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: 4/21/16

April 21, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly

Second Half editor

Top-10 baseball teams in Division 1 both won and lost to lead Thursday’s headlines from around the state, and news broke that we’ll wave good-bye this spring to one of our longest-serving athletic directors.

Baseball

Division 1 No. 8 Bay City Western avenged last season’s Regional loss to Flushing with a doubleheader sweep, 8-2 and 15-4 – Midland Daily News

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North hung on for an 8-7 upset of Sterling Heights Stevenson, the No. 9-ranked team in Division 1 – Macomb Daily

Rochester Adams completed a three-game sweep of Oakland Activities Association Red rival Lake Orion with a 10-inning 1-0 win – Oakland Press

Girls Soccer

Kailey Yack’s two goals over the final eight minutes gave Stevensville Lakeshore a 4-2 win over Battle Creek Lakeview – St. Joseph Herald-Palladium

Girls Tennis

Utica Eisenhower clinched a 5-3 win over Port Huron Northern with a comeback victory by Zuzanna Lutrzykowska at No. 3 singles – Macomb Daily

Track & Field

Ishpeming’s boys and girls swept Division 2 championships at the Superior Dome Classic, following Marquette’s Division 1 sweep Tuesday – Marquette Mining Journal

Administration

After 36 years at Kalamazoo Christian, influential athletic director Jerry Weesies will retire this spring – Kalamazoo Gazette