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.
- Volleyball
- Girls Track & Field
- Boys Track & Field
- Girls Swim & Dive
- Boys Swim & Dive
- Girls Cross Country
- Boys Cross Country
- Officials
Livonia's Karabees-Betts Named 35th Vern L. Norris Award Honoree
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
April 15, 2025
Debby Karabees-Betts has dedicated more than 50 years to serving high school and middle school students, often in several roles simultaneously to provide opportunities to learn and compete both academically and athletically.
To celebrate especially her 30-plus years as a Michigan High School Athletic Association-registered game official and her immense impact on that community, Karabees-Betts will be honored with the 35th Vern L. Norris Leadership in Officiating Award during the MHSAA’s Officials Awards & Alumni Banquet on April 26 in East Lansing.
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. Karabees-Betts will be honored at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Center along with high school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 years of service.
She began her career in education in 1973 and spent the next 40 years as a teacher and later guidance counselor. Her contributions to school sports also began in 1973 with her first of what would become several coaching tenures. She became an MHSAA-registered official first during the late 1970s, then returned to officiating in 1990-91 – first in swimming and track & field, later adding volleyball and cross country – and has officiated a combined five MHSAA Finals – two each in volleyball and boys swimming & diving and one in girls swimming & diving.
But that covers only one area of her influence on statewide officiating. Also a collegiate volleyball line judge in the Big Ten Conference over the last 16 years, Karabees-Betts co-wrote the “Best Practices for Line Judges” protocol adhered to at MHSAA Finals and has been an MHSAA officials trainer in the sport since 2010. She has conducted more than 100 officiating and line judging clinics over the last two decades, mentored several school-aged officials as part of the MHSAA Legacy Program and spoken to numerous high school classes on the benefits of becoming an official.
“The (essence of) officiating is that you bring sportsmanship, safety and respect and love for the games,” said Karabees-Betts, who first met Vern Norris while officiating an MHSAA Finals at Eastern Michigan University. “I have so many former players’ children that I’m officiating now. … You want that knowledge to make sure they have the most fair playing field that you could possibly give them.
“It’s kind of a legacy of love for the sport, the participation in the sport, the growth and knowledge of the sport and safety of the sport – because throughout 50 years, the safety factor has increased in almost every sport.”
Karabees-Betts, who lives in Livonia but did the majority of her teaching and counseling at Taylor public schools, first stepped into educational athletics as a professional in 1973 when, as a first-year teacher, she also took on the head coaching positions at Taylor Truman for girls swimming, volleyball and track & field during the early years of those programs.
She made the former Inkster Cherry Hill High School a force in boys swimming & diving, coaching that program to 10 straight Tri-River League titles and a Lower Peninsula Class B-C-D runner-up finish in 1977 before that school closed in 1985. She was named Coach of the Year in that league multiple times for that sport and also girls track & field.
She also earned multiple Western Wayne Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors during a decade-long run at Taylor Center from 1986-96, where she led the boys cross country, swimming & diving and track & field programs. Karabees-Betts would later coach the Dearborn Divine Child volleyball team to a Catholic High School League title and take the Riverview Gabriel Richard girls basketball team on a long Class C Tournament run. She also coached at Taylor Kennedy and Garden City high schools and middle school swimming and cross country in the Taylor district.
Karabees-Betts moved on to coaching volleyball at Schoolcraft College, serving as an assistant coach for a decade through 2010 and helping that program reach the National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament. She continued officiating MHSAA events during that time and became a collegiate volleyball official in 1996.
She has served as an officials observer at the MHSAA Volleyball Semifinals and Finals the last four seasons and also several more as the officials crew chief for that high-profile event. She served as board secretary and awards chairperson for the Michigan Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association from 1979-84 and has served as board secretary/treasurer for the Capital Area Association of Volleyball Officials since 2013.
“Debby Karabees-Betts has brought her expertise and dedication as an educator into the athletic classroom, especially as one of our state’s most respected and admired teaching officials and mentors in volleyball,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “Her work across several sports has had a far-reaching impact stretching decades and continuing to this day, and her approach not only to officiating, but to teaching and mentoring is admired across her several sports communities.”
Karabees-Betts graduated from Taylor Center High School in 1969. She earned her bachelor’s and education specialist degrees from Michigan State University in 1973, the former in physical education, health and recreation and the latter in exercise physiology and science. She later earned master’s degrees in educational guidance and counseling, and athletic administration, from Eastern Michigan University, and then her doctorate in education and guidance and counseling from EMU in 1990.
She has contributed to her community in several more ways, including as a member of the Taylor Jaycees organization and president of its women’s club where she participated in some of the many charity efforts she’s been part of locally. She served on the Taylor Schools and Community Council and volunteered as part of the district’s crisis team, organized a traveling theatre troupe that performed at local elementary schools and taught first-aid classes at the local community center. She also served as director for the Dearborn Heights summer recreation department’s track & field program.
Karabees-Betts has been honored several times for her service, including with 12 Golden Apple Awards from the Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency. She received the Michigan Exceptional Educator of the Year Award from EMU in 2003 and the Guidance Counselor of the Year Award from the Wayne County Intermediate School District in 2010.
She is married to husband Dennis, who also is an MHSAA-registered swimming & diving official and worked the Lower Peninsula Finals to conclude both the girls and boys seasons this school year. They have two daughters, Desiree McMahon and Lori Hall, and a son Greg Betts.
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 Par
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
2018 – Jill Baker-Cooley, Big Rapids
2019 – David Buck, St. Joseph
2020 – Hugh Matson, Saginaw
2021 – Lewis Clingman, Grand Rapids
2022 – Pat Hayes, Birmingham
2023 – Chuck D. Walters, Jackson
2024 – Candace Cox, Quincy
High school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 years of service also will be honored at the Officials Awards & Alumni Banquet on April 26. Eight officials with 60 years of service will be honored, as will 15 with 55 years of service, 70 with 50 years of service, 72 officials with 45 years and 90 officials with 40 years of service. A 30-year award will be presented to 164 officials, and 287 officials with 20 years of experience will be honored.
Also being honored during the Awards & Alumni Banquet is Legacy Program official Avery Beach, a senior at Mason High School who also is dually enrolled at Ferris State University. Beach carries a 3.96 grade-point average and is a member of both the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society as she plans to pursue a career in education. An all-state bowler and four-year varsity softball starter for the Bulldogs, Beach has officiated middle school volleyball as part of the Legacy Program, and also youth softball.
20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55 & 60-YEAR OFFICIALS
The officials on this list are receiving their 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60-year service awards.
20-YEAR OFFICIALS
Ada - Rick F. Hert
Allegan - Arthur K. Ziemelis
Allen Park - Kim A. Viculin
Alpena - John A. Anderson
Ann Arbor - Dennis J. Busse Jr.
Ann Arbor - Edward H. Rodenhouse
Ann Arbor - Shane J. Smith
Ann Arbor - Daniel H. Tarrant
Athens - Vergne C. Gregrich
Battle Creek - Cork Baker
Battle Creek - Harvey L. Glass
Battle Creek - April D. Hooker
Battle Creek - Nicholas C. Metheny
Battle Creek - Timothy J. Rizor
Battle Creek - Brenton T. Watkins
Battle Creek - Augie Zapata
Bay City - Josh A. Bauer
Bay City - David M. Bublitz
Bay City - Jeff A. Doan
Bay City - David M. Pietryga
Bay City - Dale E. Sneller II
Bay City - Jeff J. Zalucha
Bellaire - John F. Hanson
Belleville - Greg R. Reynolds
Belleville - Harold Rochon
Bellevue - Sarah M. VandenHeuvel
Berkley - Mark W. Steffens
Berkley - Mark R. Williams
Bloomfield - Thomas B. Wolford
Boyne City - Cindi L. Place
Bridgman - Robert S. Clark
Brighton - Scott D. Kelley
Brighton - Shanda Willis
Brownstown - Kenneth A. Stephens
Buchanan - Mark L. Soltys
Burton - Jamie S. Galant
Burton - Rojelio D. Lara
Byron Center - David M. Meltzer
Byron Center - Helga Roelofs
Byron Center - Timothy K. Smeby
Cadillac - William Anderson
Cadillac - Timothy L. Fekete
Caledonia - David M. Bommarito
Caledonia - Thomas J. Buist
Canton - Donald G. Dukes
Canton - Scott M. Shaw
Carney - Jeff C. Stage
Carsonville - Tom S. Nowotny
Charlotte - Jenny A. Granger
Chassell - James K. Tervo
Chesaning - John F. Ebenhoeh II
Chesterfield - Edmund J. Kordas
Clarkston - Thomas J. Giannaris
Clarkston - Ted S. Rozwadowski
Clinton Township - Christopher M. Catenaro
Clinton Township - David A. Clifton
Clinton Township - Bradley A. Jarson
Clinton Township - Robert T. Joyce
Clinton Township - Patricia J. Rigterink
Coldwater - Eric M. Anglin
Coldwater - William H. DeBeau
Coldwater - Chad A. Rakocy
Coleman - Jason F. Harper
Coloma - Jamie S. Riley
Commerce Township - Dennis A. Sartor
Concord - Kevin Herendeen
Corunna - Benjamin J. Hall
Corunna - Robert L. Hinojosa Jr.
Davison - Robert W. Myers
Davison - Wally Rose
Davison - Dana E. Rouse
Dearborn - John P. Satko
Detroit - Harold B. Bettie III
Detroit - Shawn A. Crawford
Detroit - Quincy R. Jones
Detroit - Warren Pettaway
Detroit - Lawrence E. Roberts
DeWitt - Randy L. Puffenberger
Dimondale - Dana M. Kirk
Dimondale - Scott E. McKimmy
Eastpointe - Brian A. Smith
Eau Claire - Ted R. Parker
Escanaba - Robert S. Johnson
Evart - Susan J. Guiney
Farmington Hills - Timothy E. Hay
Farmington Hills - Gary C. Maike
Fennville - Paul A. Marfia
Flint - Sims Johnson III
Flushing - Kenneth R. Tucker
Flushing - Roger L. Winfield Jr
Freeland - Sharon Sawyers
Gaylord - Douglas L. Curtis
Gaylord - David M. Johnson
Gaylord - Richard D. Marshall
Gladstone - Eric J. VanDamme
Gladwin - David P. Volk
Goodrich - Gaye L. TenBrink
Gowen - Casey N. Lake
Grand Blanc - Jerry L. Balogh
Grand Blanc - William N. Hoffmann
Grand Haven - Donald G. Verwey
Grand Ledge - Tim W. Bedford
Grand Rapids - Daniel C. Anderson
Grand Rapids - Greg James
Grand Rapids - Ryan P. Levitt
Grand Rapids - Jeffrey P. Simmons
Grand Rapids - Bert J. Smith
Grand Rapids - Cory D. Smith
Grand Rapids - Scott L. Stabler
Grand Rapids - Paul M. Wiercinski
Grand Rapids - Onesiphorus B. Burrel II
Grand Rapids - Johnny E. Davidson Sr.
Grandville - Douglas C. Diekman
Grandville - Natasha L. Phose
Grass Lake - James (Ed) E. Earley II
Greenville - Jeffrey Brown
Greenville - Andrew J. Krey
Grosse Ile - Christopher C. Vigh
Grosse Pointe - Brian A. Effinger
Grosse Pointe Farms - Larry A. Klimek
Grosse Pointe Woods - Thomas P. McCabe
Hamilton - Larry A. Meiste
Hamilton - Terry L. Perysian
Hancock - David C. Dow
Hancock - Jason J. Parker
Harper Woods - Mychael D. Foster
Hart - Brandon W. Bruce
Hartland - Roger T. Luck
Haslett - Deborah L. Traxinger
Highland - David E. Crow
Hillsdale - Lance E. Benzing
Hillsdale - Timothy J. Frosch
Holland - Douglas L. Bazan
Holland - Robert T. Carlson
Holly - Dave M. Thatcher
Holt - Jim E. Moreno Sr.
Holt - Jessie D. Read
Holton - Robert J. Stitt
Hudsonville - Arlyn J. Bohl
Hudsonville - Nathan Topie
Hudsonville - Roberto Ortega-Ramos
Interlochen - Gregory W. Allar
Iron Mountain - John L. Benzie
Ithaca - Rex L. Beracy
Jackson - James K. Haehnle
Jackson - Dale B. Lehman
Jackson - Corey C. McCave
Jenison - Chad J. Essebaggers
Jenison - Kip E. Haverdink
Jenison - James E. Krol
Jonesville - Eric P. Swihart
Kalamazoo - Michael A. Bailey
Kalamazoo - Patrick T. Cronin
Kalamazoo - Raynard A. Dunigan Jr.
Kalamazoo - Larry H. Ollie
Kalamazoo - David B. Saunders
Kalamazoo - Christopher A. Furlong
Kentwood - Glenn E. Ingram
Kentwood - Timmy D. Dickens
Kimball - Michael T. Roosen
Lake Orion - Brenton T. Bailo
Lakeview - Timothy A. Reed
Lansing - Jason R. Baley
Lansing - Steven L. Edgerly
Lansing - Melvin W. Eiland Sr.
Lansing - Robert W. Linman
Lansing - Roderick Turner
Livonia - John E. Eberhart
Livonia - Keith D. Riling
Macomb - Richard J. Moceri
Macomb - Jennifer L. Zacharzewski
Manchester - William T. Coggins
Manistique - John H. Ziemba
Marinette (Wis.) - Fred A. Furton
Marquette - Mark A. Petrie
Marshall - James R. DeBrabander
Marshall - Jon K. Morris
Mattawan - April C. Davenport
Mattawan - Mickey F. Peter
Mendon - Donald K. Koole III
Mendon - Donald K. Koole Jr.
Middleville - Joseph A. Broussard
Midland - Zachary A. Eagly
Midland - Mark E. Howison
Midland - Ian K. Lundquist
Midland - Kevin M. Nehil
Midland - Andy Reyes
Midland - Laurie A. Smith
Milan - Edward J. Marx Jr
Monroe - Steven A. Sowatsky
Monroe - Dale A. Stringham|
Moran - Gregg P. Fettig
Mt. Clemens - Kenneth Wynn
Mt. Morris - Shannon M. Smith
Mt. Pleasant - Cindy Verwey
Mt. Pleasant - James J. Waters
Muskegon - Troy A. Gardner
Muskegon - Gordon J. Hansen
Negaunee - Bobbi E. Ayotte
Negaunee - Mark A. Marana
Novi - Ned D. Harrington
Oak Park - Daniel Silva
Ontonagon - Allen A. Graham
Ortonville - Laurel M. Kobe
Oxford - Robert M. Kelly
Parchment - Thomas A. Jordan
Paw Paw - Barbara J. Alden
Paw Paw - George W. Kilts
Petoskey - Shane P. Brown
Petoskey - Paul D. Tunison
Pewamo - Michael A. Weber
Pickford - Rodney W. Priskorn
Plymouth - Greg W. Hames
Plymouth - Leslie S. English
Pontiac - Darris L. Finney
Pontiac - Trevor K. Williamson
Port Huron - Stephen F. Dusellier
Portage - Larry L. Allgaier
Portage - James P. Eichstaedt
Portage - Harley J. Franks
Ray - Jill M. White
Redford - Michael J. Laird
Riverview - Jason C. Gribble
Rochester Hills - Robert P. Bowery
Rochester Hills - Richard P. Burns
Rochester Hills - Kimberly A. Tobin
Rockford - Alex O. Briggs
Rockford - David M. Carattini
Rockford - Michael H. Jacobs
Rockford - John G. Mowat
Rockford - Seth D. Powell
Romulus - John C. Graham Sr.
Royal Oak - Paul M. Hayner
Royal Oak - Michael R. Pomroy
Rudyard - Tracy R. Peterson
Rudyard - Ron Vansloten
Saginaw - Brian W. Galsterer
Saginaw - Joel A. Keup
Saginaw - James J. Wood
Saline - William H. Kahn
Sandusky - Michael D. Dreyer
Saranac - Robert W. Simpson
Sears - Karen S. Ehl
Sheridan - Lorri A. Snyder
South Lyon - David Arvo
South Lyon - Amy E. Braun
Southfield - Berwyn Ellis
Southfield - Darcy A. Gitchuway
Southfield - Joseph L. Hamblin
Southfield - Justin M. Marshall
Southgate - Robert J. Tarabula
Spring Lake - Dennis R. Masson
St. Ignace - Denise E. Freed
St. Johns - Kevin P. Smith
St. Joseph - Robert Cultice
St. Clair Shores - Brandon A. Baetens
Sterling Heights - Russell P. Carl
Sterling Heights - Cliff T. Whiteside
Sturgis - Ron C. Abbs
Sturgis - Mark W. VanDosen
Swartz Creek - Mark W. Grantham
Sylvania (Ohio) - Andrew M. Dier
Taylor - Anthony Maffesoli
Temperance - Larry A. Nocella Jr.
Traverse City - Mike F. Wolf
Trenton - Brien R. Baeckeroot
Troy - Peter R. Bucheli
Troy - Thomas D. Jendrusch
Twin Lake - Douglas A. Prim
Union City - Daniel J. Hanna
Vassar - Mark Dowe
Warren - Daswell L. Campbell
West Bloomfield - Alan K. Murray
West Branch - Jeremy M. Bewley
West Olive - Steve J. Bazan
West Olive - Rich Johnson
Westland - Jeremy L. Jozefczak
Westland - Kenneth G. Smith
Westphalia - Kenneth J. Spitzley
Whitehall - Harold F. Schneider
Whitmore Lake - James F. Kreklau Jr.
Wyandotte - Dawn R. Manthei
Wyoming - Edward J. Howes
Wyoming - Andrew W. McKellar
Ypsilanti - Alexander M. Bade
Ypsilanti - David P. Lascewski
Zeeland - Justin S. Bazan
30-YEAR OFFICIALS
Ada - Christopher R. Becker
Allegan - Rick Lee
Allendale - Matthew R. Carlson
Allendale - Gregory D. VanderGoot
Alma - Kathleen A. Paul
Alpena - Mark S. Uekman
Ann Arbor - Eric D. Zemper
Baroda - Richard D. Albers
Baroda - Jerry T. Nitz
Bay City - Robert O. Huddleston
Bay City - Ronald L. Leahy
Belleville - Terry Landoski
Big Rapids - James N. Turner
Birmingham - Leon O. Braisted III
Bridgman - Dennis R. Ott
Brooklyn - Gary L. Schuch
Brownstown Township - Todd D. Skopczynski
Burton - Donald K. McCombs
Byron Center - Glennon W. Eckelkamp
Byron Center - John D. Philo
Byron Center - Jaime A. Pilbeam
Caledonia - Tina J. Hamp
Caledonia - Walter E. Van Wyngarden
Canton - Kenneth M. Letts
Canton - John J. Vichinsky Jr.
Carsonville - Roy D. Calahan
Charlevoix - Martin B. Seyfried
Cheboygan - Jason R. Friday
Chelsea - Keith M. DePaoli
Clawson - Rene C. Brooks
Coopersville - Joseph E. Meerman
Coopersville - Lynn K. VanSickle
Detroit - Donta Favors
Detroit - Joseph R. Flowers Jr.
Detroit - Jo Ann Jones
Detroit - Lawrence W. Miller
Dexter - Douglas A. Kelly
Dorr - Randy Kasper
Dowagiac - Scott E. Wiltse
East Lansing - David M. Hallman
East Lansing - Theresa S. Shepard
East Tawas - Joseph M. Cano Jr.
Eaton Rapids - Joe H. Dixon Jr
Eau Claire - Dennis F. Ostyn
Ecorse - James I. Cooley
Escanaba - John F. Ziemba
Farmington Hills - Diane M. Klucka
Fenton - Phillip J. Diener
Fenton - Thomas E. King Jr.
Flint - Terry A. DeCaire
Flint - Darrell A. Young
Flushing - Richard J. Murphy
Fountain - Duane R. Wolf
Frankenmuth - John W. Shelton
Garden City - Mark K. Mazzon
Gaylord - John M. Tithof
Grand Blanc - Stanley Beard
Grand Blanc - Sami Khal
Grand Ledge - Mary K. Gavitt
Grand Rapids - Patrick G. McLaughlin
Grand Rapids - Jane C. Plaisted
Grand Rapids - Robert S. Ruschmann
Grand Rapids - Randy R. Sheahan
Grand Rapids - Brett A. Svacha
Grandville - James J. Backowski Jr.
Hamilton - Kenneth W. Demann
Henderson - Karen A. Shuster
Hillsdale - William J. Mullaly
Holland - Peggy A. Lintemuth
Holland - Matthew M. McCrea
Holland - John L. Robertson
Holland - Scott W. Vanderstoep
Houghton - John B. Sanregret
Houghton - James A. Weiler
Howell - Frank A. Dame
Howell - Craig R. Williams
Hudsonville - Dale J. Heyboer
Hudsonville - Matthew D. Kuiper
Huntington Woods - Joseph J. Rozell
Ithaca - Rodney W. Whitmore
Jackson - Marla E. Grant
Jackson - Nelson D. Negus III
Jerome - Brad L. Brown
Kalamazoo - Charlie D. Westervelt
Kawkawlin - Jack A. Servis
Kentwood - Robert A. Navarro
Kingsford - Jack B. Wallis
Lake Orion - Michael J. Ley
Lansing - Mark G. Simon
Lathrup Village - Darryl A. Alexander
Lawrence - Allan D. Wood
Lincoln - Troy M. Somers
Livonia - Debby E. Karabees-Betts
Lowell - Shane S. Risner
Luther - John J. Syrewicze
Macomb - Patrick J. Walsh
Mancelona - Edward L. McCarty
Manistique - Kevin K. Koski
Marinette (Wis.) - Keith Plude
Marquette - Michael J. Caster
Marquette - Todd E. Koski
Marquette - Brian W. Maki
Marquette - Charlie W. Morrison
Mason - Daniel P. Carmichael
Middleville - Steven P. Shutich
Midland - Gary R. Meredith
Midland - Jeffrey T. Servinski
Milan - Karen E. Draves
Milan - Larry D. Sanford
Monroe - Christopher H. Essex
Munising - Pete Kelto
Muskegon - Curtis L. Adams
Muskegon - Jeremy S. Goorman
Muskegon - Robert L. Graham
Newberry - Jason R. Depew
Niles - David Negron
Northville - Ronald R. Reinke
Norway - James J. Bal
Novi - Harold Butch Wingfield
Olivet - Jeff S. Smith
Ontonagon - Dr. Joseph A. Strong
Orleans - Michael K. Kapustka
Owosso - John T. Sandlin
Peck - William A. Burns
Plymouth - Pericles L. Chiatalas
Portage - Todd R. Gooding
Portage - Larry L. Wegener
Portland - Karen J. Dugan
Quinnesec - Robert D. Forstrom
Rockford - Brian L. Vogel
Rockford - Bruce F. Walterhouse
Romulus - Vincent B. Lewis
Royal Oak - James G. Demres
Saginaw - Barry L. Damzyn
Sanford - Dave A. Jezowski
Schoolcraft - Jeffry P. Morgan
Scottville - Matthew C. Miller
Shelby Twp. - Steven L. Wood
South Bend (Ind.) - James E. Arnett
Southfield - Raymond Kelser
Sparta - William Kotchka
St. Charles - Raymond F. Guzy
St. Clair Shores - Rick A. Fields
St. Joseph - Kenneth J. Baratta
St. Joseph - Richard L. Bloodworth
St. Joseph - Stephen D. Petlick
St. Clair - Ronald Churchill
Sterling Heights - Walter J. Kujawa
Taylor - Raymond C. Kuhr
Three Rivers - Robert J. Laverdure
Toledo (Ohio) - Tom M. Balas|
Traverse City - Bill Parker
Traverse City - John M. Sawyer
Troy - Robert L. Szmania
Vicksburg - James R. Boer
Vulcan - Alan W. Richards
Warren - Kenneth M. Stefanski
Washington - Jerome Angelo
Waterford - Ron H. Stafford
Waterford - Randy Welch
West Bloomfield - James M. Dworman
West Bloomfield - Brian C. Gurwin
West Branch - Michael R. Dematio
West Branch - David M. Gutierrez
40-YEAR OFFICIALS
Ada - Donald L. Slater
Battle Creek - Daniel L. Akins
Bay City - Charles A. Case
Bay City - William P. Heintskill
Bay City - Cindy L. Linton
Beaverton - Ross S. Martin
Blissfield - Patrick L. Seiser
Boyne Falls - Craig W. Oldham
Byron Center - Leroy M. Hackley Jr.
Cadillac - Kevin J. Hughes
Canton - James D. Gagleard
Caro - Mandy J. Knox
Cheboygan - Michael A. Grisdale
Coldwater - Ken Smoker
Comstock Park - Brian P. Macomber
Concord - Karen D. Anderson
Dearborn - Thomas P. Arsenault
Dearborn Heights - Algirdas P. Norkunas
Dearborn Heights - Paul Oshanski
Detroit - Kevin M. Hall
Detroit - Willie Hall Jr.
Detroit - Darryl C. Jones Sr.
DeWitt - Rob A. Stanaway
Dowagiac - Thomas W. Russom
Fennville - Lowell A. Winne Jr.
Fenton - Danny L. Harris
Fenton - Anthony M. Mora
Flint - Robert L. Farrar
Frankfort - Karen Leinaar
Fruitport - Jeff S. VanBeek
Gladstone - Michael F. Gobert
Gobles - Michael G. Long
Grand Haven - Patrick R. Hood
Greenville - Mark K. Schoenfelder
Grosse Pointe Farms - Margaret A. Gatliff
Hastings - Jason L. Sixberry
Holt - Jamie C. Evans
Howell - Janice B. Holda
Howell - Richard W. Humphries
Hurley (Wis.) - Greg Rigoni
Iron Mountain - Steve A. La Coursier
Ironwood - Dennis A. Mackey
Ithaca - James L. Gross
Jackson - Richard J. Eby
Kalamazoo - Mike L. Squires
Kawkawlin - William J. Jaynes
Lambertville - Mark J. Dushane
Lapeer - Robert W. Thomas
Lawton - Michael F. Garvey
Leesburg - Wallace J. Green Jr.
Linden - Gary R. Duke
Linden - Jeffery R. Prince
Manistee - John P. O'Hagan
Marlette - Fred Mroczek
Marysville - Patrick D. Sheehy
Mattawan - Robert M. Nicey
Mecosta - William O. Howes
Midland - Keith R. Netzley
Midland - Brian G. Roberts
Mt. Morris - Jeffery T. Flynn
Nashville - Tony M. Joostberns
Newaygo - Dean A. Duchemin
Oscoda - Duane W. Keck
Otisville - Frank R. Mar
Ottawa Lake - Jamie L. La Rocca
Plainwell - Lurinda A. Shrauger
Port Huron - Scott C. Tallmadge
Portage - Michael L. Bignell
Rochester Hills - Timothy J. Soave
Saugatuck - Ross J. Such
Saugatuck - Timothy J. Woodby
Sault Ste. Marie - David A. Blaskowski
South Lyon - Michael T. Schram
St. Clair Shores - Gary M. Gassen
St. Joseph - Gilbert J. Urban
St. Clair - David W. Baumgart
Stanton - Randy L. Reese
Sterling Heights - Edward S. MacKool Jr.
Stevensville - Fredrick J. Smith
Sylvania (Ohio) - William F. Bisbee Jr.
Taylor - Michael D. Mullin
Temperance - Carroll J. Selmek
Three Oaks - Michael J. Smith
Traverse City - Kenneth M. Allen
Utica - Carl W. Territo
Warren - Thomas J. Mastrovito
Washington - James A. Bade
West Bloomfield - Patrick B. Paul
Woodhaven - Michael A. VonLinsowe
Wyandotte - Michael J. Gniewek
45-YEAR OFFICIALS
Alger - Leroy A. Oliver
Alpena - Phil C. Schultz
Berrien Springs - Jamie L. Stacey
Big Rapids - Jill E. Baker-Cooley
Brighton - Thomas J. Mora
Brimley - Jerald P. Cook
Cadillac - William T. Bartholomew
Caledonia - Conroy Zuiderveen
Cheboygan - Lynwood Leightner Jr.
Clarksville - Jim D. Johnson
Concord - Charles T. Ewing
Daggett - Michael P. Lyons
Dearborn Heights - Kevin P. Kabacinski
Decatur - Patrick L. Boitnott
Delta - William H. Wiseman
Detroit - James E. Briggs
Fenton - Douglas M. Pastor
Flint - James V. Newell
Fremont - James M. Goorhouse
Galesburg - William W. Weese
Gaylord - Paul B. Holmes
Genesee - Douglas W. Tipton
Grosse Pointe Woods - Robert E. Zaranek
Harbor Beach - Steven M. Linn
Hillsdale - Bruce Caswell
Hudson - Fred C. Bowers
Hudson - Patrick W. Wollet
Hudsonville - Bob C. Wojcik
Iron Mountain - John R. Pucci
Jackson - Steven C. Town
Jackson - Chuck D. Walters
Kalamazoo - Willie B. Watson
Lake - Kathleen V. Hutfilz
Lake Orion - Michael J. Callahan
Lansing - Sam L. Davis
Lansing - Donald J. Yuvan
Madison Heights - Marie S. Bessler
Madison Heights - Richard L. Hillman
Manistee - Jo L. Arnold
Manistee - David A. Nemecek
Marshall - David N. Benham
Marshall - Linda K. Hoover
Marysville - Joel P. Venia
Mendon - Patrick J. Conroy
Midland - Ken P. Beaudin
Monroe - Barry Little
Niles - Michael J. Nate
Okemos - Jay Marcotullio
Portage - Richard M. Bird
Portage - Mike T. Hinga
Ravenna - Thomas C. Wright
Rochester - Brian E. York
Rochester Hills - Fred B. Castelvetere
Rockford - Timothy G. Erickson
Saginaw - Roberta A. Beyerlein
Sandusky - Alan DeMott
Scottville - Rodney D. Marshall
Shelby - Edmundo Flores
St. Clair Shores - Tom P. Frattini
St. Ignace - Donald P. Gustafson
St. Joseph - David J. Buck
Temperance - Randall A. Sehl
Toledo (Ohio) - Jon Everhart
Traverse City - Mark E. Stewart
Trenton - Frederick L. Bruley
Vicksburg - Timothy A. Baker
Wallace - Bruce A. Pearson
White Cloud - Tony A. McHattie
Whitmore Lake - David L. Wint
Zeeland - Marvin F. Hinga
Zeeland - Richard W. Lott
Zeeland - Eric D. Wills
50-YEAR OFFICIALS
Ada - Bryan D. Cullens Jr.
Adrian - Judith A. Walter-Kohn
Albion - Raymond Drysdale
Alpena - David M. Kuznicki
Ann Arbor - Jack L. Coffey
Battle Creek - Steven K. Higgs
Bay City - Thomas F. Cole
Berrien Springs - Timothy A. Krieger
Boyne City - Kirk D. Kujawski
Brighton - Bill T. Rubin
Brooklyn - Michael J. Timms
Byron Center - Andrew J. DeVries
Caledonia - Edward T. Hedgecock
Canton - Dennis J. Bostwick
Canton - Terry A. Wash
Clarkston - Eugene R. English Jr.
Clawson - Betty A. Wroubel
Davison - James L. Eastman
Dearborn Heights - Lou Giroux
Detroit - Lawrence D. Freeman
Detroit - Billy L. Waters
Dowagiac - Randy J. Melvin
East Leroy - James Alday
Fenton - Martin R. Covert
Grand Rapids - Robert G. Galvin
Grandville - Andrew J. Kovac
Grayling - Thomas A. Kemp
Grosse Ile - James R. Knopp
Grosse Pointe Farms - Mike C. Dempsey
Hemlock - Rudy Godefroidt
Holly - Paul W. Matson
Howell - Dennis M. Troshak
Hudsonville - Allan J. Owens
Jackson - Michael C. French
Kentwood - Betty J. Near
Lansing - Ken J. Sudall
Marysville - Mark A. Brochu
Mason - Victor T. Cena
Michigan Center - Charles D. Sprang
Middleville - Bruce F. Bender
Milan - Brad D. Susterka
Monroe - Eric E. Jenkins
Monroe - Joseph A. McCormick
Mt. Pleasant - Dale P. Brecht
Mt. Pleasant - James R. MacLean II
Muskegon - Craig W. Weirich
Negaunee - Steven R. Ayotte
Newaygo - Dave Baldus
Northville - Ann K. Hutchins
Ontonagon - Eugene Fiszer
Rives Junction - Dale A. Baum
Rochester Hills - Tom Delia Jr.
Rogers City - Gerald Purgiel
Royal Oak - Byron A. Photiades
Royal Oak - Carol A. Sheldon
Saginaw - Ronald L. Dressler
Saugatuck - Catherine Dritsas
South Haven - Henry L. Allen
Swartz Creek - Larry L. Schutt
Taylor - Terry H. Styer
Tekonsha - Daniel A. Washburn
Three Rivers - Richard L. Simon
Troy - Kenyon D. Shively
Warren - Hugh R. Jewell
Waterford - Frederick A. Cohen
Waterford - Burton Hurshe
Waterford - Thomas R. Sullivan Jr
Wayland - Norman L. Taylor
Whitmore Lake - Charles E. Lindsay
Wyandotte - Michael R. McMahon
55-YEAR OFFICIALS
Byron Center - Joe A. Zomerlei
Canton - Pamela G. Yockey
Custer - Edward C. Miller
Dryden - Louis W. Miramonti
Grand Rapids - Robert J. Rodenhouse
Kingsford - Joseph R. Reddinger
Lakeport - Donna H. Frohm
Lansing - Donald R. Murray
Lansing - Darwin S. Petersen
Monroe - Albert M. Fernandez
Muskegon - Larry T. Vaandering
New Baltimore - James C. Cleverley
Okemos - Tom Woiwode
Onsted - John M. Springer
Vassar - Harold (Dan) Johnson
60-YEAR OFFICIALS
Allegan - George R. Babcock
Boyne City - Gary L. Francis
Detroit - Geraldine Jackson
Grand Rapids - Frank E. Waskelis
Ithaca - Dean Parling
Niles - James G. Murray
Okemos - Thomas L. Minter
Swartz Creek - Phillip P. Long
PHOTO Debby Karabees-Betts, standing above the net, officiates the 2016 MHSAA Division 4 Girls Volleyball Final.