Officials’ Appreciation Week underway

There are a couple of those pretty much every sporting event needs. Number one it needs athletes. It needs people performing the sport. The other is officials and while they don’t always get the recognition they deserve, sports across the country wouldn’t be possible without them.

This week marks Officials’ Appreciation Week as many teams around the region have taken to social media to thank those that have difficult yet thankless job most of the time.

Gary Hall and Ken Hosler umpired the Poplar Bluff Lady Mules softball game earlier this week and have been on the diamond for many years as the pair said they have no plans of stopping anytime soon.

“I love softball,” Hall said. “ I started playing the game when I was eight, and I still play today. I love it so much that I wish they put me in sometimes.”

Fellow umpire Ken Hosler concurred that the love of the game has kept him around the sport as well. With being an official for nearly 20 years, Hosler said being around the kids and coaches has made the job a great experience.

“We just love the game,” Hosler said. “I think it helps keep us involved with the community, and you get to make lifelong friendships with other fellow officials.”

Doniphan Athletic Director Adam Epps doesn’t get enough sports as he’s not only at the helm of the Doniphan athletic department but he’s also the Donettes basketball coach and an official for the last five years.

Epps has done volleyball and softball with his goal in all his does being supporting area athletes.

“I enjoy being about competitors and seeing student-athletes success at different sports.”