The MIAA selected Phil Laurie to replace St. Joseph native Bill Lowe, who announced his retirement this week, as the conference’s director of football officials.

Laurie, 62, last officiated in 2007 at the Champs Sports Bowl. He worked 16 bowls and two national championship games during a 33-year collegiate career. Laurie begins his position with the MIAA on Aug. 1.

Laurie started officiating high school games in 1970 and moved to the college ranks in 1975. He refereed 24 years at Division I-A and joined the Big 12 upon the league’s formation in 1996 after working in the old Big 8 as well.

Laurie was inducted into the Topeka Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2006.

“We are fortunate to have a person with Phil’s experience readily available to take over this position,” MIAA commisioner Jim Johnson said in a release. “He’s been in the trenches during high-profile games and knows what it takes to be a top-notch football official.

“Phil is highly regarded as a clinician, teacher and evaluator. He’s is the perfect successor to Bill Lowe, and will continue to build upon the foundation Bill established during his tenure.”