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: 11/28/16

November 28, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

As football claimed most of the spotlight over Thanksgiving weekend, high school hockey celebrated a number of holiday tournaments – and we’ve included a few previews with girls basketball season tipping off this evening as well.

Each weekday during the school year, we’ll gather and post media links covering the most significant and intriguing high school events from all over the state.

Hockey

Reigning Division 3 champion Hancock is rebounding from an 0-2 start to this winter, most recently downing Calumet 5-1 at the Copper Island Classic – Houghton Daily Mining Gazette

Big Rapids won its holiday tournament with a 3-2 overtime win over Traverse City Bay Reps – Big Rapids News

Port Huron Northern scored three goals over the final three minutes to beat New Baltimore Anchor Bay 6-4 and win the Larry Manz Holiday Tournament title – Clinton Township Voice

Allen Park also won its holiday weekend tournament, downing Brownstown Woodhaven 8-1 in the final – Southgate News Herald

Midland Dow will celebrate 40 years of high school hockey with an expected 10 players from its 1976-77 team returning for Wednesday’s game – Midland Daily News

Girls Basketball

Flushing will welcome back standout Breanna Perry after she missed nearly all of her junior season with a knee injury – Flint Journal

Muskegon Mona Shores will look to contend for an MHSAA title led by a backcourt that includes Student Advisory Council member Jordan Walker and standout sophomore Alyza Winston – Muskegon Chronicle

Kingsford could be a team to watch from the Upper Peninsula with five returning starters after going 13-9 a year ago – Iron Mountain Daily News