Atlanta Tipoff Club Announces 2011 Naismith Men's College Official of the Year
For his efforts over that distinguished career, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today that Corbett has been named the 2011 Naismith Men’s College Official of the Year.
ATLANTA (August 8, 2011) – For more than 20 years, NCAA Division I men’s basketball referee Ed
Corbett has called many of the biggest matchups in college hoops history. For his efforts over that
distinguished career, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today that Corbett has been named the
2011 Naismith Men’s College Official of the Year.
First presented in 1988, this lifetime achievement award is presented to individuals who display
character, integrity and dignity and have “contributed mightily to the growth, success and viability of
college basketball.” To be considered, candidates must be involved as a college official for at least
20 years, officiate at least one Final Four game and 10 conference tournaments.
“No matter which teams make the NCAA Tournament, Ed’s excellent officiating is one constant we
look forward to each March,” said Atlanta Tipoff Club Executive Director Eric Oberman. “We are
thrilled to be able to celebrate his career and his positive impact on the game of college basketball.”
ABOUT THE WINNER:
As a 20-year veteran officiating men’s basketball games in the ACC, Big East, Big 10 and the SEC,
Ed Corbett has also officiated four NCAA Men’s College Basketball Championship games, most
recently in 2008 when the Kansas Jayhawks beat the Memphis Tigers in overtime to win their third
NCAA Championship. He has additionally refereed two Final Fours, three NIT Championships and
has been an NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament referee since 1992.
“Starting out doing CYO games 35 years ago and to now be honored nationally by this award, I am
very humbled, “ said Corbett. “I consider it an honor to be included amongst the very talented group
of officials that have received this award in the past.”
Past winners include:
Year Men’s Official
2010 Tony Greene
2009 Mike Kitts
2008 Scott Thornley
2007 John Cahill
2006 Steve Welmer
2005 Ted Valentine
2004 Bob Donato
2003 Mike Wood
2002 Larry Rose
2001 Ted Hillary
2000 Gerald Boudreaux
1999 Andre Pattillo
1998 Frank Scagliotta
1997 Tommy Lopes
1996 Dick Paparo
1995 Leonard Wirtz
1994 Tim Higgins
1993 James Burr
1992 Ed Hightower
1991 Don Rutledge
1990 Mickey Crowley
1989 John Clougherty
1988 Joe Forte
For more information, visit www.naismithawards.com.
ABOUT THE ATLANTA TIPOFF CLUB
The Atlanta Tipoff Club, an Atlanta Sports Council property, is committed to promoting the game of
basketball and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of those who make the game so
exciting. The Atlanta Tipoff Club, founded during the 1956-57 season, has presented the Naismith
Trophy every year since UCLA’s Lew Alcindor first won the award in 1969. Old Dominion’s Anne
Donovan won the inaugural Women’s Naismith Trophy in 1983.
The Naismith Award has become the most prestigious award in all of college basketball, recognizing
the Men’s and Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year, Men’s and Women’s College
Basketball Coach of the Year, as well as awards for outstanding achievement in high school
basketball, officiating, and contribution to the game.
