Did you see that? (11/5-11/11)

November 13, 2012

Upsets all over the volleyball Regional brackets were among the most stunning highlights from the week’s non-football action across the state.

Volleyball

Upset of the week: In arguably the biggest surprise in any sport last week – football included – Class A honorable mention Grand Rapids Christian downed No. 1 and seemingly unstoppable Richland Gull Lake in five games to claim the Regional title at Portage Northern. The Eagles trailed two games to one before winning the final two. (Grand Rapids Press)

Upset, part II: Unranked Birmingham Seaholm added to its previous elimination of No. 4 Bloomfield Hills Marian by finishing a Class A Regional title by beating No. 2 Clarkston in three games. The Maples didn’t allow the Wolves to score more than 18 points in any of the three games. (Oakland Press)

Vikings sail on: Lakewood, the No. 1 team in Class B, trailed No. 3 Ada Forest Hills Eastern after three games. But the Vikings again finished strong to claim their fourth win over a ranked opponent of this tournament run. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard)

USA, all the way: Unionville-Sebewaing also pulled off a sizable upset, in Class C, claiming its second Regional title ever by defeating No. 2 St. Louis. The Patriots, an honorable mention in the poll, dropped the first game before coming back to win the next three. (Bay City Times)

First-time title: Powered by 6-foot-5 middle Abby Cole, Grand Haven claimed its first Regional title by sweeping Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central in Class A. Cole also was a star on the Buccaneers’ Class A Final basketball championship team last winter. (Grand Haven Tribune)

Swimming and diving

Milan tops in SMISL: Most swimming and diving leagues finished up conference competition two weekends ago. But Milan – an honorable mention in Division 2 – claimed one of the final meet titles, in the Southeasterm Michigan Independent Swimming League. Milan took only two first places, but edged Division 2 honorable mention Temperance Bedford, with Division 3 No. 7 Adrian finishing third and Division 3 No. 8 Tecumseh coming in fourth. (Monroe Evening News)

Soccer

Mr. Soccer is Mr. Lewis: Rockford’s Dewey Lewis was named this season’s Mr. Soccer by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association. Lewis was a four-year varsity player for the Rams, and will play next season at Michigan State. (Grand Rapids Press)

What's My Why: Official Ron Torbert

August 26, 2026

Ron Torbert, Hanover, Md.

Ron Torbert is a current NFL referee who worked Super Bowls LVI (2022) and LIX (2025). He has been on the NFL staff since 2010, starting as a side judge before being promoted to referee in 2014.

Prior to his time in the NFL, Ron worked in the Big Ten, MAC and GLIAC, and was an MHSAA-registered football official from 1989-2001. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and Harvard Law School and also the current chair of the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Board.

Nobody else in the stadium feels what we feel, and there’s something kinda special about being part of that small-knit community.

That’s what kept me coming back and coming back. I don’t play golf, but somebody said it’s like hitting that one golf shot – you’re not a very good golfer but you hit that one shot that brings you back for the next round. Being out on the field brings me back for the next game,

Once I figured out what it took to get good at it, now I want more, and that’s what keeps me coming back. It’s always a challenge of being better next week than I was last week.

“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

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