Hank Stillman

yde · March 02, 2014, 08:11:36 AM

Here is a shout out to Hank Stillman. I was told it was his 40th State tournament as a ref. I still think he is one of the best. Congratulations Hank! Jay Yde

Ghetto · March 02, 2014, 09:10:15 AM

I talked to Mr Stillman at the team sectional. You are correct, his first state tournament was 1974. I held back and didn't tell him I was 2 years old in 1974.

He is still calm and collected after all these years. Plus he can't hear coaches complain out of his bad ear, which has probably helped his longevity.

woody53 · March 02, 2014, 09:22:51 AM

Hanks been there as long as I can remember. I started as a Mat Runner in 76' and have been there ever since. Funny story on Thursday. I needed to go back out to my truck for a few items, just as Hank was getting there. We entered together and ran into an "Authority Figure" who had not seen what the Meet Personnel passes looked like. He was not letting us in. Finally we were able to convince him to escort us down to the floor so that we might get approved. The CSC guy asked Labecki if we are part of the WIAA group. Of course his answer was "No" The guy wanted to take us back out.
Hank is a gem.

MarkK · March 02, 2014, 11:03:03 AM

That's great I commend him on his commitment to the sport

imnofish · March 02, 2014, 11:52:07 AM

That's great to see that level of commitment, which is beneficial to the sport, IMO. My old high school coach started back in the early 60's, switched to reffing in the mid 70's, and still helps with State Tournament weigh-ins (in Illinois). Staying involved has been good for him and they need the help down there.

woody53 · March 02, 2014, 12:09:23 PM

Thats cool fish. My High School Coach helped with the tournament in the 70's. Got me into it. And now helps me here, with the weigh-ins. Although this was his last year.

DrWhargoul · March 02, 2014, 12:14:53 PM

He was always my favorite when I was wrestling. The only official I've ever known by name. Always loved it when he'd do the long whistle blow with the slow wind up on his pin calls.

imnofish · March 02, 2014, 01:21:25 PM

Quote from: woody53 on March 02, 2014, 12:09:23 PM
Thats cool fish. My High School Coach helped with the tournament in the 70's. Got me into it. And now helps me here, with the weigh-ins. Although this was his last year.

Sounds like you and I were lucky to have their leadership to follow. My coach also coached me for a year in college. Those guys are the role models we all should seek to emulate.