OMAHA, Neb. — Umpire Randy Wetzel thought working his first-ever College Baseball World Series would be memorable.
He worked the College World Series on Father’s Day with his father watching.
His wife, Brenda, and his parents, Ed and Helen, made the weekend trip to T.D. Ameritrade Park in Omaha.
“It was pretty special spending Father’s Day with everyone,” he said. “My dad got a chance to watch his son work the College World Series on Father’s Day. It meant a lot to have them here in this atmosphere.”
But he never imagined meeting former President George W. Bush.
The Great Bend High assistant principal was told the 43rd president might use the umpire’s dressing room prior to Saturday’s ceremonial first pitch.
Wetzel said chatting with the president was a good way to calm his pregame nerves.
After all, there was no reason to be nervous about the College World Series after getting a pregame introduction to President Bush.
The president met Wetzel and the other umpires working the first game – Travis Katzenmeier, Mike Conlin and Tony Walsh. Everyone was able to pose for a photograph and received an autograph.
Wetzel said it was one of the most unexpected and exciting moments of his life.
“It is a memory that will last a lifetime,” Wetzel said. “President Bush was very personable. He talked of his love of baseball and when he owned the Texas Rangers.”
Back to baseball.
So far, Wetzel’s crew has worked three games with no controversy. Outside of a balk call in the South Carolina-Texas A&M game, there’s been nothing unusual that has triggered a dispute. 
“The best way is to do your job and no one is talking about you — that’s a perfect scenario,” Wetzel said. “So far, so good.”
Wetzel said getting accustomed to such a grand stage still required a few innings.
“It’s a big stage and there’s nerves involved, but you get settled in,” he said. “Once you get rolling, you want to treat it like any other game. Mentally, you have to stay in the game every pitch or the ball will find a way to find your spot.”
Wetzel started at second base in the Vanderbilt-North Carolina game. He moved to first base for South Carolina-Texas A&M. He worked the plate in North Carolina’s 3-0 victory over Texas Monday.
“Starting at second base gave me a panoramic view of things,” he said. “It’s a beautiful stadium, very fan friendly on the inside.” 
Wetzel said umpiring colleagues and friends have watched his work carefully. He’s received congratulatory e-mails and text messages, and some good-natured ribbing from his umpiring friends.
He learned umpire Katzenmeier played baseball at Seward County at the same time Wetzel was coaching basketball with Dale Reed.
Katzenmeier, who works as a major-league observer in Arizona, played college baseball at Kansas State. Katenmeier’s parents reside in Ellsworth.
Their postgame umpiring review is typical.
The crew will review their work or anything that might’ve gone right or wrong. NCAA umpiring evaluators will also provide input if needed. Umpires receive DVDs of their games after the College World Series.
Wetzel’s crew will work the 6 p.m. today and alternate day and night games through Friday. Six umpires will work each championship game.