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.
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
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.
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:
2021: Jeremy Ortiz
2018: J.R. Katinas
2015: David Bach
2012: Bob Lynch
2009:
2006: Jeff Muha
2003: Sean Geraghty
2000:
1997:
1994:
1991:
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:
2023:
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
2022: Joe Pezzulo
2019: Leo Flynn
2017: Mark Harrison
2015: Jack Wooding2013: Jeff Brayman2011: Bob Collins2009: Mike Cronin2007: Terry Taylor2005: Charles Bemis2003: Bo Battari2001: Dick Bailey1999: Paul Shaver1997: Lew Varney1995: Bernie Cronin1993: Rod O'Connor1991: J. Willard Doran1989: 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