SEC names Redding coordinator of football officials

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Southeastern Conference named Rogers Redding coordinator of football officials on Thursday.<br> <br> Redding was a referee in the Southwest Conference from 1987-93 and in the SEC from 1994-2003. He served as an instant replay official and technical advisor in the SEC officiating program for the past two seasons.<br> <br> Redding replaces Bobby Gaston, who retired after 50 years with the league and had been the officiating coordinator since 1988.<br> <br> ``We are extremely excited to have someone of Rogers experience and knowledge to help direct our football officiating,&#39;&#39; SEC commissioner Mike Slive said. ``The lineage of officiating philosophies between Bobby and Rogers has developed through the years and will give the SEC strong leadership in our officiating program for years to come.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Redding writes an annual publication entitled, ``Redding&#39;s Study Guide to the NCAA Football Rules&#39;&#39; and has a doctorate in physical chemistry.<br> <br> He has worked on the field for eight bowl games, including three national championship games. He was also the referee for the 1999 SEC championship game.<br> <br> ``Bobby Gaston has built the finest college football officiating program in America, and my goal is to build on the solid foundation he has laid,&#39;&#39; Redding said.<br> <br> Redding has served as a physics professor and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs since 2003. He has also held academic positions at Northern Kentucky University, United States Air Force Academy and the University of North Texas.<br> <br> (Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)