Ransom honored by IAABO International

By: George McAuliffe

Greg Ransom, Secretary of IAABO Board 173 Greater St. Louis, was honored by IAABO International at the joint meeting of the St. Louis Officials Association and IAABO 173, held at DeSmet HS on November 9, 2011. The award was presented by IAABO International’s Executive Director Tom Lopes, who visited St. Louis for the occasion.

Mr. Lopes recognized the outstanding service Greg has provided to basketball officiating, and to the growth of IAABO, throughout his tenure as Secretary. Greg helped to found the St. Louis Board and has been a member for over 25 years. His contributions to the organization’s growth include leadership roles in creating the IAABO Jamboree (the organization’s week long training camp), the Junior IAABO League, the IAABO Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Sportsmanship Awards, and the Official’s Development Program. In his scheduling role his high standards have led to continuous growth in opportunities for our officials in the GAC, Metro Catholic, and AAA Conferences, as well as the numerous prestigious tournaments that IAABO members referee throughout the year.

His tireless efforts on behalf of IAABO continue off the court. Greg represents IAABO in his service as Volunteer Chair for Greater St. Louis Coaches vs Cancer, which features an annual tournament with national participation, held this year at the Savvis Center. His leadership in this role, as well as a founding member of the IAABO Scholarship Fund, has resulted in the raising of tens of thousands of dollars for worthy causes.

Greg Ransom has made great contributions to improving the quality of St. Louis basketball. On behalf of the members of IAABO 173 we congratulate him on this well earned honor.

Information about IAABO 173 award winners, and how to nominate candidates for future awards.