Why be an Official? (Grand Rapids Press)

January 25, 2012

The Grand Rapids Press' Jane Bos tells the story of some of the most valuable, yet often-criticized people who help make our games go -- the officials enforcing the rules. 

Consider this interesting point: On a Tuesday or Friday, the O-K Conference must come up with 150 officials to work its basketball games. And it, like most if not all leagues, always is looking for more.

She also explains how another former Press sportswriter, Howie Beardsley, got into the reffing game.

Check it out:

"Why West Michigan high school referees say you should consider wearing stripes"

Today in the MHSAA: 9/6/19

September 6, 2019

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

A west-side swim meet between two of the state’s traditional powers and an east-side volleyball “war” top Thursday’s list of high achievers.  

1. Girls Swimming & Diving: Zeeland downed Holland West Ottawa for the first time in more than a decade, 102-84; West Ottawa is an honorable mention in Lower Peninsula Division 1 – Holland Sentinel

2. Volleyball: St. Clair Shores Lakeview won its fifth straight War in the Shores tournament title – Macomb Daily

3. Cross Country: The Bridgman girls and Berrien Springs boys ran to Shamrock Invitational championships – St. Joseph Herald-Palladium

4. Boys Soccer: Division 2 No. 7 Gaylord moved to 8-0 with a 2-1 win over Traverse City Central to begin Big North Conference play – Gaylord Herald Times

5. Boys Soccer: Division 2 No. 2 Richland Gull Lake remained unbeaten by dealing Kalamazoo Central its second loss this season, 5-1 – JoeInsider.com

6. Volleyball: Walled Lake Central downed South Lyon East in five sets to win what could end up a key match in the Lakes Valley Conference race – Oakland Press

7. Boys Soccer: Division 4 top-ranked Muskegon Western Michigan Christian stopped a late penalty kick to hold on for a 2-1 win over Manistee – Local Sports Journal

8. Boys Soccer: Nic Brousseau scored three goals in Pinckney’s 8-2 win over Adrian to run his season total to 19 over 10 games – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

9. Cross Country: Hart swept championships at the Leanna Wolf Geers Invitational hosted by Mason County Central, with Ludington second in both races – Ludington Daily News

10. Boys Soccer: Division 1 No. 6 Midland Dow improved to 8-1 with a 4-0 shutout of Lapeer – Midland Daily News

Also of note …

Girls Tennis: From Wednesday, five-time reigning Upper Peninsula Division 1 champion Negaunee edged reigning three-time UPD2 champ Ishpeming Westwood 5-3 – Marquette Mining Journal