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: 1/7/25

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

January 7, 2025

1. BOYS BASKETBALL Kingsford won a matchup of Upper Peninsula powers, 56-39 over Crystal Falls Forest Park – Upper Michigan’s Source

2. SKIING The Traverse City Central girls and Traverse City West boys were champs at the Harbor-Petoskey Invitational – Cadillac News

3. BOYS BASKETBALL Quinton Swanson connected on the game-winner to sent Portage Northern past Vicksburg 67-65 – Kalamazoo Gazette

4. BOWLING The Utica United and Macomb L’Anse Creuse North girls impressed in big wins – Macomb Daily

5. BOYS BASKETBALL Luke Hennessey made four late free throws to take Ida past Ottawa Lake Whiteford 44-41 – Monroe News

6. BOWLING Grand Haven’s boys earned a 26-4 win over Rockford, while the Rams and Buccaneers girls tied 15-15 – Grand Haven Tribune

7. BOYS BASKETBALL Pinconning put up 93 points in a big win over Rudyard – Bay City Times

8. BOYS BASKETBALL Michigan Center came back from a halftime deficit to get past Williamston 62-51 – Jackson Citizen Patriot

9. BOYS BASKETBALL Davison handed Mt. Morris just its second loss, 70-42 – WNEM

10. BOWLING Macomb Dakota and Macomb L’Anse Creuse North’s boys earned close wins – Macomb Daily

Also of note …

FOOTBALL Zeeland West coach John Shillito announced his retirement, coming off leading the Dux to the Division 3 championship this past fall – Holland Sentinel