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: 2/25/25

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

February 25, 2025

1. GIRLS SKIING Traverse City Central and Harbor Springs claimed Finals championships, the latter its first in a decade – MHSAA.com

2. BOYS SKIING Marquette and East Grand Rapids won Finals titles, EGR its first since 1999 – MHSAA.com

3. BOYS BASKETBALL East Jordan tied its single-season record of 19 wins with a 69-34 Division 3 District victory over Johannesburg-Lewiston – Petoskey News-Review

4. BOYS BASKETBALL Haslett defeated Fowlerville 69-55 in a Division 2 District opener, but the Gladiators’ Wyatt Soli reached 1,000 career points – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

5. BOYS BASKETBALL Edwardsburg advanced in Division 2 with a 59-58 double overtime win over Niles – Niles Daily Star

6. BOYS BASKETBALL St. Joseph came back from a 12-point deficit to defeat Stevensville Lakeshore 52-47 in overtime in Division 1 – St. Joseph Herald-Palladium

7. BOYS BASKETBALL Davison downed Lapeer 65-51 in a Division 1 District opener – Flint Journal

8. BOYS BASKETBALL Sanford Meridian advanced in Division 3 with a 42-38 victory over Bay City All Saints – Midland Daily News

9. BOYS BASKETBALL Ishpeming started its Division 4 District run with a 68-48 win over Painesdale Jeffers – Upper Michigan’s Source

10. BOYS BASKETBALL Quincy won a Division 3 District matchup of league rivals, 53-49 over Bronson – Coldwater Daily Reporter