Award Winners and Legends

Capital District Football Official Award Winners

Please note we are filling in holes in our historical record.  If you are aware of past winner who are not listed or believe an error has been made, please send a note of correction. 

J. Hal Wittner Award

This award is the highest honor awarded by the Capital District. This award is given when the organization decides to recognize the lifetime of achievement provided by the selected official.  Learn more about J. Hal Wittner here. 


  • 2025: 
  • 2024: Jason Capogna
  • 2023: Larry Vecchio
  • 2022: Michael Nicastro
  • 2021:  Gerald Buchanan
  • 2020: Fred Guzielek
  • 2019:  No award
  • 2018:  Mark Anderson
  • 2016:  Chris Rusiecki
  • 2014:  Bill Bennison
  • 2013: John Keenan 
  • 2012:  Joe Friers
  • 2010:  Rich Hofstetter
  • 2006: Mike Van Allen
  • 2005: Gene Fitzpatrick 
  • 2004: Charles Seyffer
  • 2003: Dale Wotherspoon
  • 2002: Alexander (Sandy) Brousseau
  • 2000: Ron Wotherspoon
  • 1984: Tommy Brennan
  • 1972:  Dominic J. Denio


Other known recipients (year unknown): 

  • Fritz Brownell

  • Jim Cole 
  • Willard Doran
  • William Higgins
  • Roy Mesick
  • Hilton Perez
  • Dan Sullivan
  • Jack Tudico
  • Terry Ulion
  • Andrew Yager

Denio-Doran Award

This award is given to a Capital District Associate official rising to active status who is recognized for their outstanding promise.  Learn more about Dominic Denio or Willard Doran. 

  • 2025: 
  • 2022: No Award
  • 2019: Rhian Cleare
  • 2016: Ted Minissale
  • 2013: Matt Redden
  • 2010: 
  • 2007: Bill Kline
  • 2004: Eric Lewis
  • 2001: Joe Umholtz
  • 1998: 
  • 1995: 
  • 1992: 


  • 2024: Zachary Suits
  • 2021: Jeremy Ortiz
  • 2018: J.R. Katinas
  • 2015: David Bach
  • 2012: Bob Lynch
  • 2009: 
  • 2006: Jeff Muha 
  • 2003: Sean Geraghty
  • 2000: 
  • 1997: 
  • 1994:  
  • 1991: 
  • 2023: Mike Martin
  • 2020: No Award (COVID season)
  • 2017: Tony Gallo
  • 2014: Steve Hopsicker
  • 2011: Shawn Murray
  • 2008: 
  • 2005: John Kilian
  • 2002: Tony Fullana
  • 1999:  
  • 1996: Chris Junjulas
  • 1993: 
  • 1990: 

NYS Merit Award

This award is given by the NYS Certified Football Officials Association to recognize officials with at least 15 years of service who exemplify the highest caliber of officiating skills and given back to the organization to support other officials.  Officials who receive this award have their names inscribed in a plaque which is located at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. 

  • 2022: Jason Capogna, Randy O'Neil, Joseph Waters
  • 2020: Walter Foust, Vince Hoff, Walt Lippmann
  • 2018: Joseph Friers, Chris Rusiecki, Bruce Walcott
  • 2016: Chris Junjulas, Kris Thompson, Troy Weldy
  • 2014: Russ Knight, Michael Nicastro, Andy Yager
  • 2012: Bob Brock, Daniel Hackett, John Keenan
  • 2010: Gerry Buchanan, Steve Ludwin, Bob Vogt
  • 2008: Mike Brady, Fritz Brownell, Bill Levy
  • 2006: Michael Gallo, Gino Marotta, Dale Wotherspoon
  • 2004: Vince Catalfamo, Paul Hoole, Larry Vecchio
  • 2002: Bill Bennison, Bill Cowan, Steve Waters
  • 2001:  Kevin Perrotte, James Sprung, Ronald Vero
  • 2000: William Higgins, Rich Hofstetter, John Piscitella
  • 1999: David Kulzer, Paul Mango, Hilton Perez
  • 1998: Sandy Brousseau, Larry Novak, Ron Wotherspoon
  • 1997: Joe Moseley, Dan Sullivan, Charles Tangredi
  • 1996: John Bogdan, Joe Chrywaty, Jim Simmons
  • 1995: Al Cyr, Michael Lynch, Nick Pollotta
  • 1994: Roy Messick, Jack Tudico, Terry Ulion
  • 1993: Richard Bartis, Eugene Fitzpatrick, John Parente
  • 1992: Gene Bankowski, Lou Mineau, Dan Sullivan
  • 1991: Ron Bulley, Charles Seyffer, John Warner
  • 1990: Nero Jones, Jack Kuhn, Lou Mineau
  • 1989: James Cole, James Hourigan, Jack Tudico
  • 1988: Art Alvarez, Tom Cowell, Rod O'Connor
  • 1987: J. Willard Doran, Tom O'Connor, Al Taylor
  • 1986: J. Thomas Brennan, Joe Caruso, John Coakley, J. Emmet 'Flip' Dowling, Chris Farrell, Mike Nagle, Cornelius 'Joe' Nolan, Edward Pickens, Nick Rieg, Pete Shula, Robert Woods
  • 1985: Dan Cafarelli, Rod O'Connor, John Soffey
  • 1984: William Connolly, Dom Denio, Larry Grimes

Members of the Capital District Football Hall of Fame

The Capital District Football Hall of Fame has recognized a number of football officials for their outstanding contributions to the sport of football.  These officials include: 

Class of 2023: Joe Cowell (Capital District Chapter), Leo Flynn (Adirondack Chapter)

Class of 2021: Dar Rivers (Adirondack Chapter) and Bob Woods (Capital District Chapter)

Class of 2019: William Higgins (Capital District Chapter)

Class of 2018: Dale Wotherspoon (Capital District Chapter)

Class of 2017: Chuck Bemis (Adirondack Chapter)

Class of 2016: Sandy Brousseau (Capital District Chapter)

Class of 2015: Frank Green (Adirondack Chapter), Joe Moseley (Capital District Chapter)

Class of 2014: Mike Aquino (Capital District Chapter), Chris Junjulas (Capital District Chapter)

Class of 2013: Mike Cronin (Adirondack Chapter), Matt Fitzgerald (Capital District Chapter)

Class of 2012:  Jack Cramer (Capital District), Morris Nassivera (Adirondack), Thomas Brennan (Capital District)

Class of 2011: John Soffey (Capital District Chapter), Lew Varney (Adirondack Chapter)

Class of 2010: Bernie Cronin (Adirondack Chapter), Dom Denio (Capital District Chapter), Willard Doran (Capital District Chapter), Paul Shaver (Adirondack Chapter)

National Football Foundation - Distinguished American Award

This award is given by the National Football Foundation - College Football Hall of Fame to recognize the significant contributions made to the sport of football within Section 2.  This award often goes to business leaders, political leaders, members of the media and major donors.  A few football officials who have stood out within Section 2 have also received this award over the years. 

  • 2016: Paul Bricoccoli
  • 1997: William D. Higgins

National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame Outstanding Official Awardees

The Capital District Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame recognizes the important role that officials play in supporting the development of student athletes. One way they do this is through the Outstanding Official Award given to a standout official who has achieved great success through their officiating career. Past recipients of this award include:

  • 2021: Charles Seyffer
  • 2018: Sean Geraghty
  • 2016: Bill Bennison
  • 2014: Terry Ulion
  • 2012: Eugene Fitzpatrick
  • 2010: Michael Aquino
  • 2008: Chris Junjulas
  • 2006: Marty Harrington
  • 2004: Matt Fitzgerald
  • 2002: Hilton Perez
  • 2000: Jack Cramer
  • 1998: Michael Nagle
  • 1996: Tom Brennan
  • 1994: Frank Green
  • 1992: Muff Massiverra
  • 1990: Larry Grimes
  • 1988: John Soffey

  • 2017: Mark Harrison
  • 2015: Jack Wooding
  • 2013: Jeff Brayman
  • 2011: Bob Collins
  • 2009: Mike Cronin
  • 2007: Terry Taylor
  • 2005: Charles Bemis
  • 2003: Bo Battari
  • 2001: Dick Bailey
  • 1999: Paul Shaver
  • 1997: Lew Varney
  • 1995: Bernie Cronin
  • 1993: Rod O'Connor
  • 1991: J. Willard Doran
  • 1989: Dom Denio

American Football Association
Semi-Pro Football
Hall of Fame, Canton, OH

CDFOA Officials have the opportunity to work youth games and semi-pro games.  Many of our officials have made great contributions towards semi-pro football and have been inducted into the AFA Hall in Fame in Canton, Ohio. 

  • 2019: Larry Vecchio
  • 2017: Dale Wotherspoon
  • 2015: Joe Friers
  • 2007: Mike Aquino
  • 2006: Fritz Brownell
  • 2004: Ron Wotherspoon
  • 1999:  William Higgins