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: 6/1/26
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
June 1, 2026
1. GIRLS TRACK & FIELD Spring Lake and Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep won their first MHSAA Finals team titles in this sport, Rudyard its first since 1977, while Oak Park, Olivet, Negaunee and Newberry extended championship streaks – MHSAA.com
2. BOYS TRACK & FIELD Harper Woods, Hillsdale Academy, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central and Lake Linden-Hubbell were first-time champions, while East Kentwood, Marquette and Pickford added to their boys track trophy cases – MHSAA.com
3. GIRLS TENNIS Northville repeated as Lower Peninsula Division 1 Finals champion with powerful doubles leading the way – MHSAA.com
4. GIRLS LACROSSE Reigning Division 1 champion South Lyon United ran its winning streak to 47 with a 14-11 Regional Final win over Brighton – Oakland Press
5. BOYS VOLLEYBALL Division 1 top-ranked Grand Haven swept No. 2 Jenison and then downed honorable mention Rockford in four sets to clinch a Regional title – Grand Haven Tribune
6. GIRLS SOCCER Hopkins scored twice over the final 1:42 to get past Allegan in Division 3 and claim a first District title in this sport – Grand Rapids Press
7. SOFTBALL Macomb Dakota upset No. 2 New Baltimore Anchor Bay 7-5 to clinch a Division 1 District title – Macomb Daily
8. BASEBALL No. 2 Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart downed No. 3 Beal City 2-1 in a Division 4 District Final – Mount Pleasant Morning Sun
9. GIRLS SOCCER No. 2 Richland Gull Lake downed No. 4 Grand Rapids South Christian 3-2 in overtime in a Division 2 District Final – Kalamazoo Gazette
10. SOFTBALL Honorable mention Armada emerged as winner of a Division 2 District that included three league champions – Macomb Daily