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: 1/9/18

January 9, 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. Boys Skiing: Reigning Division 2 champion Petoskey edged reigning Division 1 runner-up Traverse City Central to win its side of the Petoskey-Harbor Invitational – Petoskey News-Review

2. Girls Skiing: Harbor Springs dominated its side of the Petoskey-Harbor Invitational, out-distancing the field by more than 20 points – Petoskey News-Review

3. Girls Basketball: Detroit Osborn earned its first victory over Detroit Henry Ford in more than a decade, 31-28 – Detroit News

4. Boys Basketball: Central Lake drilled a last-second 3-pointer to edge Onaway 65-64 – Alpena News

5. Girls Basketball: Negaunee remained undefeated with a 59-45 win over Marquette – Marquette Mining Journal

6. Boys Basketball: Muskegon Heights Academy held off a late rally to edge North Muskegon 58-56 – Muskegon Chronicle

7. Girls Basketball: Grosse Ile made it six straight wins with a Huron League opening victory over rival Riverview – Southgate News Herald

8. Football: Romeo co-coach Jason Couch, who helped lead the team to the 2015 Division 1 title, announced he’s leaving the program to take over at Alma College – Macomb Daily

9. Football: Battle Creek Lakeview coach Matt Miller stepped down after 20 years with program, including as head coach since 2010, and 30 years total on the sideline – Battle Creek Enquirer

10. Basketball: Vestaburg’s Jim Hodges and Larry Koutz are two of the many unsung contributors who make our games happen; they have nearly 100 years of combined experience serving as the official scorekeeper and clock/scoreboard operator, respectively, at the school – Greenville Daily News