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: 9/15/16

September 15, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The spikes fell, and so did some favorites on the volleyball court Wednesday, with a Detroit Catholic League rivalry match the headliner of the day’s statewide action.

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

The Ubly girls continued to dominate local competition, winning their home invitational by 21 points; Cass City won the boys race by just two ahead of Bad Axe – Huron Daily Tribune

Girls Golf

South Lyon East broke a school record shooting 332 to win the Oakland County Division II championship – Oakland Press

Boys Soccer

Division 4 No. 5 Leland needed a 5-4 advantage in a shootout to edge Buckley 1-0 – Traverse City Record-Eagle

Mohamed Said scored four goals to push Melvindale past Gibraltar Carlson 4-3 in a key Downriver League matchup – Southgate News-Herald

Volleyball

Class A honorable mention Bloomfield Hills Marian upset No. 4 Farmington Hills Mercy in four sets – Oakland Press

Pittsford, ranked No. 5 in Class D featuring key players from the MHSAA champion basketball team, swept Waldron – Hillsdale Daily News

Traverse City West handed Petoskey the latter’s first loss this season, in five sets – Petoskey News

Good Read

Marshall’s Corey Dexter and his family, including two younger brothers, are facing their first football season without dad Chad, who died after a bout with cancer earlier this year – Battle Creek Enquirer