Nevin Jacobs enters officials’ Hall of Fame

Posted 8/22/19

He’s at home in zebra stripes on the football field or basketball court. On the baseball field, he’s the dominant Man in Blue.

And everywhere, he’s respected.

Nevin Jacobs of …

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Nevin Jacobs enters officials’ Hall of Fame

Posted

He’s at home in zebra stripes on the football field or basketball court. On the baseball field, he’s the dominant Man in Blue.

And everywhere, he’s respected.

Nevin Jacobs of Powell, veteran football and basketball official and baseball umpire, was inducted into the Wyoming Sports Officials Association Hall of Fame in July.  The induction took place in conjunction with the Wyoming High School Activities Association coaches Hall of Fame ceremonies.

Jacobs has officiated football for 37 years and basketball off and on for 30 years. He has officiated two Shrine Bowl football games in Wyoming, five state championship football games and at least one high school playoff game each year since 1987.

“It’s not just about working some championship games,” said Ron Laird, executive director of the WHSAA. “We try to look at the whole picture. Does he do things for his community? In Nevin’s case, without a doubt he does.”

American Legion Baseball is not a WHSAA certified sport. But Jacobs’ 18 years as an umpire were also cited in his nomination for the WSOA Hall of Fame. He has umpired in one Northwest Regional AA Legion tournament, one Northwest Regional A Legion tournament, eight State AA tournaments, eight State A tournaments and 18 district tournaments. In many of those tournaments, he served as umpire in chief.

Jacobs was understandably honored by his induction.

“Obviously, that’s not why I do it,” he said. “I enjoy being around the kids and seeing them succeed. That makes it worthwhile for me.”

Jacobs added that he enjoys the game — especially football. “Officiating is the thing I could do to be in the game without still playing.”

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