BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Four female officials will work a football game between Division II Miles and Lane.
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference bills Thursday night’s game as the first time a mostly female officiating crew has worked any NCAA game. The league says the NFL ‘s director of football officials David Coleman and director of recruiting Ron Baynes will attend the game to evaluate the officials’ performance.
The SIAC’s coordinator of officials, Harold Mitchell, says history aside, “It’s also very important for everyone to understand that the selected crew are all outstanding officials, and not just females.”
The crew includes Yvonda Lewis, Tangela Mitchell, Sabrina Brunson and Krystle Apellaniz.
All four, who will work with former NFL player umpire Terry Killens, have risen through the NFL Officiating Development Program.
