DELMARVA PENINSULA – May 27, 2026 – East Coast Events and the Softball Umpires of Delmarva have announced a leadership transition following the retirement of longtime Delmarva Umpire-in-Chief Tony DeFazio. David Wilson has been named the new Delmarva Umpire-in-Chief, and Dave Sepelak has been appointed Delmarva Assistant Umpire-in-Chief / Assignor.
The transition marks a new chapter for officiating leadership across the Delmarva region while recognizing DeFazio’s decades of service to girls’ fastpitch softball. Wilson and Sepelak bring extensive experience in officiating, leadership, and event management to their new roles. They will help guide the continued growth, training, and assignment of softball umpires throughout Delmarva.
A USSSA umpire since 2003 and a UIC since 2011, Wilson has served in leadership roles for East Coast Events’ tournaments. He is widely respected for his professionalism, collaborative approach, and deep commitment to the umpiring community.
In addition to his USSSA service, Wilson has spent decades officiating high school softball and baseball, Little League games and tournaments, travel softball, and adult slow-pitch leagues across Delaware and the surrounding region. His broad experience and longstanding service make him well positioned to lead Delmarva’s next era of officiating excellence.
Sepelak brings a strong combination of officiating and operational leadership to his new role as Delmarva Assistant Umpire-in-Chief / Assignor. Since beginning his work with USSSA in 2010, he has averaged approximately 100 travel games each year, officiated at the World Series level, and, since 2023, served as a USSSA Site Director responsible for event logistics and tournament operations.
Beyond his USSSA experience, Sepelak has officiated high school baseball and softball on the Eastern Shore since 1999, serves as president of the Lower Bayside Umpire Association, and has additional experience in football, volleyball, and Division III softball. His background in crew leadership, assignment coordination, and site management will be a valuable asset to Delmarva’s umpiring program.
DeFazio leaves behind a remarkable legacy on Delmarva. After moving to Delaware in 1997, he continued a distinguished officiating career that included service with ASA, NSA, and USSSA, following 20 years as an ASA umpire. He became USSSA’s Delmarva UIC in 2004 and served in that role until his retirement on May 25, 2026.
His contributions to the game have helped shape generations of players and officials across the region. In March 2026, East Coast Events announced the Tony DeFazio Excellence in Officiating Scholarship, which will help send USSSA officials on Delmarva to the USSSA National Umpire Camp beginning in January 2027 and in the years ahead.
Andy Wisk, USSSA State Director and member of the Board of Directors, said, “Tony DeFazio is a legend and became the Godfather of Girls’ Fastpitch Softball on Delmarva over his almost 30 years of contributions to the game and the young ladies who play it. You can’t replace that. But this new leadership team of David Wilson and Dave Sepelak is dynamic. They share Tony’s passion for the game, are well respected in their field, and have a vision to continue to build upon the foundation that Tony laid.”
The Softball Umpires of Delmarva looks forward to continuing its commitment to high-quality officiating, leadership development, and service to athletes, coaches, and events throughout the Delmarva Peninsula under this new leadership team.