Legends
Wall of CDFOA Legends
For 100 years (since 1925), our legends have been the foundation of football officiating in the Capital District, pioneers, mentors, and standard-bearers whose dedication and passion shaped generations of officials. They set the bar, inspired excellence, and passed down a legacy of integrity, discipline, and love for the game. As we celebrate a century of officiating in New York State, we honor those whose shoulders we stand on—our legends, forever part of the stripes that define us.
Click on a name to read more about the Legend. ⬇️
Al Taylor was a member of the CDFOA for over 50-years. He attended Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady and was drafted by and then scouted for the Boston Red Sox after high school, before joining the Army and fighting in the Korean War. He worked as a professional in the financial sector for several banks, ultimately managing the Central Credit Bureau in Schenectady for over 20 years.
With military-like precision, he was known as a no-nonsense referee who functioned as a true leader on the field. His demeanor towards all involved was always professional and he loved mentoring our upcoming members. Al was known to be vocal at organizational meetings, promoting policies and adherence to proven officiating methodologies with the purpose of making the CDFOA stronger and more respected. Al also officiated basketball, baseball and softball.
Awards he received included a 50-year service award from CDFOA and the NYS Merit Award from the NYS Association of Certified Officials.
Al Cyr, his umpire for 10-years loved working with him and offered “Al was all business. He expected us all to be "ready to go" and was willing (and able) to answer any questions we may have had. He updated us on any "issues" the CDFOA may have been confronted with and had a detailed outline of how he wanted "our crew" to respond. During the game he took care of ANY problems with the teams and didn't tolerate any "theatrics" from either sideline. Time spent on Al's crew was informative, instructional and enjoyable.”
Al died at the age of 87 in May 2021
Martin Aloysius "Marty" Harrington, of Hagaman, NY was a member of the CDFOA for over 30-years. He conducted Candidate and Associate training classes and jointly assigned youth football with Matt Fizgerald for a period of time. He obviously flourished when mentoring new members of the CDFOA, teaching them the intricacies of football officiating and applying common sense to solve unusual circumstances or conflicts.
He also officiated Division I-AA football in the Ivy League and was inducted in 2006 into the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame as an Outstanding Official. He also served as a member of the Executive Committee.
Marty was also a Division III Women's Basketball official, member of the Mohawk Valley Board of Girls Basketball Officials, and the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Board 36.
Marty died at age 60 on February 1, 2016.
Jim Hourigan was a fifth grade elementary school teacher in the North Colonie District who raised nine children, providing for his family with the extra income generated from officiating football, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball and swimming.
His level of common sense expertise and rules knowledge was recognized by participants in all of these sports. When we used to take our exam as a group, everyone wanted to sit with Jim for his rules insight (and of course, the right answers). A short description that fit Jim was: witty and intelligent.
Jim was a veteran of the Korean War, played basketball and baseball for Siena and was an alumni of Catholic Central High School in Troy. Jim was noted for his fatherly attitude towards fellow officials and players as he often entertained with stories and magic tricks. Jim actually performed at local stand-up comedy venues and even pursued feature movie extra opportunities successfully.
It was always fun to be part of the show during the coin toss as Jim would typically pull the coin from behind the ear of one of the captains.
Jim passed away in May 2009.
William ‘Billy’ Cowan was a long-time white hat in the CDFOA who was respected by his colleagues and crew members for his professionalism and demeanor on the football field and as an organizational member.
He primarily worked the ‘western swing’ schools and was well-respected by coaches as they knew the game officiating would be fair, and that the players came first when Bill’s crew was on the field. As a dedicated member he consistently worked all levels, from youth to a NYS championship in 2011 at the Syracuse Dome.
He worked for the New York State Thruway Authority for over 36 years and retired in 2010. He was a 32-year member of the CDFOA.
Bill was more than just a skilled official—he was a true mentor and steward of the game. His passion for officiating was evident in everything he did, and his influence extended far beyond the field. Whether it was breaking down rules, sharing insights from years of experience, or offering encouragement, Bill was always there to help others grow.
He had a gift for teaching, and he never hesitated to invest time in helping fellow officials sharpen their skills and deepen their understanding of the game. He led by example—with integrity, consistency, and an unwavering respect for the sport. His presence brought a sense of calm and confidence to any crew, and his advice often stuck with officials long after the final whistle.
And of course, there was his signature style—Bill was famous for wearing short sleeves, regardless of the weather. Rain, wind, or freezing temperatures, he stuck to his routine.
Bill and his wife of 56 years, Angel, also set the bar high for those who value putting family first. They currently live in Amsterdam, NY.
Jack Kuhn was a multi-sport official, refereeing football, soccer, basketball and softball, earning extra income as he and his wife of 42 years raised five children.
Jack started life at the Mooseheart Orphanage in Chicago, Ill., after which he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He had a multi-decade career as an accountant for NYDEC.
Jack was a consummate organizational member, taking on tasks such as game fee collections (at one time, a quarter a game), dues collections, and assisting in other areas such as banquet planning. He was known for accepting assignments anywhere and at any time. Jack and his wife even made table party favors for year-end banquets.
He was also known to make boisterous announcements at meetings to support values related to member and organizational integrity. A friend and mentor to many, his officiating career extended into his 80s.
Jack died in August 2009.