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IHSA 2025-2026 Softball Official of the Year
Fred McNeeley named 2025 - 2026 IHSA Softball Official of the Year
1/15/2026
Matt Troha
Associate Executive Director
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is proud to announce its 2025-26 Officials of the Year in 22 IHSA sports. To be considered for this honor, an official must first be nominated by an Officials Association recognized by the IHSA or by an IHSA administrator. IHSA staff members then vote on the winners based on factors such as character, skill as an official, and levels worked in the IHSA State Series.
This year’s winners will be recognized during the 2026 IHSA Officials Conference, which will be held July 10-11 in Normal, Illinois.
“The IHSA Officials of the Year exemplify professionalism, consistency, and respect for the game,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Their dedication extends far beyond enforcing the rules. They help teach sportsmanship, maintain competitive balance, and uphold the values of education-based athletics. We truly appreciate the efforts of every IHSA official around the state and are excited to be able highlight these 22 exemplary individuals.”
See the full list of honorees by sport below:
---2025-26 IHSA OFFICIALS OF THE YEAR---
SPORT
OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
HOMETOWN
Boys Soccer
Mariusz Folta
Arlington Heights
Girls Soccer
Dylan Kramer
Elmhurst
Football
Chris Hartbank
Mattoon
Boys Basketball
James Kowzan
DuQuoin
Girls Basketball
Michael Bell
Charleston
Boys Lacrosse
Greg Smith
Bartlett
Girls Lacrosse
Jay Abbassian
Evanston
Baseball
John T. Allen
Carterville
Softball
Fred McNeeley
Princeville
Girls Volleyball
Derek Sieg
Normal
Boys Volleyball
Pat Doyle
Manhattan
Boys Swimming & Diving
Michael Baughman
Geneva
Girls Swimming & Diving
Janet Stern
Deerfield
Water Polo
Mark Menis
Naperville
Cross Country
Gary P. Gullone
Galena
Boys Track & Field
Arthur P. Ashbrook
Makanda
Girls Track & Field
Shawn Strachan
Reynolds
Girls Gymnastics
Betty Bennett
East Dundee
Competitive Cheerleading
Carla Taylor-Walton
Kokomo, IN
Competitive Dance
Lisa Djani
Chicago
Boys Wrestling
Dion Wiley
Richton Park
Girls Wrestling
Rich Vine
Aurora
Published: 1/15/2026, 6:00:00 PM
CISA Officials of Honor
CISA members and State Finals
Our Association has a long history of producing top-notch state finals officials. These umpires are highly skilled and have been recognized as some of the best in their field. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to each game they officiate.
- William Hopkins - 1985
- Nick Finck - 1986, UIC 1993 - 1995, 2001
- Donovan Hasler - 1996
- Barry Pepper - 1978, 1981, 1987, 2000, 2002, 2009
- Dana Nissen - 2007, 2011, 2018
- Stu Seggebruch - 2007, 2008, 2012
- Tom Holmes - 2010
- Dennis Price - 2010, 2013, 2015
- Fred McNeeley - 2011, 2014, 2016
- Jay McDaniels - 2017, 2022, 2025
- Jack Buchanan - 2018
- Dave Ridenour - 2018, 2023, 2025
- Roger Holzhauer 2019, 2021
- Jason Danner - 2021
- Jon Carls - 2021, 2024
- Greg Abbott - 2023, 2025
- Ron Helgeson Jr- 2023
- Bryan Devine 2025
- Brian Doughty 2022, 2025
- Bill McDaniels 2025
CISA Umpires in Illinois Coaches Hall Of Fame
The CISA has several officials who have been nominated for the Illinois Coaches Hall of Fame. Being recognized by coaches is a testament to their expertise and dedication to their craft, and being nominated for the hall of fame is a true honor. It shows that their hard work and contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed and as an association we are proud to have such accomplished individuals representing us in the Illinois Coaches Hall of Fame.
- Jerry McDaniels - 2005
- Barry Pepper - 2005
- Stu Seggebruch - 2006
- Ken Miars - 2007
- Rick Schwab - 2008
- Dennis Price - 2009
- Tim Smith - 2012
- Fred McNeeley - 2013
- Dana Nissen - 2014
- Jay McDaniels - 2024
- Jon Carls -2025
- Dave Ridenour - 2026
- Greg Abbott - 2026
- Ron Helgeson - 2026