SOUTH BEND — You never should judge a book by its cover. Do that with local ref Tommy Tyks, and he might call a personal foul on you — or if you're lucky — he might share with you his unique story and even more unique talents that have been inspiring people for years.

Tommy Tyks can often be found on the field or the court; but when he's not blowing the whistle, he's often flowing with lyrics that may surprise you.

"Yeah, I'm Tommy T. I'm 65 years old, but I'm still buff, but not too tough," Tyks told WSBT Sports.

They call him "Tommy T, the rappin' referee."

"I know I'm 5' 10", and white. But at the end of the day, I'm just a good ol' west-sider, you know what I'm sayin'?" he laughed.

Tyks, one of the better officials around, has seen it all.

Tyks saw how getting his formal education at the age of 58 changed his life, all while he changed other people's lives serving in roles varying from a ref, a U.S. Marine, and a teacher.

After years of working around youth, many of them the downtrodden, Tyks's positive message registers as loud and clear as the whistle he often blows.

"I want the kids to stay in school and get their education. Don't be like me, and don't stop," Tyks said.

Tyks never stopped thinking big. Even when, in the 1960s, having just a GED was holding him back. Eventually, Tyks returned to school and now has a master's degree.

Refereeing ballgames has always been his sidekick, too.

Before coming back to the area, Tyks cut his teeth as an official in California, working his way up to doing some big-time football and basketball games.

One day, Tyks met a particular musical icon who was coaching a youth football team.

"He came up to me and tapped me on the shoulder. He said, 'They call me Snoop Dogg,'" goes the story.

The two struck up a friendship from there — Tyks even showed enough skills to get a cameo in one of Snoop Dogg's rap videos.

So if you see Tommy T. reffing in a game you're at — boo if you must.

"We laugh at that, we say boos are the cheers for refeeres," Tyks joked.

But know that you're looking at one of the most incredible people you'll ever come in contact with.

Just don't be surprised if he raps your ears off.

Contact Tommy T: tommytyks@yahoo.com