From A to Zebra Podcast S1:E11 Letter J - Journey guest Kyle Bacon

Summary: In this engaging conversation, Kyle Bacon shares his extensive journey in officiating, discussing the various phases of his career, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way. From his early days as a college freshman to becoming a Final Four official, Kyle emphasizes the importance of patience, preparation, and the ability to adapt to setbacks, including the impact of COVID-19 on his career. The discussion highlights the significance of enjoying the journey and the gradual progression in the officiating world. In this conversation, Kyle Bacon shares his journey as a basketball referee, discussing the challenges of injuries and the impact of COVID-19 on officiating. He emphasizes the importance of relationships within the officiating community, recounts his experiences at the NCAA tournament, and offers valuable advice for new officials. The discussion highlights the significance of mentorship, the joy of shared experiences, and the need to cherish every moment in the officiating career.Chapters00:00 Intro Music00:14 Bucket List00:38 Luck, Opportunity, and Preparation01:16 Tournament Memories02:11 Ed - Intro02:25 Welcome Back and Introduction to J - Journey05:48 The Officiating Journey Begins10:33 Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks16:44 Reflections on Growth and Success24:44 The Journey to the NCAA Tournament: First Experiences30:04 The Importance of Relationships in Officiating36:27 Achieving the Final Four: A Personal Journey46:31 Advice for New Officials: Embracing the Journey56:13 Outro - Call to Action