Marshall, a town known for its sports culture, has a remarkable couple at its heart. Kari and Kelly Loft, both alumni of Southwest Minnesota State University, have found a new way to stay connected to the sports they love. Kari is an ELL teacher at Marshall High School, while Kelly is the assistant athletic director for Communications. But recently, they've both taken on a new role - that of rookie officials.

From Athletes to Officials: Kari and Kelly Loft's Journey

Kari Loft: Softball's Umpire Extraordinaire

Kari Loft's love for softball began in third grade. She played the sport throughout her life, from being a player to an assistant coach at various levels. She coached at Burnsville, Southwest Minnesota State University for 10 years, and was the C squad coach at Marshall High School for a couple of years before becoming the B squad coach for a dozen years. Her daughter Regan's senior year was a turning point for Kari as she gave up coaching to be able to watch her play. Two springs ago, Kari got a taste of umpiring in lower-level games. Last spring, she became certified through the Minnesota State High School League and now officiates varsity games in the area. She also participates in some summer age-level tournaments through word-of-mouth. Her first foray into varsity umpiring at 50 has been a fulfilling experience. "I love umpiring, it enables me to stay in the sport and be a part of the action. You know you're a part of the action when you take a foul ball off the mask," she said. Kari is the lone female umpire in the Southern Prairie Umpires Association and hopes to see more female officials in the future.

Kelly Loft: Hockey's Referee with a New Perspective

Kelly Loft is no stranger to sports. He played hockey from the Mites level through high school and was a standout at Mankato West High School, leading the Big 9 Conference in scoring his senior year in 1993. After graduating, he became an assistant coach in Marshall for five years and was the public address announcer for Marshall High School girls games for four years. A couple of years ago, a friend encouraged him to become an official. Now, at the age of 49, he's enjoying his first year as a varsity hockey official. He's certified by both the Minnesota State High School League for high school games and USA Hockey for lower-level age-group games. There are some rule differences between the two, but he's aware of them. He's a member of the Southern Minnesota Hockey Officials Association and picks his games through an online app called ArbiterSports. As an official, he's learned the importance of good mentors and being confident in his calls. "Good mentors are a key," he said. "I'm been trying to (get better) at my mechanics and more confident with my calls — you want to ‘sell it.’ There's also a lot more that goes on than people realize."Kari and Kelly met in college, and their first date led to a life filled with marriage, children, and deep community involvement. Now, officiating has become the latest chapter in their lives, bringing them together in a new way and allowing them to continue to be a part of the sports they hold dear.