Zimorski, beloved ACC game/replay official, dies after Clemson game

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Tom Zimorski, a longtime popular figure in the world of education and athletics in Central Virginia and the Atlantic Coast Conference, died Saturday night following the NC State at Clemson football game, where he served as the ACC’s replay official for that contest.

Zimorski, 75, spent 20 years with the ACC as a game official before moving upstairs to the replay booth in 2014. His final game as an official came in the 2013 Cotton Bowl, where he was referee of the officiating crew.

Zimorski was reportedly walking to his car with game officials after the Clemson game and complained he was experiencing shortness of breath. His fellow officials attended to him, but he never made it out of the parking lot.

“The entire ACC football family is heartbroken on the loss of Tom Zimorski, longtime referee and instant replay official,” said ACC commissioner Jim Phillips in a statement. “His devoted service to the game of college football was remarkable, but nothing compares to the incredible person he was and what he meant to so many. Our prayers are with his wife, Carol, and the entire Zimorski family.”

Zimorski, a golf enthusiast who took several trips to Scotland for excursions with friends, was a friend to all.

He was deputy director of the Virginia High School League, following a career in education where he served as principal at several elementary schools in Albemarle County and was a former coach at both Charlottesville High School and Western Albemarle.

All the while, Zimorski was a football game official for the ODAC, CAA and Atlantic 10 before moving over to the ACC.