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: 10/27/16

October 27, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Daily action is sparse this time of year as the soccer tournament moves through Regionals and volleyball preps for Districts beginning Monday. But Wednesday did see a handful of notable events in those sports plus an honor for one of the state's most successful golf alums.

Boys Soccer

Macomb Dakota moved past Grosse Pointe North 4-1 in a Division 1 Regional Semifinal – Macomb Daily

On the other side of that Division 1 bracket, No. 6 Troy Athens got past Warren DeLaSalle 2-0 – Oakland Press

Volleyball

Class B honorable mention Saginaw Swan Valley swept third-place Alma to clinch the Tri-Valley Conference Central championship – Saginaw News

Rogers City downed Class D No. 5 Onaway in three sets to win the Presque Isle county championship for the second straight year – Alpena News

Good Read

Today's golfers might not realize that longtime LPGA Tour pro Meg Mallon played her high school golf for Farmington Hills Mercy, finishing MHSAA Final runner-up (open class) in 1980. She recently was selected for the World Golf Hall of Fame – Observer & Eccentric