One of the most recognizable faces to referee high school basketball in North Dakota has been unanimously elected into the North Dakota Officials Hall of Fame.

Williston resident Ron Thue spent 38 years officiating high school games throughout western North Dakota and eastern Montana.

Thue will pick a time sometime this winter for his induction into the Hall of Fame.

He started officiating in 1956, while he was serving in the Army. He retired from officiating in 1994.

His retirement came after he was unable to stay up with the flow of the game. "If I can't run with the kids, this is it," Thue said. "The kids deserve better."

Thue was nominated for the honor by three of his former colleagues and students - Larry Grondahl, Scott McPherson and Jim Bossler.

"He was far ahead of his time in mentoring younger officials," Grondahl said. "He was always willing to freely share his expertise and also took many young referees to their first big game. He knew that training younger officials was the future of the sport."

In all, Thue worked more than 3,000 high school men's and women's games along with another 1,500 amateur games. He also refereed more than 25 district, regional and state tournaments.

In addition to his career as a high school basketball official, he also was an umpire for the American League baseball season during the summer months.

His love for working with the youth was cemented by the 44 years he served as a school teacher. Of those years, 41 were spent teaching at the middle school level.

"They're easier to teach," Thue said. "Try teaching seniors after Christmas."

But teaching is still a passion for Thue.

"I still enjoy teaching," he said. "I miss it."

As for his background in basketball, he played in high school and played in the city league for additional six years.

He worked with less experienced officials over the years. Thue tried to teach them three things about the role of an official.

"No. 1, they must know the rule book," he said. "No. 2, keep yourself in physical condition, so you can move. No. 3, when you are an official, keep your prejudices in the locker room. The kids deserve better."

Now a days, Thue tries to stay out of the limelight by attending fewer games.

"I don't want to have any influence on the younger officials," he said.