EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
President
Chaz DeShayes
BIO COMING SOON!!
Vice-President
Dave Short, M.B.A.
Dave Short is an accomplished sports official and U.S. Army veteran whose career reflects leadership, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to excellence. He serves as a wrestling and soccer referee with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and as a collegiate soccer referee with the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA).
His extensive officiating experience includes serving at OHSAA District and Sectional championships, the Grapple Fall Classic, The Rumble, the Tournament of Champions, and the IndianaMat Hoosier Preseason Super 32 Qualifier. On the soccer side, he has officiated at premier events such as MLS-Next, the Ohio State Cup and multiple NCAA and Regional College Showcases.
Before his officiating career, Dave served honorably in the U.S. Army as a troop commander, helicopter pilot, and jumpmaster/paratrooper. His time in uniform developed the leadership, focus, and composure under pressure that now define his presence on the mat and on the field.
“Wrestling was foundational in shaping his leadership style and military success. The sport’s emphasis on discipline, accountability, and perseverance forged the mindset that carried him through flight training, command, and airborne operations.”
Today, Dave officiates to give back to the sports that helped shape his life. He values the opportunity to mentor young athletes, uphold fairness and integrity, and promote respect and sportsmanship at every level of competition.
Dave Short
GDWOA Vice-President
His extensive officiating experience includes serving at OHSAA District and Sectional championships, the Grapple Fall Classic, The Rumble, the Tournament of Champions, and the IndianaMat Hoosier Preseason Super 32 Qualifier. On the soccer side, he has officiated at premier events such as MLS-Next, the Ohio State Cup and multiple NCAA and Regional College Showcases.
Before his officiating career, Dave served honorably in the U.S. Army as a troop commander, helicopter pilot, and jumpmaster/paratrooper. His time in uniform developed the leadership, focus, and composure under pressure that now define his presence on the mat and on the field.
“Wrestling was foundational in shaping his leadership style and military success. The sport’s emphasis on discipline, accountability, and perseverance forged the mindset that carried him through flight training, command, and airborne operations.”
Today, Dave officiates to give back to the sports that helped shape his life. He values the opportunity to mentor young athletes, uphold fairness and integrity, and promote respect and sportsmanship at every level of competition.
Dave Short
GDWOA Vice-President
Secretary
Tony Stapleton
This is Tony Stapleton’s 21st year as an official. Over the course of his officiating career, he has officiated 18 OHSAA Sectional Championships, 16 OHSAA District Championships, and 5 OHSAA State Championships. Stapleton also had the privilege of officiating at the prestigious Iron Man Wrestling Tournament and has earned a GMVWA Official of the Year honor. Finally, Tony is a proud recipient of the GDWOA Master Award; our association's top award for a veteran official.
Before his officiating career, Tony coached at Carlisle high school for many years. He is also an alumni of Carlisle high school where he competed as a wrestler.
“Ever since I was a small kid, I've been involved in wrestling. I even met my wife on a wrestling mat. I have been fortunate enough to have coached both of my sons in wrestling, and they remain involved today, with one coaching and the other officiating. So, wrestling has been a huge part of my life, as it has taught me many life lessons. Now, my goal is to help younger officials climb the ladder to reach their true potential.”
Tony Stapleton
GDWOA Secretary
Before his officiating career, Tony coached at Carlisle high school for many years. He is also an alumni of Carlisle high school where he competed as a wrestler.
“Ever since I was a small kid, I've been involved in wrestling. I even met my wife on a wrestling mat. I have been fortunate enough to have coached both of my sons in wrestling, and they remain involved today, with one coaching and the other officiating. So, wrestling has been a huge part of my life, as it has taught me many life lessons. Now, my goal is to help younger officials climb the ladder to reach their true potential.”
Tony Stapleton
GDWOA Secretary
Treasurer
Kendall Newell, Ed.S.
Kendall Newell is entering his 8th season as a wrestling official and his first full term as GDWOA Treasurer. During his officiating career, he has had the privilege to officiate 5 OHSAA Sectional Championships, 2 OHSAA District Championships, and 5 OAC Junior High State Championships. He is a two-time recipient of the GMVWA Wrestling Official of the Year award (2021, 2025).
Prior to officiating, Newell spent 3 seasons as a wrestling coach; 2 years as an assistant at Vandalia-Butler (2014-15, 2018-19) and 1 season as a volunteer at the junior high level (2017-18). During his competitive career under former head coach, Mark Peck at Vandalia-Butler, Newell compiled a 100-28 career record and finished 8th at 132 pounds in the 2013 Division I OHSAA State Championships. He was also a member of the 2012 Junior Ohio National Freestyle Team. Kendall ended his competitive career collegiately at Heidelberg University (NCAA III).
“Wrestling has played a huge part in who I have become today. I started back in 2007 as a 7th grader who got cut from the basketball team. I was a kid who needed wrestling more than the sport needed me. Discipline, structure and the development of a strong work ethic are a few of many qualities I gained from my time as a wrestler. That is why I choose to officiate; to give back to the sport that I owe great debt to because I know for a fact that my life would have turned out completely different without it. I am excited to see how our sport continues to evolve in the coming years.”
Kendall Newell, Ed.S.
GDWOA Treasurer
Prior to officiating, Newell spent 3 seasons as a wrestling coach; 2 years as an assistant at Vandalia-Butler (2014-15, 2018-19) and 1 season as a volunteer at the junior high level (2017-18). During his competitive career under former head coach, Mark Peck at Vandalia-Butler, Newell compiled a 100-28 career record and finished 8th at 132 pounds in the 2013 Division I OHSAA State Championships. He was also a member of the 2012 Junior Ohio National Freestyle Team. Kendall ended his competitive career collegiately at Heidelberg University (NCAA III).
“Wrestling has played a huge part in who I have become today. I started back in 2007 as a 7th grader who got cut from the basketball team. I was a kid who needed wrestling more than the sport needed me. Discipline, structure and the development of a strong work ethic are a few of many qualities I gained from my time as a wrestler. That is why I choose to officiate; to give back to the sport that I owe great debt to because I know for a fact that my life would have turned out completely different without it. I am excited to see how our sport continues to evolve in the coming years.”
Kendall Newell, Ed.S.
GDWOA Treasurer
Rules Interpreter
Matthew Turton, M.S.Ed.
Matthew Turton is entering his 21st year of officiating wrestling. Prior to becoming an official, Matthew coached for one year at Stebbins HS and 19 years at Centerville HS where he wrestled for Ken Simmons and is in the Centerville Wrestling Hall of Fame. He is the founder of the Buckeye Freshmen Classic at Centerville and is the past President of the Centerville Wrestling Alumni Association.
Matthew managed the Centerville Sectional for 18 years and the Kettering Fairmont District, D3 & D1, for 8 years. He continues to help with Operations at Fairmont. He is currently the SWDAB wrestling officials’ assigner, along with Jeff Simons, for Boys and Girls Sectionals and District Tournaments. Matthew has officiated 17 Sectionals, 13 Districts and 7 State Tournaments. He has officiated 5 Ironman Tournaments and has been a Mat Captain 3x at State. Matthew has officiated the Bowling Green Duals, OAC State, LCC, Fairfield (Ron Masonek), Hammer and Anvil, National Scholastic Duals, JH Nationals and serves as the Head Official at the GMVWA Holiday. Turton works the OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament when not on the mat officiating.
Turton was named the 2021 NFHS OHSAA Ohio Wrestling Official of the Year and the GMVWA Official of the Year in 2013. He has received the Zugelder, Horizon, Contributor and Master awards from the GDWOA. Turton is a retired Standard and Honors AP Psychology Teacher. He and his much supportive wife, Cheryl, have been married 30 years and have a wonderful daughter Sarah.
"The Friendships and Brotherhood of high school teammates, Wrestlers, Coaches and Officials is what continues to motivate him to be involved in the Greatest Sport on Earth."
Matthew Turton, M.S.Ed.
GDWOA Rules Interpreter
Matthew managed the Centerville Sectional for 18 years and the Kettering Fairmont District, D3 & D1, for 8 years. He continues to help with Operations at Fairmont. He is currently the SWDAB wrestling officials’ assigner, along with Jeff Simons, for Boys and Girls Sectionals and District Tournaments. Matthew has officiated 17 Sectionals, 13 Districts and 7 State Tournaments. He has officiated 5 Ironman Tournaments and has been a Mat Captain 3x at State. Matthew has officiated the Bowling Green Duals, OAC State, LCC, Fairfield (Ron Masonek), Hammer and Anvil, National Scholastic Duals, JH Nationals and serves as the Head Official at the GMVWA Holiday. Turton works the OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament when not on the mat officiating.
Turton was named the 2021 NFHS OHSAA Ohio Wrestling Official of the Year and the GMVWA Official of the Year in 2013. He has received the Zugelder, Horizon, Contributor and Master awards from the GDWOA. Turton is a retired Standard and Honors AP Psychology Teacher. He and his much supportive wife, Cheryl, have been married 30 years and have a wonderful daughter Sarah.
"The Friendships and Brotherhood of high school teammates, Wrestlers, Coaches and Officials is what continues to motivate him to be involved in the Greatest Sport on Earth."
Matthew Turton, M.S.Ed.
GDWOA Rules Interpreter