Throwing the ball, catching the ball, or throwing the flags, Jeff Ausbun has always found a fit on the football field. A high school and college playing career gave way to an officiating career that has spanned more than 30 years.

 

Ausbun quarterbacked the Sumner High School football team and also competed in basketball, baseball, and track before graduating in 1981. As he moved on to Wenatchee Valley College, he shifted to wide receiver, where he earned all-conference recognition. But in 1989, while serving in the Air Force, he found his future fit on the gridiron as an official.

 

Ausbun’s Washington state high school officiating career began two years later in the Okanogan area. He joined the WWFOA in Tacoma in 1993 and has since served as WWFOA president twice and served four terms as an executive board member.

 

On the football field, Ausbun has officiated two state final contests, including serving as the referee for a 4A state final. He’s officiated five semi-final games and has received the WOA Meritorious Service Award, the WWFOA Tom Cross Award, and the WWFOA Mike Burton Award. But not even all of that is enough football for Ausbun, who also officiates flag football, semi-professional, and youth football. Any spare time not spent on the gridiron finds Ausbun enjoying music or the golf course.