SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Southern Conference Commissioner John Iamarino announced today (March 14) that Mike Wood has been named the league's new Coordinator of Officials for men's basketball.  A Division I men's basketball official for 25 years, Wood replaces Jim Burch who retired as the league's coordinator following the 2010-11 season.

"Having been associated with the Southern Conference for over 25 years, I am delighted to continue my association with this fine conference," said Wood.  "I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in officiating this conference has enjoyed over the years."

Wood completed his first year as Coordinator of Officials for the Sun Belt Conference and has served as coordinator for the Peach Belt Conference since 2006.  He began as an on-court official in the Southern Conference in 1985 and also worked for the ACC, Atlantic 10, Big Ten, Big 12, Big South, CAA, Conference USA, SEC and Sun Belt.  Wood was chosen to work the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament 23 times and earned the Naismith Award, presented to the men's basketball Official of the Year, in 2003.

"Mike Wood has been one of the elite college basketball officials, not only in the Southern Conference, but nationally," said Commissioner Iamarino.  "It will not be easy replacing a man like Jim Burch who has dedicated his life to basketball officiating and service to the Southern Conference. Mike's love of the sport, knowledge of officiating and passion for our league will make him a terrific coordinator for the SoCon."

Wood has served as President & CEO of American Storage for the past 25 years and has been tabbed to work on the Mobile Meals and SC Charities/BMW Pro-Am boards along with the Commission for Higher Education.  He is past chairman of the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Board of Trustees.