NEW YORK – One of the many aspects that was most satisfying at the Big East Tournament was seeing Brian O’Connell get the assignment for the championship game. Brian has been a long-time officiating friend who gradually worked his way up the ranks. A native of Bayonne, New Jersey and currently a Middletown, New Jersey resident, Brian began working high school games in the northern sector of the Garden State.
Brian attended Edgar Cartotto’s officiating camp each summer. In one of my earlier times at camp , several times we were paired together to work a half. When Brian made it to the college ranks and later signed on with the Northeast Conference he came back. This time he was a clinician, evaluating and instructing officials such as yours truly, who always finds “Edgar’s camp” a great learning environment.
Looking to move up, Brian attended the ABCD Camp, where Big East prospects are evaluated. About a decade ago we were in Edgar’s Camp and Brian was instructing. The word came from Edgar that Brian just signed on with the Big East. He humbly accepted congratulations and also added, “my goal is to one day get to the tournament in Madison Square Garden.” His schedule grew and other leagues hired him as well but Brian stayed faithful working games in the NEC, the league Edgar supervised and the place he got his Division I start.
A few seasons passed then he made the breakthrough to the “World’s Most Famous Arena.” Now he’s a regular as the Big East Tournament progresses through the rounds. Earlier in the week Brian explained that Big East supervisor Art Hyland assigned the first two rounds of the tournament. After that, Hyland would assign games after each round. The officials, like the teams, would have to advance.
About a year ago fellow official Pat Devaney, who coordinates the very competitive Hamilton Park Summer league in Jersey City, asked me if Brian would be interested. I explained he would need clearance from his college supervisors but why not try. Devaney and O’Connell grew up together and were football teammates in Bayonne. The call was put out and Brian accepted. Those of us given the chance to work with Brian at Hamilton were truly fortunate. During halftime or post game he would give constructive advice on what you did right or wrong.
Brian is one of those who has given back. He has made the big-time and bright lights. On the flip side his friendly, polite demeanor has not changed. He’s the same person I met in the early 1990s.
Ed Corbett, Pat Driscoll and Brian were the crew chosen by Hyland for that outstanding final between Georgetown and West Virginia. Brian O’Connell had “arrived” long before stepping on the Garden floor that stormy (weather wise) Saturday night. He has gone deep, working later rounds into both the NCAA and NIT. But to an official and person who knows how special the game in general and Big East Conference in particular is, this had to be a special night.
