Hanging up the whistle

SUBMITTED PHOTO
Veteran official Virgil Freeman is honored before his final high school basketball game as an official Friday, Feb. 20 at Maryville High School. Freeman started officiating in 1973 and retired following the Maryville boys’ season finale, hanging up his whistle after 40 years.

It all started early in the winter of 1973.

Virgil Freeman received a phone call from two experienced basketball officials with a request. They wanted Freeman to help officiate a junior varsity game at North Platte High School. He would work the first half with one of the experienced officials and the second half with the other. The two veteran referees would work the varsity game.

After that night, Freeman was hooked.

Freeman’s mentors that night suggested he get his official’s license. He took their advice.

On a Friday night in late February, Freeman worked with two other officials at the Maryville gym. It was a close game decided in the last seconds. It ended without controversy. Suddenly, after 40 basketball seasons, it was over.

Freeman hung up his whistle and retired.

“I never had so much fun working with the guys and gals,” Freeman said. “It was great working with the different administrators, too. I have been very fortunate with all the people. I don’t remember anyone hating me. It’s been a fun deal.”

Over the course of the past 40 years, Freeman has worked both high school and college games. He has worked both male and female basketball games.

Freeman spent time officiating in the MIAA Conference. He started with the men and ended doing women’s games. Bob Thorpe, an official from St. Joseph, was a regular member of his crew. He also worked often with longtime Northwest Missouri official, Bob Lade.

His friends wouldn’t let Freeman blow the whistle for the last time without throwing a retirement party. Twenty or so of his fellow officials got together after the Maryville game on Feb. 20.

“It was a fun evening,” Freeman said.

Most officials can tell many stories from their experiences. That Friday night even added a new story for Freeman. Just before halftime, a Maryville guard came charging past half court and right at Freeman. With nowhere to go, the player and Freeman got tangled both went down on the floor.

“It was the first time I ever remembered being on the floor,” Freeman said. “I landed right on him. I was worried about him. I kept asking him if he was alright.”

The player was soon back in the game, but the contact didn’t allow Freeman to play favorites. It didn’t take long for Freeman to call a foul on the player.

Certain events for officials are memorable.

“The first T (technical foul) sticks in my mind,” Freeman said. “Lathrop and Kearney were playing for a championship and Kearney was the home school. The place was jammed. They were in a battle when the Lathrop coach came storming on the floor. He said the other official missed a call.

“I asked him if he knew where he was at. He said he was in Kearney and I asked him if he knew where he was on the floor. He said he was standing by me. I had to give him a T.”

Freeman’s hair is grayer than when he started and he might not be quite as quick.

“The three-person mechanics have helped me,” Freeman said. “I don’t have to run as much.”

Don’t think Freeman is leaving the game because of his physical condition after 40 years of pounding up and down the court.

“All the years have kept me in great shape,” Freeman said. “I’m at my high school weight. It’s kept my health. I’m as healthy as I can be.”