Longtime high school official Kirk Robinson of Akron was honored Friday night prior to working his final regular-season boys basketball game at Concord High School. Shown with Robinson (from left) are Westview AD Darlene Mathew, Concord AD Dave Preheim and IHSAA assistant commissioner Phil Gardner.

ELKHART – Kirk Robinson got a fitting tribute Friday night.

The highly-respected official was saluted by family, friends, colleagues and fans as he worked his final regular-season high school basketball game.

Robinson, an Akron resident, was surprised with a plaque presentation prior to the Westview at Concord boys basketball game in McCuen Gym.

Kirk Robinson is nearing the end of an illustrious career as an official.

Robinson, who is set to retire from officiating after working the sectional next week, was given a plaque for his dedication and devotion to high school athletics for more than three decades. Robinson was honored by Concord athletic director Dave Preheim, along with Westview athletic director Darlene Mathew and IHSAA assistant commissioner Phil Gardner.

The 58-year old Robinson, a 1977 Tippecanoe Valley High School graduate, has worked boys basketball, girls basketball and volleyball for more than 30 years. He has worked 170 state tournament events, including the State Finals 16 times. Robinson has worked the Volleyball State Finals eight times, while working the Girls Basketball State Finals on five occasions and the boys on three.

Robinson had his own personal cheering section in McCuen Friday night. Those in attendance included his wife of 37 years Kim, along with son Kyle and grandson Truman from Indianapolis and daughter Kara from Akron. Also in attendance were his longtime volleyball officiating partner Dan Richard, his former basketball officiating partner Curt Yoder and former official Lance Grubbs.

Robinson plans to retire to spend more time with his family and also pursue his passion for half-marathons and triathlons.

Robinson was saluted as the 2007 Volleyball Official of the Year for the state and the 2012 Girls Basketball Official of the Year. He worked the Boys Basketball State Finals last year.

Robinson worked Friday night’s game with Eric Coburn and Trent Long. His final officiating assignment will be in the Class 4-A boys basketball sectional at Carroll this coming week.