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: 8/30/18

August 30, 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. 

1. Cross Country: The Battle Creek Harper Creek girls won their first All-City title in 18 years; Battle Creek Lakeview won the boys championship – Battle Creek Enquirer

2. Girls Golf: Northville won its fifth tournament of August, this time shooting a 333 to claim the Saline Invitational championship – Observer & Eccentric

3. Cross Country: Charlevoix swept the girls and boys championship at the East Jordan Invitational, both scoring 38 points – Traverse City Record-Eagle

4. Girls Golf: Bloomfield Hills Marian shot a 331 to win the Oakland County Division 2 championship by 13 strokes – Oakland Press

5. Boys Soccer: Midland Dow edge Traverse City Central 1-0 to remain undefeated with seven shutouts this fall – Midland Daily News

6. Volleyball: Division 1 top-ranked Lake Orion swept Bloomfield Hills to finish 6-0 for the day and win the Romeo Invitational – Oakland Press

7. Girls Swimming & Diving: Reigning Lower Peninsula Division 2 champion East Grand Rapids earned an impressive 118-68 victory over Grand Haven – Grand Haven Tribune

8. Girls Golf: Coldwater emerged from a three-team tie thanks to its fifth scorer to win the second Interstate 8 Athletic Conference jamboree – Coldwater Daily Reporter

9. Boys Soccer: Petoskey continued its tough early run but with its first victory, 2-1 over Midland – Petoskey News Review

10. Boys Soccer: Hartland edged Northville 4-3 on a goal with seven minutes to play Livingston Daily Press & Argus