Stripes Worn Well (Muskegon Chronicle)

March 1, 2012

Tim Flahive has battled diabetes for all but a few years of his life. But he's also filled half of those years with high school sports as a longtime official based in the Muskegon area.

The Muskegon Chronicle's Mark Opfermann tells the story of Flahive's final basketball game last week -- and makes us appreciate even more the significant role our officials fill to no fanfare.

A powerful excerpt:

He left the court with no fanfare, took off his whistle and shed a few tears.

But Flahive's story isn’t just about sports and an official leaving the hobby he loves. It’s about courage, getting back up and pressing on.

So, I guess it’s a lot like sports after all. But it’s a whole lot more about life.

That’s because when Flahive took the court last week, he did it with half of his left foot missing.

Click to read on.

Today in the MHSAA: 6/16/16

June 16, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The final four of eight MHSAA girls soccer finalists were determined in Semifinals on Wednesday, and we posted previews of all 32 baseball and softball teams playing this weekend at Michigan State University. 

Girls Soccer

Grosse Ile took Flint Powers Catholic nearly to the end in Division 3, but the Chargers scored on a penalty kick with 6 minutes to play to win 1-0 – Flint Journal 

Hudsonville Unity Christian will make its near-annual trip back to the MHSAA Finals thanks to a 3-0 Division 3 win over Freeland – Grand Rapids Press

Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern will return to the MHSAA Finals after a late goal helped it get past Dexter 2-1 in Division 2 – Grand Rapids Press

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep avenged its only loss this season by downing Bloomfield Hills Marian in Division 2 – Oakland Press

Baseball & Softball

Click for a glance at all 16 semifinalists playing baseball at McLane Stadium – Second Half

Click for a glance at all 16 semifinalists playing softball at Secchia Stadium – Second Half