PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CEREMONY … Jim Siler (left) and Bill Wonders (right) stand together during the ceremony which saw the both of them inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame in Columbus.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
(ARCHBOLD) – Fifteen individuals were recently enshrined into the Ohio High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame.
These fifteen were also joined by 21 individuals who were honored as OHSAA Officials of the Year and 34 individuals who have dedicated 50 years of service as state-certified officials in Ohio.
Two of these officials inducted into the Hall of Fame were Stryker High School graduates Jim Siler and Bill Wonders.
Jim Siler graduated from Stryker High School in 1960. He had been an umpire for 55 years, from 1969 to 2023. Jim performed official duties for 75 seasons and even officiated college games.
During those 55 years, all 55 were spent umpiring baseball games, along with 17 officiating high school basketball, and three years for volleyball. He is also a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the Air Force, and now currently resides in Hicksville.
Bill Wonders graduated in 1970 from Stryker High School. He officiated games for 43 years, from 1977 to 2021. Bill spent all 43 seasons with baseball, 41 years spent officiating football, and 19 years spent officiating junior high basketball. Bill currently resides in the Tinora district.
Both men have known each other for some time and have also been officials during the same games. Both of them also shared many memories of their time as officials. When asked what their favorite part was, they each had this to say.
“My favorite part was the camaraderie. People always asked why I did it. If I didn’t, then the kids wouldn’t have a game to play.”
“I always got along with the coaches and in 55 years I never had to eject one. I got along really well with everyone. If you know the rules, you should be able to do the game and not have a controversy,” said Siler.
“My favorite part was also the camaraderie with coaches, players, and even the fans. One day I saw another umpire in the store, and we just stopped and talked about football for 15 minutes.”
“The great friends we make, it’s just great. The game is for the players, it’s not for us. You are not there to show anyone up. The game is not about the officials.”
“Another thing for me personally too, was that I always wanted all the kids to walk off the field at the end of a game. That is to make sure we cut down on the injuries as much as possible,” said Wonders.
Each of the men also spoke about the most memorable game they had officiated. Jim’s most memorable game took place back in the 80s in Defiance.
The first-ever Northwest Ohio All-Star game was held at Diehl Field. Even though Jim had spent time officiating state games, this to him was his most memorable experience.
For Bill, this was a very windy and rainy game down near Bellefontaine. Marion Pleasant and Coldwater were playing in a football playoff game. Bill explained that the winds were around 30-35 MPH with pouring rain to boot.
During the whole game, you were either situated with or against the wind. In the first quarter Marion Pleasant was able to score 14 points with the wind. Coldwater answered with their own 14 points with the wind in the second quarter.
During Coldwater’s second or third possession, the ball was punted against the wind and made its way high up into the sky.
However, this ball ended up landing on the 8-yard line for a negative 2-yard punt. Later during another possession, they went for it on fourth down rather than punting the ball.
Coldwater ended up scoring in the second half to win the game. Even more memorable was what happened two years later.
Bill was speaking with the Coldwater coach during another game when the coach asked if he remembered the game from two years ago. The coach had a copy of the game and offered to send it to him.
Bill explained that it was an experience in and of itself, but to have people remember it so much is something else that sticks.
With around 98 years of experience between the two, each of them were also asked what advice they may give to someone out there who may, or even may not yet at this time, be thinking of becoming an official. For Jim, it was to make sure the job was always rewarding.
“It is a very rewarding job. I always went home feeling good about myself. I think that officials, well, anyone can become an official.”
“It’s just about how dedicated you are to being able to be on time, have a schedule, and know what you are doing. Read the books and don’t be afraid to spend some money on equipment.”
As for Bill, he stressed the importance of treating all games the same. “I would say a lot of the same stuff Jim said. Know your rules and study the game.”
“For me too, every time you step on the field, no matter what level you’re at, treat that game as you did at a higher level.”
“This game is important to those kids, parents, and grandparents as it was for those at the highest level. Going from a state level football game to a junior high girls’ basketball game doesn’t matter, all of them are to be treated the same.”
“Will we make mistakes, yes. When you make a mistake, forget it and go on to the next call.”
