Welling was born in Madison and passed away January 22, 2004. He played his youth hockey in Madison, and than as a prep player for Madison East. Following high school, he began an officiating career that would last more than 30 years. He began officiating both youth and high school hockey in 1970, and helped to found the Dane County Hockey Officials Association. Welling advanced quickly and was soon working the WIAA High School Tournament. He officiated the WIAA State Finals in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1982 and 1983. |