The top job for NCAA wrestling officials is back in the McCormick family.
Mike McCormick, an area dentist and Poquoson High wrestling assistant coach, was named recently as the NCAA national coordinator of officials. McCormick succeeds Tim Shiels, who is retiring after an eight-year stint in which he followed Patrick McCormick, Mike’s dad and the head of NCAA officials for almost three decades.
“I’ve got big shoes to fill, but I kind of feel like I’ve been prepping for this job my entire life,” said McCormick, who was a three-time state champion as a wrestler at Poquoson and went on to twice earn All-ACC honors for Virginia.
McCormick has officiated wrestling for more than 30 years and has worked 25 NCAA championship tournaments. He said his duties as coordinator will include planning education for all NCAA officials, organizing conference officiating coordinators and choosing NCAA Tournament officials for all three divisions.
“It’s lot more work than officiating,” he said.
That work will take him away occasionally from his duties as Eric Decker’s assistant coach at Poquoson High. Decker, who has a large staff at Poquoson — which has won four Class 2 state titles during his tenure — is thrilled for McCormick.
“I can’t think of a better person to do it,” said Decker, who wrestled collegiately for Old Dominion. “He’ll still be involved with us — he won’t be able to stay away from the wrestling room.
“But he’ll be even more influential in wrestling and, being from this town with its long and successful wrestling history, it’s great for Poquoson.”
McCormick has assisted at Poquoson for 12 years. His sons, Patrick and Cole, won multiple individual state championships for the Islanders.
“I am honored to be named the new coordinator and excited to navigate this journey,” McCormick said. “I am very passionate about wrestling and officiating, and hope to make a meaningful contribution in this great sport.”
