Packers, WIAA Announce November High School Football Officiating ‘Crew of the Month’

The Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) have announced the selection of Rich Hohl, Dan Anderson, Cole Tappe, Jim Haluska Jr. and Robert Lunowa as the November high school football officiating “Crew of the Month.”

The recognition is part of a joint initiative between the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the NFL to honor outstanding high school football officials across the country. The selected crew members were chosen for their demonstration of objectivity, fairness in rules implementation and commitment as officials.

• Rich Hohl (Referee): The 2025 season marked Hohl’s 35th as a football official. Passionate about developing the skills of fellow officials, Hohl shares the vast knowledge he’s amassed throughout his career with those looking to grow within the profession. He also gives back to the game by volunteering at football clinics. Hohl resides in Stratford.
• Dan Anderson (Umpire): Anderson transitioned to officiating after 17 years as a middle and high school football coach. Instrumental in founding the Holmen Youth Tackle Football program, he continues to place an emphasis on learning from an early age, mentoring young officials and working youth games to help other officials gain confidence and hone their skills. Anderson is from Holmen.
• Cole Tappe (Back Judge): A young official, Tappe’s dedication has allowed him to quickly climb the ranks, working full schedules at the high school and college levels. He is an active member of the Pierce-St. Croix Officials Association and assists with training and clinics through both the Pierce-St. Croix and Arrowhead Officials Associations. Tappe is from New Richmond.
• Jim Haluska Jr. (Head Linesman): Haluska has been an official for nearly 30 years. He is actively involved in his local football community, training and scheduling officials for youth and junior high school contests. His commitment to developing officials at these levels has been instrumental in many mentees going on to officiate at higher levels. Haluska resides in Stevens Point.
• Robert Lunowa (Line Judge): Lunowa currently serves as president of the Lakeland Officials Association. He has honed the association’s education and training curriculum for officials of all sports and serves as the lead instructor for football. From youth through semi-pro, Lunowa brings his passion and commitment to every level of the game. Lunowa is from Hartland.

Five outstanding officials named to a 2025 Crew of the Month will be selected as members of a Wisconsin “Crew of the Year.” All participating in NFL clubs’ Crew of the Year honorees will be sent to the NFHS and NFL to determine a national Crew of the Year, with winners announced at a future date.

About the High School Officiating Crew of the Month Program:

As part of a NFHS and NFL initiative, the Packers and WIAA recognized a “Crew of the Month” in September, October and November. Each month, WIAA personnel reviewed nominations for five positions: referee, umpire, head linesperson, line judge and back judge. Individuals were named as part of the Crew of the Month based on demonstration of objectivity, fairness in rules implementation and commitment as officials. Five outstanding officials previously named to a Crew of the Month will be selected as members of a Wisconsin “Crew of the Year.” All participating NFL clubs’ Crew of the Year honorees will be sent to the NFHS and NFL to determine a national Crew of the Year, with winners announced at a future date. Each month’s honorees are highlighted on Packers, WIAA, and NFL Play Football digital and social media platforms.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.