Hey Ref! Are You Blind?

Sam, Ben, and Jim are 3 high school basketball referees who have been on the road. With over 18 seasons, the guys have seen it all. The people, the kids, the towns, the fans, and especially each other. The guys will bring you the highs and lows of being a referee.

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Meet Our Hosts

Ben

Ben Applegate is in his 19th season of officiating basketball following three seasons of coaching at the high school level.  He has been fortunate enough to ref several Iowa boys’ and girls’ state championships in his career.  His day-to-day life is spent as a CPA, owning his own tax business (Applegate Tax & Accounting) with offices in Waukee and Winterset.  He is married to Angie and his spare time is spent following his two daughters around to their activities – Lily is a senior and a three-time All-State Chorus selection; Neela is a junior and an All-State Softball player with back to back state championships!  He loves following the LA Dodgers and Iowa Hawkeyes!

Jim

    Jim Crozier has been a High School Basketball Official for 27 years. He currently works as a school teacher and the Athletic Director at Melcher-Dallas Community Schools. He is married to his wife Lisa, and they have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. In his free time he loves to watch sporting events, travel and spent time with family and friends.

    Sam

    Sam Anker is a dedicated individual with a decade of experience officiating basketball. Graduating from ISU in 2010, Sam’s journey began as a football player for the university, showcasing his passion for sports. Alongside his supportive wife Missy and their three boys, Sam finds joy in coaching and enthusiastically watching his children participate in youth sports. Beyond the court, Sam is an avid fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and Iowa State Cyclones.

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