For Immediate Release
April 7, 2016
Michael Stephens to Receive Steve Bamford Award for ECAC Officiating at Haggerty Dinner
DANBURY, Conn. - The Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) has announced that Michael Stephens has been named the recipient of the 2016 Steve Bamford Award for Distinguished Service to ECAC Basketball Officiating. Stephens will be honored at the 83rd Annual Haggerty Awards Dinner on Tuesday, April 12.
The Steve Bamford Award is presented to an ECAC basketball official, coordinator or assignor who has made significant contributions and provided outstanding service to the Conference’s officiating bureau. Bamford currently serves as the Special Assistant to President and CEO, Dr. Kevin T. McGinniss, and also oversees the ECAC Officiating Bureau. He has been with the ECAC since 2000. Bamford has served the conference in a number of administrative capacities, including two stints as Interim Commissioner (2006-2007, 2012-2013).
Michael Stephens has been officiating NCAA Men’s College Basketball for the past 16 seasons. During his professional career, Michael has officiated in many conferences which include: American, American East, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, Colonial, Ivy, Patriot, MAAC and SEC. He has been fortunate to be selected to officiate in 4 Final Four’s capped off by being chosen as one of the three officials for the 2016 National Championship Game in Houston.
Stephens has also distinguished himself as an assigner for the ECAC and independently for the past six seasons. He works passionately at developing young energetic officials who share his work ethic and are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to excel in the profession. His attention to detail and rules interpretation are unwavering which he instills in all of his aspiring officials.
"Michael's rise up the officiating ladder is directly related to the time and effort he has given to improving his officiating craft,” said Bamford. “No other official works harder than Michael in honing the skills necessary to making him an outstanding official. He has done a superb job in his role as ECAC Basketball Officiating Coordinator and the ECAC is very appreciative of all his hard work. The ECAC is proud to honor Michael as the recipient of this year's award. "
For more information regarding the ECAC Bamford Award, click on the ECAC website
here.
Contact: Meghan O’Brien, mobrien@ecac.org