Chatsworth’s Wilson Gets College Credit

Chris Wilson makes the call with authority.

The ball is in bounds, he indicates as he points down the line with his index fingers.

One of two linesmen at a Cal State Northridge women’s volleyball match, Wilson is easily the youngest of four officials working the match.

He is a high school senior.

In the spring, the 6-foot-4 Wilson will play middle blocker for Chatsworth High, but for now, he determines in from out, right from wrong.

He’s done a credible job. Never any complaints from coaches or players. (Nothing major, anyway.)

As a result, Wilson completed his officiating season, which included nine college matches, in the Big Sky Conference women’s tournament last Friday and Saturday at Northridge.

Other than judging balls in or out, he looks for foot faults and signals a touch if a player blocks part of the ball at the net.

“It’s not that big of a thing to me,” he said. “You just call what you see.”

John Martin, who assigns officials to local matches, was impressed with the way Wilson manned the lines at beach tournaments the past two summers.

“Not only is he talented, but he’s very mature for his age,” Martin said.

“I’ve got a lot of refs calling me, and what they tell me is that Chris Wilson is the best linesman they’ve had all year.”

Moving to college officiating was a simple step. It has its perks, too.

“You can see pretty much everything indoors, and you don’t have to worry about weather conditions,” Wilson said.