Summary

In this episode of the From A to Zebra podcast, hosts Dana Pappas and Nate Acosta engage with Mark Stroia, a seasoned official with over 35 years of experience across multiple sports. The conversation delves into the transformative nature of officiating, exploring Mark's journey from a three-sport athlete to a dedicated official and educator. The discussion highlights the importance of balancing officiating with family life, the rewards and challenges of being a multi-sport official, and the critical role of mentorship in recruiting the next generation of officials. Mark shares personal anecdotes that illustrate the emotional connection to officiating and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Officiating and Mark's Journey

07:26 Balancing Officiating with Family and Career

11:52 Teaching and Officiating: A Shared Skillset

13:55 Rewards and Challenges of Being a Three-Sport Official

18:22 The Value of Officiating: Income and Recruitment

23:30 Transformative Power of Officiating

25:29 The Transition from Sports to Life After Competition

27:48 The Reality of Student Athletes' Futures

29:17 The Transformative Power of Officiating

31:30 Mentorship and Growth in Officiating

38:15 Recruiting and Retaining New Officials

43:04 Educating, Elevating, and Exciting Future Officials

46:35 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4