Lifetime Achievement for Officials: KENNY RITCHIE
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by National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Kenny Ritchie has earned a place as one of the top high school and collegiate wrestling officials in the country, working virtually every major tournament the sport has to offer.
His high school credentials include officiating at 27 Oklahoma state wrestling tournaments, 25 Geary Tournament of Champions, 31 Perry Tournament of Champions, 10 dual state tournaments, two high school all-state matches, and 27 high school regional tournaments.
Ritchie received numerous accolades during his time as a high school official. He was named Oklahoma Official of the Year 10 times and official of the year in 1995 by the National Federation Interscholastic Officials Association. For 22 years, Ritchie has been the president of the Central Oklahoma Wrestling Association. From 2010-2014, he served as the chairman of the National Wrestling Officials Association Technique and Technology Committee.
His collegiate credentials are equally impressive. He has refereed at 12 NCAA Division I wrestling tournaments, including nine championship finals matches. Ritchie has also officiated at the NCAA Division II tournament eight times and the Division III tournament once. Other prestigious tournaments include four Eastern Regional tournaments, one NCAA National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic, eight NCAA National Dual tournaments, 17 Big 12 tournaments, and four Pac-12 tournaments.
In addition to his duties as an official, Ritchie is involved with the Wind & Fire Motorcycle Club. The club assists families devastated by fire by providing clothing, toys, and monetary contributions. The Wind & Fire Club also hosts fundraisers for needy children during the holidays.
Professionally, Ritchie serves as a captain and arson investigator at the Oklahoma City Fire Department.
His high school credentials include officiating at 27 Oklahoma state wrestling tournaments, 25 Geary Tournament of Champions, 31 Perry Tournament of Champions, 10 dual state tournaments, two high school all-state matches, and 27 high school regional tournaments.
Ritchie received numerous accolades during his time as a high school official. He was named Oklahoma Official of the Year 10 times and official of the year in 1995 by the National Federation Interscholastic Officials Association. For 22 years, Ritchie has been the president of the Central Oklahoma Wrestling Association. From 2010-2014, he served as the chairman of the National Wrestling Officials Association Technique and Technology Committee.
His collegiate credentials are equally impressive. He has refereed at 12 NCAA Division I wrestling tournaments, including nine championship finals matches. Ritchie has also officiated at the NCAA Division II tournament eight times and the Division III tournament once. Other prestigious tournaments include four Eastern Regional tournaments, one NCAA National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic, eight NCAA National Dual tournaments, 17 Big 12 tournaments, and four Pac-12 tournaments.
In addition to his duties as an official, Ritchie is involved with the Wind & Fire Motorcycle Club. The club assists families devastated by fire by providing clothing, toys, and monetary contributions. The Wind & Fire Club also hosts fundraisers for needy children during the holidays.
Professionally, Ritchie serves as a captain and arson investigator at the Oklahoma City Fire Department.
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