Lee Kaseberg honored for 35 years of service

In front of a large contingency of his brethren, Kaseberg received his award for service by fellow official, Eric Shrum.

“It is a great honor. I am so proud,” Kaseberg said. “It is so great to be recognized by all of these men and women. We are all close, like a family. You officiate games together for so long, you have an admiration for each and every one of them. It feels great.”

Over his tenure, Kaseberg has been around two generations of families.

At 75, he is happy to be involved in the lives of so many people, as he is a major component of shaping and molding youths to be productive members of society.

Much in the same vein as teachers, police officers and anyone else involved as public servants, Kaseberg holds sacred the responsibility of bringing joy through an athletic realm to the youths who will be future leaders and torch bearers in the years ahead.

“That’s why we do it. For the kids. We want them to have a great experience in sports,” Kaseberg said. “You are around their families and you see them coming up through from elementary school, middle school and high school. To see them come back to the area as college graduates or working hard and doing well, we take pride in that.”

Observing from afar, MCUA commissioner Bob McFadden has seen the profound effect Kaseberg’s spirited personality and zest for teaching has played in the lives of many.

“The respect that the students have for him transcends the court,” McFadden said. “Over the time he has officiated, he has touched the lives of a great number of young people. A tribute to the respect they hold for Lee can be measured by the fact that he has many of the past athletes still calling him for life’s guidance long after graduation from high school.”

With his solid record, Kaseberg had frequently been picked for playoffs in the past, but now he is happy to contribute in whatever way he can and let the younger guys work the playoff games.

“You take pride being picked,” Kaseberg added. “It means that you are doing something right. That counts a lot.”

As one of the elder statesmen of the Mid-Columbia region, Kaseberg is not ready to hang up his whistle, but envisions a class of young referees coming up through the ranks to continue the legacy.

As of 2014, in Oregon, out of the 3,006 officials calling games last year, 27 percent were 45 years old or older, and there were 295 individuals in their first year.

“It seems to be more difficult every year to retain officials. For some reason, whether the time involved or the potential controversies, many people don’t want to be involved,” said basketball and volleyball official, Jeff Justesen. “For Lee to come back year-after-year, is vital and inspiring to our association. It takes commitment and dedication from people like Lee to allow local student-athletes to have the opportunity to be involved in sports.”

After just completing his 25th year of officiating, Justesen is marveled by the physical acumen of Kaseberg.

The field can break down officials, who endure knee and foot issues and other ailments through the course of a three and a half month hoops season.

“After 35 years, Lee still does as many, or more, games than anyone in the association,” Justesen added. “His physical condition is still as good as many of the younger guys.”

Since only a small percentage play college sports or stay in the area, Kaseberg wants to see more former athletes back on the field or court to stay involved in a way of giving back.

“It keeps you in the game, gives you the same rush as playing,” he said. “I still enjoy it now as I did when I was in my first or second year. I want those young guys or girls to have the same feeling I have had as an official.”