The National Association of Sports Officials is preparing to recognize one of the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s staff members.

Gary Whelchel, the state commissioner of officials, will receive the Mel Narol Medallion Award during the July 30 national conference for NASO in Michigan. It is one of only two prestigious national awards NASO hands out annually.

Whelchel has been a NASO member since 1988 and served on the association’s board from 1998-2000 and was its chairman in 2002. He’s been an official since 1967 and started working with the AIA in 1984 as an area commissioner.

“I am humbled and honored,” Whelchel said. “I didn’t go into this to win awards but to make a difference in officiating.”

The award is named after a former official who was considered the foremost authority on legal issues for officials, Mel Narol.

Previous winners of the award include retired NFL senior director of officiating Jerry Seeman and retired NBA referee and supervisor of officials Ed T. Rush.

 (Gary Whelchel)