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: 2/8/19

February 8, 2019

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Team District competition continued in wrestling Thursday, and boys swimming & diving contributed a pair of headlines as well including arguably our most impressive of the day.

1. Boys Swimming & Diving: Thursday’s win over East Kentwood left Holland West Ottawa’s seniors undefeated in duals and invitationals for their career; West Ottawa is ranked No. 1 in Lower Peninsula Division 1 – Holland Sentinel

2. Wrestling: No. 2 Richmond downed No. 5 Algonac on the way to claiming a Division 3 District title – Macomb Daily

3. Wrestling: St. Clair Shores Lakeview clinched its fourth straight District title, downing Grosse Pointe South in Division 1 – C&G Newspapers

4. Boys Swimming & Diving: LPD3 No. 3 Spring Lake broke five records in defeating honorable mention Grand Rapids Catholic Central 100-72 – Grand Haven Tribune

5. Girls Basketball: West Bloomfield defeated second-place Auburn Hills Avondale 54-36 to remain unbeaten in the Oakland Activities Association White – Oakland Press

6. Boys Basketball: New Haven broke open its Macomb Area Conference Red/White Tournament opener during the fourth quarter, emerging with a 66-52 victory – Detroit News

7. Hockey: Division 2 No. 7 Davison edged Escanaba 5-4 at the Michigan Public High School Hockey Showcase – Escanaba Daily Press

8. Wrestling: No. 7 Mendon advanced with a 51-20 Division 4 District title win over Athens – Sturgis Journal

9. Wrestling: Kalamazoo Central downed Loy Norrix to claim a Division 1 District championship – WWMT

10. Girls Basketball: Reigning Class D champ Adrian Lenawee Christian won a matchup of small-school powers, 73-47 over Waterford Our Lady – Adrian Daily Telegram