Ed Kozak Still Going Strong as a Referee, More Than 800 Games After He Started

Photo courtesy of Dan Schumacher Photography

On a blustery day that made video shooting a real challenge (both in terms of sound quality and in the wind literally knocking our videographer off balance a couple of times), we spent a few minutes with Garfield Ridge resident Ed Kozak, now in his 29th year of service as a highly respected and widely admired local youth football official.

Today's grade school CGSC junior varsity championship match, held at St. Rita High School,  was Kozak's 805th game as a referee.

Photo courtesy of Dan Schumacher Photography

As a product of local Catholic schools (St. Camillus School and St. Laurence High School), Kozak notes that the vast majority of gridiron contests he has reffed are Chicago Catholic League (high school) or Catholic Grade School Conference.



"It's quite an honor to have done so many games in this great sport," he said. "I always love the atmosphere, the spirit of the teams, and the competition between the schools. I also like the exercise that I get each time I ref. I hope to continue my officiating avocation for many years to come."

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