Stan Finch (Softball)
Stan Finch’s distinguished career in softball officiating reflects more than three decades of dedication, leadership, and excellence within Hawaii’s sports community. Beginning his journey over 30 years ago, Finch has umpired both fast pitch and slow pitch softball, while also working 13 years at the high school and collegiate levels, including Division I, Division II, and NAIA competition. His consistent excellence earned him numerous state tournament assignments and the respect of coaches and peers alike.
A registered ASA umpire since 1996, Finch credits several Hawaii Sports Officials Hall of Famers as mentors and has continued that tradition through leadership and service. He served as president of the Diamond Head Officials Association from 1997 to 2010 and later was appointed State Umpire-in-Chief for USA Softball Hawaii. His influence has extended beyond the field through his role as Military Liaison and his leadership in regional umpire development.
On the national and international stage, Finch has officiated 15 USA Softball National Championships, seven Armed Forces Championships, and elite showcase events, including the USA vs. Canada Border Battle and USA Softball’s nationally televised competitions on ESPN. His honors include the USA Softball Gold Medal Award, Regional Umpire Award of Excellence, and Hawaii Softball Foundation Umpire of the Year recognition.
A proud Air Force veteran, Finch has also made lasting contributions off the field, most notably bringing the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team to Hawaii, demonstrating his commitment to service, mentorship, and the spirit of the game.
Stan Finch’s distinguished career in softball officiating reflects more than three decades of dedication, leadership, and excellence within Hawaii’s sports community. Beginning his journey over 30 years ago, Finch has umpired both fast pitch and slow pitch softball, while also working 13 years at the high school and collegiate levels, including Division I, Division II, and NAIA competition. His consistent excellence earned him numerous state tournament assignments and the respect of coaches and peers alike.
A registered ASA umpire since 1996, Finch credits several Hawaii Sports Officials Hall of Famers as mentors and has continued that tradition through leadership and service. He served as president of the Diamond Head Officials Association from 1997 to 2010 and later was appointed State Umpire-in-Chief for USA Softball Hawaii. His influence has extended beyond the field through his role as Military Liaison and his leadership in regional umpire development.
On the national and international stage, Finch has officiated 15 USA Softball National Championships, seven Armed Forces Championships, and elite showcase events, including the USA vs. Canada Border Battle and USA Softball’s nationally televised competitions on ESPN. His honors include the USA Softball Gold Medal Award, Regional Umpire Award of Excellence, and Hawaii Softball Foundation Umpire of the Year recognition.
A proud Air Force veteran, Finch has also made lasting contributions off the field, most notably bringing the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team to Hawaii, demonstrating his commitment to service, mentorship, and the spirit of the game.
Michael Fricano (Soccer)
Michael Fricano’s outstanding career in soccer officiating spans more than four
decades and reflects a lifetime of dedication to the growth of the game in Hawaii and beyond. He began officiating in 1984 while stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan, quickly progressing from youth leagues to adult competition and earning United States Soccer Federation certification in 1989.
After relocating to Hawaii in 2002, Fricano became a central figure in the state’s officiating community. As a member of the Hawaii Scholastic Soccer Federation, he has officiated seven OIA championship matches and ten HHSAA state championship games. His excellence was recognized with the HHSAA Boys Soccer Official of the Year award in 2018–19, and he is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Isaac Veal Award.
Fricano’s impact extends across all levels of soccer, including collegiate competition, where he officiated Division I and II games and worked a Western Athletic Conference tournament semifinal. He has also been selected for major events such as NCAA postseason matches and a Major League Soccer exhibition game in Hawaii.
A pioneer in futsal, Fricano led the development of referees when Oahu’s first regulation facility opened, becoming Hawaii’s only
certified USSF Futsal Instructor and Assessor.
Equally influential as an educator and mentor, Fricano has trained and evaluated generations of referees while serving in numerous leadership roles. His integrity, commitment, and passion embody the highest ideals of officiating, making him a deserving inductee.
Michael Fricano’s outstanding career in soccer officiating spans more than four
decades and reflects a lifetime of dedication to the growth of the game in Hawaii and beyond. He began officiating in 1984 while stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan, quickly progressing from youth leagues to adult competition and earning United States Soccer Federation certification in 1989.
After relocating to Hawaii in 2002, Fricano became a central figure in the state’s officiating community. As a member of the Hawaii Scholastic Soccer Federation, he has officiated seven OIA championship matches and ten HHSAA state championship games. His excellence was recognized with the HHSAA Boys Soccer Official of the Year award in 2018–19, and he is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Isaac Veal Award.
Fricano’s impact extends across all levels of soccer, including collegiate competition, where he officiated Division I and II games and worked a Western Athletic Conference tournament semifinal. He has also been selected for major events such as NCAA postseason matches and a Major League Soccer exhibition game in Hawaii.
A pioneer in futsal, Fricano led the development of referees when Oahu’s first regulation facility opened, becoming Hawaii’s only
certified USSF Futsal Instructor and Assessor.
Equally influential as an educator and mentor, Fricano has trained and evaluated generations of referees while serving in numerous leadership roles. His integrity, commitment, and passion embody the highest ideals of officiating, making him a deserving inductee.
Michael Goshima (Football)
Michael Goshima’s lifelong dedication to football officiating has made him one of Hawaii’s most respected and influential officials. Introduced to the profession at just five years old, Goshima developed a passion for officiating early, eventually joining the Hawaii Football Officials Association (HFOA) in 1970. Over a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, he officiated high school and youth football while maintaining a deep commitment to excellence and integrity.
Goshima’s career is marked by numerous significant assignments. After working his first varsity game in 1975, he officiated his first Prep Bowl in 1983 before a crowd of over 27,000 fans. In 1999, he served as referee for the first-ever HHSAA State Playoff game and went on to officiate countless state playoff and championship contests. Demonstrating versatility, he worked all seven field officiating positions during his career.
Beyond high school football, Goshima officiated professionally in the Arena2 League from 2002 to 2004 and later joined the Western
Athletic Conference as both a field and replay official, including numerous bowl games. His experience also included assignments in the Hula Bowl and other prestigious events.
A dedicated leader and mentor, Goshima served as HFOA president, clinician, evaluator, and founding board member of multiple officiating organizations. Even after retiring from on-field work, he continues to contribute as a replay technician and instructor. His enduring commitment to mentoring and service earned him HHSAA Football
Official of the Year honors in 2018.
Michael Goshima’s lifelong dedication to football officiating has made him one of Hawaii’s most respected and influential officials. Introduced to the profession at just five years old, Goshima developed a passion for officiating early, eventually joining the Hawaii Football Officials Association (HFOA) in 1970. Over a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, he officiated high school and youth football while maintaining a deep commitment to excellence and integrity.
Goshima’s career is marked by numerous significant assignments. After working his first varsity game in 1975, he officiated his first Prep Bowl in 1983 before a crowd of over 27,000 fans. In 1999, he served as referee for the first-ever HHSAA State Playoff game and went on to officiate countless state playoff and championship contests. Demonstrating versatility, he worked all seven field officiating positions during his career.
Beyond high school football, Goshima officiated professionally in the Arena2 League from 2002 to 2004 and later joined the Western
Athletic Conference as both a field and replay official, including numerous bowl games. His experience also included assignments in the Hula Bowl and other prestigious events.
A dedicated leader and mentor, Goshima served as HFOA president, clinician, evaluator, and founding board member of multiple officiating organizations. Even after retiring from on-field work, he continues to contribute as a replay technician and instructor. His enduring commitment to mentoring and service earned him HHSAA Football
Official of the Year honors in 2018.
Jim Lebeau (Baseball)
BJim LeBeau’s distinguished career in baseball officiating spans more than three decades and reflects a lifelong passion for the game. First drawn to baseball at age 10, he progressed through collegiate play and continued competing during his Air Force service before transitioning to coaching and, ultimately, officiating.
LeBeau began his umpiring journey in 1990 in Florida, quickly advancing from Little League to high school varsity games within a year and earning a state playoff assignment soon after. Over the course of his career, he compiled an impressive résumé that includes 23 years at the high school level, 25 years in collegiate baseball, and experience in professional leagues.
After relocating to Hawaii in 1995, LeBeau became a cornerstone of the local officiating community. He earned NCAA Division I Western Athletic Conference assignments beginning in 1998 and consistently demonstrated excellence through numerous postseason selections. His achievements include multiple NCAA Division II Regional and Super Regional assignments, culminating in the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship Tournament.
LeBeau’s impact extends beyond the field through his leadership and commitment to developing officials. As co-founder and
longtime president of Pacific Rim Baseball Umpires, he played a key role in recruiting, mentoring, and training the next generation. His contributions were recognized in 2018 as the inaugural HHSAA Baseball Official of the Year.
BJim LeBeau’s distinguished career in baseball officiating spans more than three decades and reflects a lifelong passion for the game. First drawn to baseball at age 10, he progressed through collegiate play and continued competing during his Air Force service before transitioning to coaching and, ultimately, officiating.
LeBeau began his umpiring journey in 1990 in Florida, quickly advancing from Little League to high school varsity games within a year and earning a state playoff assignment soon after. Over the course of his career, he compiled an impressive résumé that includes 23 years at the high school level, 25 years in collegiate baseball, and experience in professional leagues.
After relocating to Hawaii in 1995, LeBeau became a cornerstone of the local officiating community. He earned NCAA Division I Western Athletic Conference assignments beginning in 1998 and consistently demonstrated excellence through numerous postseason selections. His achievements include multiple NCAA Division II Regional and Super Regional assignments, culminating in the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship Tournament.
LeBeau’s impact extends beyond the field through his leadership and commitment to developing officials. As co-founder and
longtime president of Pacific Rim Baseball Umpires, he played a key role in recruiting, mentoring, and training the next generation. His contributions were recognized in 2018 as the inaugural HHSAA Baseball Official of the Year.
Aaron "Chief" Neff (Football)
Aaron “Chief” Neff’s legacy in Hawaii athletics is defined by excellence, humility, and an unwavering commitment to officiating and mentorship. A gifted multi-sport athlete at Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaii, he excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and track, even setting a distance record for barefoot kicking—an early sign of his remarkable athleticism.
Neff’s officiating career began in the 1940s and spanned nearly four decades, during which he worked at every level, from Pop Warner to collegiate competition. Known for his consistency, fairness, and deep knowledge of the game, he officiated many historic contests, including the first Prep Bowl, Thanksgiving Day matchups, and East–West Shrine games at Honolulu Stadium. Most often serving as an umpire, he earned widespread respect for his steady presence on the field.
Despite being widely admired for his leadership, Neff humbly declined opportunities to serve as a head referee due to limited mobility in his left arm. Nevertheless, this never diminished the respect he commanded from players, coaches, and fellow officials.
A pioneer for Hawaii officials, Neff was among the first to officiate in the Western Athletic Conference, helping elevate the state’s national profile. He also contributed as a coach, worked multiple sports, and was a founding member of the Hawaii Track and Field Officials Association.
Serving as president of the Hawaii Football Officials Association for a decade, Neff mentored countless officials, many of whom advanced to higher levels.
Neff passed away in 2002.
Aaron “Chief” Neff’s legacy in Hawaii athletics is defined by excellence, humility, and an unwavering commitment to officiating and mentorship. A gifted multi-sport athlete at Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaii, he excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and track, even setting a distance record for barefoot kicking—an early sign of his remarkable athleticism.
Neff’s officiating career began in the 1940s and spanned nearly four decades, during which he worked at every level, from Pop Warner to collegiate competition. Known for his consistency, fairness, and deep knowledge of the game, he officiated many historic contests, including the first Prep Bowl, Thanksgiving Day matchups, and East–West Shrine games at Honolulu Stadium. Most often serving as an umpire, he earned widespread respect for his steady presence on the field.
Despite being widely admired for his leadership, Neff humbly declined opportunities to serve as a head referee due to limited mobility in his left arm. Nevertheless, this never diminished the respect he commanded from players, coaches, and fellow officials.
A pioneer for Hawaii officials, Neff was among the first to officiate in the Western Athletic Conference, helping elevate the state’s national profile. He also contributed as a coach, worked multiple sports, and was a founding member of the Hawaii Track and Field Officials Association.
Serving as president of the Hawaii Football Officials Association for a decade, Neff mentored countless officials, many of whom advanced to higher levels.
Neff passed away in 2002.
Mason A. Souza (Basketball)
Mason Souza’s remarkable officiating career spans more than five decades, reflecting a lifelong commitment to athletics, leadership, and community service across Hawai‘i.
Beginning at just 10 years old as a basketball scorekeeper in Pa‘auilo, Souza quickly developed a passion for officiating, working his first basketball game at age 13 and continuing throughout his youth while competing as a standout player for Honoka‘a High School.
By age 18, Souza had already advanced to varsity-level officiating in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation, earning the rare distinction of officiating a varsity championship game in his first season. His career expanded through the Maui Interscholastic League and later back on Hawai‘i Island, where he continued to excel in both basketball and baseball officiating. In 1989, he reached the collegiate level, officiating his first men’s college basketball game and going on to work NCAA men’s and women’s contests along with numerous high school state tournament games.
A leader in officiating development, Souza co-founded the Big Island Basketball Officials Association in 1989 and later helped transform it into the Hawai‘i Island Sports Officials Association. He has served as assignor, trainer, and president, while also organizing statewide clinics to mentor officials and elevate standards across the islands.
Beyond the court, Souza dedicated his professional life to public service with the County of Hawaii, impacting countless people through recreation programs and leadership roles. His honors include the prestigious Darlene May Award and County Manager of the Year recognition.
Mason Souza’s remarkable officiating career spans more than five decades, reflecting a lifelong commitment to athletics, leadership, and community service across Hawai‘i.
Beginning at just 10 years old as a basketball scorekeeper in Pa‘auilo, Souza quickly developed a passion for officiating, working his first basketball game at age 13 and continuing throughout his youth while competing as a standout player for Honoka‘a High School.
By age 18, Souza had already advanced to varsity-level officiating in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation, earning the rare distinction of officiating a varsity championship game in his first season. His career expanded through the Maui Interscholastic League and later back on Hawai‘i Island, where he continued to excel in both basketball and baseball officiating. In 1989, he reached the collegiate level, officiating his first men’s college basketball game and going on to work NCAA men’s and women’s contests along with numerous high school state tournament games.
A leader in officiating development, Souza co-founded the Big Island Basketball Officials Association in 1989 and later helped transform it into the Hawai‘i Island Sports Officials Association. He has served as assignor, trainer, and president, while also organizing statewide clinics to mentor officials and elevate standards across the islands.
Beyond the court, Souza dedicated his professional life to public service with the County of Hawaii, impacting countless people through recreation programs and leadership roles. His honors include the prestigious Darlene May Award and County Manager of the Year recognition.
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