officials

Ted Search, Jr.

Year Inducted: 1988

Category: Officials

Schools / Organizations: IHSA
Egyptian Officials Association

Biography: Ted Search Jr. had big shoes to fill as a basketball official when he began a 31-year career spanning 1950-1981. His father worked the 1947 state championship game when Paris defeated Champaign 58-37. Search, like his father, calls Chester his home. Search never made it to Old Huff Gymnasium as a state tourney official but drew assignments for the last three state tourneys under the one-class setup in 1969, 1970 and 1971 in the Assembly Hall. When he was selected for the 1970 Championship Game in which LaGrange dropped East Moline 71-52, the Search family became the first father-son officials to work the state championship game. In all, Search whistled 4 districts, 16 regionals, 8 sectionals and 5 first-round games. Search was named to officiate the first IBCA All-Star game in 1975. Search has the unique experience of officiating end-of-year basketball tournaments at Menard Penitentiary and holding rules interpretation clinics for inmate referees. Search served as president of the Egyptian Officials Association (the state’s oldest chartered official’s organization). Although it’s been 11 years since he officiated a basketball game, Search is still a vivid memory for coaches throughout the state for his style and ability in a striped shirt. Ted Search, Jr. died on April 29, 2010 at the age of 80.