Q & A
MEET
ERIK FURNISH
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM : I rarely can watch live events and don ’ t want to be dejected based off performance of a team so I enjoy sports in general but don ’ t gravitate to any one team .
01
How long and what got you started ?
I have been officiating for 19 years . Unfortunately , I tore both ACLs in my knee at different times playing basketball in men ’ s leagues before I figured out that I need to pivot and find another way to “ stay in the game ”. A relative of mine , McKee Munk , was a decorated high school official decades ago and that planted the seed early in my life . But a teammate of mine , Chris Hudson , was an official and encouraged me to give officiating a try when I decided I wasn ’ t playing any more . He is now a D1 college official . When a door closes in life , a window opens . I truly wish I had started when I was 22 .
PAGE NO . 18 NEWS AND TRIBUNE SPORTS MAGAZINE MAR / APR 24