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"

Cranbrook remembers Jack Sanders (Birmingham Eccentric)

April 30, 2012

The Oakland County baseball community lost a long-time supporter April 19 with the death of former Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood coach Jack Sanders, for whom the school's field was named more than a quarter-century ago, in 1975

Birmingham Eccentric sports editor Marty Budner tells of the daily presence of Sanders, who was known for maintaining the field that bears his name and also as an assistant coach beginning in 1949. Before this spring, Sanders hadn't missed an end-of-season banquet or postseason game for the team since joining the program that year.

Click below to read more:

Cranbrook baseball was passion for Jack Sanders (Birmingham Eccentric)