By: Audrey Bloomquist, Assistant Commissioner

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – In honor of the 2026 NCAA Fall Officials Appreciation Week, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, in partnership with Officially Human, is proud to recognize two standout officials: Shawn Hunter, RMAC football official, and Conor McGahey, RMAC soccer official. The RMAC has partnered with Officially Human since 2024 to emphasize respect for game officials and provide educational resources for student-athletes, coaches, administrators and fans.

“It is wonderful seeing so many schools and conferences thanking officials this week,” said Brenda Hilton, founder of Officially Human. “However, it’s crucial that respect doesn’t end after Officials Appreciation Week. Respect must continue at every game and on every field of play, all year long.”

Shawn Hunter, Football
Selected by RMAC football officiating coordinator Randy Campbell, Shawn Hunter’s path from student-athlete to official reflects the NCAA’s Player to Ref program, which encourages student-athletes to turn their love of sport into an officiating role.

A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Hunter attended Sand Creek High School and continued his academic and athletic career as a track and field athlete at the University of Central Missouri. After graduating, he began officiating football to fill his free time. He advanced to the high school level in 2012 and was hired as an RMAC football official ten years later.

“To me, officiating is about self-growth, discipline, and physical fitness,” said Hunter. “I view self-growth as a commitment to be better than I was the game before. Discipline means studying the rule book and enforcing it with consistency. By maintaining my physical conditioning, I know that when I put on that uniform, I am not just representing myself; I am upholding the integrity, standards, and pride of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.”

Outside of officiating, Hunter serves in the Air Force Reserves and works as a case manager with the Department of Corrections, addressing behaviors that bring offenders to prison and focusing on their reentry back into society.

“I continue to serve student-athletes for the love of the game,” said Hunter. “By us officials stepping on the field, it gives these young adults a chance to escape from the world and showcase their talent.”

Conor McGahey, Soccer
Selected by RMAC soccer officiating coordinator Karen Coulson, Conor McGahey has spent nearly three decades on the pitch, bringing 29 years of United States Soccer Federation (USSF) experience to the RMAC, including 15 seasons in the NCAA.

“Officiating soccer has always been the best way for me to stay connected to the game I love,” said McGahey.

McGahey, originally from Breckenridge, Colorado, holds one of the more unique day-jobs of RMAC officials, serving as the play by play announcer for the Colorado Avalanche, as well as the public address announcer for the Denver Broncos. Whether he’s calling the action for thousands of fans or managing a match as a referee, McGahey’s work depends on the same skills: clear communication, quick decisions, and composure in high-pressure environments.

“We want every RMAC official to know how grateful we are for their passion, dedication, and personal sacrifice, often giving up evenings and weekends away from their families to serve our student-athletes,” said Ryan Clark, RMAC Assistant Commissioner for Internal Operations. “Officials, like Shawn and Conor, are essential parts of athletics, and the RMAC is stronger because of the commitment they bring to every contest.”

The RMAC is proud to support Officially Human in recognizing the vital role officials play in upholding the integrity and sportsmanship of the conference. To learn more about Officially Human’s education and awareness resources, visit OfficiallyHuman.org.

About the RMAC
The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, headquartered in Colorado Springs, is a premier NCAA Division II conference with 15 institutions located in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Utah. The RMAC currently competes in 22 NCAA Division II sports, and its members have earned 71 team national championships since 1992. Founded in 1909, the RMAC is the most historic athletic conference in the western United States and Division II.