Douglas Schutte (Class of 2023)

Doug was an athlete his entire life since taking up wrestling at the age of 5. Although he dabbled in other sports including, baseball, cross country running, football, tennis, track, ultimate Frisbee and volleyball, he dedicated his athletic efforts to wrestling, competing in the AAU Olympic Program as an adolescent growing up in Western Pennsylvania. He competed scholastically from the 5th grade through college. While in high school he was twice National Prep School champion in my weight class and named Outstanding Wrestler of the 1971 National Championships. In college he placed 4th at 126 lbs. in the EIWA Championships in 1975, qualifying for the 1975 NCAA Championships. Following college and my second knee surgery to remove torn cartilages from both my knees, he became serious about competing in the sport of ultimate Frisbee. He founded the city-wide club team in Richmond in the spring of 1978 and qualified with the team for several Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships in the following years until I began coaching youth soccer in 1986. His third athletic career as a Sports Official followed.

Doug began officiating soccer in 1987 and enjoyed many highlights as not only an official but also as an instructor, assessor, and assignor. Doug served as USSF, NCAA, and VHSL officiating with highlights working professional games, high school state semi-final and final games, amateur men’s national cup, youth national championships. Doug’s passion for officiating also carried him to become an official in wrestling and volleyball as well.