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: 2/5/25

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

February 5, 2025

1. BOYS BASKETBALL Reigning Division 2 champion Warren Lincoln handed Division 1 contender Detroit U-D Jesuit its first loss, 66-65 – Macomb Daily

2. BOYS BASKETBALL Hillsdale Will Carleton Academy clinched its first league title in more than a decade with a 49-36 win over Marshall Academy – Hillsdale Daily News

3. BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING No. 4 Spring Lake downed No. 5 Grand Rapids Christian 100-86 in a matchup of top teams in Lower Peninsula Division 3 – Local Sports Journal

4. BOYS BASKETBALL Grand Blanc handed Flint Powers Catholic its first loss, 71-69, on a buzzer beater – Flint Journal

5. BOYS BASKETBALL Allendale handed the first loss this season to Greenville, 67-60 – Grand Rapids Press

6. GIRLS BASKETBALL June Fitzpatrick went over 1,000 career points during East Jordan’s 44-26 win over Mancelona – Petoskey News-Review

7. GIRLS BASKETBALL Rayah Hitt reached 1,000 career points as Parma Western defeated Williamston 55-33 – Jackson Citizen Patriot

8. GIRLS BASKETBALL Victoria Gray reached 1,000 career points in Temperance Bedford’s 46-20 win over Monroe – Monroe News

9. BOYS BASKETBALL Jake Champagne scored a school-record 45 points to lead Oxford past Lake Orion 79-67 in double overtime – Oakland Press

10. GIRLS BASKETBALL Undefeated Negaunee held on for a 37-31 win over Calumet – Upper Michigan’s Source