A Fostoria City Schools senior, Blake Hernandez, is turning classroom learning into real-world experience by becoming a certified wrestling official through the RefReps program—and recently took the whistle at his very first tournament, the Jr. High Chuck Mason Tournament.
Blake began the RefReps class during the first quarter, focusing on wrestling. Since then, he has continued building his officiating skills by moving into baseball during the second quarter and is currently working on softball. Through the program, students receive training, certification, and hands-on opportunities to officiate elementary, junior high, and (depending on the sport) junior varsity contests.
Officiating his first wrestling tournament at home made the experience even more meaningful. Blake shared that it was fun to see familiar faces and watch the younger generation of wrestlers grow and improve. “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, there was a learning curve. The hardest part, he noted, was letting the match play out instead of stepping in too quickly. As the day went on, things became easier—especially with the support of veteran referees who offered guidance throughout the tournament. He found heavyweight matches easier to manage and said his confidence grew with each bout.
Beyond the experience, the program also offers practical benefits. He was paid for his work—earning solid pay for about five hours on the mat—and highlighted how accessible the pathway is for students. Because he took the RefReps class with Mr. Lance, he earned his certification at no cost. “I would definitely recommend taking the class,” he said. “It’s a cheap and easy way to get started.”
The tournament also provided networking opportunities. He connected with officials who were college students, including one who previously wrestled and another currently attending Bowling Green State University. Those conversations helped him see officiating as something he could continue, especially if he attends school locally after graduation.
Programs like RefReps give students a unique chance to stay connected to sports, develop leadership skills, and earn credentials while still in high school.