Bob Resch, a football official since 2017, was named the 2023 winner of the McMillan-Hurst Award presented by the Lancaster Chapter of PIAA Football Officials to its top official.
The award has been given annually since 1961 to an official who demonstrates good officiating techniques, has a good understanding of the rules and has helped improve the caliber of officiating in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. It is named in honor of Ken McMillan and H. Grant "Tick" Hurst, winner of the George W. Kirchner Award in 1987.
A head linesman, Resch has taken action in the chapter's recruitment efforts and has been an advocate for soliciting new officials by attending team's meetings, end-of-season banquets and other school sporting events.
He currently coordinates the chapter's Young Official Program by mentoring and assisting teenage officials working youth football games. He also has spearheaded efforts to seek equipment and uniforms from veteran officials to trim the initial expenses of newer officials. He was just elected chapter vice president, a position that usually leads to chapter president.
He and his wife, Dorie, recently retired from their jobs as primary managers/owners of Bomberger's Store in Lititz.
Resch said he was honored and humbled by the award from his peers.
Resch, right in photo, received the award from Ron Esh, last year's winner, at the chapter's annual banquet.
-- Nov. 7, 2023
2022 McMillan-Hurst Award winner