To be selected to officiate at the NIRSA National Basketball Championships, officials must receive an offer based on their performance at one of the NIRSA Regional Basketball Championships held around the nation. Whether regional or national, each tournament has an official committee consisting of professionals in the field from various universities. Each student official is graded at each game and a committee provides feedback to help students improve their future performance.
Guzman earned a bid to the NIRSA Regional Basketball Championship held at the University of Missouri in February 2023. He finished as the top official in the tournament and was selected to the All-State Nationals along with two other UTSA student officials, Jared “E” Morris and Matthew Baham.
In April, at the NIRSA National Basketball Championships at the University of Maryland, Guzman officiated eight games in three days. Because of his excellent performance, the NIRSA Official Committee selected him to referee the Men’s National Championship match.
After the game, NIRSA recognized Guzman as one of nine All-American officials, out of a total of 51 student officials who participated in the national basketball championship.
“I am honored to receive this award, but most importantly to represent UTSA,” Guzman said.
Guzman is the third student from UTSA to subsequently receive NIRSA All-American Honors Adreanna Broussard in 2015 and Fernando Perez 2022. He credits Michael Castanedaassistant director of sports programs, and Ci Fondalformer coordinator of the sports program, which helped him achieve this honor.
“These two individuals have shaped me to be the best official and professional in and out of sports programs,” Guzman said.