Veteran Official Todd Olinger Completes Goal of Working 3 State Championships

Galesburg High School graduate officiated the Illinois boys basketball state finals for the third time this past March.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:07pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in bold neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes conveying the kinetic energy and emotion of a high school basketball game.The electric atmosphere and unbridled passion of high school basketball officiating take center stage in this dynamic artistic interpretation.Galesburg Today

Todd Olinger, a Galesburg High School graduate, has served as a sports official for 35 years, working a variety of sports. This past March, Olinger was rewarded for his service and ability by being assigned by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to work one of the State Championship games, the top honor for a basketball official.

Why it matters

There is a shortage of referees throughout America, endangering the continuation of high school sports. Olinger's dedication to officiating over the past 35 years, including reaching the pinnacle of working the state championship game three times, is an inspiring story that highlights the importance of officials to high school athletics.

The details

Olinger initially got into officiating in 1991 after being encouraged by fellow GHS graduate Bob Bainter. He started umpiring little league baseball, youth soccer, and wrestling before falling in love with basketball officiating. Olinger worked his way up, transitioning from a two-official to a three-official crew, and formed long-standing crews with other veteran officials. After working his first state tournament in 2023, Olinger reached his goal of working the state finals three times, with this past March's tournament being his favorite.

  • Olinger graduated from Galesburg High School in 1991.
  • Olinger started officiating in 1991 after being encouraged by Bob Bainter.
  • Olinger worked his first boys' state tournament assignment in 2023.
  • Olinger worked the state tournament again in 2024 and 2026.
  • The 2026 state tournament this past March was Olinger's third and final time working the state finals, per IHSA rules.

The players

Todd Olinger

A 1991 Galesburg High School graduate who has served as a sports official for 35 years, working a variety of sports including baseball and basketball. He reached the pinnacle of his officiating career by working the Illinois boys basketball state finals three times.

Bob Bainter

A fellow 1991 Galesburg High School graduate who encouraged Olinger to get into officiating, starting with little league baseball, youth soccer, and wrestling before Olinger fell in love with basketball officiating.

Joe Thompson

An official that Olinger worked with as the IHSA transitioned from using 2 officials to 3 in basketball games.

Dave Hancock

An official that Olinger worked with as the IHSA transitioned from using 2 officials to 3 in basketball games.

Larry Allen

An official that Olinger formed a crew with for several years until Allen's retirement around 2015.

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What they’re saying

“Just do what got you here. Do what you've always done and treat it like any other game and you'll be fine. It's that same game just on a bigger stage.”

— IHSA Official Coordinator

What’s next

Olinger plans to officiate again next year, but after that, he will have to reevaluate whether he continues officiating basketball games.

The takeaway

Olinger's dedication to officiating over the past 35 years, including reaching the pinnacle of working the state championship game three times, is an inspiring story that highlights the importance of officials to high school athletics during a time of referee shortages nationwide.