Officials

Ed Biznek

Year Inducted: 1995

Category: Officials

Schools / Organizations: IHSA

Biography:

Ed Biznek had an exact knowledge of what it took to be a good official.  For more than 30 years, he adorned himself with the black and white stripes.  It was Biznek’s philosophy that the secret of officiating was to know the rules and hustle in every game.

Besides the 16 IHSA Regionals that Biznek officiated throughout mid-central Illinois, he worked numerous county and invitational tournaments.  In working invitationals at places such as Edwardsville, Collinsville, and Jacksonville, to name a few, Biznek brought his whistle and his hustle.  Biznek officiated in the historic Centralia Christmas Tournament.  Biznek also refereed the US Armed Forces tournament when it was held at Scott Air Force Base.  He was in demand for county tournaments such as Sangamon, Pike, and Macoupin.

Biznek, a former resident of Staunton and a retired grade school principal in the Granite City School District, teamed with such well-respected officials as Ed Hightower, Bob Freels, and Al Sonenberger.  Biznek’s officiating resume shows he officiated at 138 different schools.  Of this, he simply says, “I enjoyed it very much.”  Illinois lost one of its best to wear the striped shirt when Ed died on April 29, 2003 at the age of 74.