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: 5/7/19

May 7, 2019

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

A pair of newly-crowned league track champions top today’s list of Monday’s major achievers as seven sports made our list of 10.

1. Track & Field: The Remus Chippewa Hills girls clinched their 17th straight league championship by winning the latest Central State Activities Association Gold meet, while Big Rapids’ boys clinched a share of the title – Big Rapids News

2. Girls Lacrosse: Hartland, No. 3 in Division 1, came back to beat No. 4 Brighton 19-16 in overtime and stay undefeated – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

3. Girls Soccer: Division 2 No. 14 Byron Center shut out Division 3 No. 6 Hudsonville Unity Christian 2-0 – FOX 17

4. Girls Tennis: Mattawan, No. 6 in Lower Peninsula Division 2, delivered St. Joseph’s first loss, 5-3 – St. Joseph Herald-Palladium

5. Girls Soccer: Division 3 No. 9 Boyne City moved to 12-0-1 with a 5-0 win over Division 4 No. 9 Elk Rapids – Petoskey News-Review

6. Boys Golf: Flint Powers Catholic shot a 321 to edge Grand Blanc and win the Genesee County Championship – Flint Journal

7. Softball: Division 2 No. 5 Muskegon Oakridge swept Reeths-Puffer in a matchup of recent Greater Muskegon Athletic Association champions – Muskegon Chronicle

8. Baseball: Division 4 No. 15 Brethren’s Jake Riggs continued an incredible season, leading his team to a sweep of Marion by going 8-for-8 with all extra-base hits – Traverse City Record-Eagle

9. Boys Golf: Saginaw Heritage shot a 335 to win the Saginaw County Invitational by six strokes – Saginaw News

10. Softball: Sarah Kopp fired a six-inning perfect game to lead Division 2 No. 7 Flat Rock past Grosse Ile – Southgate News-Herald

Also of note …

Bowling: Vandercook Lake’s Mackenzie Johnson was named Miss Bowling, and Battle Creek Pennfield’s James Ruoff was named Mr. Bowling – Detroit Free Press