NCHSAA Honors Five Officials with 2026 Golden Whistle Awards
CHAPEL HILL, NC — The North Carolina High School Athletic Association recognized five outstanding officials with the 2026 Golden Whistle Award during the Association’s Annual Awards ceremony.
Presented annually, the Golden Whistle Award honors individuals whose influence has helped shape and strengthen officiating in North Carolina. Recipients are selected based on demonstrated leadership, performance, service, and training that benefit officiating. Award winners are respected by their peers for their integrity, character, and commitment to excellence and have a minimum of 10 years of experience as active officials.
This year’s recipients are Scott Faglier, David Blank, Gerald “Gene” Stoel, Frank Barlow, and Mike Safrit.
Scott Faglier
Scott Faglier began his officiating career at age 18 and distinguished himself in three sports simultaneously: basketball, volleyball, and softball. During his career, he has officiated numerous regional tournaments and two NCHSAA Basketball State Championships.
Faglier currently serves as Regional Supervisor for the Triad Volleyball Association and the Mid-State Softball and Baseball Associations, while also serving as a sub-assigner for the Triad Basketball Association. A respected leader, teacher, and mentor, he continues to play a vital role in the development of officials across multiple sports.
David Blank
David Blank has become one of North Carolina’s most dedicated wrestling officials. A member of the Southeastern Wrestling Officials Association, Blank serves as both a clinic leader and member of the association’s Board of Directors.
Throughout his career, he has officiated numerous regional tournaments and multiple NCHSAA Dual Team and Individual Wrestling State Championships. Known for his willingness to mentor fellow officials, Blank regularly shares his expertise on rules, mechanics, and managing challenging situations on the mat.
Gerald “Gene” Stoel
After 41 years of service, Gerald “Gene” Stoel concluded his officiating career during the 2025-26 school year. Stoel, who turned 82 in January, completed a full schedule of baseball, softball, basketball, and volleyball contests in his final season.
A member of the Northeastern Officials Association, Stoel spent decades traveling throughout northeastern North Carolina and the Outer Banks, often utilizing ferry transportation and lengthy drives to ensure schools were served. In addition to officiating baseball, softball, basketball, and volleyball, he also worked football and lacrosse during his career. Stoel has additionally served as a clinic leader for officials on Hatteras Island and throughout the Outer Banks, leaving a lasting impact on generations of officials.
Frank Barlow
Frank Barlow has dedicated more than a decade to amateur baseball umpiring while establishing himself as both an accomplished official and respected instructor. Having served with the Capital Area Association and the DownEast Umpires Association, Barlow now serves as trainer for the DownEast Umpires Association.
A graduate of the Wendelstedt Umpire School, Barlow currently officiates NCAA Division I baseball and is known for his commitment to developing fellow umpires. Through classroom instruction and practical on-field training, he has helped countless officials improve their confidence, judgment, and game-management skills.
Mike Safrit
Mike Safrit has devoted nearly 50 years to officiating. He began his career working high school football in the Raleigh area before advancing to the collegiate ranks, where he spent nearly two decades officiating in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Throughout his career, Safrit remained committed to serving high school athletics, including his role as a clinic leader in the Wilmington area. Following his retirement from the ACC after the 2021 season, he began officiating girls lacrosse with the Coastal Women’s Lacrosse Officials Association. He continues to mentor officials and provide valuable feedback to help improve the profession.
