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: 11/21/16

November 21, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The MHSAA volleyball and girls swimming & diving tournaments finished Saturday with seven championships awarded to teams from across the Lower Peninsula and coverage provided of each Final by Second Half correspondents. 

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.

Swimming & Diving

Rockford passed recent champs and favorites to win the Lower Peninsula Division 1 Final and claim its first championship in the sport Second Half

Birmingham Seaholm won its first title in 20 years, finishing ahead of reigning champ Dexter in LP Division 2 Second Half

East Grand Rapids claimed its 20th MHSAA championship with arguably its most talented team ever, winning in LP Division 3 Second Half

Volleyball

Novi advanced to its third straight Class A Final and won its second straight championship, 3-1 over Rockford Second Half

North Branch met Lake Odessa Lakewood in the Class B Final for the third time in five seasons and prevailed over the top-ranked Vikings Second Half

Bronson repeated in Class C against a Brown City team appearing in the Final for the first time Second Half

Plymouth Christian secured its first MHSAA title, downing league mate Auburn Hills Oakland Christian in Class D Second Half