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: 1/23/25

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

January 23, 2025

1. BOYS BASKETBALL Riverview Gabriel Richard won a league matchup of two of the best in Division 3 statewide, downing Jackson Lumen Christi 88-65 – Southgate News-Herald

2. BOYS BASKETBALL Detroit U-D Jesuit drilled a last-second shot to get past Ann Arbor Huron 79-78 – Ann Arbor News

3. WRESTLING No. 2 Brighton won a league dual against another top team statewide in Division 1, 50-24 over No. 4 Hartland – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

4. GIRLS BASKETBALL Gaylord St. Mary won an overtime matchup for first in the Ski Valley Conference 51-47 over Indian River Inland Lakes – Petoskey News-Review

5. BOYS BASKETBALL Brad Coleman became Millington’s all-time leading scorer during a 56-52 win over Cass City – Saginaw News

6. HOCKEY A third-period goal led to an eventual 1-1 tie between Division 1 No. 3 Howell and No. 2 Hartland – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

7. HOCKEY Division 2 No. 10 Midland Dow finished a regular-season sweep of Midland High with a 3-0 victory – Midland Daily News

8. HOCKEY White Lake Lakeland won its seventh-straight game, 9-5 over South Lyon Unified, with Nate Dell scoring five goals – Oakland Press

9. WRESTLING Dearborn Fordson edged Dearborn High 38-34 – Dearborn Press & Guide

10. GIRLS BASKETBALL Paige Ferwerda posted a triple-double in Grand Rapids Christian’s 49-28 win over Forest Hills Central – Grand Rapids Press