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: 9/8/15

September 8, 2015


By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The non-football action was light during the holiday weekend. But here are a few notable finishes by those who did compete, plus an incredible comeback story taking place on a northern tennis court. 

Cross Country


The Sault Ste. Marie girls opened their season by winning the Ogemaw Heights Invitational, with sophomore Mackenzie Kalchik repeating as individual champ – Sault Ste. Marie Evening News

German exchange student Rebecca Rosenberger has run four cross country races in her life – and won two of them – Adrian Daily Telegram 


Boys Tennis

Traverse City Central defeated a solid field at its home invitational, winning all four doubles flights and finishing runner-up at all four in singles to edge second-place Clarkston – Traverse City Record-Eagle 

Good Read

Two months ago, Traverse City Central's Ben Grams was a long way from helping partner Nate Michno build their current 17-1 doubles record – in Colorado, in a coma after rupturing a kidney in a biking crash – Traverse City Record-Eagle