finals game which I was able to watch on-line at www.collegefanz.com thanks to a text from my good buddy Ryan Kendall.
PJ…you looked like sharp, my man. Looked sharp.
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Todd
Thanks Todd for the compliments. Other members of the crew are: Steve Hazle, Daryl Crosthwaite, Brian McClure, Jimmy Colwell, Mike Freeman and Chris Kent. Good luck to Matt Wilbur and Roy. Look forward to working with you again in the future.
Comment by P.J. Doyen — November 29, 2009 at 7:33 pm
I’m a sports writer in Jackson, Michigan, and I’m trying to find a phone number or email address for referee MATT AUSTIN. He is originally from Jackson, Michigan, and I’d like to get in touch with him for a “Where Are They Now” piece for the daily newspaper here in Jackson, The Jackson Citizen Patriot.
If anyone can help me reach Mr. Austin, it would be MUCH APPRECIATED! Thanks!
Mike Pryson
Sports Writer
Jackson (Mich.) Citizen Patriot
mpryson@citpat.com
(800) 878-3267
Comment by Mike Pryson — December 16, 2009 at 1:10 am