Rex Foster named 2022 Football Official of the Year
Trending
WHEELING --R ex Foster has one of the best seats in the house when it comes to high school athletics.
As an official for three sports, Foster doesn't exactly have a seat. But he is right on top of the action.
Prior to the start of Saturday's Class AAA state championship game between Parkersburg South and Huntington on Wheeling Island, Foster's 25 years of service were recognized as the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, which awarded him as the 2022 Football Official of the Year.
"This is an honor you never really would expect to get, truthfully," Foster said. "To be honored in football is a great thing. The overall effort, passion and things over the years you put into this crazy business of officiating, it's just a humbling honor."
Foster recently became the head of officials for the Little Kanawha Conference. His primary duty is assigning officials for games.
Foster has been involved with a number of organizations dealing with officiating and while also serving as president of various boards.
"I never really asked myself that," Foster replied when asked what keeps him involved not only with football, but basketball and baseball as well.
"I've always been around sports. That's what life is all about for me -- is sports. I love being around the game."
Rex Foster was accompanied at the award presentation by his son, Kyle, who played football for the University of Akron. Many of Rex Foster's close friends he made through officiating. They are among the same individuals who attended his son's wedding.
"Many of these officials have become my friends for life," Foster said. "Working with officials, it's about the camaraderie and the friendships you build with the people over the years."
Foster actually does have the best seat in the house when it comes to West Virginia University and men's basketball. For several years, Foster drives to Morgantown for each Mountaineer home game, sits courtside at the scorer's table and keeps the official book for WVU.
"I do have one of the best seats in the house at the Coliseum keeping the official scorebook for the Mountaineers," Foster said. "Every home game, I sit right there at mid-court.
"It's just a fantastic opportunity. It all ties in with being me being a basketball official , between the refs calling the game and having an understanding what happens on the court."
Another bonus, being within earshot of a Hall Of Famer. Better known as WVU men's basketball coach Bob Huggins.
"Bob Huggins is a class guy," Foster said. "It's just a pleasure to go up there and be around that program."
Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com