1977 Greg Meyer NFL Football Official How did you get your start in officiating? - I started officiating when I left TCU in 1981 and began work in Houston with Amoco Production Company. Some guys at work officiated and it put a few dollars in my pocket. I did some baseball but it was too slow so I moved to football where they used a clock. It made all the difference in the world. I enjoyed the game and the guys I worked with. Since you were an outstanding baseball pitcher in high school and college, did you ever consider umpiring baseball games instead of officiating football? - I originally started in baseball but the kids struggled throwing strikes and without a clock, the games went on forever. I just didn’t have the patience for it. How did you become an NFL official? - I became an NFL official by applying to the NFL once I got to Division 1 football in 1995. I worked high school, then small college (Lone Star Conference), Big West, WAC and Big 12. I was invited to work NFL Europe in 1998 and was hired into the NFL in 2002. How is officiating on the NFL level different than other levels? - The NFL has different rules and different officiating philosophies than the NCAA. As a result, the game is officiated differently. The professionalism at the NFL level is outstanding by coaches and players. To be honest, officiating at the lower levels is much more difficult than at the Big 12 or NFL level.
1978 Class Correspondent: Mark Sanders 1202 E. 17th Place Tulsa, OK 74120 msanders@gablelaw.com
Mark Sanders ’78 Although we’re currently in that listless period between reunions, this is a notable year for ’78-ers, as most have, or soon will, come faceto-face with that 50 candle birthday cake! I know classmates would love to know how we’re all marking this milestone; so please send me your news, updates, reflections, pictures, etc. at the address above. Since this is my first issue as Class Correspondent, and the mailbag is not exactly full, I’ll get the ball rolling with an update of my own. The big news is that I’m a Tulsan again, after wandering in the wilderness for over 30 years! After years of fighting off a fierce homing instinct, I finally succumbed, and was able to convince my wife, Sarah — a lifelong Yankee — to uproot our established and comfortable life in Connecticut. Our first nine months here, despite some occasional wistfulness, have been wonderful, and confirm the wisdom of our decision. It’s been a luxury to be back in proximity with family, including my sister, Brooke (Sanders) Schwartz ’82, and nephew, Ben Schwartz ’20. Our boys (ages 6 and 8) now have frequent contact with cousins and grandparents for the first time in their lives.
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Photo courtesy of Greg Meyer and the Dallas Cowboys Public Relations Department
Do you continue to officiate college games? - I no longer officiate at the college level. I do assist the Big 12 with observing and grading game tape to evaluate officials. What is the biggest game you’ve officiated in the past? - The biggest game I’ve officiated in the past is a tough one. Some have more meaning than others. I’ve done the 2005 NFL Europe World Bowl, Hula Bowl and Cotton Bowls plus all the NFL playoff levels. They are all big. How are you chosen as a Super Bowl referee? - For 2009, I happen to grade out as the top Side Judge for the season. The ball bounced my way as the difference between each of the 17 Side Judges in the NFL is the width of a playing card. A lot of things went my way this year. Is the February 7, 2010 your first Super Bowl to officiate? - This is my first Super Bowl to officiate.
In terms of employment, I’ve been fortunate to land at a great law firm — GableGotwals. As luck would have it, one of my colleagues there is none other than Scott Rowland ’70. It’s been great to have someone with whom to reminisce — and lament the passing of our 50th year! By the way, Scott marked that approaching milestone by completing the NYC Marathon last fall. I also have the pleasure of working in the same office with Holland Hall Trustees Dave Keglovits and Liz Muratet. The sad news of the passing of Mark Condry’s father brought several of us (Scott Rowland ’70, Greg ’78 and Carol (Edwards) ’78 Owens, and honorary ’78 class member, Jono Helmerich) together this summer. Mark is now retired from the military, and is living in north Texas, working as a Division Manager for FSG Lighting. Carol has recently returned to the banking world, and is involved in local commercial lending at F&M Bank & Trust. I’ve also had the pleasure of running into Graham Brannin ’78 at community planning meetings. Graham has responsibility for regulatory matters at the City of Tulsa’s Public Works Department. Community events have also provided an opportunity to reconnect with other alumni, like Marty Newman ’77 — local realtor and Board Member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Michael Bates ’81 — Tulsa’s enigmatic blogger extraordinaire. Linda Jenkins ’78 seems to be everywhere I travel. I’ve run into her at Gilcrease Museum and in church; and her nephew is a good school friend of my 8-year-
old. After years with United Way, Linda now runs Jenkins Consulting Group — an advisory and training firm for non-profits. I’m also enjoying regular contact with R.D. Bell ’78 at, of all places, Sunday School. R.D. is a librarian and a grandfather! Sundays at church also often provide an opportunity to catch up with other HH-types like Rick Koontz ’81, Jane Duenner ’71, retired faculty member, David Rollo, and Fr. Jack Powers, father of Phil Powers ’79. Although I haven’t yet actually seen Elizabeth (Berntson) Jackson ’78, I seem to happen upon her mother, Joyce, at regular intervals — which is always a blessing. Our family also enjoyed a chance meeting with Matt Brainerd ’78 and his family at Hideaway Pizza during an early exploratory trip to Tulsa. Matt remains youthful, and is still running the family chemical company. Other alumni encounters have included getting a haircut from Julie Voth ’79, and sharing a Sunday snack with Ken Levit ’83 — who is my wife’s college classmate. Last but not least, we’ve been blessed with great neighbors at our new (old) Tulsa home. Living within earshot are Sabrina (King) Kane ’89 and her family, Joseph Johnson ’87 and his wife, and Brendan McKnight, brother of Lisa McKnight ’78. Brendan reports that Lisa is living in Virginia, working as an inhouse attorney, and running a lot of marathons. Please start and keep those cards and letters coming!