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Local officials bring decades of experience to the court
HARTINGTON — While players and coaches often take center stage, a group of veteran officials has quietly helped keep high school basketball running smoothly across northeast Nebraska for decades.
Corey Uldrich, Chad Cattau, Landon Jansen and Derrick Leise bring a combined 77 years of officiating experience to the court, working games throughout the region and across the state, including postseason contests.
The officials not only work games, but also coordinate assignments to ensure coverage.
“When I get a contract, I send the information to Corey and he puts it on a spreadsheet,” Leise said. “Then we communicate throughout the season to make sure three of us get to each game.”
Uldrich, who graduated from Allen High School in 2004, got his start following his father, Dave Uldrich, and longtime officials Blair Kalin and Greg Conn.
“I went around with my dad, Blair Kalin and Greg Conn and caught the bug to officiate myself,” Uldrich said.
Kalin, of Hartington, and Conn, of Wausa, were longtime officials who mentored younger referees as they entered the profession.
Uldrich said one of his favorite memories came early in his career.
“It was my favorite memory of officiating back in 2007,” he said. “Blair asked me to help officiate the Hartington Public Booster Club tournament, and that’s where I met my future wife.”
Another highlight came when he worked his first state tournament in 2012.
“When we left the floor during warmups, one of my partners looked at me and said, ‘I can’t feel my legs,’” Uldrich said. “The nervous energy was real.”
All four officials said relationships are the primary reason they continue officiating.
Each cited connections with fellow officials, school administrators, coaches and players as the most rewarding aspect of the job.
Cattau began officiating in 2007 after the birth of his son and balances it with his duties as principal, activities director and head football coach at Cedar Catholic.
“At the time I started, Blair Kalin convinced me they needed help to fill contracts, so I registered,” Cattau said. “My first varsity game was with Dave Uldrich at Butte.”
Cattau has since worked four state tournaments, along with numerous district and subdistrict games.
Jansen recently completed his 20th year of officiating. A former Coleridge player, he has worked six district finals and four state tournaments.
“My favorite memories are running with other officials and the camaraderie,” Jansen said. “It’s like being part of a fraternity.”
Leise, now in his 17th year, said mentorship played a key role in his development.
“Dave Uldrich, Blair Kalin and Chad Cattau got me started and have helped me tremendously,” Leise said.
“They’ve taught me how to handle stressful situations and the importance of communication.”
Leise recalled a memorable moment from last year’s state tournament.
“I was officiating the Omaha Skutt game where a player hit a three-quarter court shot that made ESPN’s SportsCenter,” he said. “It was pretty neat to be part of that.”
He also values sharing the experience with his family.
“I like to take my boys to games so they can see both the good nights and the bad,” Leise said. “It’s a good lesson in handling mistakes and continuing to improve.”
Leise officiated his first state title game this season, working the Class C2 title game between Archbishop Bergan and Norfolk Catholic.
A younger group of officials is now joining the ranks, including Riley Arens and Myles Thoene.
Thoene began officiating five years ago while in college after being encouraged by veteran official Rich Rethwisch of Wayne.
“I always talked to him on the court when I played,” Thoene said. “He and others have helped me learn what it takes to be a good official.”
Arens said he was encouraged to start officiating by Cattau and Mike Johnson.
“I enjoy meeting people in different communities and staying involved in the game,” Arens said. “It’s a way to give back to a sport I enjoyed playing.”
