Don Hakes was a standout athlete in basketball, baseball, and football at Hirsch High School and Bradley University. After playing semi-pro football with the Chicago Hornets and Chicago Bulls, he transitioned into a distinguished 24-year teaching and coaching career at Thornton Fractional North High School, where he served as Dean of Students and coached football and basketball.

Hakes’s officiating career began at the high school level and progressed to the Big Ten, where he served as a back judge and worked five bowl games during an eight-year stint. His career culminated in 22 years as an NFL official, during which he officiated eight conference championships and three Super Bowls (Super Bowl XVI, XXX, and XXXIII).

For his contributions to athletics, Hakes has been honored with numerous Hall of Fame inductions, including the Bradley Hall of Fame, Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame, Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Central Officials Hall of Fame. His legacy in both education and professional sports officiating remains deeply respected.