“This is truly a phenomenal accomplishment by Casey.” IHSAA Assistant Commissioner Brian Lewis said in an email. “It is a tribute to his character and dedication to serve the student-athletes, coaches, and schools over an extensive period of time. Casey is the epitome of a #ChampionOfHighSchoolSports”
Gaynor is a systems analyst for Eli Lilly in Indianapolis. His wife Becky, son Autry, and daughters Atley and Aivry often tagged along on these Wander Indiana trips.
Some of those trips included games at some of the Hoosier state’s most sacred and revered hoop temples. New Castle, Connersville, the Wig Wam in Anderson, and Tyson Fieldhouse in Versailles are among Gaynor’s favorite gyms to officiate in. He also has fond feelings of the Birdcage at Washington Catholic – one of the tiniest venues in the state.
He once forgot his shoes – had to wear a pair of red sneakers borrowed from one of the girls JV players.
He officiated his first Semi-State last March at Seymour. He has worked with the IHSAA a few times to be assigned to officiate at tournament sites that normally he wouldn’t be sent to due to milage, by taking minimal mileage reimbursement so that he can officiate in a particular gym needed for the quest.
He is eligible for a State Finals this year.
One of his partners Tuesday said once they did a game down at Cannelton high school where they could look across the Ohio River at Kentucky. The very next night, they were at East Noble, near the Michigan border!
Casey Gaynor is just like Commissioner Lewis said – the epitome of what an IHSAA official is. He first has a love for the game(s). He has a servant attitude and wants to help others get the benefits of playing and coaching that he has received over his life.
I found him to be quiet, reserved, and thoughtful – much like you might expect with his analytical background. He is also very well thought of by colleagues and friends alike – many of whom he has mentored over the years.
While he was very accommodating with all the attention he was receiving (the state’s largest newspaper had a reporter and photographer there as did the local NBC TV affiliate), he was not necessarily comfortable being in the spotlight. He is ready to go back to being that guy in the striped shirt that nobody remembers seeing before – and many times after too at many of the games he has reffed over the years.
His two partners Tuesday night were hand picked to help their friend reach this milestone. Lance Ringler is a regular partner for Gaynor. Tony Richert actually “retired” from officiating after the 2022 season. Last week he did a couple of games in a Lawrenceburg tournament to knock the rust off so he could join his good friend and Rigler at the gym off Lafayette Road. Richert – who did not officiate last season – returns to the recliner, while Gaynor will continue to follow his passion at least until he turns 60 – then he will see from there.
Participation in high school athletics does not have to end with high school graduation. Even if you have been away from the game for a while, you can get back in the game by becoming a licensed official in any of the 20 sports sanctioned by the Indiana High School Athletic Association. As a licensed official, you not only have the opportunity to earn a little extra money, but also the opportunity to be a positive influence in a young person’s life. The hours are somewhat flexible and contracts can be accepted based on a day-to-day availability.
PROSPECTIVE OFFICIALS: To take advantage of a free license through your nearest professional officials’ association, please text OFFICIAL to 317-943-9030.
OTHERWISE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR ON MYIHSAA.NET
Part 1 testing opens each year on April 1st for the following school year. For example, April 1st, 2023 will start registration and testing for the 2023-24 school year.
Please make sure you are registering for the correct intended school year.
Congratulations to Casey Gaynor on an outstanding accomplishment!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.