Crim: Baucom’s demeanor, dedication stick with him into 50th season as basketball official

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | December 27, 2023
Bob Baucom, a Camp Point, Ill., native, is in his 50th season officiating high school basketball in West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri. | Matt Schuckman photo

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Bob Baucom and his officiating crew were preparing to work a game in the Central girls basketball tournament a few years ago when they received a warning from the referees who had worked the previous game as they came off the floor. Keep an eye on the three ladies sitting at…

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Crim: Elledge remains man for all seasons and integral part of athletics

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | January 10, 2022
Doug Elledge hands the ball to a Lewistown girls basketball player for an inbounds play during the Rumbler on the River at John Wood Community College in December. Matt Schuckman photo

Doug Elledge has the routine down pat. He throws his high school football officiating gear into the car in late August. He pulls it out in November and replaces it with a whistle and striped shirt to referee basketball. Then, in March, he ditches those for a chest protector, face mask and shin guards to…

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