A life-long Syracuse resident, John Sherlock has been synonymous with high school basketball and amateur golf. The Christian Brothers Academy graduate played basketball for four years at LeMoyne College before beginning his officiating career in 1956.

 

An outstanding high school official, Sherlock was president of IAABO from 1974-75. He became an assigner of officials in 1980, retiring this past year. Known by every basketball official in this area, Sherlock’s dedication, integrity and loyalty has been unparalleled in his behind-the-scenes approach. He treated every game as if it was the most important one that evening's schedule.

 

Sherlock is only one of three people from Board #38 to earn an IAABO National Lifetime Membership. He is a founding member of the Zebra Classic, a local high school all-star tournament. He also received the Al Distaola Silver Whistle Award.

 

Sherlock’s other sports passion is golf. He was president of the Syracuse District Golf Association for 10 years and was twice elected New York State Golf Association president.

 

Honors and accomplishments:

 

1946: CBA Graduate, Eagle Scout, U.S. Army

 

1948-52: LeMoyne College Basketball team, Graduate with a BS degree

 

1956: Officiating career began

 

1974-75: President of IAABO

 

1980-2009: Basketball Assignor of Officials; One of only three people from Board # 38 to earn IAABO National Lifetime Membership

 

1986: Founding member of the Zebra Classic

 

1987: Received the Al Distaola Silver Whistle Award

 

1989: Received the Joe Schwartzer Award, given to the top official in CNY from the Blindmen and Criers; Board member of the Blindmen and Criers Marching & Chowder Society over 30 years.

 

1998: Inducted into the Section III Basketball Hall of Fame

 

2007: IAABO Board # 38 developed a “Lifetime Achievement Award” in John’s honor-to acknowledge a member of the local board who has set high standards for the basketball community, and who has demonstrates the highest degree of honesty, integrity, and loyalty to all people involved with the game of basketball. Past winners of this award are: Mike Kitts, Greg Blaich.

 

Golf: Captained Mitchell Cup Team, Longtime USGA representative from Central NY, Member of Tuscarora CC for over 45 years, Carded 8 holes in one.

 

2007: SDGA Men’s District Amateur Championship changed its championship award to the John Sherlock Championship

 

2008: Received the Section III Athletic Service Award