CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - This week, the American Rivers Conference is celebrating Officials Appreciation Week. It’s an opportunity to recognize, acknowledge, and say thank you to the officials that support our student-athletes in their quest for success.

One of the longest-tenured officials in the conference is Jeffrey Trost.

In fact, he’s been officiating football games in the A-R-C for 39 years.

He’s a staple within the conference and has seen a lot of changes and many memorable moments.

Each and every one of those moments has kept him coming back year after year – he just loves being on the field.

“I, myself, feel privileged to be associated with this set of officials and consider many of them my close friends,” Trost said. “I loved my college football playing experience and wanted to stay involved in the sport. I thought coaching was going to be that connection. But it turned out, officiating was the avenue that caught me. Once I got involved in the officiating side of football, it wasn’t so much the football, but the relationships with the other officials that kept me charged up. To this day, those friendships that have developed are still some of my closest friendships. That, to me, is what keeps me going the most.”

Working at a high level

The A-R-C is one of the top Division III conferences in the country.

Trost has been on the field for many of the conference’s biggest games over the years and he takes immense pride in representing the conference and taking part in such big-time games.

“As an officiating staff, we pride ourselves to be our best on the field each game we work, no matter the caliber of the game,” Trost said. “And it is an absolute privilege to represent the A-R-C in the games I work.”

Early on, Wartburg vs. Luther was great as the student bodies really backed their team, according to Trost.

Lately, Central vs. Wartburg has a different buzz in the air for that game.

The last few years, Coe vs. Wartburg has often involved NCAA playoff implications so it is fun to be a part of those games.

Trost is always ready to step on the field, no matter the teams that are playing.

A lasting impact

While the fans, players, and coaches are the ones who get most of the attention, the officials are out there making sure everything is running smoothly.

There are many incidents where the fans in the stands might not even realize the impact the officials have on the game.

And that’s okay for Trost.

He doesn’t need the attention or the credit.

He just wants to ensure the student-athletes have the best opportunity to succeed.

“I have been involved in many close, exciting games and always hope my calls do not decide the outcome,” Trost said. “I hope the players decide the game, not the officials. I always hope the players decide the outcome.”

Some of the best and most memorable moments Trost has had on the field are when coaches and players come up to him and share their appreciation for the work he does.

“There are so many to choose from,” Trost said. “One, a coach came up to me late in a closely contested game and told me, ‘I love having you on our games. I love the way you handle tough situations and the way you deal with our players.’ A second awesome experience was a player came up to me during a game and asked about officiating. His comment, ‘It looks like you are having fun, I think I would like officiating.’”

There are many reasons to become an official, but those are the moments that Trost will remember forever and that keep him coming back for more.

Off the field

In addition to his services as an official, Trost is a beloved member of the Nashua community.

He’s been the head coach of the high school golf team for 44 years and is an avid golfer himself.

He’s been playing in the same men’s league with three of his friends for over 30 years.

And, if that wasn’t enough golf, he also spends time working in the players locker room at the John Deere Classic PGA Tournament at TPC Deere Run in the Quad Cities.

When he’s not on the golf course or on the football field, he’s spending time with his wife Julie.

They’ve been married for 44 years and have three children.

If you’ve been keeping track throughout the story, you’ll know he’s been quite busy with all of his activities, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“If anyone is thinking about getting involved, give it a try,” Trost said. “There are many avenues you can take in officiating; junior high, junior varsity, high school, and college. All of them are a way to give back to the game, develop friendships and to even make a little bit while doing it.”

In fact, one of his favorite things to do is attend Green Bay Packers games with his daughter. They’ve been going to games together for the last 12 years.

No matter if it’s on the football field, golf course, or Lambeau Field, Trost is always ready to create more memories with his family and continue to make an impact in his community and beyond.