08/18/2022
BSN: MID COAST OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION SET TO INDUCT FIVE MEMBERS INTO INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME CLASS SATURDAY NIGHT:
For nearly 50 years Mid Coast Officials Association Referees and Umpires have been keeping student athletes safe and the games they play well officiated.
On Saturday night, the MCOA will induct their first Hall Of Fame Class of five members.
The inductees are, Dave McGuiness, Bob Walton, Mike Pressman, Fred Reese and being inducted posthumously will be Jim Thompson.
The ceremony is set to take place at the Elks Lodge in Cocoa Village with guest speakers and the inductees in attendance.
Jim Thompson will be represented by members of his family.
MCOA President Steve Muzzy said, “This is an event that is long overdue and there isn’t a better group of five individuals that should represent our first class than the men being inducted on Saturday night.”
“Myself and the others that had a hand in making this event become a reality are extremely proud of what we do on the fields and courts of play and we are happy that we finally get to start honoring those that gave so much back doing a job where praise and thanks is a rarity.”
Brevard Sports Network will be on hand to conduct red carpet interviews with the inductees and our very own Alan Zlotorzynski is the emcee for the event.
CLASS OF 2022 MCOA
JIM THOMPSON (POSTHUMOUSLY)
SPORTS: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Basketball, Softball & Volleyball
Years of services: 50+
One of 3 founding fathers of the Brevard Officials Assn (BOA), which after one year became the MCOA.
Served as Basketball Commissioner (2 years), Football Commissioner (1 Year) and Vice President (1 year).
Jim had a 48-year career with the FHSAA from 1956 to 2016 and Jim was Mr. State Championship as he worked nine Final games in baseball, 12 Boys and Girls Basketball Finals as well as six Football Finals and one Softball Final.
Jim was also instrumental in the founding of the MCOA – along with two other official’s associations in the Central Florida region. His involvement extended beyond the Central Florida area to the national level. Jim served as President of the NFIOA and served on the NFHS baseball rules committee for six years.
In 1997 Jim as named the NFHS/Florida Baseball Assn-Baseball Official of the Year amd in 2000 was presented with the NFHS Section 3-Distinguished Active Official Award.
In 2017, Jim was Inducted into the Space Coast Hall of Fame. He also was inducted into the National Federation Hall of Fame.
Beyond his impressive on the field accomplishments, it is his impact off the field and court that made the biggest impact. He is widely recognized by so many for the mentoring, support and example he set as a sports official.
He served with integrity, humility, and always had a kind encouraging word for the newest and most veteran officials.
Legend also has it that “MCOA bear” seen in past logos was in tribute to Jim.
DAVE MCGUINESS: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Softball
Years of services – Football official for 25 years, Baseball official for 25 years, Basketball official for 25 years, Volleyball official 10 years, and Softball 10 years.
Dave was commissioner of Baseball for over 20 years of his service with the MCOA. In addition, Dave served the MCOA as commissioner for volleyball for most years of his service in that sport.
Dave worked 15 state championship games in baseball – not to mention all of the playoff games leading up to the state championship. Dave also worked many football state playoff games to the include the state championship.
Dave also was a leader in every respect for the MCOA well beyond his already impressive sport related accomplishments. He served as President of the MCOA for multiple years.
In addition, Dave served as the secretary of the MCOA. Dave was constantly advocating for the MCOA during his time and recruited numerous outstanding officials. Dave was the chairman of the MCOA “almost annual” golf tournament which raised money for the schools and the St. John Scholarship fund.
Dave also was recognized by the NFIOA for his service at a Washington DC ceremony in 1995
One of Dave’s favorite memories was when he officiated volleyball with his daughter Kelly.
FRED REESE
Sports: Boys soccer, Girls soccer
MCOA member 38years , 28 years as MCOA Soccer commissioner, 2 years as MCOA President
Due to Fred’s leadership, MCOA and Brevard have the reputation as having some of the best soccer referees in the state.
MCOA received many, many state playoff assignments to regionals and the state finals series during Fred’s tenure. Fred always emphasized Training with Field Clinics and he was always fair, respected, and well liked among the soccer referee community.
Fred was named the FHSAA Soccer state high school Referee of The Year on multiple occasions and he also refereed club games and received the distinction of earning a State Level Badge
BOB WALTON
Sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball: Early Years Included Volleyball (1 Year), Slow Pitch Softball (3 years)
Years Of Services 35, Secretary Of MCOA (1 Year), Baseball Commissioner (7 Years)
In Baseball Bob was names the NFHS/Florida Baseball Association-Baseball Official Of The Year in 1997
He captured the NFHS Section 3-Distinguished Active Official Award in 2000 and was inducted Into The Space Coast Sports Hall Of Fame in 2017.
Bob has been a part of Multiple State Championship Crews.
MIKE PRESSMAN
Football, MCOA General Officer
Treasurer 22 Years
If you are interested in attending tickets are still available.
MCOA Hall of Fame Banquet and Ceremony, Saturday, August 20
Elks Lodge, Cocoa Village, FL
315 Florida Ave
Cocoa, Florida 32922
321-631-1434
Cost $10 per person
Menu: Spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, garlic bread, dessert
Menu: VEGETARIAN option available
Cash bar
Social Hour: 5-6, time for old friends to catch up
Dinner 6-7
Ceremony 7:00
