There will be a familiar face on the television tomorrow during the 2A state championship football game in Cedar Falls.  Raccoon Valley Bank President and CEO Terry Nielsen was selected to be the Referee or “White Hat’ for one of six championship games in the state of Iowa.  Nielsen has been officiating high school and college football for 26 years, including a strong 13 year stint as the white hat for college football.  The veteran official tells Raccoon Valley Radio Sports that while he has worked close to a dozen semifinal games, including last year, today will mark his first finals appearance as the head referee.

“I’ve enjoyed doing it and every year you take on a schedule that takes you all the way across Iowa from 4A to A and you are judged based on your previous year’s recommendations from Athletic Directors and coaches across the state on games that you have worked.  If you are fortunate  to get enough recommendations, then that will determine how deep you can go on a playoff run.”

Nielsen has consistently received high recommendations from his work as evident by the number of high profile playoff games he has been a part of.

“I’ve been working playoff games for the past 25 years.  I’ve had at least one playoff game during that span and probably the last 10 years it has jumped to two to three games.  I’ve had several semifinal games but this will be the first time I’m blessed to work a finals game and I’m excited and couldn’t be more prouder to represent the high school athletic association and the fine youth in our state.”

Nielsen found out two weeks ago that he would be a part of the 2A final.

“The process goes on when they narrow down crews after the quarterfinal playoff contest and then assign crews to semifinals and championships at that point.  I’ve known for a couple of weeks now and my crew has been diligently preparing for the game and we’re ready to go.”

The game featuring Central Lyon George Little Rock and Waukon will kick off at 2:00 and will air on your local Fox affiliate.