Don Elsea had elected not to pursue a collegiate wrestling career after he graduated from Red Bank High School in 1970, but he realized he missed the sport.

His high school coach, John Farr, telephoned and asked if Elsea had considered being a wrestling official.

Elsea has worked 50 years service as a wrestling official while also being a state and national evaluator.

He has officiated in some 45 Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association state wrestling championships and more than 60 national tournaments.

Elsea also has traveled the country scouting officials to be selected for national tournaments and prestigious invitationals, such as the massive, 200-team annual meet at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.