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NCAA News Archive - 2007
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Basketball officiating icon to step down after 2007-08
Nichols will retire after 21 years in field
The NCAA News
Hank Nichols, NCAA national coordinator of men’s basketball officiating for the past two decades, has announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 2007-08 season.
Nichols, who called 10 Final Fours, including six championship games, also served the Association as the sport’s secretary-rules editor from 1991-97.
“To have been involved with Division I men’s basketball during such a positive growth period is something for which I am truly honored and humbled,” said Nichols, whose officiating resume also includes three National Invitation Tournament title games and the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Games. “For more than three decades, I have been fortunate to do something I always dreamed of doing. It’s been one heck of a ride.”
Tom O’Connor, assistant vice president and director of athletics at George Mason University and incoming chair of the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, said Nichols’ contributions to college basketball have not gone unnoticed by those who follow the game.
“Athletics administrators, coaches and his professional colleagues in every corner of the world are aware of the dramatic progress in officiating that has taken place under Hank’s leadership,” O’Connor said. “The game is much better due to Hank’s hard work and leadership.”
O’Connor said a search committee that includes members of both the championship and rules committees has been formed to find Nichols’ successor.
In 1983, Nichols became the first to officiate the NIT and NCAA championship games in the same year. The Niagara Falls, NewYork, native played basketball and baseball while earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Villanova University, as well as a doctorate from Duke University. Nichols also was a first lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
Nichols also serves the international game as chair of the USA Basketball Officials Committee and as a member of the FIBA Technical Commission. His many accolades include being a member of the Philadelphia Athletic Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Villanova Athletic Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Big 5 Hall of Fame.
“I look forward to an effective transition to my successor to assure the momentum that has been built continues into the future. The game never leaves you, so I look forward to contributing in a variety of ways going forward,” Nichols said.
Larry Keating, senior associate athletics director at University of Kansas and outgoing chair of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee, cited the importance of maintaining Nichols’ legacy of developing quality officiating.
“It is imperative that we find a candidate who can demonstrate proficiency in knowing the rules of the game and officiating techniques and mechanics,” said Keating. “Hank helped promote better communication among a range of constituents, and he will leave a legacy of dedication, commitment and quality that won’t easily be replaced.”
Nichols will retire after 21 years in field
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The NCAA News
Hank Nichols, NCAA national coordinator of men’s basketball officiating for the past two decades, has announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 2007-08 season.Nichols, who called 10 Final Fours, including six championship games, also served the Association as the sport’s secretary-rules editor from 1991-97.
“To have been involved with Division I men’s basketball during such a positive growth period is something for which I am truly honored and humbled,” said Nichols, whose officiating resume also includes three National Invitation Tournament title games and the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Games. “For more than three decades, I have been fortunate to do something I always dreamed of doing. It’s been one heck of a ride.”
Tom O’Connor, assistant vice president and director of athletics at George Mason University and incoming chair of the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, said Nichols’ contributions to college basketball have not gone unnoticed by those who follow the game.
“Athletics administrators, coaches and his professional colleagues in every corner of the world are aware of the dramatic progress in officiating that has taken place under Hank’s leadership,” O’Connor said. “The game is much better due to Hank’s hard work and leadership.”
O’Connor said a search committee that includes members of both the championship and rules committees has been formed to find Nichols’ successor.
In 1983, Nichols became the first to officiate the NIT and NCAA championship games in the same year. The Niagara Falls, NewYork, native played basketball and baseball while earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Villanova University, as well as a doctorate from Duke University. Nichols also was a first lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
Nichols also serves the international game as chair of the USA Basketball Officials Committee and as a member of the FIBA Technical Commission. His many accolades include being a member of the Philadelphia Athletic Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Villanova Athletic Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Big 5 Hall of Fame.
“I look forward to an effective transition to my successor to assure the momentum that has been built continues into the future. The game never leaves you, so I look forward to contributing in a variety of ways going forward,” Nichols said.
Larry Keating, senior associate athletics director at University of Kansas and outgoing chair of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee, cited the importance of maintaining Nichols’ legacy of developing quality officiating.
“It is imperative that we find a candidate who can demonstrate proficiency in knowing the rules of the game and officiating techniques and mechanics,” said Keating. “Hank helped promote better communication among a range of constituents, and he will leave a legacy of dedication, commitment and quality that won’t easily be replaced.”
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