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: 12/5/18

December 5, 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.

Easily the most highlight-loaded evening of the winter season thus far Tuesday saw the end of two impressive winning streaks, a milestone victory and the matchup of two of the best in swimming & diving statewide in local competition.

1. Girls Basketball: Hudson handed Pittsford its first regular-season loss since Jan. 24, 2013, 38-30 – Adrian Daily Telegram

2. Girls Basketball: Ida coach Tim Leonard earned his 500th win with his team’s 70-33 victory over Monroe Jefferson – Monroe Evening News

3. Boys Swimming & Diving: Holland West Ottawa – No. 1 in Lower Peninsula Division 1 – downed LPD3 No. 1 Holland Christian 109-74 – Holland Sentinel

4. Boys Basketball: Roseville handed New Haven its first regular-season loss in two calendar years, 72-66 – Macomb Daily

5. Boys Basketball: Wyoming Godwin Heights bounced back from a close loss to Grand Rapids Christian with a 57-54 win over reigning Class A runner-up Holland West Ottawa – FOX 17

6. Girls Basketball: East Lansing hung on for a 59-55 win over Williamston in a matchup of teams with championship aspirations in Divisions 1 and 2, respectively – Lansing State Journal

7. Girls Basketball: Molly Davis scored 31 points to lead Midland Dow past Freeland 47-39 – Midland Daily News

8. Boys Basketball: Reece Castor scored 35 points including the game-winner against Ishpeming – The Upbeat

9. Girls Basketball: Six underclassmen combined for 37 points as Hartland downed Fenton 61-37 – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

10. Boys Basketball: Kevin Garwo knocked down a 3-pointer in the final seconds to lead Waterford Kettering past Royal Oak 63-60 – Oakland Press