In Episode 62 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with three of Southern Illinois’ most respected IHSA multi-sport officials: Shane Bennett, Jon Green, and Jim Kowzan. Together, they bring decades of experience, crew chemistry, and professional excellence to a job that is essential to every sport but rarely understood. From Friday night lights to basketball hardwood to baseball diamonds, these officials have devoted their careers to managing games with consistency, communication, and steady leadership. Their journeys span youth leagues, high school varsity, college football, and countless postseason assignments — all built on the shared goal of serving athletes, coaches, and communities with integrity. Shane Bennett’s officiating journey began in youth flag football before expanding into varsity assignments in both Washington and Illinois. Calm, communicative, and detail-driven, Bennett brings a balanced presence to every contest he works, whether he’s signaling a touchdown on Friday night or managing the intensity of a close basketball game. Jon Green entered officiating early through youth sports and later spent several years coaching — an experience that transformed his approach to managing emotions, communicating with coaches, and understanding what teams need from an officiating crew. Level-headed and respected across Southern Illinois, Green prioritizes consistency, preparation, and the crew-first mindset required to officiate at a high level. Jim Kowzan, the veteran white hat of the group, has spent decades anchoring officiating crews with professionalism, poise, and high expectations. A multi-sport official with college experience, Kowzan leads through preparation, film study, and clear communication — valuing honesty with coaches, trust within his crew, and composure in the biggest rivalry environments. In this episode, Kerry and the trio dive deep into the world of officiating: the reality of working high-pressure rivalry games, the growing shortage of officials statewide, and the trust required among the five-person crew that serves as the “third team” on every field. They discuss the toughest calls they face, the misconceptions fans bring from watching college and NFL football, and why communication — both with coaches and with each other — is the key to getting the game right. They also provide invaluable advice for young people interested in officiating: how to handle criticism, the importance of patience, and why confidence develops from preparation, not bravado. It’s a candid, honest conversation that shines a light on the people who keep sports running — often under intense scrutiny, and often without thanks. It’s a masterclass in professionalism, composure, and passion for the games we love — told by three officials who have earned the respect of coaches, players, and communities across Southern Illinois.
