We Are the League Feature Series: Meet Kevin Britt

Editor's Note: Welcome to We Are the League, a feature series that recognizes the work, dedication and enthusiasm of individuals who are essential in making opportunities within the Minnesota State High School League a truly great experience for all. During this series, you will meet an incredible array of individuals, including student-participants, who will share their journeys through education-based activities. The League hopes you enjoy this recognition series.

My high school journey

• Having attended Apple Valley High School at the end of the 1980’s and graduating in 1990, those four years were very memorable. The culture of excellence through hard work, dedication and commitment were instilled by our administration, faculty and embraced by the student body. Being a student-athlete during those times at Apple Valley High School was amazing.  I participated in basketball and baseball, was voted a team captain in both sports, and as a senior, earned postseason honors in each sport. After graduation, I attended Southwest Minnesota State where I had planned to play both basketball and baseball. At that time, I had to decide which sport to play because of the challenge of managing two sports and my academic schedule. I chose baseball and it was the best decision for me. I had a great time in Marshall, had some success on the diamond, earned some personal honors, was also voted a team captain, but most importantly, earned my degree in Sports Management and made some lifelong friends. I got into officiating basketball and football following in the footsteps of my dad. He was a long time League official before he moved on to work NCAA Division II and III in both basketball and football before working 10 seasons as a Big Ten Football official. I can say I’ve related to high school athletes and activities as a player, official and parent for close to 30 years. 

Favorite high school memories

• My favorite memories were going to support my friends that participated in other sports and activities. That included attending state tournaments with my friends and supporting our classmates, school and community. Also memorable is playing basketball and baseball with teammates that I grew up with through youth and middle school. As an official, my favorite memory was working the first athletic event, a boys basketball game at Benilde St. Margaret’s, after hockey player Jack Jablonski’s unfortunate spinal cord injury. It was the first time the school community had gathered in the wake of the accident. My partners for that memorable game were Tim Leighton and Eric Brekke, both of whom are also longtime members of Minneapolis Officials Association. The support that the Benilde-St. Margaret's community showed that night was unbelievable. The crowd was quiet as the game started and didn’t really react after Benilde-St. Margaret's would score a basket. That was until they scored to make their score "13." That was Jack's jersey number. The gymnasium erupted in cheers that lasted the remainder of the game. It was a great example of a school community coming together. I still get the chills thinking about it. And my last favorite is that I’ve had the opportunity to watch all three of my children compete and participate in sports and activities at Apple Valley High School. My oldest son participated in Hockey and Golf, my daughter participated in Theater and Choir and my youngest currently participates in Football, Basketball, Baseball and Choir. 

Why I enjoy being involved with high school activities

• I approach officiating for the simple reason of doing my part. If I continue to do my part, kids will continue to have the opportunity to play games. I do not have a personal agenda to work “The Big Game” because every assignment I accept, I treat it as such.