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: 1/24/18
January 24, 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.
Today's Top 10
1. Girls Basketball: Bloomfield Hills Marian finished a Detroit Catholic League Central sweep of rival Farmington Hills Mercy, the reigning champion – Observer & Eccentric
2. Boys Basketball: Ottawa Lake Whiteford downed Petersburg-Summerfield 56-41 in a key Tri-County Conference matchup, earning coach John Rice his 500th win – Monroe Evening News
3. Boys Basketball: Detroit U-D Jesuit took the upper hand in the boys Detroit Catholic League Central with a win over former co-leader Warren DeLaSalle – Macomb Daily
4. Boys Basketball: Coloma won a matchup of unbeaten teams, 58-52 over Kalamazoo Christian – St. Joseph Herald Palladium
5. Girls Basketball: Marysville stayed undefeated in the Macomb Area Conference Gold, downing contender Marine City 51-44 in overtime – Port Huron Times Herald
6. Officials: Battle Creek Police deputy chief Jim Grafton enforces the law in his community – and the rules as an MHSAA official – Battle Creek Enquirer
7. Hockey: Division 3 No. 4 Houghton scored three goals in the third period to come back and beat Kingsford 4-3 – Houghton Daily Mining Gazette
8. Hockey: Division 2 No. 6 Saline scored three goals in the first period and held on for a 3-2 win over Dexter – Saline Post
9. Boys Basketball: Battle Creek Harper Creek earned its first win ever at Battle Creek Central Fieldhouse, downing the host 54-47 – Battle Creek Enquirer
10. Girls Basketball: Saginaw Swan Valley stretched its lead over the final three quarters in handing Jack Pine Conference leader Gladwin only its second loss, 45-27 – Midland Daily News