WHSVOA HALL OF FAME
CLASS OF 2022
Jane Claussen
Jane was one of the top officials in the state of Wisconsin. She officiated multiple WIAA and WISAA state tournaments. She was one of the first female officials to officiate at the state tournament. Jane was a founding board member of WHSVOA. She was a mentor to quite a few officials. Update: My husband (Harry) and I live in SaddleBrooke, AZ (Tucson area). We can golf and motorcycle year-round, so I am in “heaven”. I golf at least three times a week and have been Club Champion of our ladies’ organization three times and President’s Cup Champion once. We motorcycle as often as possible and have taken lots of great trips. The west has amazing places to ride and explore. Every 5 years Harley Davidson has an anniversary celebration in Milwaukee. We have ridden back to each one since we moved out here in 2005.
Tom Chvala
Tom was on the founding committee in 1982/83. He was VP for several years and attended almost all of the meetings. Tom had three regular partners for most years. Jerry Sullivan, Keith Morin and Gerry Petushek. Tom registered in 1980 for Volleyball. He missed the 1989 season because he was injured following being hit by a van while running in July. Tom is a highly respected official by coaches and officials alike. Update: I am 86. I began reffing voleyball in 1980 and stopped after the 2020 middle school season in Feb. and March. I was a founding member of the WHSVOA in 1982 along with Keith Marx, Terry Zeh, Chet Joehnig and several others. We met at Siloah Lutheran School on N. 21st Street. Dues were $10. My main partner was Jerry Sullivan and occasionally Pete Hassemer. I did the State Tourney in 1988 and 1990 missing 1989 after being hit by a van while running in July 1989. The Association scrambled to fill in for me. I also did the State in 1993 with Jerry. I did some WISSA glass B tournaments. I am now a care giver for my wife Charlotte. I am active at St. Alphonsus Church in Greendale where we have lived since 1967. I am honored to have been selected for the first HOF class.
Bob Grise
Bob was a founding member of WHSVOA. He has served in many roles but he is most known for his many years as the first official Assigner of the Association. Bob was the face of the association to conference commissioners and athletic directors. He was a mentor to many and devoted endless hours to the WHSVOA members. Bob was known by almost everyone in the high school volleyball community. Bob was also a consultant for WIAA and was assigner for the Boys state tournament before it was recognized by WIAA. Bob was a true advocate for the volleyball officials in Wisconsin.
Keith Marx
Keith was a founding member and the first president of WHSVOA. With an incredible five decades of experience under his belt, Keith Marx has been instrumental in promoting and progressing officiating in southeastern Wisconsin and all across the state. Over the past 50 years, Keith has served as a mentor and rules interpreter for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association. With so much depth of knowledge (and incredibly thick skin) it is no surprise that Keith has been invited to officiate 12 WIAA State Girls Volleyball Tournaments, six WIAA State Boys Volleyball Tournaments, and four WISAA State Girls Volleyball Tournaments over the years. When you ask Keith what he is most proud of, the foundation and organization of the Wisconsin High School Volleyball Officials Association (WHSVOA) in 1982 is at the top of his list. He has loved being able to work with wonderful colleagues, coaches, and players over the years and many of the connections developed through officiating have become lifelong friendships. On top of officiating, Keith was an educator in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District where he taught marketing. Also a well-established coach himself, Keith has also previously served as the varsity soccer coach at West Allis Nathan Hale High School, racking up three conference championships and three State Tournament appearances. He recently celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife Kathy. Keith is also a 2022 Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee in the officials category.
CLASS OF 2023
Becky Blank
I am currently officiating DIII collegiate volleyball in the WIAC, NACC and Midwest Conference. I have been blessed to be nominated to work the regional round of the 2023 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championships. In the winter, I officiate club tournaments in the Badger Region. Outside of volleyball, I am the golf shop manager at Hawthorne Hills Golf Course in Fredonia.
James Hochevar
James has been officiating for about 35 years and was a teacher for 32 years. In that time he has officiated volleyball, baseball, softball, and basketball, officiated 21 state volleyball tournaments, was a long time president of WHSVOA, and served as a mentor to many members. Additionally, Jim combined his love of officiating and teaching to organize and run WHSVOA's classroom and clinic for new officials. Outside of school and officiating, Jim loves to golf, play Mahjongg, and spending time with centenarian mother Charlotte, his wife Kathy, three kids, and 5 grandkids.
