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: 4/21/23

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

April 21, 2023

1. GIRLS SOCCER Division 1 No. 7 Troy Athens surged in the second half to get past No. 13 Troy 4-1 – Oakland Press

2. SOFTBALL Division 1 No. 9 Brownstown Woodhaven earned a 17-13 win over Division 2 No. 10 Trenton – Southgate News-Herald

3. BASEBALL Division 1 No. 11 Mattawan downed Division 2 No. 3 Stevensville Lakeshore 10-7 in nine innings – St. Joseph Herald-Palladium

4. BASEBALL Midland split with Division 2 No. 6 Flint Powers Catholic, its opening victory the 500th of coach Eric Albright’s career – Midland Daily News

5. BASEBALL Merrill swept Blanchard Montabella as Vandals leader Dave DeBeau coached his 1,000th game – Saginaw News

6. GIRLS SOCCER Division 1 honorable mention Salem and No. 2 Northville played to a 2-2 draw – Hometown Life

7. BASEBALL Sterling Heights Stevenson earned a 3-1 road win at Division 1 No. 14 Macomb Dakota – Macomb Daily

8. BASEBALL Brownstown Woodhaven edged Division 2 No. 10 Trenton 2-1 in 12 innings – Southgate News-Herald

9. GIRLS SOCCER Division 1 No. 8 Okemos scored the game’s lone goal late to get past DeWitt – Lansing State Journal

10. BOYS LACROSSE Detroit Country Day earned an impressive 15-8 win at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s – Oakland Press