Below is a collection of quotes and recollections shared by NCAA referees and officials, as well as former Gaels, on former Saint Mary's Director of Athletic Events Todd Ogorzelec.
David Libbey, West Coast Conference Director of Men's Basketball Officials, former NCAA Final Four official
"After 30 years of being a college referee and the last 5 years as the coordinator of officials in the West Coast Conference, I have spent a lot of time in locker rooms across this country. In my opinion, Todd was the best. It was not the fact that Todd did his job well, it was we all knew he really cared about or safety and security on and off the court. He cared about us as people and not just referees."
Shelly Russi, NCAA women's basketball official
"Todd makes the venue one of the best places to referee basketball games on the West Coast. He has moved on and up from being the one responsible for the referees, but he makes sure to train the staff and students to be just as attentive to the needs and expectations of referees. And it's not only me, most referees would share the same fondness of how we are treated by Todd and his crew."
Melissa Barlow, NCAA women's basketball official, former NCAA Final Four official
"I can remember many years ago, one of my first games at St. Mary's, a stone's throw from my sister's house in Lafayette. My little niece was so excited to see the game. Todd took extra special care of her that night, made sure she had a seat where she could see the game, and went out of his way to keep an eye on her. From that point forward, every time I came to St. Mary's for a game, Todd would ask about my family and specifically how my niece was doing, etc. Every time, without fail and my niece recently graduated college! That speaks to the kind of man Todd is – he puts people first and he has made a huge impression on me. I referee 75-80 games a season all over the country so I meet a lot of people. There are very, very few that stick out and Todd is definitely one of the best!"
Jeff Henrichs, NCAA baseball umpire
I always looked forward to walking onto the SMC campus knowing Todd was waiting for us. He always had his great big smile followed by a hug and was the best to sit down and chat with. He loved for me to tell and re-tell the story of the ejection of the Georgetown pitching coach. He had the heart of gold and was a wonderful man!"
Brenden Kalfus, former SMC baseball player and event staff worker
"Todd was such a great guy and I am so happy I was able to work under him while I was at SMC."
Gordon Bayne, Assistant Athletic Director for Event Management at Cal
Sorry for your/St. Mary's loss! Todd was a great guy for sure! He always treated your next door neighbors (the Bears) with class. He was a true professional!"
Mike McCormack, assistant baseball coach at Brown
Very saddened by the news...he was great to me in my time there and was always willing to do whatever he could to help me out. I am going to my first Cubs (Todd's favorite team) game at Wrigley today and I will definitely be thinking of him. I will always love and miss you guys (SMC staff) and just know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time."
