Official
When Darrell Lenz met with the captains before a game, he reminded them, “We are here to help you play your game.” Lenz started as a coach, but when he gave up the coach’s clipboard for the administrator’s desk, he held onto the whistle. Starting in 1964, Lenz embarked on a 42-year career of officiating high school and junior high football and basketball in Nebraska. He officiated 26 playoff football games as well as numerous district and regional basketball contests. He mentored new officials he brought on to his crew, stressing that they were part of the team. He developed a deep understanding of the rules, which he studied constantly throughout his many seasons.
