Puyallup’s Bruce Osborne is a dedicated wrestling enthusiast. For the fourth consecutive year, he will be the head official this month at the annual Mat Classic state wrestling tournament at the Tacoma Dome.

Osborne originally was offered the job by Jim Meyerhoff of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. He said he’s still grateful for the opportunity.

“The guy that had the job before me had it for 27 years and did a great job,” Osborne said. “When they offered me the job four years ago, I was just amazed. I could think of a dozen people off the top of my head who could do the job very well, but they wanted me. I was honored.”

Osborne is looking forward to another year of running one of the most intriguing tournaments in the country. 

“As I prepare myself for Mat Classic 24, I’m fully aware of how much I owe to so many others including generations of athletes, coaches, family members  and wrestling fans,” Osborne said. “I feel humbled, deeply honored and very privileged to still be involved in the sport.”

Osborne said there is never a dull moment at the tournament.

“There are 24 mats going at one time, so there is always a need,” he said. “It is my job to arbitrate any disputes. The first year, there were 23 protests that I needed to arbitrate, and the second year, there was only two.”

Osborne has officiated youth, junior high, high school and college wrestling since he began his teaching career with the Puyallup School District in 1964. He retired from teaching in 2005, but he didn’t give up his favorite hobby.

“I have been doing this for 48 years, but I’m still learning,” Osborne said. “When I’m not officiating, I like to learn just by watching. I like to see how the up-and-coming officials are doing things, too.”

While wrestling has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of his life, Osborne said he likely will hang up his whistle in the near future.

“This is season 48, and I’m looking at 50 years as a reasonable amount of time for me to be an official,” he said. “If I can continue to do the job the way its supposed to be done, I would like to go for the 50-year mark. After that, it will be time for the young officials coming up to have their opportunity.”

Osborne credits his wife Ingrid for supporting him in his wrestling endeavors. The couple got married 48 years ago and met as freshman at Western Washington University.

“The support and assistance from my wife the past  48 years and the contact with such wonderful athletes, parents, coaches and officials has ignited a passion for wrestling that for me will last forever.”