OCFOA ‘Speed’ Castillo
Golf Tournament
The OCFOA ‘Speed’ Castillo Golf Tournament is an annual charity event and fundraiser that honors E.M. “Speed” Castillo’s massive legacy. Originally established as OCFOA’s annual fundraiser, it was renamed the Inaugural Speed Castillo Golf Tournament in June 2024 following his passing.
The purpose and impact of the golf tournament are three-fold:
- Supporting Officials: Proceeds from the tournament go directly toward offsetting OCFOA operating costs, subsidizing membership dues discounts for first-year officials and covering necessary field equipment.
- The Chad Wilson Memorial Scholarship: A portion of the funds raised supports this dedicated scholarship; Assisting OCFOA members who strive to improve and sharpen their officiating skills through clinics and continuous learning opportunities.
- Community and Fellowship: The event serves as a major social gathering for local high school football officials and coaches to build camaraderie right before the upcoming football season kicks off.
After the completion of the current football season, the Golf Tournament committee turns their attention to the planning and execution of the tournament. Details of the next tournament and registration will be posted once finalized.
Tournament Format and Activities
Location: The event has been hosted at the David L. Baker Golf Course in Fountain Valley, Calif.
Play Style: The tournament utilizes a “Best Ball” format with a traditional midday shotgun start.
On-Course Contests: The event features pre-tournament and mid-round competitions, including a putting contest and a “closest to the pin” challenge.
Fundraising Features: Beyond registration fees, the association generates support through a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and mulligan sales.
ABOUT SPEED CASTILLO
A legendary career and life deserves a legendary golf tournament
Ernesto Martinez (E.M.) “Speed” Castillo was a legendary Orange County sports official , high school administrator and educator who refereed football and basketball for 47 years.
He earned his nickname, which he preferred to be “Speed” rather than “Speedy,” during his high school track career at Flagstaff High School. There he ran the 400 meters in 0:50 seconds and covered the 800 in 2:10.
Speed became the most recognized referee in Orange County sports history, officiating high school and college games during his career. He starting in 1959, the same year he graduated high school, and officiated an estimated thousands of games, mostly in football and basketball. He retired from active field work in 2000.
During his nearly 50 years of service to the officiating community, Speed was regularly selected to lead the officiating crews for high-stakes CIF Southern Section football championship games. Speed was named by the Orange County Register in 1994 one of the 10 most influential people in OC sports.
He also served as the OCFOA instructional chairperson and as an evaluator of officials. He also spent 21 years as the Orange County liaison of all officials for the CIF-Southern Section.
Ernesto Martinez (E.M.) “Speed” Castillo passed away on May 18, 2024, at the age of 94 in Anaheim, California.
