Posted: 1/9/08
Big Ten official with North Branch roots
 Jon Lucivansky |
By Steve Morris
For Jon Lucivansky, one of his professional goals is to never be the lead story on ESPN's SportsCenter.
Lucivansky, a 1981 North Branch graduate, has become one of the top college football officials in the country.
Last week, Lucivansky was selected to be a line official at the prestigious Orange Bowl between Virginia Tech and Kansas.
Lucivansky, who now lives in Chippewa Falls, Wisc, played football, basketball and baseball while at North Branch.
He said in a typical year, Big Ten Conference football officials make around $16,000.
When he is not officiating Big Ten Conference football games, he works a full-time job as a school administrator.
Lucivansky has more than 20 years of experience officiating football and has spent time in the NFL Europe and Division II football. He began working Division I football in 2002.
"It's intense," he said. "We're held to high standards. It's tough to get here, but even harder to stay."
Lucivansky has also worked other college bowl games including the Fiesta Bowl.
When asked if he would one day like to became an official in the National Football League, he said he would consider it, but admitted it's a "tough nut to crack."
"The chances of getting a look from the NFL are decreasing every day."
Lucivansky is the son of Dick and LaVonne of Center City.
©ECM Post Review
6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com