What's My Why: Official Jeff Spedoske
June 3, 2026
Jeff Spedoske, DeWitt
Spedoske officiated football and basketball for nearly all of his first 34 years of MHSAA registration, and also baseball early in his tenure. He has served as the MHSAA's officials department specialist the last three years.
I’m a 35-year MHSAA-registered official, and nothing feels better than walking off the field with my fellow officials after doing a great job on a contest.
That is my “why” for why I officiate.
“What’s My Why” is a weekly feature telling the stories of MHSAA-registered officials in their own words. If you’re an MHSAA official and would like to share your reason why, please submit a 15 to 45-second video, taken horizontally, to director of officials Sam Davis at [email protected].
Don't miss Officiate Michigan Day 2026, July 25 in Grand Rapids! Check out MHSAA.com/OMD to register and learn more.
What's My Why
June 1: Mike Carrier, Commerce Township - Watch
May 27: Stan Wright, Warren - Watch
May 26: Murray Rose, Zeeland - Watch
May 22: Mike VanLaan, Alto - Watch
May 18: Clint Abbott, Newaygo - Watch
What's My Why: Official Mike VanLaan
May 20, 2026
Mike VanLaan, Alto
VanLaan is completing his eighth year as an MHSAA-registered official. He began with football in 2018-19 and added boys lacrosse the following year.
So in 2018 I decided to get started in officiating. I started with football because that was the sport that gave me the most opportunity when I was younger. I played a lot of football and just wanted to give back to the game.
I loved it so much that I decided I also wanted to add a spring sport. So a couple of years later I added boys lacrosse, and now I officiate high school football and high school boys lacrosse.
Things that drove me to add another sport – just fell in love with the camaraderie, working with other officials, good people. And then also, just realizing how important it is to stay active physically and mentally, and this allows me to do that.
“What’s My Why” is a weekly feature telling the stories of MHSAA-registered officials in their own words. If you’re an MHSAA official and would like to share your reason why, please submit a 15 to 45-second video, taken horizontally, to director of officials Sam Davis at [email protected].
Don't miss Officiate Michigan Day 2026, July 25 in Grand Rapids! Check out MHSAA.com/OMD to register and learn more.
What's My Why
May 20: Clint Abbott, Newaygo - Watch