Football refs focus of Buffalo Commons First Tuesday
Football Refs. We love 'em! We love to hate 'em!
Veteran football referees, Paul Wood, Brian Esch and Dale Lortz will be featured at the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival "First Tuesday" event at the Bieroc Café, at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Everyone is invited.
"I have refereed for a long time," says Wood. "There is nothing like working with second- and third-generation athletes. A lot of young people eclipse their dads. However, it is amazing how much they remind me of the family talent. There is nothing like having the old man's blazing speed or long punt," Wood continued.
"It's my way of giving back to the community," Esch said. "I enjoy the rhythm of a well-played game." He also feels like there is nothing like being part of the athletic tradition of many area schools. "It just reminds me of what a great opportunity it is to live in Southwest Nebraska," Esch concluded.
Dale Lortz sees being a referee from the perspective of a coach and a ref; he has done both. "Both roles require you to do the best job you can, and even when you do, you don't necessarily get much love," Lortz says.
"It's fun, though and I have some great memories."
Everyone is welcome to join Paul, Brian and Dale at the Bieroc Café this Tuesday. "This promises to be our best First Tuesday even yet," says Cloyd Clark, co-chair of Buffalo Commons. "These guys are at the center of highly emotional competition which always gives rise to great stories."
If you have a story about a referee bring it to the Bieroc this Tuesday.
The Buffalo Commons' motto is that "Our stories are our most important treasure" and they deserve to be told to our families and community. There is no charge for the event, and there will be refreshments and treats for sale for those interested.
The First Tuesday event is the fourth of a series through the year featuring different topics and storytellers. The public is invited