Vicarel successful, officially

By Greg Gulas

BOARDMAN — As the area readies itself for the unveiling of a record-setting 17 playoff teams this weekend, local prep football official John Vicarel is also getting ready for the postseason by preparing for his 24th tourney assignment in the past quarter century.

Speaking to the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s weekly luncheon meeting at the Blue Wolf Banquet Center, the Ursuline High and YSU graduate still gets goosebumps this time of year — more so before the initial kickoff that signals the start of opening round play.

“If you are an official in any sport and are lucky enough to be selected to work the postseason, then the playoffs are a very special time for you. With 17 teams from our area making it beyond the regular season, we really have something to be proud of.

“The fact that we have a local representative in all divisions makes it all the more special as well.”

With nearly 500 games worked to date and documented on his lengthy resume, Vicarel, a referee, noted this year was special for him because of the 15 games that he officiated, 14 featured teams going to this year’s tourney. Six games featured two playoff teams.

“Every game I work is fun but at the same time, you cannot take anything for granted. You must always be prepared and in position on every single play,” he said.

It’s easy to understand why Vicarel wanted to don the pinstripes and become an official.

His father, Fred, was a well-respected grid official locally for 48 years before retiring in 1994.

As the Northeast District secretary for more than three decades, his father’s association with the Ohio High School Athletic Association spans six decades. At age 81, Fred shows no sign of slowing down.

“My father has always been a big influence on me,” John said. “Early in my career I carried the sticks on the sidelines, and if it meant doing that in order to see the top game in the area then I was content with that assignment.

“My father, however, helped me understand rather quickly that I was to go where I was needed most; not necessarily getting to see the best game in town that particular night. I got his drift immediately, the information sunk in quickly and to this day, I am eternally thankful for that advice.”

Vicarel has worked several state championship games. The many notable players he has officiated and the many high-profile coaches who have questioned one of his calls has been the real experience for him.

“Having Bart Starr on the sidelines watching the game that you are officiating is humbling,” he said. “As I look back, little did I know then but while working a Canton McKinley game many years ago, their ball boy was a young Josh McDaniels — currently the head coach of the Denver Broncos.

“Had it not been for my time spent as a football official, I would never have met the many great people that have touched my life in some small way over the years.”

With 28 of the 130 officials that currently comprise the Youngstown District Football Officials Association drawing postseason assignments, it’s safe to say that this has been a very good season for local officials when passing out postseason assignments.

Next week, middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik will be the guest speaker.