Claremont resident George “Bulldog” Bessler is a well-known linesman on the football field, as well as umpire behind home plate in baseball and softball. Whenever I post photos of sporting events and a photo of Bessler is included, it’s the photo with the most likes and comments because he is such a well-loved, fun and caring person on and off the field.
Question: What got you interested in being an umpire and referee?
Answer: The love of the game of football got me interested. I feel it’s one of the top sports to teach teamwork, leadership and respect for others. Football is different than the other sports as in the others, an individual can win the game but in football you need each other. A quarterback is only as good as his running backs or wide receivers, and they are only as good as a good offensive line and so on.
Q: What sports do you referee? For how long?
A: So, I was asked to officiate flag football back over 15 years ago and I knew football as I played and coached, and said why not. Then about seven years ago I got into umpiring high school baseball and officiating football.
I love being the head linesman in football as it controls the pace of the game. Then I got into the coed and men’s leagues and just took off as I love sports. You make friends with people who also love the games. I’m a big kid in an older body.
Q: What is your favorite part of doing what you do for the community?
A: I truly love the community here. I feel a community is like a team. You need different people to help each other out to succeed. I loved being a para in Unity (where I met my wonderful wife, Lisa) and moved to Claremont; just enjoyed the town and the people in it. So, when the opportunity arrives, we must do our best to help.
Q: What are some of the challenges that you face?
A: No matter how good you feel you are; you still make mistakes, and you swallow your pride and own up to it. Other challenges are the rides all over the state and sometimes you don’t get home till midnight.
When you do make a call in whatever sport you officiate, one is going to love you; the other hate you. The fans can get on you, all over you really; I get it they are rooting for their team. Coaches can get on you when they don’t like a call. I get it; they are competitive too, so I let them spew for a play or two then tell them to move on. But as an official you must be polite and respectful.
Q: What is your absolute favorite memory of a game you officiated?
A: There are so many memories of fun moments but the one I truly remember is stepping out on the field for my very first Friday night varsity football game. Close second is when the Stevens baseball team gave me a card after I broke my toe in a game, and I lost the rest of the baseball season.
Q: If you were going to pitch someone to consider becoming an umpire or referee, what would you say?
A: I make a pitch to become an official on every forum I’m on as we officials are dwindling numbers. If you love the sport, officiate it. You’ll now understand the real rules of the game.
Lastly, what better way to make some extra money? I say it’s the best second job I have ever had.
Q: Your nickname is “Bulldog.” How did that come about?
A: I got my nickname from a guy here in Claremont. He played in the modified softball; been around forever. People tell me I’m very loud as an official, which is a good quality as if I have to stop people who make bad choices on the field. Or maybe cause bulldogs are cute in their own way.
— Eagle Times Staff
Who is Your Hero? Each week we spotlight deserving coaches, players, support staff and fans in our area. We want to highlight the people making a difference in the lives of area children and their athletic programs to build a stronger sports community. If you have someone you would like to feature, contact Chris LaClair at 603-372-2684 or email [email protected].
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.