'Crew of the Month' Recognized for Excellence On Field, Impacts as Mentors & Recruiters
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 11, 2026
Valued for their work on the field and off, the Eastern Michigan Officials Association football crew led by referee Joel Venla has been named the Michigan “High School Officiating Crew of the Month” for October by the Detroit Lions.
Venla, from Marysville, is joined by umpire John Schwelhofer (Marysville), head linesman Mike Roosen (Macomb), line judge Tom Mailoux (Capac), back judge Ken Marzka (Lakeport), side judge Paul Guttowsky (Allentown) and field judge David Wood (Jeddo). The crew was one of the first in the EMOA to expand to seven officials and is often requested by schools for their biggest games.
They are noted for the wisdom and leadership they individually supply during local association meetings, with multiple serving as board members. They also are recognized for their mentorship of developing officials – and this crew has recruited a total of 12 new football officials over the last few years.
The Lions, in partnership with the MHSAA and National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), are recognizing an officiating crew monthly this season.
What's My Why: Official Laura Roberts
November 4, 2026
Laura Roberts, East Lansing
Roberts this fall completed her fourth season as a field hockey official and will officiate her 10th of girls lacrosse next spring. She serves as the administrative assistant in the MHSAA officials department and previously was the longtime registrar.
Officiating is the best seat in the house. I get paid to stay close to the sport I love and push myself every time I step on the field. It also helps me stay active and stay in shape.
“What’s My Why” is a weekly feature telling the stories of MHSAA-registered officials in their own words. If you’re an MHSAA official and would like to share your reason why, please submit a 15 to 45-second video, taken horizontally, to director of officials Sam Davis at [email protected].
What's My Why
Oct. 28: Ryan Wilkinson, Bath - Watch
Oct. 21: Stacey Swiatlowski, Ludington - Watch
Oct. 14: Joe Popiel, Spring Lake - Watch
Oct. 8: Shawn Ballor, Alpena - Watch
Oct. 1: Tim Erickson, Rockford - Watch
Sept. 23: Patricia Treman, Grand Rapids - Watch
Sept. 16: Tony Bertuca, Coloma - Watch
Sept 9: Jenna Schroeder, Berkley - Watch
Sept. 2: Joey Crawford, Newton Square, Pa. - Watch
Aug. 26: Ron Torbert, Hanover, Md. - Watch
Aug. 19: Kari Seitz, Mill Valley, Calif. - Watch
Aug. 13: Mike Pereira, Sacramento, Calif. - Watch
Aug. 5: Dino Paganelli, Wyoming - Watch
Aug. 3: Stacy Smith, Caledonia - Watch
July 22: Jason Nickleby, Lake Elmo, Minn. - Watch
July 15: Sam Davis, Lansing - Watch
July 9: Candace Cox, Quincy - Watch
July 1: Robert Williams, Redford - Watch
June 24: Will Godfrey, Jackson - Watch
June 19: Jarrett Skorup, Midland - Watch
June 12: Brady Driver, Sturgis - Watch
June 8: Cindy Tyzo, West Bloomfield - Watch
June 3: Jeff Spedoske, DeWitt - Watch
June 1: Mike Carrier, Commerce Township - Watch
May 27: Stan Wright, Warren - Watch
May 26: Murray Rose, Zeeland - Watch
May 22: Mike VanLaan, Alto - Watch
May 18: Clint Abbott, Newaygo - Watch