Springfield resident Bob Hickey (center, white hat) was the referee for the PIAA Class 6A football final in Hershey earlier this month. Joining Hickey on the championship game crew were, from left, Tom Dougherty, Joel Barrish, Mike Terlesky, Chris Deroba, Kevin Pollock of Broomall and Ed Burke. Courtesy of Douglas R. Hill
By Harry Chaykun
Springfield resident Bob Hickey saw the name Deb Rosenberger come up on his phone at the beginning of the week in which the PIAA football championship games were being held in Hershey earlier this month.
“I’ve been a referee on a state crew for five years,” said Hickey, whose football playing career began as an 8-year-old with the Springfield Boys Club. “I knew the PIAA didn’t call you unless you were getting a game.”
Hickey needed some time to compose himself when he was informed that his crew’s state final assignment would be the first PIAA Class 6A title contest.
Hickey was the referee for St. Joseph’s Prep’s win over Pittsburgh Central Catholic, working with a crew that included umpire Mike Terleksy of Ambler, linesman Chris Deroba of Coatesville, line judge Joel Barrish of Horsham, back judge Tom Dougherty of Warrington, side judge Ed Burke of Elkins Park, and field judge Kevin Pollock of Broomall, who played football at Lansdowne-Aldan High under coach Don Cornman.
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