Скачать или смотреть Joe Thompson: 50 Years Behind the IHSA Whistle

After 50 seasons, Galesburg's Joe Thompson is hanging up the basketball whistle for good.

Licensed by the Illinois High School Association in 1975, Thompson has officiated more than 3,000 games, worked state finals in boys and girls basketball, volleyball, and softball, and been inducted into three halls of fame. He is one of the most respected officials in the history of Illinois high school sports.

In this interview with WGIL's Jay Redfern, Thompson reflects on a remarkable five-decade career — from getting his start after a spectator challenged him to try officiating himself, to working alongside some of the best players and coaches the state has ever seen.

Topics covered in this interview:
— How the game has changed since 1975
— The three-point line, three-man crews, and the coming shot clock
— What he got paid in 1975 vs. what officials make today
— The officiating shortage and why it's getting worse
— The four-class system and its impact on fan interest
— Best players he ever worked — including Marcus Liberty, Kevin Garnett, Joey Range and Darius Miles
— Favorite coaches, toughest crowds, and best atmospheres
— His love for the Western Big 6 Conference
— The rapid fire round — including his Yankees dinner guests and the one thing he won't miss

Thompson will continue officiating volleyball and umpiring softball, and plans to serve as an IHSA clinician and mentor. But after 50 seasons, the basketball whistle is done.

🎙️ Interviewed by Jay Redfern | WGIL 93.7 FM / 1400 AM — Galesburg, Illinois

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction
0:45 How Joe got started as an official
1:56 Favorite and toughest sport to officiate
3:54 How the game has changed since 1975
5:26 The three-man crew
6:32 Pay then vs. now: $25 in 1975 to $125 today
6:54 Style and approach: patience and no rabbit ears
7:24 Working state finals and gaining confidence
8:04 Rule changes: charges, alternating possession, the dunk
11:04 Fan support and the four-class system
12:35 Appreciating good basketball from the floor
13:45 Big games and nervous officials
14:36 Working coaches who work officials
16:59 The officiating shortage
18:12 Advice for new officials and moving up the ladder
19:24 Relationships built over 50 years
21:28 Best games worked
22:01 Best players: Marcus Liberty, Kevin Garnett, Darius Miles and more
23:31 Working hometown games and the Western Big Six
24:49 Favorite coaches
25:19 Watching games as a spectator
25:41 Rapid fire round
29:25 Closing

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