Pearson officiates at 2A championship

Cobden’s Dana Pearson made his third and final trip to the high school boys’ state basketball tournament at Peoria as an official last weekend.

“I’d say I’m done,” Pearson said. “Normally, you get to go three times.”

Pearson was part of a three-man crew in the Class 2A state championship game which ended in overtime between Peoria Manuel and Robinson.

Pearson made his final trip to state with officials Mike Austin and Dallas Bigham.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Pearson said. “You start reflecting on all the people that have helped you and you’ve met along the way. The coaches, administrators and other officials. I have a lot of people  to thank.”

Pearson, who is in his 36th season as an official, gives a lot of credit to former official Ken Blandford of Jonesboro for teaching him proper officiating techniques and former Cobden athletic director Gene Dammerman for critiquing his officiating after games.

A former Cobden high school athlete, Pearson began officating during his junior year in high school.

He is also a high school baseball official and has logged his third state trip there as well.

Pearson said it’s an honor to officiate at the state level because of what it takes to advance.

“Years ago it was politics to get you there,” he said. “The coaches have to rate you now or you don’t go.”

Pearson said only high rated officials made the trek.

He is the first to admit the job of officiating is not suited for everyone.

“The first thing you’ve got to do (to be an official) is admit that you make mistakes,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to do that.”

Pearson has been retired for four years as a prison guard, but he continues to stay active as the Emergency Service Coordinator for Union County.

“You have to keep busy when you retire,” Pearson notes.

The 54-year-old Pearson admires official Ken Palmer, who is 70 years old and working in his 50th season.

Pearson is not ready to call it quits yet despite reaching the pinnacle in his basketball career.

“I want to keep it up,” said Pearson, who has gone through back surgery during his officiating tenure. “If my knees hold out, I’d like to go another four years.”