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: 1/30/25

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

January 30, 2025

1. WRESTLING Division 2 No. 4 Fowlerville downed No. 3 Mason 37-27 in the Capital Area Activities Conference Red, and Division 3 No. 8 Lake Odessa Lakewood clinched the CAAAC White with a 46-23 win over No. 4 Portland – Lansing State Journal

2. WRESTLING LeRoy Pine River downed Division 2 No. 6 Cadillac 42-31 and Reed City 38-36 to claim the 131 Showdown – Cadillac News

3. HOCKEY Chelsea leads the Southeastern Conference White thanks to a 3-2 overtime win over Dexter – Ann Arbor News

4. WRESTLING Carleton Airport defeated Ida 47-33 for its 31st dual-meet victory this season, setting a school record – Monroe News

5. BOYS BASKETBALL Michael Janssen set a Bad Axe record for 3-pointers in his team’s 69-60 win over Caro – Huron Daily Tribune

6. GIRLS BASKETBALL Michigan Center kept pace in the Cascades Conference East with a 62-49 win over Leslie – Jackson Citizen Patriot

7. HOCKEY Division 2 No. 9 Mattawan defeated Portage 5-1 to claim the Renbarger Cup – WWMT

8. HOCKEY Traverse City West made a move in the Big North Conference standings with a 3-2 win over Petoskey – MI Sports Now

9. GIRLS BASKETBALL Hancock edged Lake Linden-Hubbell 43-39 – Upper Michigan’s Source

10. HOCKEY Gladwin and the FNV Griffins combined for 17 goals as the Flying Gs won 10-7 – WNEM