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9 year old Anthony G., abandoned at birth in Russia, was adopted by his parents and eventually, by the referees of the Horizon League, who have made him an honorary Horizon League Basketball Referee. Officiating found it's way into his life, embracing and comforting the child, and eventually elevating him to Icon status at UW- Milwaukee men's and women's basketball games. You see, Anthony is on the Autism Spectrum, and he doesn't talk very much, unless it's to the referees. He said "you can't have a game without referees". When an official asked him who his favorite team is, he replied without hesitation, "YOU GUYS". Peter Jackel and Jeff Stern of Referee Magazine honored Anthony with a full page article in their 1/07 issue, as their "#1 fan". Over the last year, officials have greeted him, given him jersey's, whistles, books, flags, to name a few. But most of all, you have given him a purpose, to become an Official.