A group of local football fans have decided to stay connected to high school football even though their sons’ recently graduated and ended their athletic careers. After years of being involved as youth coaches to fans in the stands, the four fathers have become officials.
Kevin Kirsch, who is the group’s crew chief, has been officiating football for nine seasons, making him the most experienced referee. Kirsch understands there is a shortage of officials in the state. He got the idea last year to form an officiating crew with his friends.
“All of our boys graduated together last year at North Montgomery,” Kirsch said. “We got together and decided to get a crew together on Friday nights since we didn’t have anything else to do.”
Brad Birge, another crew member with experience, will be the linesman. He has helped officiate youth in the area and for the last three years has traveled with a local crew, watching them perform from the sidelines.
“After following Clayton Randolph’s crew around, I knew that I was ready for this,” Birge said. “All of us are friends and I am looking forward to doing this with them.”
Curt Dyson will be the line umpire. He wasn’t ready to walk away from high school football even though his son Ross graduated last season. Dyson and Kirsch are both Crawfordsville High School football alum. Dyson he has enjoyed being involved with football as a player, coach and fan.
“I love the sport and this was a way to stay in the game,” he said. “Kevin came to me and asked me to join the crew and I thought why not, I love Friday nights.”
“We have hung out with our sons for years and we love being with the youth,” Dyson said.
The excitement and participation of the new crew makes former Charger football player Jason Shirar look forward to the football season. The head linesman hopes to help young football players learn and understand the rules better.
“I am excited to be out there on Friday nights, but there is the other aspect too,” Shirar said. “This will allow me to explain rules and teach the youth about the game. We can help the players get better. This is about the kids and that is why we do it.”
The fifth member of the crew is Wabash College student Owen Smith.
The new crew already has a full varsity schedule that includes all classes from 1A to 5A. They also will be seen officiating middle school games.
