CIAA Hall of Fame Members
A respected leader in CIAA officiating, Donald Ware served as an on-field official for 31 years, officiating over 200 CIAA football games, including three CIAA Championships, six NCAA Division II playoff games, and the 2004 NCAA Division II National Championship. His professionalism, command of the game, and consistent excellence made him one of the CIAA’s most trusted officials for high-stakes assignments.
All-CIAA honors (1968–69) and later signed with the Washington Redskins. He also contributed to the sport as a coach and was inducted into the Howard University Hall of Fame in 2005. Beyond the whistle, Ware made a lasting impact on the CIAA through his mentorship of generations of officials. He was known for developing young talent, elevating officiating standards, and providing guidance that strengthened the conference’s reputation for fairness and integrity. His influence helped create a pipeline of well-prepared officials who continue to serve the CIAA and NCAA with distinction.
In 2022, the CIAA honored Ware for four decades of distinguished service as both an official and neutral observer.