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: 5/10/16

May 10, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

A pair of softball coaching milestones and a combined 69 runs between two teams in a third doubleheader shined brightest among headlines from Monday’s statewide action.

Baseball

Warren Cousino moved into first place alone in the Macomb Area Conference White thanks to six shutout innings in a 2-0 win over second-place Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse by pitcher Zach Kitka, who tore a knee ligament during football season – Macomb Daily

Saginaw Heritage, No. 6 in Division 1, swept Division 3 No. 3 Saginaw Nouvel 4-0 and 9-4 – Saginaw News

Boys Golf

Big Rapids won its Tullymore Invitational with a 303 against a field including ranked teams St. Johns (304) and Midland (305) – Saginaw News

Softball

Mount Pleasant softball coach Ted McIntyre received his 1,000th coaching win as the Oilers swept Saginaw Arthur Hill – Mount Pleasant Morning Sun

Portland coach Jack Anderson went past 900 career wins as his Raiders swept Eaton Rapids 3-1 and 6-0 – Lansing State Journal

In an incredible display of offense, Hancock swept Painesdale-Jeffers 29-14 and 18-8 despite four home runsover the two games  (including three in the second) by the Jets’ Alexa Clouthier – Houghton Daily Mining Gazette