officials

Sal Vasta

Year Inducted: 2016

Category: Officials

Schools / Organizations: Athletic Officials Association
IHSA

Biography: From 1954 to 1977, Glen Van Proyen officiated basketball in Illinois. When he hung up his striped shirt, whistle, and shoes for the last time his tally showed 1,562 games. From 1961 through 1977 Van Proyen worked 17 IHSA regionals (at 17 different sites), 13 IHSA sectionals, 9 IHSA super-sectionals and 1 IHSA district tournament.  He was an official at the IHSA State Finals in 1969, 1970 and 1971. When (Maywood) Proviso East defeated (Peoria) Spalding 58-51 in the title game in 1969, Van Proyen was on the job. Van Proyen also refereed the Class AA All-Star game at Normal in 1977 for the IBCA. Van Proyen served as president of the Suburban Officials Association from 1961-1977.  Glen was a teacher/coach at Maine South HS for 30 years and had a long-time relationship with baseball.  Glen was drafted by the St. Louis Browns but found his niche as a scout for the LA Dodgers (35 years) and Chicago Cubs (11 years).  Glen Van Proyen died on December 1, 2016.