Houghton, Empire 8 Conference Honor Local Basketball Official
HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Bill Howard of Shinglehouse, Pa., current Athletic Director at Oswayo Valley High School and a long-time local basketball official at the high school and college levels, has been recognized with a meritorious service award by Houghton College and the Empire 8 Conference.
The award recognizes Howard's contributions to the sport as he retires after close to 40 years officiating at the college level.
Houghton Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics H. "Skip" Lord and Empire 8 Conference Commissioner Chuck Mitrano presented the award during a recent Houghton home basketball game.
"We are privileged to honor Bill for almost four decades of excellence as a collegiate basketball official," said Lord. "Bill is a true pioneer who has served with excellence at every level from junior high to college. He has not only officiated with distinction, but has given back to the game as an interpreter, assignor, evaluator and instructor. In short, Bill Howard is a true leader in a very visible, highly scrutinized and pressure-packed field."
In addition to his on-court officiating, Howard was also instrumental in starting the highly popular Houghton College Officials Clinic that provides training each summer for new and experienced officials from the junior high through the college levels. Held each summer in conjunction with Houghton's high school team camp, the clinic has featured NCAA Division I officials from the Big East, A-10, Ivy League and Patriot League.
Though his career as a college official has ended, Howard will continue to work behind the scenes and plans to continue to work high school games.