I was saddened to read of the recent passing of Paul Lancaster. As a longtime basketball and baseball coach at Connellsville High School, I've come in contact with many sports officials. There was not another man in officiating that I respected more than Paul. I knew Paul primarily as a baseball umpire. It was always a pleasure to see Paul show up, usually with another great umpire in Jerry Simon, to umpire one of our games. Umpires get very little respect for the job they do. Paul always maintained control of the game and let the players decide the winner. He was a first-class gentleman, dedicated to his job, and took pride in his work. I would always recommend Paul on my list of names to umpire our playoff games. He was a regular throughout the WPIAL during playoff season and did many championship games, which he deserved.