Vernon Breakfield - Vernon was born in Omaha, Neb., and is a 1981 graduate of Omaha Burke High School. He graduated from Doane College in 1985 with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was an all-conference sprinter on the Doane track and field team. Currently a claims adjuster for Progressive Insurance Company, Vernon started as an official in 1993 at the Nebraska High School State Track & Field Championships. In 2002, Vernon was given the opportunity to be a Division I starter on the recommendation of Al Papik. He has been a starter for the Husker Track and Field Officials Association ever since. He has started at the Big 12 Indoor and Outdoor Championships and is also a Division I college football official for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

Coaches, athletic directors and parents alike have commented that they love to see Vernon as the starter of a meet because of his professionalism, his fairness as the starter and his care and concern for the athletes. Workers at meets also comment to the meet directors that Vernon makes the meet a pleasure to work. Vernon says: “My family, wife Linda of 26 years and daughter Jazmon (23), are my biggest supporters and have allowed me to do what I have done for the last 30 years in officiating. Thank you, Linda and Jazmon.”