Starkville’s Own Kevin Randall Takes Center Stage at the Army-Navy Game
In a delightful turn of events, Starkville, Mississippi, is buzzing with excitement after native son Kevin Randall received a dream assignment – officiating the prestigious Army-Navy football game. As he wrapped up his 10th season as a college football official, Kevin was preparing for a cozy Thanksgiving with his family, unaware that greatness awaited him in his inbox.
A Dream Come True
Imagine opening an email expecting routine news, only to discover that you’d be officiating a game you’d longed to attend since childhood. That was Kevin’s reality when he got the email confirming his role in the 2023 Army-Navy game. “I never knew that the first time I got to go was going to be as the referee,” he said, clearly moved by the honor. “Immediately, I got a little emotional, just because it’s such an honor to work that game and it means so much to so many people.”
Family Ties and a Football Legacy
Kevin’s connection to the Army-Navy game runs deep, thanks to his father, Craig Randall, who spent valuable years coaching at military academies and was a significant influence on Kevin’s respect for the sport. Growing up, they would watch the game together, sharing moments that Kevin cherishes. “My family had always had a lot of respect for the service academies because of my dad and his coaching there,” Kevin reminisced. “My wife and daughters have always been super supportive of my officiating.”
From Player to Officiating
Before he became a respected referee, Kevin made a name for himself as a standout quarterback at Starkville High School. In 1994, he led the Yellow Jackets to a state championship, showcasing his athletic prowess. After two years at Mississippi State University, he transferred to the University of Mississippi Medical Center to complete his degree in physical therapy. Following 14 years as MSU’s on-campus physical therapist, he took on a new role with the MSU Foundation, but his passion for football officiating remained strong.
Finding His Footing in Officiating
Interestingly, Kevin’s journey into officiating began almost on a whim. After dabbling in baseball umpiring, he found his true calling in 2006 when he started officiating football games across Mississippi. “We would travel together on Fridays, going to high school games,” he recalled, illustrating the camaraderie and community spirit prevalent among officials.
Climbing the Ranks
His hard work didn’t go unnoticed. In 2012, after officiating a televised high school championship game, Jack Vaughn, a seasoned NFL official, took Kevin under his wing. Thanks to Vaughn’s guidance, Randall began officiating junior college games in 2013 and quickly made his way up to Conference USA by 2015, where he eventually became a head referee.
Game Day Expectations
The Army-Navy game took place on a crisp Saturday in Landover, Maryland, where the Midshipmen claimed victory with a score of 31-13. With U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin performing the pregame coin toss, Randall found himself beaming with pride at the center of the action. He noted the unique atmosphere, saying, “It’s unique in that it’s the purest form of college athletics today. The dedication those players have goes way beyond anything a lot of people can comprehend.”
Officiating Challenges and Triumphs
While the game featured option-based offensive strategies that differ from many modern styles, Randall found it easier to officiate, thanks to the discipline of both teams. He shared a remarkable statistic: Navy was flagged five times for 70 yards, whereas Army committed just one five-yard penalty. “One of my officiating buddies made a comment that this is the only game in America where the guys playing on the field are willing to die for the people who watch it,” he added, reflecting on the game’s deeper meaning.
An Honorable Commitment
Kevin Randall’s journey from a young fan of the Army-Navy game to becoming its referee highlights not only his love for football but also the profound respect for the service academies ingrained in him from a young age. He embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and dedication, reminding us that sometimes, dreams come true in ways we least expect.
As Kevin returns to Starkville, his community can’t help but swell with pride, knowing that one of their own is making a mark on the beautiful game of football.
