The GymRat CHALLENGE will play host to the BIG EAST as the most storied conference in college basketball history will use the largest basketball event in the eastern United States as a platform to evaluate prospective referees for potential BIG EAST contracts.

BIG EAST Supervisor of Officials John Cahill will bring his Final Four experience to the GymRat CHALLENGE

BIG EAST Supervisor of Officials John Cahill has invited highly regarded officials from throughout the country to the GymRat CHALLENGE to be a part of the BIG EAST's REFEREE PROSPECTS CAMP.  The camp  will run in conjunction with one of the most visible and competitive basketball events in the nation during the annual GymRat CHALLENGE.  During the event, Cahill and his staff will evaluate these highly touted officials during game action as they officiate some of the top club basketball programs in the country.

"John Cahill is one of the most respected and accomplished referees in the history of college basketball" commented GymRat CHALLENGE Executive Director, John Kmack "We were very pleased to receive his call, and very happy to partner with John and the BIG EAST.  Based on our discussions and planning over the past several months, it's clear that all involved are viewing this as a long-term relationship.  Having officials of this caliber on site is another element of added quality for the GymRat CHALLENGE. The ability to partner with someone as accomplished and widely-respected as John Cahill and an entity as storied as the BIG EAST Conference is a great honor for the GymRat CHALLENGE and speaks volumes about both the quality and reputation of the event."

John Cahill was worked a record seven NCAA Championship Games and eleven Final Fours

Cahill, who took on the role of BIG EAST Supervisor in 2013 after 40 years as a game official, is basketball referring royalty. Cahill was assigned to 20 consecutive NCAA DIVISION I tournaments.from 1993 to 2012.  In 2007, he received the prestigious Naismith Award as the top basketball official in the country.  In addition, Cahill has officiated eleven Final Fours and ranks first all time in being assigned to seven NCAA Championship Games, including the 2012 title game that featured Louisville and Michigan.

"I first became aware of the GymRat CHALLENGE when my son (John, Jr. who later played at Boston College) participated in it", said Cahill. "I was immediately impressed with how well the event was run and the quality of talent that it attracted.  When we started to evaluate events to host the Prospects Camp, the GymRat CHALLENGE was the first event that came to mind for both me and my son. I really think that this is a match made in Heaven that will prove to be beneficial for both the BIG EAST CONFERENCE and the GymRat CHALLENGE."