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: 12/17/15

December 17, 2015

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Three of the strongest rivalries in Michigan high school ice hockey played out Wednesday night, while girls basketball and wrestling also saw results with statewide implications.

Girls Basketball

Bay City John Glenn prevailed in a matchup of unbeatens with a 52-48 win over Saginaw Nouvel – Bay City Times

Warren Cousino junior Kierra Fletcher scored 40 points as her team edged Rochester Adams 61-58 at The Palace of Auburn Hills – Macomb Daily

Essexville Garber finished 2-19 a year ago, but earned its fourth win of this season with a 58-46 victory over Bridgeport – Saginaw News

Ice Hockey

Calumet held on for a 5-3 win over Houghton in a matchup of two of most exciting offensive teams in the Upper Peninsula – Houghton Daily Mining Gazette

Midland Dow earned a 5-4 win over rival Midland after outshooting the Chemics 40-16 – Midland Daily News

In another cross-town rivalry game, Traverse City Central shut out Traverse City West 3-0 – Traverse City Record-Eagle

Wrestling

Division 3 top-ranked Dundee earned an impressive 35-27 win over Division 1 contender Brighton – Livingston Daily

Leroy Pine River coach Tim Jones earned his 500th victory as his team won a pair of matches – Cadillac News