Published: December 29, 2007 11:17 pm            

CONARD: Northington won’t be forgotten

Local official was a standout in sports and life

I guess the purists were right, life is unfair. Because we always lose the good ones.

Today, my thoughts and memories are of a marvelous man and longtime friend who was a joy to know and a pleasure to watch with an insatiable appetite for life. When it came to doing things his way — the right way — he had no inhibitions whatsoever. He was the epitome of straightforwardness itermingled with a delightful dose of high jinks.

To be sure, Harry J. Northington Jr.’s passing last Saturday has left a permanent void.

There was only one Harry which is as it should be — but only because he had the patent on good nature and warm human being, integrity and an unshakable vent for total effort. Keepsakes and collector’s items should be so pure.

Our paths crossed many times over the years when it was my pleasure to describe events under the official scrutiny and supervision of one of the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s best referees, Harry, whose at-times impish antics had coaches, fans, etc., wondering, “Who is this character?”

But to we who knew Harry it was a genuine and welcome blast because we understood it was simply Harry being Harry to the advantage or disadvantage of no one. One thing was forever certain, Harry called it like it was. He worked many of the major high school sites, including Lafayette, Gary, Richmond, Ben Davis, Michigan City, Marion, Fort Wayne and Hinkle Fieldhouse, etc.

It mattered not the size of the school or conference or the importance of the occasion. Honesty was never a consideration, and coaches and players alike knew they were being “chaperoned” by a man who loved kids. His many hours at Carver Center more than proved that point.

His credentials spoke for themselves: Certified IHSAA official for football, basketball and baseball; “Referee of The year” (1993-94); outstanding Girls Indiana High School Athletic Association and National Federation of Interscholastic Officials Association Award and the 1990 Carver Center Reverend H.A. Perry Award.

The game was never over for Harry until it was over, like: Boys baseball semistates (1977-1985, 1990); boys basketball semistates (1980-81) and girls state championship (1985). Toss in numerous sectional and regional tournaments, and Harry’s reputation and experience were always in demand.

Coaches were always given the maximum leeway as to bench decor. But Harry had a well-defined line in the sand. When it came time for “justice” it was done with the very least display, a subtle “T” and comments such as, “That’s it, coach.” Case closed.

I remember addressing Harry before a baseball contest with, “I brought an extra notepad so I can jot down all of your mistakes.” He laughed and replied, “Gino, I don’t need any notepad, I’ll just read your story tomorrow.”

Jim Rayl recalled the late 1950s when he and Harry were part of Joe Platt’s Wildkat horde. “Harry was a great guy and fun to be around,” JIm offered. “He wasn’t into scoring that much, he just wanted to be part of the team and help Kokomo win. Everybody liked Harry because he was such a good person.”

James Robinson and Stan Foreman recalled Harry’s officiating days and the reputation he enjoyed as one of the IHSAA’s best.

They told of an occasion in the late 70s when Harry was to work a Marion-Fort Wayne game in the Summit City. Trouble was, the other official failed to show. Suggestions of using reserve game officials went for naught because “we only use varsity referees for varsity games.” Solution? Harry runs the show alone during which he went full bore for 32 minutes.

Following the contest coaches and school officials praised Harry for “the best-officiated game they ever saw.” But to Harry it was just another day at the office. Robinson and Foreman were in complete agreement, “Harry was one of the best officials in the entire state who also just happened to be a great person away from the court.”

Harry also displayed a deeper commitment to the “right way” in his devotion to the Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church as a regular member, usher and trustee.

The shock is still warm, and this grand person will be remembered for many things, his big, friendly smile, solid character and disposition that never wavered and that delightfully impish and mischievous behavior. But most of all we will remember Harry J. Northington, Jr., for being the same Harry J. Northington, Jr., on every pitch, pass, shot, kick, win or loss.

The patent was pure, or, as the epigraph might say, “We were all wild about Harry.”

Gene F. Conard can be contacted through the Tribune sports department at (765) 454-8574.

        

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