James E. "Jim" Enright

In 1930, when a 20-year-old sportswriter named James Enright covering a game for the Benton Harbor (MI) News-Palladium was asked to substitute for a snowbound official, a 30-year love affair with officiating was born. Enright was a natural. He earned the respect of coaches, players, and fans because of his fair and authoritative calls and general demeanor on the court. Consequently, he received many key assignments at the collegiate level and ultimately a position in the professional leagues. Enright, who regularly officiated in the Big Ten, Big Eight, and Missouri Valley Conferences, also officiated in two NCAA regional tournaments (1952 and 1953) as well as the 1954 Final Four between La Salle and Bradley. Enright showcased his talents in both the National Basketball League and NBA for one year. When Enright retired from officiating in 1964, he switched his dedication back to his first love – sports writing.