Lots of folks in Lake Highlands have appreciated Jim Kratz for years as an LHHS science teacher, and some also love him as the Wildcat boys’ and girls’ golf coach, but few in LH know of his dedication as a high school football referee. This week Kratz was honored with the Dallas Football Officials Association (DFOA) Lifetime Award.
“Being selected for the DFOA Lifetime Award means so much to me,” wrote Kratz, thanking friends and colleagues on his Facebook page. “It has been a privilege and an honor to be associated with this organization and the officials I have been able to work with all these years.”
The DFOA officiates UIL and TAPPS high school and junior high football throughout the metroplex.
As a teacher, as a coach and as an official, Kratz has a reputation for being firm, but fair. Students and parents alike say he seeks to give players an understanding of the game rather than merely throw a flag or tweet a penalty. Congratulations on your honor, Coach Kratz.