Tournament
Officials
Judge Coordinator- VRC High School - Cheryl Rausch
Judge Coordinator- VRC Middle School - Cheryl Rausch
Judge Coordinator- VEX IQ - Rebekah Plummer - Rebekah is a current business student at the University of Nebraska- Omaha and will be finishing her degree in May in Business Management. She has been involved with VEX for 10 years, 6 in competition, and 4 as a volunteer at local tournaments as well as the US OPEN specifically.
Head Referee - VRC High School - Mr. Neil Runyon - Probably a familiar face to most of those in the robotics programs, Neil has been volunteering / refereeing robotic events for both VEX and CREATE Open since the dawn of time (or so it seems). His son (Gabriel) and daughter (Cassidy) participated for several years in robotics and still volunteer at events when they have time. Natalie, his wife, has been a long-time coach at both the middle school, and now, high school level. Neil has his undergraduate degree in Computer Science/Mathematics from the University of Utah and an MBA from University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has been employed for more than 25 years at a local financial institution in their IT department.
Head Referee – VRC MS - Ms. Carla Hellbusch – A long time CREATE volunteer, Carla traveled with the USAF visiting many U.S. State and foreign countries. Hailing from the beautiful mountainous region of Southern Utah, Carla moved to Omaha 24 years ago to make this her permanent home for her, her 4 daughters and one grandchild! With a love of physics and aviation Carla brings he vast experience and knowledge with her as our head referee.
Head of Electronic Systems - Mr. Jim Musil - Jim Musil has a BS, Education/Industrial Technology degree from the University of Nebraaska-Lincoln, an MS in Curriculum and Learning from Wayne State College, and a Certificate in Administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Currently the Curriculum Supervisor of Industrial Technology and Curriculum Supervisor, Envirnonmental and Agricultural Systems for Omaha Public Schools. Mr. Musil's career also includes over 10 years as a classroom teacher. In addition to his duties at OPS, Mr. Musil is also the Wood Shop Instructor at the Omaha Home for Boys.
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