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: 12/21/17

December 21, 2017

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. Hockey: In a rematch of last season’s Division 1 Semifinal, No. 5 Northville avenged that 5-0 loss to Brighton with a 3-1 win over the top-ranked Bulldogs – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

2. Boys Basketball: Wyoming Godwin Heights won big in a matchup of Class B hopefuls, following Lamar Norman to a 76-58 win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central – Grand Rapids Press

3. Hockey: Division 2 No. 5 Birmingham Brother Rice won a matchup of powers, downing Division 1 No. 4 Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood 5-2 in their “Hockey has Heart” fundraiser game – Oakland Press

4. Girls Basketball: Negaunee won a matchup of undefeated teams, handing Ishpeming its first loss 60-46 – Marquette Mining Journal

5. Girls Basketball: Pittsford ran its winning streak to 61 with one of its closest during the run, a 60-52 victory over Manchester – Hillsdale Daily News

6. Boys Basketball: Potential contenders in Class B and C met at the Williamston Holiday Hoopfest, with the host Hornets downing Dansville 84-64 – Lansing State Journal

7. Hockey: Chris Mihai had six goals and two assists to lead Grosse Ile to a 9-2 win over Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central – Southgate News-Herald

8. Hockey: Grand Haven/Spring Lake won its sixth straight game, 3-0 over Kenowa Hills/Fruitport – Grand Haven Tribune

9. Volleyball: Bad Axe coach Mindy Breault announced her retirement after 30 seasons and with more than 900 wins – Huron Daily Tribune

10. Football: Vanderbilt could be headed toward having its first football team since 1978 after its school board approved a potential co-op with Wolverine – Petoskey News-Review