Fostoria senior takes classroom learning to wrestling mats

FOSTORIA — Fostoria Junior/Senior Blake Hernandez has turned classroom learning into real-world experience by becoming a state-certified wrestling official through the RefReps program. He recently took the whistle at his first tournament, the Fostoria-hosted Chuck Mason Invitational, for junior-high wrestlers. Hernandez started the RefReps class during the first quarter of the academic year, focusing on wrestling. Since then, he has continued building his officiating skills by moving into baseball during the second quarter and, now, softball. Programs such as RefReps give students a unique opportunity to stay connected to sports, develop leadership skills and earn credentials while still in high school. Through the program, students receive training, certification and hands-on opportunities to officiate at the elementary, junior high and junior varsity levels, depending on the sport. Officiating his first wrestling tournament at home made the experience particularly meaningful to Hernandez. Hernandez said it was fun to see familiar faces and watch a young generation of wrestlers. "It's cool seeing how much the sport has grown," he said. "There are more kids wrestling now, teams are getting better and it's more competitive than ever." Like many first-time officials, Hernandez experienced a learning curve. The hardest part, he noted, was letting a match play out instead of stepping in too quickly. Situations became easier as the day went on, especially with the support of veteran referees who offered guidance throughout the tournament. He said he found heavyweight matches easiest to work and that his confidence grew with each bout. Beyond the experience, the officiating program offers practical benefits. Hernandez learned how accessible the pathway to officiating is for students, and he received solid pay for about five hours on the mats. Because Hernandez took the RefReps class with junior/senior high school teacher Brooks Lance, he earned his certification at no cost. "I would definitely recommend taking the class," Hernandez said. "It's a cheap and easy way to get started." The tournament also brought him networking opportunities. He connected with officials who are college students, including one who previously wrestled and another who currently attends Bowling Green State University. Those conversations helped him see officiating as something he could continue doing, particularly if he attends school nearby after graduating from high school.