Glasgow’s Jared Combs named finalist for softball outstanding spring official award
GLASGOW, Ky. – There are many talented student-athletes across the 4th Region, but additionally, the area has produced some top-notch officials.
Last week, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) announced its finalists for the annual Outstanding Spring Officials awards, which recognize the top officials in each sport based on their on-field performance, leadership skills, training efforts and mentoring of newer officials.
Glasgow’s Jared Combs fell into the finalist column for his work on the softball diamond, and although he didn’t earn the top prize, it marked the first time he was named to the list in his 15+ year officiating career.
“I thought I had a really solid year. I had some big games, I did have a little bit more blocked dates this year with work, but I still put in my time,” Combs said. “I thought I did very well, you know, when I had the opportunities.”
Combs grew up playing basketball, and his love for the game saw him pursue a career in the sport to stay connected.
Roughly 15 years ago, he began officiating on the hardwood, and after a few years of calling those matchups, he decided to pick up a spring sport: softball.
Now 11 years later, he’s began to deeply enjoy working on the field.
“ I mean, the games are usually pretty competitive, for the most part, in our region,” Combs said. “From night to night, the games are usually fairly competitive. I just really, really enjoy getting up and going out there and doing it.”
Another officiating first for Combs happened during the 2026 season, when he made the trip to Lexington to umpire state tournament games at John Cropp Stadium.
He worked all the way through the semifinal round but wasn’t able to call the final game of the year, as South Warren competed (and won) from within the 4th Region.
Through the many halves and innings of time Combs has spent officiating, his passion for the sports and the countless connections made with coaches and players have pushed him to further his career year after year.
