Walsh to be inducted into IBCA Hall of Fame

[December 02, 2019]  Long-time basketball referee Pat Walsh of Mount Pulaski was very surprised on Friday night. During a break in the action of the Bill Rucks Tournament the public address announcer called him to center court of the Ed Butkovich Gymnasium. Walsh had no idea he was about to be recognized by the crowd for his upcoming induction into the Officials Hall of Fame by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.

Tri-City Coach Steve Dilley, a member of the Board of Directors for the IBCA, and Mount Pulaski coach Ryan Deibert were on hand to congratulate Walsh and present him with a plaque at center court.

Walsh has been an official in the state of Illinois for 32 years. His officiating career includes:

- nine years at the Bill Rucks Tournament
- 10 years at the Clinton Holiday Tournament
- 12 years at the St. Teresa Holiday Tournament
- 15 years at the Macon County Tournament
- 20 years at the Sangamon County Tournament
- 23 years at the Williamsville Holiday Tournament

Walsh has also worked 25 Regionals, 18 Sectionals, six Super-Sectionals and three State Tournaments.

He is the only official to both officiate and play in a state championship game. Walsh was a member of the Mount Pulaski Hilltoppers Basketball Team that lost to McLeansboro in the 1984 Class A State Championship.

Walsh makes his home in Mount Pulaski with his wife, Jo Ellen. They have two children, Karilyn and Brady.

Walsh will be honored on May 2, 2020 at Redbird Arena in Normal at the IBCA Hall of Fame Banquet.

[Teena Lowery]