Nate Kessen began officiating wrestling matches when he was in college. While wrestling at Truman State and Northern Illinois University, Kessen officiated tournaments for extra money when he returned home for holiday breaks. Kessen’s mother would even find tournaments for him to officiate when he didn’t have wrestling practice.

Nearly 20 years of hard work and dedication have paid off for Kessen, who will have an opportunity to earn the Illinois Wrestling Coaches & Officials Association’s Official of the Year Award for 2017-18. Kessen received his license through the IHSA 15 years ago, and he’s been licensed with USA Wrestling for roughly 18 years. Kessen also coaches the Rochelle Middle School program for two years.

“It’s an honor to be nominated, better yet a finalist for this award,” Kessen said. “There were over 500 wrestling officials working IHSA meets and tournaments this year, so to be nominated and voted by the wrestling community as finalist is pretty special… I chose officiating as my way to stay involved with the sport of wrestling on the mat. When I am officiating a bout, I have the best seat in the house, so as a fan it doesn't get better than that.”

Kessen is now a three-time finalist for the award, and for the veteran official, the camaraderie and relationships forged with athletes, coaches and fellow officials have been his favorite parts of the job. He also enjoys remaining close with the sport he became passionate for as a high school wrestler at Rochelle Township High School.

“Illinois wrestling is a brotherhood like no other I have seen and the relationships that have been created last a lifetime,” Kessen said. “It’s truly an enriching responsibility and humbling experience being at the forefront of how the rules are applied, teaching others those applications so they can be successful, and actually being on the mat during so many great meets and tournaments.”

Kessen once qualified for the IHSA State Championships back when there were only two classes, and he was once an All-Conference and All-Area honoree during his career with the Hubs. His former head coach Tom Mahoney was the best man at his wedding, a testament to his admiration for wrestling and RTHS. He may be years removed from his high school days, but Kessen still appreciated the accolades Rochelle has earned in recent seasons.

“Wrestling at RTHS influenced my decision to officiate due to the love of the sport that was instilled in me during my years wrestling for Tom Mahoney,” Kessen said. “RTHS wrestling has a lot to be proud of.  These student athletes, coaches, administrators, parents, boosters, and fans all deserve a pat on the back.  The fact that they have been winning conference, regional, and sectional titles as a team is a testament to the hard work and dedication the kids have put in.”