Story and photos by Mark Peterson.

(New Brighton, PA)  A prominent figure in high school sports and education completed his “farewell tour” at the Main Gymnasium at New Brighton Area School District last night.  A nice crowd was on hand to watch David Wytiaz officiate his final high school basketball game in Beaver County as the visiting Blackhawk Cougars topped the New Brighton Lions in a non conference game 51 to 27.  February 5th is special to Wytaiz for two reasons, it capped off an illustrious  41 year career pacing up and down the courts of Beaver County, and coincidentally, it is also his birthday.  A brief ceremony and plaque presentation was Organized by New Brighton school officials and held before the tip off of the game.  Wytiaz has interacted and influenced the actions of students on and off the basketball court for many years in Beaver County.  In addition to calling tens of thousands of fouls, throwing up the opening tip off, traveling, time outs, and other aspects of the game, he is also the current Administrative Director at The Beaver County Career and Technology Center.  Prior to overseeing the education of area youth in the vocational trades, Wytiaz  served as the Superintendent at Aliquippa School district.  He also acts as the Treasurer for the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Here are some additional photos from last night’s basketball game: