Always Aiming to Provide a 'Fair Start'
June 6, 2013
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Tom Truscott was glad where he stood as he raised his hands to start the 100-meter boys Regional race at Lansing Sexton in 1987 that featured Corey Pryor of Jackson, Tico Duckett of Kalamazoo Loy Norrix and the host Big Reds’ Alan Haller.
They’d go on a few weeks later to finish first, third and fourth, respectively, in arguably the fastest MHSAA Finals race of all time. And on this afternoon, Truscott was glad he didn’t have to referee at the finish and figure out who crossed the line first.
To be honest, he’s never paid much attention to finishes during 42 years as an MHSAA track and field and cross country official who has launched a few generations of athletes in the classroom, on various playing fields and as one of the best-recognized race starters in the Lansing area.
His philosophy is simple – and surely has stretched across an educational career that began with his first MHSAA officials registration for the 1959-60 school year.
“I start,” Truscott said, “because I want to give the kids a fair start.”
Truscott has officiated for 42 years in addition to the nearly four decades he spent as a coach and athletic director. In keeping with that desire to give a “fair start,” Truscott quietly told organizers of the longtime Lansing Area Honor Roll Track and Field Meet that last Wednesday’s would be his 32nd and last as starter – not because he doesn’t love it still, but because it’s time to give younger officials the opportunity to run the prestigious show.
It’s a decision consistent with a career of creating opportunities – in track speak, starts – through sports.
“That’s typical Tom. He’s a gracious, humble man,” said retired longtime Grand Ledge and Fowler coach Kim Spalsbury, who now serves as director of the Honor Roll Meet. “That’s what Tom’s all about.”
Standing tall
There’s no way Truscott is 75 years old, one might conclude as he stands tall and instructs runners at the start of a race in a smooth baritone voice.
But he’s been involved as a high school athlete, coach, director or official for more than 60 years – and has officiating dates already stamped on his 2013-14 calendar.
Truscott remains best known in school circles for his more than three decades as a coach and administrator at Potterville High School. A three-sport standout at Lansing Everett from 1953-56 and then two-sport athlete at Hillsdale College, Truscott joined Potterville schools in 1961. He went on to coach Vikings boys basketball teams to more than 300 wins and four District titles during 35 seasons, and he also led the football program for 24 seasons over two tenures – five of his teams won league championships, and he joined the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1986.
He also served as Potterville High School’s athletic director from 1963-96, even during a brief time when he also coached football as an assistant at Lansing Sexton. Potterville was one of few small schools in the mid-Michigan area with full track and field facilities, so Truscott hosted just about every significant event. He served as meet manager for 16 Regionals and also the 1977 and 1978 Lower Peninsula Class D Wrestling Finals.
Truscott also was a strong advocate as girls sports began to grow after Title IX. Among his best coaching hires was Sheryl Mox – who ended up leading both the girls basketball and volleyball teams to MHSAA championships and also became the athletic director.
“He’s a tall man in stature, and that’s a good way to list his long list of accomplishments,” said Spalsbury, who met Truscott in 1980 as their schools belonged to the same league, the Central Michigan Athletic Conference.
Truscott took an officiating course while at Hillsdale, and soon after debuted as an official for a few Thursday night football games. He was a third base umpire during the inaugural Capital Area Diamond Classic baseball tournament, which finished up its 52nd running this week. Cross country and track and field became his sports of choice for officiating because they best fit into his schedule as a coach and athletic director. He took a break from officiating for most of the 1970s, but has been a consistent presence again for the last three decades.
“You can stay associated with athletics by doing it. And you’re the person that’s going to influence the charisma of the game, how the game goes,” Truscott said, explaining how he'd sell the avocation to someone who might be considering it. “You don’t want to be noticed; you’re there to make a fair call and give kids a fair start.”
Seeing the big picture
That's another way Spalsbury described his longtime colleague.
Truscott continues to love the sports he played and coached. But running sports he officiates have earned a special place in his heart.
“You’re always going to the dugout or the locker room (with other sports). You never socialize with your competitors,” Truscott said. “With track and cross country, that’s the marvel of it; you talk to each other, know each other and then get into the blocks and try to beat each other. Then associate with each other again.”
History is among Truscott’s favorite non-sports pastimes, although he certainly finds ways to tie the two; he emulated his Everett history teacher and coach Ted Bauer and so became a history teacher as well who often found a way to mix historical context into halftime speeches.
Truscott is an active member of the Michigan Historical Commission and has dedicated roughly 60 landmarks across the state. An officiating experience recently crept into one of those dedications – when placing a marker at Battle Creek’s Kellogg Community College last month, he likened the continuing education aspect of junior college to a Fulton-Middleton runner who despite trailing by laps continued until she had finished her race.
As word began to spread Wednesday that Truscott was retiring from the Honor Roll Meet, a few admirers made sure to pass on what he’d meant to them. Former Lansing Catholic standouts Zach Zingsheim and Jimmy Hicks – now running at Georgetown University and the University of Georgia, respectively – made sure to let Truscott know he was the best they’ve had start them, including those they’ve seen during their first seasons at the college level.
“They made a point to search him out and go and talk to him and tell him what they thought of him,” Lansing Catholic coach Tim Simpson said. “It is rare that kids would gain that much respect and like for an official.”
But Truscott has earned it by understanding how best to relate to high school athletes.
His son John Truscott, a former athlete at Sexton, remembered a situation concerning a championship-caliber competitor who was committing a minor violation that would've meant disqualification – but before taking that step, Tom Truscott gave the athlete a head's up instead. “He’s always looking out of kids,” John Truscott said.
Simpson recalled another occasion when one of his more “fiery” freshman girls threw a baton in the infield after a disappointing finish. Truscott called out “Ma’am” – which might’ve been a first for the stunned runner – and then explained why what she did was wrong. “Instead of just disqualifying her, he took the extra time. And that incident was never forgotten by that girl,” Simpson said. “It could have been a negative, and he turned it into a positive.
“He treats the kids with respect and in turn gets it back.”
Truscott started the Big Ten Cross Country Championships in 1991 at Michigan State University, and early in his career started meets at Olivet College and the University of Michigan.
But officiating at those levels never stacked up to the fun he’s had starting high school athletes.
John Truscott still hears from his dad after meets about the latest standout he saw or the one showing the potential to do great things. John knows better than most what the high school games mean to Tom – he often assisted his father during Saturday events – and why providing that "fair start" became a life's work.
“That really is his philosophy,” John Truscott said. “Over his career he coached great athletes, mediocre athletes and bad athletes. And he wanted them to all enjoy sports and learn from them, no matter what the future held for them.”
PHOTOS: (Top) Tom Truscott starts a race during last week's Lansing Area Honor Roll Track and Field Meet at Holt High School. (Middle) Truscott oganizes the 3,200 relay teams before their race. (Below) The 100-meter finalists await Truscott's start. (Photos by Geoff Kimmerly.)
Norris Award to Honor Educator, Mentor
April 18, 2018
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Many of Jill Baker-Cooley’s favorite memories of officiating are funny ones, and she laughed last week recalling her first basketball game at the college level.
Fatigue was setting in quickly as she ran up and down the court during a Division III matchup at Calvin College. Teams played 20-minute halves, and she remembered wondering if halftime was coming up soon. “I didn’t know if I was going to make it. I thought I was going to die,” she said – and then she realized only four minutes had come off the clock and she had a long way to go.
She chuckled as well in recollecting another memory, but because it was drenched in irony. As an official starting out, she was encouraged to join an area officials association. She showed up for her first meeting at a local gym – and when she sat down in the bleachers, all of the men around her got up and sat in the stands on the other side.
But that would serve only as motivation, not discouragement, for this year’s Vern L. Norris Award winner.
“When I see how different it is now … back then it was just a fight,” said Baker-Cooley, now living in Big Rapids. “Not only trying to officiate, but you had to prove (yourself) every single time you stepped out there. It was a tough go for a while.
“I think at the time, you don’t realize it. But I’m not a quitter. And if I do quit or retire, it’s going to be on my terms.”
And she’s not done yet. Baker-Cooley is in her 39th year as an MHSAA-registered official, this school year for volleyball, cross country and track & field. She has worked MHSAA Finals in all three sports and 20 championship events total, in addition to officiating college volleyball and track as well and basketball at both levels during the first many years of her career.
The Norris Award is presented annually to a veteran official who has been active in a local officials association, has mentored other officials, and has been involved in officials’ education. It is named for Vern L. Norris, who served as executive director of the MHSAA from 1978-86 and was well-respected by officials on the state and national levels. Baker-Cooley will be honored at the Officials’ Awards & Alumni Banquet on May 5 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in East Lansing. Norris initiated the annual officials celebration in 1980, and this will be the first since his death Feb. 12.
Baker-Cooley’s first MHSAA Final was her only one in cross country, at the end of the 1994 season. She has officiated five Finals for volleyball, most recently the Class C championship match in 2012, and 14 in track & field and as recently as 2015.
“Jill Baker-Cooley has been a strong, pioneering official, and is well-respected not only for her work during competition but for her many contributions to building up the officiating avocation in our state,” MHSAA Executive Director John E. “Jack” Roberts said. “She’s personable and approachable, a valued teacher and mentor. We are delighted to honor Jill Baker-Cooley with the Norris Award.”
Baker-Cooley most recently has been affiliated with the West Michigan Volleyball Officials Association, Mid-Michigan Officials Association, Northern Sports Officials Association and Mecosta-Isabella-Clare Officials Association.
As noted above, the Norris Award salutes those who have contributed to mentoring and training officials, and education remains a cornerstone of Baker-Cooley’s work. She served more than 30 years as a school counselor, in admissions at Michigan Technological University and Montcalm Community College, as a grant recipient and academic counselor at Ferris State University and then working with high school students at the Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center.
That love of educating has been part of her officiating career as well, as she’s served as a volleyball trainer for three officials associations, presented at MHSAA “Train the Trainers” conferences four times and co-founded with 2006 Norris winner Jeanne Skinner the Ferris State Volleyball Officials Camp for those who work high school matches. She’s also served as president of the Association of Track Officials of Michigan (ATOM) and been involved with USA Track & Field, the Professional Volleyball Officials Association and the Michigan Board of Volleyball Officials.
“Jill Baker-Cooley is an educator in her primary vocation. Over many years, she has been able to translate her vocational skills exceedingly well and often into the realm of high school officiating,” wrote 2005 Norris winner Bruce M. Moss in recommending Baker-Cooley for this year’s award. “She has been a strong and continuous presence in her local officials association. Her efforts have lifted the expertise of innumerable officials across this state in all of the sports she touches, and she has been a true champion for women in sports officiating.”
Baker-Cooley is a 1974 graduate of Cadillac High School, where she raced on the ski team at a time when many schools were adding girls sports or expanding those offerings. She went on to earn bachelor and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University, then received further certification in administration and training from Western Michigan University.
While at CMU, Baker-Cooley took a basketball officiating class taught by Marcy Weston, a nationally recognized advocate for women’s athletics over more than four decades as a teacher, coach, official and athletic director. Baker-Cooley was hooked.
Longtime official Lew Clingman – who will receive his 50-year award at next month’s Officials’ Banquet – also served as an early mentor as Baker-Cooley navigated an officiating world where she said she was one of fewer than 10 women working basketball in Michigan when she first registered for 1976-77. Others, including Traverse City’s Barb Beckett (2000 Norris honoree), Skinner and Kentwood’s Betty Near also provided assistance and inspiration.
Baker-Cooley has received ATOM’s Judy Hagman Award recognizing women in track & field and/or cross country officiating. She received multiple honors for her work in education, including the 2014 Governor’s Economic Summit “Creative” Award for her efforts encouraging women to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers.
She retired from counseling at the start of 2016 and stopped officiating basketball a decade ago after knee injuries slowed her. But in addition to her MHSAA Finals, Baker-Cooley has officiated college league playoffs in volleyball and returned to Calvin a few seasons after that first basketball game as a table official for an NCAA Tournament contest in that sport.
Baker-Cooley also has participated in equestrian since childhood and continues to show horses with affiliation with the American Quarter Horse Association and American Paint Horse Association.
Previous recipients of the Norris Award
1992 – Ted Wilson, East Detroit
1993 – Fred Briggs, Burton
1994 – Joe Brodie, Flat Rock
1995 – Jim Massar, Flint
1996 – Jim Lamoreaux, St. Ignace
1997 – Ken Myllyla, Escanaba
1998 – Blake Hagman, Kalamazoo
1999 – Richard Kalahar, Jackson
2000 – Barb Beckett, Traverse City; Karl Newingham, Bay City
2001 – Herb Lipschultz, Kalamazoo
2002 – Robert Scholie, Hancock
2003 – Ron Nagy, Hazel Park
2004 – Carl Van Heck, Grand Rapids
2005 – Bruce Moss, Alma
2006 – Jeanne Skinner, Grand Rapids
2007 – Terry Wakeley, Grayling
2008 – Will Lynch, Honor
2009 – James Danhoff, Richland
2010 – John Juday, Sr., Petoskey
2011 – Robert Williams, Redford
2012 – Lyle Berry, Rockford
2013 – Tom Minter, Okemos
2014 – Hugh R. Jewell, West Bloomfield
2015 – Sam Davis, Lansing
2016 – Linda Hoover, Marshall
2017 – Michael Gentry, Shelby Township
High school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45 and 50 years of service also will be honored at the Officials’ Awards & Alumni Banquet on May 5.
Fifteen officials with 50 or more years of service will be honored, along with 42 officials with 45 years. A 40-year award will be presented to 65 officials. In addition, 107 officials with 30 years and 182 officials with 20 years of experience will be honored. With the induction of this year’s group of 411, the honor roll of officials who have aided young student-athletes grows to 11,006 since the inception of the banquet in 1980.
Tickets for the banquet are available to the public and priced at $20. They will not be sold at the door. Tickets can be ordered by calling the MHSAA office at (517) 332-5046 or by sending the order form. Deadline to order is April 27.
MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
20, 30, 40, 45 & 50-YEAR OFFICIALS
The officials on this list will receive their 20, 30, 40, 45 or 50-year service awards at the 39th annual Officials’ Awards & Alumni Banquet on May 5 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in East Lansing.
20 YEAR OFFICIALS
Ada - Douglas R. Gaddy
Adrian - Lisa K. Rickaby
Allegan - Shane A. Wesseldyk
Alma - David H. Justin
Atlantic Mine - Bucky S. Beach
Auburn - Alan M. Berner
Bath - James M. Cramer
Bay City - Craig S. Bauer
Bay City - Dale L. Clyde
Bay City - Tommie R. Gonzales
Bay City - Richard L. Haga
Bay City - Thomas M. Jablonski
Beaverton - James L. Latocki
Berkley - Charles Dzwigalski
Bloomfield Hills - Matthew T. McDermott
Brighton - Stephen V. Pontoni
Brownstown - Anthony Terry
Brownstown Township - Earl C. Duby Jr.
Burton - Andrew J. Gehrig
Burton - Kevin R. Hall
Burton - Keith Y. Richardson
Byron Center - Peggy A. Bruin
Cadillac - Robert J. Nelson
Cadillac - Michael L. Stump
Calumet - Joel L. Keranen
Camden - Jeff A. Clark
Canton - Jay S. Obsniuk
Canton - Keith R. Jungquist
Chelsea - Jesse J. Berkebile
Clinton Township - Devlin D. Bell
Clinton Township - Steven N. Price
Clyde Township - Kathie D. Toth
Coleman - Richard L. Bradford
Commerce Township - Rob Witherspoon
Conklin - Michael R. Dunnuck
Davisburg - Christopher J. King Jr.
Davison - Matthew M. Newcomb
Dearborn - William S. Deckert
Detroit - DaCory S. Cooper
Detroit - Timothy J. Ebendick
Detroit - Lamard H. Howell
Detroit - Rickie M. Miller
Detroit - Duane J. Threatt
DeWitt - Martin E. Kolka
DeWitt - Robert Schafer
Dexter - Robert J. Wilker
Dorr - Shawn E. Wyatt
Dowagiac - Bryan C. Henry
Dowagiac - Martin G. Smallbone
Elsie - Sonya K. Latz
Essexville - Bruce K. Moore
Farwell - Bryan M. Wieferich
Fenton - Michael R. Clapp
Fenton - Mike J. Harding
Flint - David Leyton
Flint - Rico L. Phillips
Flint - William E. Sargent
Flint - Harold V. Steinman
Flushing - Eric E. Smith
Galesburg - Patrick R. Griffin
Gaylord - Alan H. Pettis
Gaylord - Gordon H. Richardson
Goodrich - Robert D. Sanborn Jr.
Gowen - John J. Derylo Jr.
Grand Blanc - Randall D. Lewis
Grand Ledge - Dan L. Fuller
Grand Rapids - Christian S. Bileth
Grand Rapids - Paul A. Holwerda
Grand Rapids - Jack L. Wolf
Grandville - Mark P. Howells
Greenville - Linda J. Ruwersma
Grosse Pointe Woods - Bob Blair
Highland Park - Anthony C. Ball
Hillsdale - Jacquelyn K. Snook
Holland - Larry VanWieren
Holt - Jeff P. Therrian
Houghton - Amy M. Evans
Hudson - Robert S. Shewman
Hudsonville - Edward A. Steenbergen
Ironwood - Sam W. Fontecchio
Jackson - Andrew L. Rieman
Jackson - John M. Wilkins
Jenison - Tate A. Jesky
Jenison - Leonid F. Petrenko
Jerome - Ryan K. McClain
Kalamazoo - Michael A. Nowak
Kalamazoo - Nicholas R. Schirripa
Kalamazoo - Delphis Stokes Sr.
Kentwood - Poj Chanopas
Kentwood - William E. Mumper
Kentwood - Daniel R. Stevens
Kincheloe - Jeffrey A. Clark
Kingsford - David A. Paoli
Lansing - Susan K. Cheadle-Holt
Lansing - Fredrick E. Galloway
Lansing - Lonnie Marshall Jr.
Lawrence - Matthew R. Whitman
Livonia - Michael R. Fenbert
Livonia - Anthony K. Hall
Livonia - Mark J. Michels
Lowell - Keith A. Millhisler
Manistee - Robert W. Hallead
Manistique - Everett M. Wood III
Marinette - David L. Klegin
Marinette - Tom P. Mailand
Marquette - Steven D. Holman
Marquette - Curtiss J. Umstead
Marquette - Bret M. Zorza
Mason - Graig A. Hayes
Mason - Angela L. Madden
Maumee - Chris E. Steiner
Mayville - David C. Patterson
Melvindale - Patrick S. Frederick
Midland - Dennis M. Sentz
Midland - Joseph L. Squires
Midland - Patrick D. Wilkins
Midland - Andrew P. Wolf
Mt. Pleasant - David G. Grinzinger
Muskegon - Ken E. Overla
Negaunee - Bryon K. Nelson
Newport - Shaun Demers
Niles - Timothy J. Gean
Oak Park - Wheeler A. Winslow (Tee)
Onsted - Elizabeth A. Chase
Ortonville - Robert A. Eisiminger Jr.
Otsego - Richard L. Sincler
Owosso - Jon C. Carroll
Owosso - Kyle W. Nesbit
Paw Paw - James H. Alden
Peck - Jeffrey A. Kosal
Petoskey - William R. Brown
Pinckney - William T. Shaw
Pontiac - Peter T. Long
Port Huron - Philip J. Jensen
Portage - Michael A. Baker
Rochester Hills - Angelo P. Matera
Rockford - Anthony R. Kuhtz
Rockford - Sandy J. Peterson
Rockford - Danny R. Sapp
Rosebush - Jeffrey E. Hohlbein
Rudyard - James A. Myers
Saginaw - James R. Clark
Saginaw - Steven E. Swanton
Sanford - John P. VanHolstyn
Sault Ste. Marie - Brad M. Bosbous
Sault Ste. Marie - Theo J. Hendriks
Schoolcraft - Paul L. Schonveld
Shelby Township - Christopher H. Craft
South Lyon - Kenneth M. Landis
Southfield - Timothy J. Adams
Southfield - John H. Barnhill III
Southgate - Gregory S. St. John
Spring Arbor - Michael D. Raffin
Spring Lake - Rollie C. Madison II
St. Ignace - Mark Elmblad
St. Johns - Frederick G. Gibbs
St. Louis - Richard W. Crowley
Sterling Heights - Daniel M. Kellogg
Sterling Heights - Raymond E. Lemanski
Sterling Heights - James M. Whitbread
Swartz Creek - Ronald H. Huffman
Three Rivers - David T. McGee
Traverse City - Thomas A. Cosgrove
Traverse City - Benjamin R. Post
Trenton - Frank R. Garcia
Trenton - Gary A. Gilliand
Troy - Shane F. Bies
Tustin - Ron l. Thompson
Union Lake – D. John Andrews
Wakefield - Loraine S. Mussatti
Walker - Erin L. Windemuller
Walled Lake - Larry E. Wilinski
Warren - Dennis W. Donald
Warren - Richard D. Massad
Warren - Gary L. Wagenschutz
West Bloomfield Township - Charles O. Redden
West Branch - John C. Dowd
West Branch - Jeffrey M. Wade
Whitmore Lake - Brian Bower
Whitmore Lake - Jeremy R. Valentine
Whittemore - Brian K. Ragels
Woodhaven - John G. Presnell
Wyoming - Travis M. Plain
30 YEAR OFFICIALS
Adrian - Carl J. Harsh
Allen Park - Timothy Turgyan
Ann Arbor - Curtis T. Howard
Ann Arbor - Godwin C. Okonkwo
Bath - Russell A. Hewitt
Battle Creek - Russell D. Bortell
Battle Creek - Michael L. Brown
Bay City - Robert .J Kohn
Belmont - Douglas J. Peterman
Berrien Springs - Dale R. Yoder
Beulah - Robert B. Bennett
Boyne City - Jim A. Kozlowski
Byron Center - Donald E. Walker
Cadillac - Douglas J. Sprik
Caledonia - David A. Poplawski
Caro - DJ J. Svacha
Channing - Michael R. Roell
Charlevoix - Thomas W. Dycio
Davison - Roger L. Westenfeld
Dearborn Heights - Andrew T. Sitarski
Deckerville - Douglas B. Kirkpatrick
Detroit - Nikito K. Merchant
Detroit - Walter R. Strong Sr.
Dexter - Mark R. Stroia
Fairgrove - Sky L. Carolan
Flint - Roger R. Brownell
Flint - Stephen P. Tesler
Flushing - Alvin D. Calloway
Flushing - Betty M. Cowden
Gaylord - Charles J. Lovelace
Gladstone - Kendall L. Apelgren
Gladstone - Gregory T. Rubick
Gladstone - Todd A. Salo
Goshen - Larry Nantkes
Grand Rapids - Scott E. Allen
Grand Rapids - Joel L. Potter
Grand Rapids - Daniel Powell
Grand Rapids - Kevin J. Raymond
Grand Rapids - Jeffrey A. Trimpe
Grayling - Richard Robbins
Hartford - George D. Friday
Hillsdale - Brian M. Eves
Howell - James D. Garofalo
Hudsonville - William P. VanderVelde
Iron Mountain - Robert J. Boyle
Jackson - Kenneth D. King
Jackson - Mick D. Linderman
Jackson - Mary Anne Papiersky
Jenison - Joe T. Piccione
Kalamazoo - John A. Du Bois
Kalamazoo - Jerry A. Mastenbrook
Lansing - Mark A. Bates
Ludington - Dale D. Horowski
Ludington - Mike Winczewski
Manistee - Randy M. Ronning
Midland - James L. Martin
Milford - Douglas A. Flees
Millington - Jeffrey Yorke
Monroe - Jon P. La Beau
Mt. Morris - John C. Montney
Muskegon - Dennis R. Jones
Muskegon - William F. Sorensen
Muskegon - William J. Young
New Baltimore - Daniel P. DiCristofaro
Northville - Leonard J. Piner
Northville - Lee A. Scafidi
Norton Shores - Scott R. Wieman
Okemos - Keith W. Byrd
Osseo - Bruce W. Keeling
Parchment - Kirk J. Strehlow
Paw Paw - Terry R. Fosdick
Perry - Joel R. Crane
Plymouth - David J. Workman
Portage - Randall S. Schau
Portland - Frederick L. Kramer
Rockford - Douglas J. McIntyre
Roseville - Robert W. Meyer
Rudyard - David Bourgeault
Rudyard - Gary W. Davis
Saginaw - Dale W. Brown
Saginaw - Patrick W. Hart
Saginaw - Brad Rhora
Sault Ste Marie - Bryan D. Marger
Southgate - Reginald E. Smith
St. Johns - Fred E. Wright
St. Joseph - Gregg A. Buschlen
Stevensville - Denny L. Dock
Taylor - Mickey G. Turcheck
Toledo - Mark T. DeNucci Sr.
Twin Lake - Joseph J. Gabriel
Ubly – H. Jerry Osentoski
Warren - Malcolm D. Pennington III
Warren - Jackson D. White Jr.
Washington - Thomas J. Polite
West Bloomfield - Daniel Camarena
Westland - Gary S. Gaspas
Westland - William J. Strang
White Cloud - James J. Smith Jr.
White Lake - Bruno H. Molin
Whitehall - Charles Hiltz
Wixom - Charles A. Phillipson
Wyandotte - Jay F. Steffensky
Wyoming - Steven A. Bilski
Wyoming - Theodore R. Simons
Wyoming - Paul E. Titchenell
Ypsilanti - Jerry L Massey
40 YEAR OFFICIALS
Alpena - Scott A. MacKenzie
Ann Arbor - Erich S. Schifter
Battle Creek - Daniel V. Eversole
Berkley - Charles A. Tyrrell
Boyne City - Peter C. Moss
Bronson - Randy H. Houtz
Brown City - Curt D. Lowe
Bruce Crossing - Robert J. Franti
Buchanan - Dale E. Matteson
Buchanan - Larry A. Monsma
Burton - Thomas E. Rau Sr.
Cheboygan - Peter A. Stempky
Conklin - Gary J. Meerman
East Lansing - Bruce W. Heeder
Flint - Joseph H. Johnson Sr.
Flushing - David P. Cowden
Fowler - Dean L. Schrauben
Frankenmuth - David C. Auernhamer
Frankfort - Peter T. Olson
Grand Rapids - William D. Dripchak Jr.
Grand Rapids - Delbert M. Fend
Grand Rapids - Todd M. VandenAkker
Grosse Pointe Park - Joseph M. Macksoud
Holland - Craig K. Kuipers
Holt - Michael A. Clark
Houghton - Roy A. Britz
Iron Mountain - Robert C. Barkle
Ironwood - Dennis L. Routheaux
Jackson - Steven C. Town
Jenison - James Kerbel
Lake Isabella - James L. Novar
Lambertville - Jon D. Jones
Lansing - Archie C. Mills
Linden - John Cross
Ludington - Richard Catt
Madison Heights - Joseph E. Marcinkowski
Manistee - Rod K. Worch
Midland - David C. Millhisler
Midland - Bob W. Ribble
Muskegon Heights - Johnny R. Robinson
Negaunee - Megs S. Collins
Novi - James S. Kowalczyk
Okemos - Heidi J. Doherty
Oxford - Donald J. Maskill Jr.
Petoskey - Paul A. VanWagoner
Plymouth - Charles M. Hempel
Port Hope - Gene Schuett
Port Huron - Donald A. Button Sr.
Portage - Richard M. Bird
Portage - Robert J. Burch
Posen - Donna M. Couture
Prescott - Charles J. Wren
Rapid River - Dale M. Jamison
Richland - Mike A. Foster
Richland - Michael W. Stripp
Roseville - Robert W. Iwasko Sr.
Shelby Township - Michael R. Gentry
South Lyon - Dan Riggs
Sterling Heights - Jack Abbate Jr.
Taylor - Clayton S. Conner
Toivola - Joe A. Romano
Toledo - Tom Ladd
Trenton - Richard B. Weiss
Warren - Vern C. Rottmann
White Lake - Bob W. Lorenz
45 YEAR OFFICIALS
Adrian - Gary E. Laskowsky
Ann Arbor - Michael H. Parsons
Bay City - Paul A. Anderson
Bronson - Keith R. Dykman
Canton - David H. Mattingly
Caseville - Daniel Korbutt
Comstock Park - Stanley J. Hill
DeWitt - Raymond L. Barnes
Dowagiac - Randy J. Melvin
East Jordan - H. Michael Burr
East Lansing - John H. Southwick
Escanaba - Daniel T. Flynn
Fenton - Hewitt R. Judson
Fruitport - David W. Fisher
Grand Blanc - William R. Chilcutt
Grand Rapids - James L. Groendyke
Grandville - William R. Garrett
Kalamazoo - Charles Hartman
Kalamazoo - David L. Turley
Lansing - Jerry Sutter
Leesburg - John F. Long
Livonia - Steven A. Boyak
Livonia - John D. Dunn
Ludington - Roger D. Chappel
Marlette - Jerry L. Sauder
Marquette - Gene E. Aho
Monroe - Gary E. Nowitzke
North Muskegon - Donald E. Bourdon
Norway - Raymond P. Bray
Ontonagon - John E. Gravier
Port Huron - James E. Allen Jr.
Posen - Charles S. Wozniak
Rodney - Jeffrey C. Greene
Rogers City - Michael J. Grulke
Saginaw - Richard L. Havercroft
South Haven - Robert W. Linderman
South Lyon - Richard M. Gibson
Stevensville - Bruce P. Arter
Traverse City - Tom C. Post
Trenton - Frank Jaskula
West Bloomfield - Anthony Magni
Whitehall - Chuck Hulce
50 YEAR OFFICIALS
Bad Axe - Lee W. Kahler
Dearborn - Eugene L. Smith
Flint - Joseph D. Ragnone
Grand Blanc - Thomas W. Evans
Grand Rapids - Lewis B. Clingman
Grandville - Steve D. Start
Grayling - Clayton F. Brown
Hopkins - Mark F. Austin
Iron Mountain - Richard P. Olds
Lake Orion - G. Timothy Curtis
Muskegon - Michael R. Henry
New Boston - Richard F. Nicholson
Paw Paw - Robert C. Adams
Roseville - James D. Hillock
Wyandotte - Stephen J. Semetko
PHOTO: MHSAA official Jill Baker-Cooley monitors the action during the 2012 Class C championship match at Kellogg Arena.