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: 12/18/23

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

December 18, 2023

1. BOWLING Flint Kearsley swept championships at the Bay City John Glenn Holiday Invitational against fields including several of the state’s top teams – WNEM

2. WRESTLING Division 1 No. 9 Oxford followed three individual champions to an Oakland County team title – Oakland Pres

3. WRESTLING Division 1 No. 10 Westland John Glenn claimed the Wayne County championship – Southgate News-Herald

4. COMPETITIVE CHEER Reigning Division 2 champion Gibraltar Carlson finished less than a point ahead of 2023 Finals runner-up Allen Park to win the Flat Rock Invitational – Southgate News-Herald

5. WRESTLING Division 2 No. 3 Bay City John Glenn won its four Bay County Championship matches by a combined score of 323-6 – Bay City Times

6. HOCKEY Division 1 No. 4 Hartland and goalie Gaige Dieugenio shut out No. 2 Brighton 5-0 – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

7. GIRLS BASKETBALL Clio defeated Ortonville Brandon 66-61, but Riley Abney became Brandon’s all-time leading scorer – Oakland Press

8. WRESTLING Fremont won Belding’s John Baum Invitational, and Tee Ward claimed his 150th career victory – CatchMark SportsNet

9. GIRLS BASKETBALL Grand Haven’s 56-27 win over Traverse City West gave coach Kim Kowalczyk-Fulmer her 400th career victory – Grand Haven Tribune

10. WRESTLING Division 3 No. 3 Whitehall followed nine individual finalists to the team championship at the Hart Bosse Memorial – CatchMark SportsNet