Al has been active in officiating sporting events since 1978 in the Adel and Dexter area. Prior to that time he started his working career with the Northwest Bell Telephone Company in 1959. And was inducted into the US Army in 1961 where he spent four years stationed in Germany. He returned from the Army and returned to NW Bell until his retirement in 1992 as a Central Office Supervisor. In 1990 he purchased his family farm and worked the farm land, did office Supervisor duties and worked in his real love for Track and Field in the spring.
In his younger days he wanted to be part of the sports world and he found himself coaching little girl’s softball in and around Adel, IA. He also served on the Board of Directors and organized Junior Olympic Track Meets in Adel. In Adel he expanded his interest in Track and Field to where he helped with the Cross Country Meets and Spring Track Meets in various officiating duties. Then he became the Meet Director for many years. The next step moved him to the State High School Meet where his knowledge was appreciated in High Jump arena. He became such a knowledgeable fixture in the State Boys and Girls Meets with the High Jump he was asked to be part of the Drake Relays and this year he will complete his 32 year with the Drake Relays. In 2007 he was named the Co-Head of the Jumps and Combined Events at Drake, and was honored to have his name placed on Drake’s Wall of Honor. His expertise was further acknowledged because he has been able to assist with various National Collegiate Meets at the Division III level and with the NCAA Divisional I Meet in 2008. In 2007 he was granted the very first IATO Field Event Official of Year Award. In the following year of 2008 he was given the first ever Friend of the School Award from Adel-Desoto-Minburn Schools. By this time everyone knew that when Al was running an event you had the best of the best. When you watch Al work his event you can be assured he will be is tops in knowing the rules of the event and will ensure fair competition for all those competitors in all his sports he officiates. His encouragement of all athletes during the competition is often heard from the Head Man himself.