Arthur Hardin
to Arthur Hardin, WSSU coordinator of Community Service, who in his capacity as an NCAA referee was called up in November to officiate one of the biggest nationally televised football games of the season between Notre Dame and Navy. Of his experience, Hardin said, “It was a unique and special experience to be involved with teams playing each other for the 83rd time in a rivalry that has many traditions. Also to be at Notre Dame with its traditions and legends was memorable as well. There are many, many memories and impressions I take away from the contest, the tour of the Notre Dame Stadium, visiting the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend (where HBCUs are well represented) and the experience of being involved in a contest that held some interest across the nation.”
Navy won the contest 23-21. Hardin said doing his best was the only thing on his mind when the contest began. “It was my desire to concentrate solely on officiating a solid game.” Hardin served as Head Linesman (designated by the H on his jersey), the official responsible for the line of scrimmage, making sure player formations were legal, that players were on their side of the scrimmage line and gaining equipment (”the sticks”), used for measuring first downs.