What's My Why: Official Stacy Smith

August 3, 2026

Stacy Smith, Caledonia

Smith is registered to officiate her 34th season of competitive cheer this upcoming winter, as she began as a competitive cheer judge with the sport's first season in 1993-94.

The reason I officiate competitive cheer is to give back to a sport that I love so much, that’s given me so much. It’s a point of pride and passion, and it keeps me close to the spirit and the energy of those young, amazing athletes.

“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

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

Moment: Officiating Message Unchanged

May 15, 2020

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor 

A segment on recruiting officials was broadcast as part of coverage of the MHSAA's 1988 Boys Basketball Finals. 

Had that segment run this season, the messages would have been just as relevant.

Officials Ernie Cryer and Tom Hoffman spoke for the report, providing an inside look at officiating and reasons to consider the avocation.