Milo James Wepking - Inducted 2024

Milo James Wepking graduated from Avon High School in 1940 and earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern State Teacher’s College in 1951. He later obtained a master’s degree in education from the University of South Dakota and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota. A multi-sport standout in high school, Wepking led Avon to the 1940 American Legion Baseball State Tournament as a star hitter and pitcher. WWII interrupted his basketball career at Southern State, where he served in the Army and earned two Bronze Stars.

Wepking officiated high school and college basketball for 30 years and football for 35 years, starting in the late 1940s. He officiated his first state basketball tournament in 1953 and was among the first to officiate both Class “B” and Class “A” tournaments in the same year. He also officiated the first “B” Basketball Tournament in the Huron Arena. Featured in a 1953 Daily Republic article as “Mr. Referee,” Wepking was known for his love of sports and his impactful officiating career. Hod Nielsen of the Yankton Press and Dakotan described him as “everyone’s favorite official” for his imposing presence and booming voice. Although he retired from basketball officiating in 1979, he continued in football. He was named the referee of the decade for the 1960s, including officiating the first high school football game in the Dakota Dome.

Wepking served as Commissioner of the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference from 1972-1978, overseeing officials for all SDIC games. He was inducted into the SDIC Hall of Fame and the South Dakota Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1991.