Coaches and Officials for Casino Bowl X

By: Greg Skowronski

What can be better than football in Las Vegas in the Spring? Casino Bowl X was a great success because the game was a tough and hard fought contest that was enjoyable for the football players, successful for National Football Events and very professionally created through the preparation of the coaching staffs and diligence of the officials. Head Coach Phil Lytle of the Asheville (NC) Grizzlies led the East squad. Donald Graves who played in Casino Bowls II and III assisted him in serving as offensive and defensive line coach. Today Donald coaches the Charlotte (NC) Power. This is the first year that a former Casino Bowl player has returned to coach in the game. Dion Lytle also of the Asheville (NC) Grizzlies coached on the defensive side of the football for the East squad. Dion coaches with his father and mentor, Phil. Both Phil and Dion have Casino Bowl coaching experience and have coached many “All Star” football games. They were also speakers at football coaches clinics. Phil was recently inducted into the Minor League Football News Hall of Fame. Doug Tibbitts rounded out the East squad coaching staff and worked closely with Dion Lytle to form an aggressive defense. Doug has coached in eight Casino Bowl games and will be inducted into the American Football Association Hall of Fame in Chicago in June. Doug coached the Holland (MI) Huskies and the Grand Rapids (MI) Huskies and usually speaks at coaching clinics on adjusting the 4-3 defense.

Greg Moore from the St. Louis (MO) Bulldogs led the West squad. Greg is also an AFA Hall of Fame member and has coached in Casino Bowls as a position coach, coordinator and head coach. His offensive coordinator from the Bulldogs, Don Glenn, ably assisted him. The Capital City (IL) Outlaws also contributed two fine coaches in their head coach Chris Lawson who has seen action in several Casino Bowls and his defensive coordinator, Tomas Akers. Mike Tumbleson, head coach of the Mid State (IL) Steel saw his first Casino Bowl experience and worked on both the offense and defense. Wes Fischer also an AFA Hall of Fame Member and Dave Broussard both of the Snohomish County (WA) Vikings rounded out the West coaching staff. Both Wes and Dave have been to past Casino Bowls and have lended their expertise to every aspect of coaching.

The game is successful because these coaches are dedicated teachers of the game, mentors for the football players, motivators and men who coach for the “love of the game.” They know how to prepare a team in a very short time and make adjustments in an efficient manner. NFE is proud of the contributions of the coaching staffs to the success of Casino Bowl X and all past and future Casino Bowl games.

Casino Bowl X featured an excellent crew of officials led by John Grech of Middleburg Heights, Ohio. John is an AFA Hall of Famer and has officiated in many previous Casino Bowls. John’s son, John Jr. was added to the Casino Bowl X crew and saw his first action as a wing official this year. Craig Ochoa also an AFA Hall of Fame official from Bartlett, IL has participated in several Casino Bowls. Craig will be directing an official’s clinic in Oakbrook IL in conjunction with The AFA convention to be held on June 3-5, 2005 in the Chicago area. Tod Kelly of Rochester Hills, MI was the Umpire and always keeps the game running smoothly. He also has Casino Bowl experience. Ivory White of Mesa Arizona served as line judge. Ivory has been to several Casino Bowl games working at several positions. Craig Faulkner of Las Vegas, Nevada was added this year in his first Casino Bowl.

On a sad note, Bob Zuber, long time Casino Bowl official passed away suddenly in Independence, Ohio. Bob was set to work his fifth game. He will be missed by all who knew Bob and respected his ability as an official, his integrity and professionalism.

The Casino Bowl game has specific rules pertaining to making an “All Star” game fair given the short time that everyone involved has to prepare. The officials meet before each game for a rules interpretation meeting specific to the game regarding some limitations on offense, defense and on special teams. The professionalism and attention to detail by the coaches and officials help to make the Casino Bowl game a football game played at a higher level of expectation than an average “All Star” game. The Casino Bowl game is primarily about the football players and the coaches and officials work to bring out the best in them.