WEXFORD, Pa. – Gene Steratore Jr., a 28-year officiating veteran who currently serves as a referee in the National Football League (NFL), will serve as the PAC Coordinator of Football Officiating in his role as head of the Tri-State officials association, beginning in the 2011 season. He replaces Ed Manning, who retired following the 2010 season after 11 years in the position.
“We are thrilled to have Gene return to the PAC and the Tri-State, where he started his officiating career nearly three decades ago, in this leadership capacity,” said PAC Executive Director Joe Onderko. “He clearly has reached the pinnacle of his profession as one of the most highly respected referees in the NFL and will provide excellent leadership, supervision and mentoring to our football officials. I look forward to working with him in the 2011 season and beyond.”
Steratore Jr., becomes just the fourth leader of the PAC and Tri-State football officials in the 55-year history of both organizations. After being founded by Dave Fawcett, who led the group from the PAC’s founding in 1955 to 1977, the PAC/Tri-State football officials were led by Gene’s father, Gene Steratore Sr., from 1977-2000.
“It is with great pride that I assume the position as Supervisor of the Tri State Officials Association,” said Steratore, Jr. “I have had the honor to be part of the Association for a span of 40 years, an active member for 25 years. This Association has helped hundreds of football officials enjoy the experience of officiating college football. It has aided in the advancement of many to the Division I level and the NFL. I am very pleased to take this opportunity and continue such a great tradition.”
Steratore Jr. began officiating in 1983 and began a 15-year span working college games in the NCAA in 1987. He was hired by the NFL in 2003 and is beginning his ninth season as a professional football official. He has one adult daughter and two adult sons and resides in Washington, Pa.
Founded in 1955, the Presidents’ Athletic Conference continues its mission of promoting intercollegiate athletics and the pursuit of academic excellence. Consisting of 10 select private institutions in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky, the PAC remains a unique organization in this day of high pressure intercollegiate athletics. With academics at the center of each member’s philosophy, the PAC is built on the principle that an athletic program is a part of college life, but not an entity in itself. The PAC annually crowns champions in 19 sports (10 men, nine women).
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