Linked Up: Generations of Calls
July 9, 2013
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Father Ralph Burr recently finished his 50th season as an MHSAA official at 76 years old. His daughter Jackie has worked with him for 20 seasons, and son Jeff has served alongside Dad various times over the last 36 years.
Add in another son and grandson, and the family has officiated a combined 142 years in the Muskegon area.
Grand Rapids' WZZM tells the story of the Burrs, focusing especially on Ralph and his other contributions including the care-taking of Muskegon's Sheldon Field.
Click for the WZZM story on the Burrs and watch below if your browser allows for Flash playback. Also, see the report done earlier this season by the Muskegon Chronicle.
PHOTO: Members of the Burr family pose during the MHSAA Officials Awards & Alumni Banquet in May including current MHSAA officials Jackie Burr, (to her left) Ralph Burr and (on far right) Jeff Burr.
Today in the MHSAA: 9/11/15
September 11, 2015
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
In addition to today’s usual collection of significant results from across the state, we encourage you to check out our “Good Reads," including a story behind what likely will be one of most-attended commemorative games this weekend and a feature on an MHSAA staffer whose experience and expertise benefit officials all over Michigan.
Girls Golf
Traverse City West shot a 333, its lowest score in six seasons under coach Kristen Nolan, to win the Petoskey Invitational by 36 strokes – Traverse City Record-Eagle
Boys Soccer
Grand Haven edged Traverse City West 3-2 on a night when the program hung a banner honoring late Buccaneers soccer player Carter Dyke while also honoring deceased former players Adam Provencal and Mike Herman – Grand Haven Tribune
Muskegon Catholic Central, ranked No. 12 in this week’s first Division 4 coaches poll, beat Division 3 No. 12 Ludington 2-0 – Muskegon Chronicle
Volleyball
Four Class A powers met in one of the most competitive quads so far this fall; No. 5 Clarkston, No. 7 Birmingham Seaholm and unranked Bloomfield Hills Marian all finished 2-1, while unranked Macomb Dakota went 0-3 but played the tough competition close. Marian upset Clarkston, and Clarkston beat Seaholm – Oakland Press
Good Reads
A number of schools statewide will hold remembrances today in honor of victims and those who served on Sept. 11, 2001. Here’s the story behind a growing annual event in Traverse City, the Patriot Game between the Central and West football teams – Traverse City Record-Eagle
While fans tune in to college baseball to watch teams, MHSAA staffers have watched the College World Series and Big 10 Tournament the last few seasons to cheer on the umpires – and one in particular, MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl, who spends the rest of his time championing high school athletics. “High school is where we can have the most impact on the largest number of kids and help teach them the most important life lessons,” he said in this report – NFHS.org
Detroit Catholic Central and Michigan State University grad Rick Gosselin sticks up for high school football being the only game played in that sport on Friday nights – Dallas Morning News