Sophia Olszowka, a 2020 Washington High School graduate, recently completed her sports officiating certificate through MSHSAA to become a track and field official.
Olszowka was a field event official for the Class 4 District 5 meet at Washington High School on Saturday, May 13. She is participating in a long family tradition of officials. Her grandfather, Don Olszowka, has been a track and field official for many years. Her father, Mike Olszowka, is the head track and field coach at Washington High School and officiates basketball.
Sophia took Kym Blankenship’s sports officiating class during her senior year at WHS, which helped prepare her for the sports officiating certification through MSHSAA.
The sports officiating class at WHS is a physical education elective to students.
According to Blankenship, students learn rules, how to keep a scorebook, demonstrate mechanics, and work with officials and coaches in the community to gain further understanding of various sports. The class involves community speaking, presentations to their peers, and practical and written assessments.
Four students in the current sports officiating class at WHS took advantage of the free MSHSAA registration to actively become officials after completion of the course. Those students are Ian Junkin, Jaden Grosse, Carter Baucom and Eric Kipp.
There is a massive shortage of MSHSAA officials in all sports. The sports officiating class at WHS helps to promote the younger generation to seek out officiating opportunities.
Olszowka Becomes Official
Sophia Olszowka with her father Mike Olszowka during the Class 4 District 5 Track and Field Meet at Washington High School.
WHS Sports Officiating Class
Pictured is the 2023 Sports Officiating class at Washington High School. From left are Tristen Bethel, Mackenzie Feist, Jackson Briggs, Dawson Gould, Ian Junkin, Jaden Grosse, Carter Baucom, Eric Kipp and Briar Hutson (front).