Mike Nancolas

Mike began his officiating journey in 1972, working city and church league basketball games at 18 years of age. His passion quickly grew, and in 1979, with encouragement from fellow officials Rich Grimes and Tim Mooney, he began officiating high school basketball. His natural ability, strong presence, and dedication to the game quickly set him apart, and by 1982, he had advanced to the collegiate level, beginning what would become a long and highly respected career. Along the way, Mike developed a deep appreciation for teaching and mentoring young officials, generously sharing his knowledge and helping guide the next generation with patience, encouragement, and professionalism.

Mike’s love for the game began at a young age. An elite athlete in high school, he carried that same competitive spirit into adulthood, playing competitive men’s softball for 15 years. He also found great joy in coaching his children, using it as a way to stay closely connected to the game he loved. Throughout it all, his sweetheart and devoted wife, Patti, was his greatest supporter—rarely missing a game and encouraging him to pursue officiating, a role he embraced in part because of her unwavering belief in him.

Over the years, Mike built an outstanding résumé, officiating numerous Idaho state play off games and tournaments. He also worked collegiate basketball including playoff games at the junior college, NAIA, and Division II levels. His excellence did not go unnoticed, as he was invited by Boise State University and legendary coach Bobby Dye to try out for the Big Sky Conference. Though deeply honored by the opportunity, Mike chose to decline, recognizing the significant travel demands and rigors of the conference were not the right fit for his family life. His experience spanned competition, where he earned the respect of coaches, players, and fellow officials for his professionalism, consistency, and deep understanding of the game. His reputation and skill earned him unique opportunities, including the honor of officiating a scrimmage between the NBA’s Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers—an experience that reflected the high level of trust placed in his abilities.

In 1992, Mike’s leadership and expertise were recognized when he was selected as Supervisor of Officials for the NAIA Division II National Tournament while in Nampa, Idaho. He served in this prestigious role through its tenure in Nampa, where he was responsible for assigning and evaluating officials and ensuring the highest standards of officiating at the national level. His influence extended beyond the court, helping shape the quality and integrity of officiating for years to come.

In addition to basketball, Mike officiated high school football for 10 years and high school baseball for nearly a decade, including state playoff games, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to athletics and fair play. His officiating career concluded in 2006 due to an Achilles injury, bringing to a close more than 25 years of dedicated service. Throughout his journey, Mike was supported every step of the way by his loving family, whose encouragement made his career possible. Some of his most cherished memories were made on the court alongside his fellow officials, and he took great pride in being part of the officiating community and contributing to the game he loved.