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: 9/21/16

September 21, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

After a day away, “Today” returns with highlights of the past two, including some impressive volleyball upsets coming out of the Traverse City area, a few more in soccer as well, and the end to a lengthy win streak in swimming & diving.

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.

Cross Country

Alpena’s Mitchell Day remains one of the state’s most dominant runners, and he finished nearly a minute ahead of the field at Tuesday’s Big North Conference race – Alpena News

The Grosse Ile girls and boys both won this season’s first Huron League races Tuesday as both seek to repeat as champions – Southgate News-Herald

Boys Soccer

Hillsdale Academy, No. 12 in Division 4, earned a 5-0 win over rival Hillsdale High on Monday – Hillsdale Daily News

Unranked Midland Dow remained undefeated at 11-0-1 on Monday with a 3-1 win over Flint Powers Catholic, ranked No. 4 in Division 3 – Midland Daily News

Unranked Grand Haven upset Division 1 No. 10 East Kentwood 2-0 in overtime Tuesday – Grand Haven Tribune

Girls Swimming & Diving

Brighton downed Dexter 98-88 on Tuesday, its first win over the Dreadnaughts in 22 years. Both are top programs; Dexter is top-ranked in Lower Peninsula Division 2, and Brighton is No. 9 in Division 1 – Livingston Daily

Volleyball

Saginaw Heritage remained undefeated in Saginaw Valley League play with a 3-1 win over Midland Dow on Tuesday – Saginaw News

Utica Eisenhower won a matchup of Division 1 honorable mentions, downing Macomb Dakota in five sets Tuesday – Macomb Daily

The northern Lower Peninsula saw a pair of upsets Tuesday as Kingsley downed Class D No. 3 Leland and Fife Lake Forest Area got past Class D No. 4 Onaway – Traverse City Record-Eagle