HISTORY OF BOARD 210

The history of the Kitchener Basketball Officials began as far back as 1941-42 with two members, Lou Smith and Wayne Lohnes. Wayne was only in grade ten at the time and there were only four high schools serviced in the area; Kitchener Collegiate Institute, Galt C.I., Brantford C.I. and Guelph C.I. Early on in the 1950's, this group grew to 8 or 9 officials and became affiliated with the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials known as IAABO. This was when the Ontario Board #102 came into existence as the only IAABO board in Ontario and one with the largest geographical area. Many KW individuals came and went until the Ministry of Education amalgamated the local boards of education into the Waterloo County Public Board of Education and the Waterloo Catholic Board of Education in 1969, resulting in the need for a stronger association to service the growing number of high schools in the area. This gave way to a more formal structure for our local officials' association with an elected executive committee being established. In 1973 -74, KW received their own IAABO charter becoming Board 210.

Since that time, we have had sixteen presidents starting with Jim McKinley, Terry McLeod, Dave Lane, Fred Curren, Wayne Bucholtz, John Kaufman, Mick Kozlowski, Ian Dewar, Dave Potje, Allan Bush, Karen Mowbray, Tina Eden, Don Thorne, Neil Swayze and currently, Bill Milks. Wayne Lohnes was our first assignor for many years in the 50's and early 60's. There have been only seven individuals who have held this position including Jim Voisin, Larry Porter, Orv Getz, Jim Swartz, Dave Potje and presently, Don James.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Basketball Officials Association (KWBOA) is affiliated with the Ontario Association of Basketball Officials (OABO), the Canadian Basketball Officials Commission (CBOC), the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO), as well as, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). KWBOA's purpose is to train and educate basketball officials for our local area; to maintain the highest standard of basketball officiating and to promote the development of the sport locally with the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), the Huron-Perth and Avon-Maitland School Boards. Our association services the above high school leagues, as well as, men's, women's and youth city recreational basketball and OBA club teams.

 

COMMUNITY AWARDS

 

Our association has two COMMUNITY AWARDS that are handed out to deserving players, coaches or individuals who contribute to the betterment of the game of basketball in our service area over the years. Our first award is named after a talented, young athlete; MIKE MOSER, who excelled as a player but also, brought much more to the game with his sportsmanship, determination and 'never-give-up' attitude. With his sudden passing during an exhibition tour down in Florida in 1975, our association dedicated this award to a high school player from the area who exemplified these traits. This award is given annually, along with a $500.00 scholarship towards furthering this student's education. Over the last few years, the following athletes have been awarded this honour...

2010 - Melissa Bowden from Resurrection C.H.S. from the District 8 league

2009 - Nadia Qahwash from Grand River C.I. from the WCSSAA league

2008 -  Jack Fleming from Cameron Heights C.I. from the WCSSAA league

2007 - Rebecca Moss from Bluevale C.I. from the WCSSAA league

2006 - Kyle Mack from Waterloo C.I. from the WCSSAA league

2005 - Teddi Firmi from Grand River C.I. from the WCSSAA league

2004 - Amanda Richards from St. Benedicts Catholic High School & Robyn Farrow from Rockway Mennonite from the District 8 league

 

Our second award began as the MAN OF THE YEAR given to a coach, organizer or individual who has contributed over the years to the local basketball scene. Recently, the name has been changed to reflect the more inclusive nature of the award. Our award is named after Bill 'Skip' Johns - a local sports reporter for the Record who covered local high school sports since 1973. It was awarded to him in 2005. This year, 2010, the award was presented to Wendy Buckley, a local coach at Preston H.S. and organizer for the KW Youth Basketball league. Wendy also assists with the Court Heinbuch senior boys tournament in November each year. Previous award winners include Don McCrae, (the first recipient of the award)  coached at Forest Heights C.I. and University of Waterloo, Roy Dahl (2009) coached at Bluevale and organizer for KW Lightning, founder of Naismith Sports Camp.  Bob Hannah  coached at KCI who was known to us all as "Mr. Basketball" and Court Heinbuch - coached at Cameron Heights. As well, a long time official with our association, Norm Green received recognition for his many years officiating.  This award is not given out annually but only as an individual illustrates the contributions through their efforts on development of players and growth of basketball  in  the local basketball scene.