Tri-Cities Officials Academy: Staff and Mentorship Overview

Tri-Cities Officials Academy Staff

Meet the Staff

The strength of the Tri-Cities Officials Academy lies in the dedicated individuals who make it possible. Our staff brings together over 450 years of combined basketball officiating experience across various levels, including NCAA Division I, II, and III competitions for both men’s and women’s teams, as well as NAIA, junior college, and high school basketball. Our instructors have spent decades honing their skills in official training, mastering the art of officiating.

Collectively, our staff has participated in over 200 high school postseason assignments, including more than 50 state championship games. These experiences reflect years of preparation, trust, and performance at the highest levels of the game.

However, it is not just this impressive experience that defines our staff. What truly distinguishes the Tri-Cities Officials Academy is the character and commitment of the people who serve here.

Every member of our staff volunteers their time and expertise to contribute to this academy. They are here not because they must be, but because they are passionate about sports mentorship and are dedicated to developing the next generation of officials. Many have traveled great distances to share their time, energy, and knowledge, helping campers grow both on and off the court.

They are teachers, mentors, and leaders who are enthusiastic about enhancing basketball officiating in our region. At TCOA, campers will learn from officials who have worked the biggest games, yet are equally committed to assisting someone in working their very first one.

Together, they foster an environment where learning is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and every official has the opportunity to improve.

Together We Will.

Our Staff

Basketball referees and coaches discussing on court before a game.

TCOA 2026-2027 Special Guests

Connie Perkins - NCAA Division II National Coordinator of Officials | Northwest Conference Assignor | Cascade Conference Assignor | NWACC - East Assignor, specializing in basketball officiating and official training.

Michael Lloyd - WIAA Rules Interpreter | WIAA Post-Season Official, dedicated to sports mentorship in officiating.

Darren Drake - Former NCAA Division I, II, III Official, contributing to the development of basketball officiating.

Core Staff

Forrest McKinnis - Former NCAA Division III, NAIA, NWACC - East Official with extensive experience in basketball officiating. WIAA and OSAA Post-Season Official. 2026 NCCE Innovative Teacher of the Year, contributing to sports mentorship in the community.

Ben Wutzke - Former NWACC-East Official. Current TCBOA Assigner and WIAA Post-Season Official, dedicated to official training and development.

Lonnie Willis - Former NCAA Division II, III, NAIA, NWACC - East Official. WIAA Post-Season Official, actively involved in enhancing basketball officiating standards.

Blaine "Bingo" Ganvoa - Former NCAA Division III, NAIA, NWACC-East Official. Current BMBOA Assigner and OSAA Post-Season Official, committed to sports mentorship and training new officials.

Vern Carlson - Former NWACC-East Official. Current OAOA East Region Rep and OSAA Post-Season Official, promoting quality in basketball officiating through official training.

Darron Williams - Former NCAA Division II & III, NAIA, NWACC-East Official. OSAA and Idaho Post-Season Official, and a graduate of John Maxwell Leadership Academy, emphasizing sports mentorship.

George Shimer - Former NCAA Division II & III, NAIA, NWACC-East Official. OSAA and Idaho Post-Season Official, focused on the growth of basketball officiating.

Scott Peters - Former NCAA Division III, NAIA, NWACC-East Official. High School Assignor and former OSAA Post-Season Official, dedicated to official training and mentorship.

Mark Diddens - Former NWACC - East Official. WIAA Post-Season Official, contributing to the development of basketball officiating skills.

Bill Wagner - NWACC-East Official and WIAA Post-Season Official, involved in official training programs.

Matt Williams - Former NWACC-East Official. WIAA Post-Season Official, committed to enhancing basketball officiating.

Jay Bartlett - Former NWACC-East Official. WIAA Post-Season Official, promoting sports mentorship within officiating.

Brian Freels - WIAA & OSAA Post-Season Official and BMBOA Commissioner, dedicated to official training initiatives.

Deana Lansing - NCAA Division III, NAIA, NWACC-East Official. WIAA Post-Season Official, focused on basketball officiating standards.

Megan Damele - Former NWACC-East Official. WIAA Post-Season Official, supporting sports mentorship through officiating.

Seth Shelton - NWACC-East Official. WIAA Post-Season Official, dedicated to improving basketball officiating.

Nick Sutherland - NWACC-East Official. WIAA Post-Season Official, engaged in official training.

Jack Wutzke - WIAA Post Season Official, contributing to basketball officiating excellence.

Privacy Policy of Tri-Cities Officials Academy

Tri-Cities Officials Academy Staff

Meet the Staff

Our Staff

TCOA 2026-2027 Special Guests

Core Staff

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