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: 12/11/18

December 11, 2018

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Each weekday of the school year, we break down the top headlines courtesy of Michigan’s sports media.

A matchup of hockey rivals tops the list of Monday’s most intriguing results that also includes girls and boys basketball, wrestling and girls and boys bowling action to kick off the week – plus a notable football coaching hire in the mid-Michigan area.

1. Hockey: Portage Central downed rival Portage Northern 5-2 to reclaim the Canoe Trophy – JoeInsider.com

2. Boys Basketball: Brimley improved to 4-0 with a 90-70 win over Mackinaw City – MI Sports Now

3. Boys Basketball: Pontiac remained undefeated with a 61-53 win over Mount Clemens – Oakland Press

4. Boys Basketball: Ironwood came back to remain unbeaten with a 62-59 win over Washburn, Wis. – The Upbeat

5. Girls Basketball: Kelsey Richards scored all 20 of her points in the first half of Fruitport Calvary Christian’s big win over Muskegon Heights – Muskegon Chronicle

6. Boys Basketball: Lincoln Alcona led by as many as 29 before completing a 60-55 win over Posen – Alpena News

7. Boys Basketball: Kory Henigan’s 30 points led Hillman in a big win over Whittemore-Prescott – WBKB

8. Bowling: Tecumseh’s girls and boys earned a pair of 27-3 wins over Adrian after sweeping the Baker frames – Adrian Daily Telegram

9. Wrestling: Escanaba downed Marquette and Iron Mountain for its first team wins of the season – Escanaba Daily Press

10. Boys Bowling: Ethan May bowled a match high 259 to lead Ravenna past Scottville Mason County Central – Local Sports Journal

Also of note …

Football: St. Johns hired alum and former Eastern Michigan University quarterback Andy Schmitt as its new football coach after longtime coach Dave Mariage stepped down – Lansing State Journal