National Football Foundation

A standout in the officiating community, Verle Sorgen established himself as one of the finest on the West Coast, and he continues to make an impact as the current coordinator of football officials for the Pac-10 Conference.

Sorgen became a sports standout at the University of Southern California, lettering in basketball, baseball and track. A 1953 All-America in track, he was named USC's Most Outstanding Graduate of his senior year.

Following two seasons of minor league baseball and two more serving in the United States Air Force, Sorgen began officiating in 1957.

In the early stages of his officiating career, Sorgen officiated baseball, softball, volleyball, track meets and professional tennis for 10 years in addition to football. In an on-field officiating career that spanned more than 30 years, he worked games on the Pop Warner, high school, junior college and university levels.

For 20 years, Sorgen officiated in the Pac-10 Conference. During this time, he refereed three East- West Shrine Games, two Mirage Bowls in Japan and the 1985 Rose Bowl. Sorgen also officiated in the United States Football League for two years and worked seven playoff games, including the league's championship game both years.

In 1986, Sorgen assumed his current role as Pac-10 coordinator of football officials, but he continued to referee professionally, with stints in the Arena Football League and World League of American Football.

Sorgen has officiated football in five foreign countries, and for the last 10 years, he has traveled to conduct football officiating clinics in Japan.

A natural leader, Sorgen taught mathematics and was a counselor at Drake High School in San Anselmo, Calif. for 32 years before retiring in 1988.

Married for 27 years to his wife, Marny, Sorgen has three grown children and two grandchildren.