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: 5/1/25

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

May 1, 2025

1. GIRLS SOCCER Division 2 No. 12 Otsego remained undefeated with a 3-1 win over Plainwell, its first over its rival in more than five years – Kalamazoo Gazette

2. SOFTBALL No. 6 Millington won a matchup of top-10 teams in Division 3, 6-1 over No. 8 Otisville LakeVille Memorial – WNEM

3. BASEBALL Saginaw Swan Valley swept Division 3 No. 8 Hemlock 2-0 and 9-1 – Saginaw News

4. GIRLS SOCCER Oxford scored three second-half goals to pull away from Division 3 No. 9 Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 5-1 – Oakland Press

5. BASEBALL Division 2 No. 7 Spring Lake finished a three-game sweep of No. 17 Hudsonville Unity Christian with a third-straight shutout of the Crusaders, 2-0 – Grand Haven Tribune

6. BASEBALL Division 1 No. 16 Midland and Davison split, Midland winning first and Davison the second game – Midland Daily News

7. SOFTBALL Mackenzie Burns nearly hit for the cycle in Pinckney’s win over Ann Arbor Skyline – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

8. GIRLS SOCCER Monroe Jefferson/Erie Mason improved to 6-7 wit a 1-0 win over Flat Rock after winning one match a year ago – Monroe News

9. GIRLS SOCCER Hannah Converse scored five goals in Lake Fenton’s win over Clio – Flint Journal

10. SOFTBALL Petoskey remained undefeated this season with a sweep of Cadillac – MI Sports Now

Also of note …

BOYS BASKETBALL Iron Mountain coach Bucky Johnson has retired after 25 seasons and with a 392-170 record – Upper Michigan’s Source