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"
D8 Final rematch set (Kalamazoo Gazette)
April 12, 2012
Big news on the football opening night front: Reigning Division 8 champion Mendon will face Fowler in a rematch of last season's Final at Ford Field.
Filling the schedule can be a tough task when a school has won 10 MHSAA championships, as the Hornets have accomplished. The Eagles frequently have been feared as well and own four MHSAA titles. The Kalamazoo Gazette's Scott Decamp gives us a rundown of how this rematch came together.
Mendon beat Fowler 33-0 in that championship game, but both teams are expected to return some of their biggest stars this fall.