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: 2/4/25

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

February 4, 2025

1. BOYS BASKETBALL Michigan Center downed Hanover-Horton 73-53, but Luke Soper became Hanover-Horton’s all-time leading scorer – Jackson Citizen Patriot

2. SKIING Traverse City West’s boys and Traverse City Central’s girls were among winners during the latest Big North Conference meet – Petoskey News-Review

3. BOYS BASKETBALL Houghton edged Negaunee 65-64 in a matchup of league title contenders – Upper Michigan’s Source

4. GIRLS BASKETBALL Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central kept its perfect record intact with a 59-52 win over Carleton Airport – Monroe News

5. BOYS BASKETBALL Okemos got past neighbor Haslett 58-48 – Lansing State Journal

6. GIRLS BASKETBALL Bay City Central followed Tiareyona Holmes to a 53-34 win over Ogemaw Heights – Bay City Times

7. BOYS BASKETBALL Caseville came back from eight points down to edge Kinde North Huron 46-44 – Huron Daily Tribune

8. BOYS BASKETBALL East Jordan remained in league title contention with a 56-49 win over Gaylord St. Mary – Petoskey News-Review

9. GIRLS BASKETBALL Royal Oak’s defense impressed in a 37-25 win over Berkley – Oakland Press

10. BOYS BASKETBALL Sterling Heights Parkway Christian improved to 14-4 with a big win over Westland Hope Christian – Macomb Daily