What's My Why: Official Ryan Wilkinson
October 28, 2026
Ryan Wilkinson, Bath
Wilkinson is beginning his 13th season this winter as a wrestling official.
My “why” is rooted in giving back to a sport that helped shape me (into) who I am, and a sport that I love. It’s an opportunity to not only give back to the competition – while giving back to the sport in my community – but it’s all from the best seat in the house and it’s a real opportunity to organize the chaos in real time.
I take immense pride in serving as a steady impartial presence in moments that matter not only to the athletes but to the coaches and to the spectators and to my fellow officials alike.
“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].
What's My Why
Oct. 21: Stacey Swiatlowski, Ludington - Watch
Oct. 14: Joe Popiel, Spring Lake - Watch
Oct. 8: Shawn Ballor, Alpena - Watch
Oct. 1: Tim Erickson, Rockford - Watch
Sept. 23: Patricia Treman, Grand Rapids - Watch
Sept. 16: Tony Bertuca, Coloma - Watch
Sept 9: Jenna Schroeder, Berkley - Watch
Sept. 2: Joey Crawford, Newton Square, Pa. - Watch
Aug. 26: Ron Torbert, Hanover, Md. - Watch
Aug. 19: Kari Seitz, Mill Valley, Calif. - Watch
Aug. 13: Mike Pereira, Sacramento, Calif. - Watch
Aug. 5: Dino Paganelli, Wyoming - Watch
Aug. 3: Stacy Smith, Caledonia - Watch
July 22: Jason Nickleby, Lake Elmo, Minn. - Watch
July 15: Sam Davis, Lansing - Watch
July 9: Candace Cox, Quincy - Watch
July 1: Robert Williams, Redford - Watch
June 24: Will Godfrey, Jackson - Watch
June 19: Jarrett Skorup, Midland - Watch
June 12: Brady Driver, Sturgis - Watch
June 8: Cindy Tyzo, West Bloomfield - Watch
June 3: Jeff Spedoske, DeWitt - Watch
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 Tim Erickson
October 1, 2026
Tim Erickson, Rockford
Erickson first registered as an MHSAA official during the 1978-79 school year and then again in 1981-82, which began a string that has now reached 46 straight years this fall.
Erickson has officiated wrestling from his start and is currently also registered for football – both 11 and 8-player – after previously officiating basketball, baseball and softball as well.
He also was a mainstay in athletic administration, retiring at the end of the 2018-19 school year after 36 in Rockford schools including his final 12 as athletic director. He received an Allen W. Bush Award from the MHSAA in 2017 for his vast behind-the-scenes contributions to educational athletics.
As a high school athlete, I enjoyed participating in three sports. I wanted to continue to enjoy that experience, so when I was in college, I registered to officiate wrestling.
This begins my 46th year as an MHSAA-registered official, primarily in wrestling but I also officiate six other sports.
I officiate to give back to something I love, and I want to stay connected to educational athletics. I also enjoy the brotherhood of working with some amazing officials across the state of Michigan.
“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].
What's My Why
Sept. 23: Patricia Treman, Grand Rapids - Watch
Sept. 16: Tony Bertuca, Coloma - Watch
Sept 9: Jenna Schroeder, Berkley - Watch
Sept. 2: Joey Crawford, Newton Square, Pa. - Watch
Aug. 26: Ron Torbert, Hanover, Md. - Watch
Aug. 19: Kari Seitz, Mill Valley, Calif. - Watch
Aug. 13: Mike Pereira, Sacramento, Calif. - Watch
Aug. 5: Dino Paganelli, Wyoming - Watch
Aug. 3: Stacy Smith, Caledonia - Watch
July 22: Jason Nickleby, Lake Elmo, Minn. - Watch
July 15: Sam Davis, Lansing - Watch
July 9: Candace Cox, Quincy - Watch
July 1: Robert Williams, Redford - Watch
June 24: Will Godfrey, Jackson - Watch
June 19: Jarrett Skorup, Midland - Watch
June 12: Brady Driver, Sturgis - Watch
June 8: Cindy Tyzo, West Bloomfield - Watch
June 3: Jeff Spedoske, DeWitt - Watch
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