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: 1/9/25

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

January 9, 2025

1. HOCKEY Luke Storm starred as Division 1 No. 3 Howell edged No. 7 Northville 3-2 – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

2. COMPETITIVE CHEER Carleton Airport won the first Huron League jamboree, finishing just under 12 points ahead of Grosse Ile – Monroe News

3. HOCKEY Division 2 top-ranked Flint Powers Catholic held on for a 5-4 win over No. 9 Midland Dow – WJRT

4. HOCKEY Muskegon Mona Shores scored three goals over the finals three minutes to get past Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills 4-2 – Muskegon Chronicle

5. HOCKEY Marco Medico scored three goals as Division 1 No. 9 Novi downed Birmingham Unified 6-3 – Oakland Press

6. WRESTLING Division 3 No. 9 Remus Chippewa Hills downed Central Montcalm 42-35 and Big Rapids 47-33 – Big Rapids Pioneer

7. COMPETITIVE CHEER Hart posted the top score in all three rounds to win the West Michigan Conference meet at Mason County Central – CatchMark SportsNet

8. GIRLS BASKETBALL St. Clair Shores Lakeview edged Fraser 40-39 – Macomb Daily

9. HOCKEY Midland impressed with an 8-1 win over Saginaw Heritage – Midland Daily News

10. HOCKEY Lakeshore improved to 8-7 this season with an 8-3 win over East Kentwood – Ludington Daily News

Also of note …

FOOTBALL Dearborn Fordson coach Fouad Zaban announced his retirement having led the program to the MHSAA Playoffs 17 of his 18 seasons – Dearborn Press & Guide