Arizona Game to Create Special Memory for Football’s Jeff Hines and Father

By Steven Shaff, NAU Media Relations

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – For Art Hines, Northern Arizona’s football game against Arizona on Saturday will be like Father’s Day times one hundred.

“It is going to be pretty special that is for sure,” said the elder Hines, who is the father of NAU junior Jeff Hines and served as an official in the Pacific 10 Conference since 1999. “It will be great thing knowing the competition he will be going against. I know the coaching staff at Arizona pretty well. I know how hard they play and practice every week. For NAU to go down there and for Jeffrey to be part of it and play in that atmosphere it is something I never dreamed of.”

Hines has retired this fall after a 30-year career as an official that began in Pop Warner in 1977 and included stints in the high school ranks, Big Sky Conference and Pac-10. What that meant was he has missed most of Jeff’s games since he started playing in the seventh grade. But it also provided a unique experience for his football-playing son.

“I remember when he got the call from the Pac-10 it was a big deal,” said Jeff. “We started going to all his games. Once I started playing football he did not get to see that many of my games. Every Saturday he would be out on the field in front of 75,000 people, booing him. It was the most awesome feeling. I know he wished he could have been here to see me but I would almost rather watch him.”

Jeff and his family along with their many friends were called the “groupies” at Pac-10 games for their support of the pin-striped officials.

While his father might not have been present at his games, Hines benefitted from his knowledge of the game. During his senior season, Hines and his teammates would congregate his house on Monday night for pizza and wings for three-hour film sessions with Art.

“I was the only one who was allowed to talk,” said Art. “I had the laser out and pointed things out for the kids to learn from. The way I watch as an official is totally different than a fan. I think they learned from that. That was a special year for the other fathers and me.”

Jeff’s path to NAU started with his early years watching his father referee games at the Walkup Skydome.

“I was planning on going to junior college but then I realized I am short,” said Jeff jokingly. “I had the dreams to play on the big stage. I have had a great time at NAU. I remember coming to games in the Dome, being crazy watching them on the turf when I was five years old. I loved it every time. When I got the opportunity to come up here for school, I was so excited.”

Jeff did not start playing football until the seventh grade because his father had seen so many injuries at the Pop Warner level. He found his love for playing the game at Mountain View High School. He was a two-year letter winner and starter for head coach Tom Joseph, earning selection to the all-region, All-Tribune and All-Fever teams after his senior season. He also was a wrestler and champion weightlifter.

Jeff was redshirted for his initial season in Flagstaff before earning a spot on the field in 2007. He made his second career start at Arizona Stadium against the Wildcats.

“The first time I played at Arizona I was a nervous wreck,” said Jeff. “It was my second game ever starting. I am excited for this year. It is Pac-10 but you have to play it like it is any other opponent. We want to show them what we have up here.”

Hines has developed both mentally and physically over the last two seasons and laughs thinking about the game two years ago.

“I have gone through the strength training and got the mental aspect of the game down,” said Jeff. “It has made me a more confident player and it has made me play better on the field. When I think about it two years ago, I was completely different. I was a baby back then.”

Jeff was forced to deal with the game from a different aspect last season after suffering a knee injury in the season opener at Arizona State and missed a large portion of the season.

“That was probably the most depressing seven weeks I have ever had,” said Jeff, who credits his roommates Kevin Meagher and Zac McNally for helping him. “I remember at ASU when I got rolled up and feeling the pop and not thinking it was too major. When I got the MRI, it was found out I was going to need surgery. For seven weeks, I was separating myself, not because I did not like anyone, it was football. When you quit playing and are out of it, it was hard to deal with.”

Hines returned to help his team last season and enters the 2009 season healthy.

“I have the usual pains of an offensive lineman,” said Jeff. “The legs are always sore. But I am pain free. The knees are finally good. I had three surgeries in the last year and they don’t feel like it. I finally feel good and I am praying to God that I can have the injury-free season that I have always wanted. I think I can help me help the team. I am excited.”

Hines, who is majoring in criminal justice with a minor in electronic media and film, will play in front of his parents and grandparents on Saturday in a very familiar venue for the family. It will be special for many reasons.

Art was chased off the field by Arizona Head Coach Mike Stoops last season in his final game involving the Wildcats in a game at Washington State. Stoops was not seeking to complain, but to give him a game ball.

“Arizona’s Head Coach has a place in my heart,” said Art. “I got balls from most of the teams. He was the only one who chased me off the field and gave me a big hug. We had a real special moment.”

Saturday he will be cheering against Stoops and for his son from his new vantage point.

“It is awesome, in the same time, I am bummed because he is quitting what he loved to do to come watch me,” said Jeff. “At the same time, I am greedy and selfish. My dad is going to get to watch me. He always called me on games days and now he will actually be there. It is something special. I am excited for him to come watch me. Hopefully I do not screw up.”

No doubt Jeff’s play will reflect the influence of his dad and his former job this season.

“After the games, he is my dad,” said Jeff. “If I do something wrong he will tell me. He gives me all the support. I get both sides of it.”

Now it will be in person.