Some of the best officials in the state hail from Northern Kentucky and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association has taken notice.
Two officials from Northern Kentucky have been named Outstanding Officials of the Year while two others were finalists for the awards.
Daniel Brummett was named the 2025-26 Outstanding official in football in January while Kane Plaugher was named outstanding official in wrestling on Tuesday.
Brian Sandlin and Darrelle Russia were finalists for the outstanding official award in basketball.
All four are from Northern Kentucky. Brummett is from Walton, Plaugher is from Independence, Sandlin is from Hebron and Russia is from Independence.
From the KHSAA: Each year, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association honors the top officials for the sports in which it licenses officials. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field performance but also local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport is named Outstanding Official of the Year in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected following consultation with local assigning secretaries, veteran officials’ observers and coaches throughout the state, as well as additional staff review.
Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Trust Fund, with the Official of the Year receiving an additional recognition award.
With officiating numbers declining at the national level, the KHSAA is always accepting applications from individuals interested in giving back to their community. Officiating remains a great avenue to stay active, earn extra spending money and ensure that high school athletics are preserved for the current and future generations. To get involved as an official, visit khsaaofficials.org.