Inductees
Jay Roelen
Year: 2003
Gender: Male
About Jay:
April 12, 1936 – August 01, 2021
Jay Roelen officiated for 38 years, including 30 at the national level. He officiated 27 consecutive NAIA national tournaments, including 18 as head official, and later served as supervisor of officials. He also officiated NCAA Division II and III tournaments and served as a Division I evaluator.
Jay officiated 20 California Community College championships and 15 California Interscholastic Federation championships and later served as a California State evaluator.
He was selected the 1983 Southern California Official of the Year and officiated freestyle wrestling for 10 years, including the 1991 U.S. Olympic Festival.
He was an All-American football quarterback for Pepperdine in 1957, leading the nation in passing. He was named “Player of the Year” by Coach and Athlete Magazine and was inducted into the Pepperdine University and Helms Halls of Fame.
His love for athletics and competition led him to the sport of wrestling. He coached wrestling for 13 years, winning six team championships. He officiated wrestling for 38 years, 30 at the national level.