Today in the MHSAA: 2/16/16

February 16, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

A relatively quiet night in statewide hoops still produced a handful of stunning highlights to go with the retirement of one of Michigan’s most respected football coaches.

Girls Basketball

Reigning Class C champion Calumet clinched its first West Peninsula Athletic Conference title with a 46-42 win over Houghton, last season’s league champion – Houghton Daily Mining Gazette

Boys Basketball

Sanford Meridian needed all of six overtimes to get past Unionville-Sebewaing, 76-74 – Midland Daily News

Football

Longtime Mendon coach John Schwartz announced his retirement after attaining a 274-48 record over 27 seasons and leading the Hornets to 25 playoff appearances and 10 MHSAA championships – Sturgis Journal

Good Read

Gibraltar Carlson senior Jacob Thomas didn’t want to miss out on anything his senior year – so this winter, he’s pulling off the rare double-up of playing basketball and hockey – Monroe Evening News

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.