Sports Kierstead swims into a 50-year award for his dedication to officiating

Richard “Dick” Kierstead has played an important role in sports for half a century — not as an athlete, but as an official.

The Indiana High School Athletic Association recently honored him and the day it called to tell him he was getting an award for his work is etched in his memory.

“I happened to be out triking with my dog when I received the call from IHSAA,” Kierstead said. “God gives opportunities in life and with his help one has the option to develop them. I was humbly grateful.”

Although he was recognized by the IHSAA for 50 years of officiating swimming, he has been one of those who makes the calls in several sports. He continues to work. At times over the years, he has had a demanding schedule.

“I once had four swim or dive meets in the same calendar week,” he said. “I’m still officiating swimming and diving, cross country and track and field — the latter for 56 years. In years past, I also officiated football and basketball.”

The circumstance how he became an official is a little surprising. One might think he would have been a competitive swimmer, but that’s not the case.

He grew up on a Nebraska farm and attended Concordia Lutheran High School and a university in Seward, Neb., where he learned to swim in a physical education class.

“I was not a competitive swimmer,” Kierstead said. “My teaching career later brought me to Indiana, where I started lifeguarding during summers. Eventually, I became a summer swim club manager for 33 summers and worked under my friend, the legendary By Hey. During those summers, I began officiating summer club swim meets and eventually became a licensed IHSAA multiple sport official.”

Monitor blood pressure to aid memory

High blood pressure has been cited as the cause of many health issues and recent reports indicate it may be a reason for loss of mental facilities because it can damage small blood vessels in the brain.

Women are apparently most at risk because researchers report those who develop high blood pressure in their 40s are more than 70% more likely to suffer dementia than those logging normal blood pressure.

One of the rewards along the way has been connections he’s made, such as his friendship with Ken Schilf.

“In the past, we have officiated basketball together and still socialize several times per week,” Kierstead said. “We worship at the same church and share a Christian world view on many topics.”

While his intense work as an official might seem like a career of its own, Kierstead has always maintained a full-time job as well.

“I retired from Leo High School in the East Allen County Schools, where I was a history teacher,” he said. “After retiring from teaching, I also worked as a licensed practical nurse for about 20 years before retiring a second time.”

When asked what he has most enjoyed, as well as what has been difficult and caused him to encounter pressure, he answered diplomatically. In his word choices, there were hints of how he managed things during the inevitable ups and downs of such situations.

“Having taught, coached and officiated multiple youth and high school sports has been a challenging experience, which I still enjoy. There have been some challenges from some unnamed coaches and a few parents,” he said.

Whenever someone needs a hand, he is there, whether it be at a school or his church. At 88, he remains fit and engaged in everything around him. His philosophy that has carried him through and continues to motivate him is one that he’s happy to share with others.

“Aging is a state of mind, and I prefer to stay active in church and community activities,” Kierstead said.

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