Mark Maxwell of Crawfordsville is the recipient of the 2022-23 Interscholastic Athletic Official Award for excellence in the sport of Boys Basketball.
Each year, the Indiana High School AthleticAssociation, incooperation with the National Federation ofInterscholasticOfficialsAssociation,recognizesand honors anoutstandingofficial in each sport. Officials selected for this distinction have gone above and beyond to serve their association, community, and the IHSAA. Each have shown exceptional qualities of leadership, dedication, and loyalty to their sport, our student-athletes, and their fellow officials.
“As to my side avocation in officiating, I want you to know that through my career, I’ve been privileged to work with some of the best officials, AD’s, coaches and players throughout this awesome state,” Maxwell said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working in the state’s finest venues afforded to me by the IHSAA. There is nothing that compares to Lucas Oil Stadium, Victory Field, Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the softball Complex at Ben Davis High School.”
Maxwell has been a licensed IHSAA Basketball official for 24 years and has overseen 19 sectionals, 15 regionals, three (3) semi-states, and one (1) State Championship game. Mark is also a licensed official in volleyball, football, softball, and baseball and has officiated three (3) Football State Championship games, one (1) Softball State Championship game, and seven (7) Baseball State Championship games.
“I never set out thinking I’d be afforded any of the above success I’ve enjoyed,” Maxwell added. “My D\dad, who most knew, helped instill in me, if you are going to do something, have a passion for whatever it is and always do it the right way to the best of your ability. For that, as I’ve gotten older, has been invaluable. So my success as an official is directly a result of his teachings. Being a small part of education based sports, It has never been about me, it’s always been for the kids.”
Maxwell is a member of the Western Indiana Officials Association and has worked as a Lead IHSAA Certification Clinician for basketball, football, and baseball since 2016, assisting with clinics and trainings in service to other officials in his community. Currently, Mark is the President of the IHSOLA, the association that oversees the 24 officials associations in Indiana. Mark is key in the recruitment of officials in Indiana, often traveling throughout the state to speak on his experience as an official and is a mentor to several fellow officials.
“My fellow officials, who are too numbered to name and became some of my best friends,” he said. “They have helped me to strive to do my best. The reward for their contribution will always be expressed in my undying gratitude and loyalty.
Maxwell is a graduate of Darlington High School and Indiana State University and currently works as an Inventory Manager at Nucor Steel and was selected for this honor by a committee representing the 24 officials associations in Indiana.
