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: 2/5/26

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

February 5, 2026

1. GIRLS BASKETBALL Gracelyn Rockey reached 1,000 career points during Portland St. Patrick’s 51-46 double-overtime win over Fowler – Lansing State Journal

2. BOYS BASKETBALL Unionville-Sebewaing’s Justin Jacobs scored his 1,000th career point during a 45-27 win over Kingston – Huron Daily Tribune

3. WRESTLING Cadillac swept Reed City and Division 4 No. 6 LeRoy Pine River to win the 131 Showdown – Cadillac News

4. ICE HOCKEY Division 2 top-ranked Flint Powers Catholic downed Midland 4-1 in a matchup of contenders in the Saginaw Valley League – Midland Daily News

5. GIRLS BASKETBALL Michigan Center came back to defeat Hanover-Horton 58-52 – Jackson Citizen Patriot

6. GIRLS BASKETBALL Buckley defeated Frankfort 55-48 in a key Northwest Conference game – Up North Live

7. BOYS BASKETBALL Ishpeming Westwood defeated rival Ishpeming 72-61 – MY UP Now

8. ICE HOCKEY Traverse City West ended a recent cold stretch with a 3-1 win over Cadillac – Traverse City Record-Eagle

9. GIRLS BASKETBALL Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse moved into second place in the Macomb Area Conference Gold with a 36-27 win over Marine City – Macomb Daily

10. BOYS BASKETBALL Dearborn Heights Star International downed Detroit Cesar Chavez Academy 56-42 – Detroit News