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"
Burling's 97 (Traverse Magazine)
February 21, 2012
The details remain hazy and there is little explanation to go with what Crystal Falls' Ed Burling accomplished on an unknown date during the 1910-11 season.
Todd Schulz tells us what is known about the MHSAA record holder for most points in a boys basketball game.
One of many great scene-setters from the former Lansing State Journal columnist:
Nearly a century later, Burling’s feat stands as the state record for points scored in a high school game by a single player. Unfortunately, the details of the game have dropped into darkness, as if they were tossed down one of the mine shafts that littered Crystal Falls’ rugged landscape.
Click "The Basketball Mystery that Endures" to read the rest at MyNorth.com.