Stahl makes NCAA Division I debut

OMAHA, Neb. - Marion's Rick Stahl described it as the Super Bowl for wrestling officials.

It's the prized assignment. One Stahl says takes a long time to earn, serving 23 years as a referee before he got the chance.

Stahl is getting his chance to call matches at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships at the Qwest Center.

He's officiated in 11 NCAA Division III national tournaments and two at the Division II level. This is his first at in the premiere ranks.

“Finally I get my opportunity here,” Stahl said. “It's an honor and a privilege.”

A committee that met last spring votes on the top 20 referees. Stahl's previous work was noticed, leading to his selection.

“This year my name was thrown out there based on my past performance at other national tournaments,” said Stahl, noting that six to nine evaluators give him 12 to 15 evaluations after each session critiquing or praising his performance or mechanics. “They voted on giving me the opportunity.”

Stahl, a Bettendorf native and former Central College wrestler, can be seen at a number of wrestling events in Eastern Iowa, including high school and college events at various levels. The approach is consistent - call a fair match no matter who steps to the line for competition.

“The main thing is we want to go out there, as officials, and do what's best for the kids,” Stahl said. “Just call a great match no matter who's in the corner.”

The action is just as intense to a referee as anyone. A solid official has to be focused and confident, blocking out the reaction, and general noise, from the crowd and coaches.

“It's a lot of pressure,” Stahl said. “You really have to go out and not be too nervous.”

Stahl said his first experience has been very intense and occasionally draining.

“Every point counts,” Stahl said. “The parity is enormous. There's not that much difference between a lot of these kids.

“These guys are the stallions of our sport. It's so cool. Everyone of these kids is so good.”