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: 2/16/16

February 16, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

A relatively quiet night in statewide hoops still produced a handful of stunning highlights to go with the retirement of one of Michigan’s most respected football coaches.

Girls Basketball

Reigning Class C champion Calumet clinched its first West Peninsula Athletic Conference title with a 46-42 win over Houghton, last season’s league champion – Houghton Daily Mining Gazette

Boys Basketball

Sanford Meridian needed all of six overtimes to get past Unionville-Sebewaing, 76-74 – Midland Daily News

Football

Longtime Mendon coach John Schwartz announced his retirement after attaining a 274-48 record over 27 seasons and leading the Hornets to 25 playoff appearances and 10 MHSAA championships – Sturgis Journal

Good Read

Gibraltar Carlson senior Jacob Thomas didn’t want to miss out on anything his senior year – so this winter, he’s pulling off the rare double-up of playing basketball and hockey – Monroe Evening News