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: 6/16/16

June 16, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The final four of eight MHSAA girls soccer finalists were determined in Semifinals on Wednesday, and we posted previews of all 32 baseball and softball teams playing this weekend at Michigan State University. 

Girls Soccer

Grosse Ile took Flint Powers Catholic nearly to the end in Division 3, but the Chargers scored on a penalty kick with 6 minutes to play to win 1-0 – Flint Journal 

Hudsonville Unity Christian will make its near-annual trip back to the MHSAA Finals thanks to a 3-0 Division 3 win over Freeland – Grand Rapids Press

Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern will return to the MHSAA Finals after a late goal helped it get past Dexter 2-1 in Division 2 – Grand Rapids Press

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep avenged its only loss this season by downing Bloomfield Hills Marian in Division 2 – Oakland Press

Baseball & Softball

Click for a glance at all 16 semifinalists playing baseball at McLane Stadium – Second Half

Click for a glance at all 16 semifinalists playing softball at Secchia Stadium – Second Half