Naismith College Officials of the Year Announced
John Cahill and Tina Napier Recognized by The Atlanta Tipoff Club

ATLANTA (March 13, 2007) – John Cahill and Tina Napier were named the Naismith Men’s and Women’s College Officials of the Year, respectively, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today. The Naismith Award, presented annually to the Men’s and Women’s College Officials of the Year, is the most prestigious national award in college basketball. Cahill and Napier will be honored at the Naismith Awards banquet on April 5 in Atlanta.

Cahill and Napier were selected by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors, a collection of basketball officials and administrators from around the country, based on their performances in officiating this season. 

“As college basketball becomes more and more competitive, that only increases the intense scrutiny around the officials,” said Gary Stokan, Atlanta Tipoff Club president. “These two individuals have worked extremely hard to contribute mightily to the success of the game and for that we are proud to recognize their efforts.”

A 30-year veteran as Division I men’s basketball official, Cahill has been a part of every NCAA tournament since 1993. One of the most recognizable officials in the country, Cahill primarily works Big East Conference games.  He also officiates in the America East, Atlantic 10, Atlantic Coast, Big 10, Ivy League, Metro-Atlantic, Northeast, Patriot and Southeastern conferences.  Cahill has officiated in the NCAA tournament every year since 1993, including the Final Four in 1998, 1999 and 2000, and NCAA championship games in 1995, 2005 and 2006.  When not officiating Cahill is a practicing attorney specializing in real estate law.

A women’s basketball official for more than 12 years, Napier currently works Atlantic 10, Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big 10, Big 12, Conference USA, Horizon, Mid-American, Mid-Continent, Missouri Valley and Southeastern conferences.  She worked the Final Four in 2004 and 2005, as well as the NCAA Championship in 2006.  Napier has also worked as a WNBA official the past seven seasons and was recognized for “Outstanding Performance” during the 2006 WNBA season. She officiated the 2005 WNBA All-Star Game and the 2006 WNBA Championship game. Napier lives by the mantra, "Failure to prepare, is preparing to fail".

The Naismith Award for Men’s and Women’s College Officials of the Year has been presented since 1988. Last year’s recipients were Steve Welmer (Men’s College Official of the Year) and Joe Cunningham (Women’s College Official of the Year).

Contact:

Eric Oberman
Atlanta Tipoff Club
(404) 586-8506
eoberman@macoc.com