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.
The Wilson Rules (Battle Creek Enquirer)
May 17, 2012
Battle Creek's Dan Wilson has officiated football, basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball over 50 years of service, and was recently recognized for his half-century of work by the Michigan High School Athletic Association at our annual officials banquet.
The Battle Creek Equirer's Nick Buckley tells of the memories Wilson has made over the years and why he continues to be respected among his peers in the southwest part of the Lower Peninsula.
Calling it like he sees it for 50 years (Battle Creek Enquirer)