From wrestling to officiating

There are three types of people who end their sporting career after youth, high school, college or professional competition. There are those who are done forever, who may religiously follow their favorite teams or never interact with the sport again. There are those who encourage kids to participate and, or end up, coaching at some level.

Finally, there are those who continue in the sport from an entirely new perspective: officiating.

Such was the case for Murray High School graduate and Afton resident Josh Hamilton. Hamilton first wrestled with a youth club, but had to drop it once he hit high school because Murray didn’t offer wrestling. Years later, being confined to the bleachers while his son wrestled club as well wasn’t to his liking, so Hamilton turned to officiating.

This past season, Hamilton was selected to officiate at the 2024 Iowa High School Girls State wrestling championships. He described his journey as rewarding, “When I got selected for the state tournament, it’s like the work is paying off.” When asked about that experience, he said, “You can feel the electricity. A lot of us [officials] feed off of it. You get into it just as much as the spectators do.”

About 12 years ago, Hamilton faced a steep learning curve. For his first three years, he only officiated youth and middle school meets; however, he credits these to much of his development because young wrestlers present their own challenges during their matches. Youth and middle school wrestlers tend to be “sloppy,” which forced Hamilton to frequently adjust his position on the mat to better see pins and other situations.

Youth tournaments are where 2023 Southwest Valley High graduate Adyson Lundquist started her officiating career. Lundquist grew up around the sport and began wrestling her freshman year, ending up a four-time placewinner at the state tournament. She explains her experience as a wrestler made the transition into officiating much easier. It was an interesting, eye-opening experience but also one that she loved.

“I only reffed youth, but it made me realize how important the official is in a child’s experience on the mat; which means guiding them through the rights and wrongs of wrestling.”

Lundquist chose to officiate so she wouldn’t lose touch with the sport after she stopped competing. “I felt it was a good way to give back to the sport without having to do it every day, since I started getting burned out at the end of my career.”

Both Lundquist and Hamilton place value on their experiences.

“I’d give up the money for the relationships I’ve built with coaches and other officials, and seeing the success that some athletes have done outside [the sport],” Hamilton said. He also encourages all athletes, not just wrestlers, to consider officiating after they finish their career, citing the shortage of officials in recent years.

“It’s a way to stay with and give back to your sport that comes with its own lessons and rewards. Every athlete could benefit from the experience and perspective that comes with officiating.”

Grace Britten is a Nodaway Valley High senior in a work study program with the Creston News Advertiser