Regional External Affairs Consultant Robi Lombardo is not one to sit on the sidelines during high school basketball games. In fact, you’ll find him on the court with the teams, formerly as a coach and currently as a certified Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association basketball official. He serves as a referee in Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League – District 7.

After 21 years of coaching high school basketball, a friend and official asked Robi if he had considered officiating. As a result, Robi has been an official for 10 years.

However, 2023 has been a special year for Robi.

“This year I was selected to officiate four different District 7 playoff games and four state playoff games including the Boys Semi-Final in Class 4A and Boys Championship in Class 6A, which is the highest classification in the state of Pennsylvania,” said Robi.

The state championship game, Reading High School against Philadelphia Roman Catholic was held in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with more than 8,500 attendees and broadcast to an additional 8,000-10,000 viewers. Reading High School won in overtime, 63-56.

Robi said he was truly honored to participate.

“With more than 4,600 basketball officials in Pennsylvania, the honor of officiating a championship game is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was very thankful and humbled to have been selected for that championship game.”

Robi officiating a game.

Robi volunteering at a summer hoops program

Robi, who has been with FirstEnergy for 24 years, is a Regional External Affairs consultant for Armstrong, Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Clarion counties in Pennsylvania, representing Penn Power and West Penn Power. Robi sits on a variety of boards in his territory and  also volunteers in his community.

“My family and I volunteer at the local food pantry and for mentoring programs at our church. And, as an official I volunteer to mentor new officials, and occasionally for the local community center and the YMCA for youth basketball leagues.”

Robi said his favorite community project happened when he coached basketball.

“I worked with our local community parks and recreation department to plan, design and raise funds for two new basketball courts in one of our community parks,” said Robi. “It is great to see young kids and adults playing basketball outside as I did as a child.”

“My advice to employees, family and friends is to get involved in your community. There are so many organizations, churches and community events that really need your time and effort,” he said. “The reward for me is seeing the smiles and enjoyment after a successful community event or the excitement student athletes feel after a well-played game. Before every game – as a coach and now as an official – I always tell my players: ‘Let’s make a memory of a lifetime tonight.'”