Ep. 009 | Dr. Ed Hightower | Then & Now

Then and Now with Coach Z · Jul 30, 2026 · 59m

In Episode 9 of Then & Now with Coach Z, Coach Z sits down with longtime friend and former officiating colleague Dr. Ed Hightower — one of the most accomplished figures in both basketball officiating and education.

During a decorated career on the court, Hightower officiated at the highest levels of college basketball, including 12 NCAA Division I Final Fours. Off the court, he built an equally distinguished career in education, including his tenure as superintendent of the Edwardsville School District.

Coach Z and Hightower look back on their years officiating together, the personalities and…