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: 2/4/22

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

February 4, 2022

1. GIRLS BASKETBALL Sanford Meridian earned a share of its first Jack Pine Conference title since 2006 with a 62-39 win over Pinconning – Midland Daily News

2. BOYS BASKETBALL Division 4 No. 12 Onaway set a state record with 49 points during the first quarter of a big win over Fife Lake Forest Area – Cheboygan Daily Tribune

3. GIRLS BASKETBALL Madison Smith went over 1,000 career points in Division 4 No. 20 Mackinaw City’s big win over Ellsworth – Cheboygan Daily Tribune

4. BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING Essexville Garber won every swim event in a 106-74 meet win over Bay City John Glenn, but John Glenn diver Jamie Miller won his event and broke the school record from 2004 with a score of 303.45 – Bay City Times

5. GIRLS BASKETBALL Division 3 No. 19 Harbor Springs moved into first in the Lake Michigan Conference with a 57-47 win over former co-leader Traverse City St. Francis – Traverse City Record-Eagle

6. HOCKEY Division 1 No. 5 Salem defeated Division 3 No. 9 Midland Dow 4-3 with a shootout at the MIHL Hockey Showcase – State Champs!

7. GIRLS BASKETBALL Mesick pulled closer to the West Michigan D League lead with a 31-21 win over first-place Manistee Catholic Central – Traverse City Record-Eagle

8. WRESTLING Division 4 No. 8 LeRoy Pine River will enter its league tournament coming off a 41-31 win over Reed City – Big Rapids News

9. GIRLS BASKETBALL Division 3 No. 8 Hart moved to 10-0 in West Michigan Conference play with a big win over third-place Shelby – Muskegon Chronicle

10. BOYS BASKETBALL A big fourth quarter sent Division 2 No. 11 Carrollton past Saginaw Nouvel 61-53 – Saginaw News