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.
Mentor of Many (Kalamazoo Gazette)
April 17, 2012
Longtime Plainwell coach and athletic director Jack Streidl died Monday at age 93 and after nearly a lifetime of serving his community's athletic programs in a variety of roles.
The Kalamazoo Gazette's Scott DeCamp recounts the contributions of the Menominee native and Western Michigan grad who won more than 200 football games and was present as the school's stadium was named after him in 2008.
Remembering a legend: Plainwell teacher/coach Jack Streidl 'always saw the best in people'