Officials can register for up to two sports for a $70 fee, with additional sports available for $16 each. Membership in the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) is included, offering extensive educational resources and $6 million in liability insurance coverage.

To avoid a $30 late fee, fall sports registrations must be submitted by August 19, 2024. Winter sports have a deadline of November 18, and spring sports must be registered by March 24, 2025.

First-time and non-returning officials must complete a registration test based on the MHSAA Officials Guidebook and take the online Principles of Officiating course. Additional exams are required for new football or basketball officials.

There are also opportunities for high school students through the MHSAA Legacy Program, allowing juniors and seniors to officiate sub-varsity games and freshmen and sophomores to officiate at the middle school level with mentorship from experienced officials.

For more information or to register, visit the MHSAA website. Questions can be directed to the MHSAA via phone at (517) 332-5046 or email at register@mhsaa.com.

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In yet another monumental achievement over the weekend, Napoleon was installed as the VFW Department of Michigan’s new State Commander. This change of command not only marks a new chapter for the organization but also a historic milestone in its 104-year legacy, as Napoleon becomes the first female to hold this position.

The official ceremonies took place at the VFW’s annual state convention in Kalamazoo, where members of the VFW, community leaders, and guests gathered to witness the historical transition. The event was filled with pride and reverence, celebrating Napoleon’s exemplary service and dedication to veterans’ causes.

Napoleon served in the United States Army from 1987 until her medical retirement in 1996, following her involvement in Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm, collectively known as the First Gulf War. During this time, she was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where she provided logistical support operations with the 1st Corps Support Command (COSCOM).

Throughout her service, she has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Bronze Star with Valor—the fourth-highest medal for heroism—for her actions in a combat zone in Southwest Asia.

Napoleon’s historic appointment is a significant step forward in promoting diversity and inclusion within the VFW. As the first female State Commander, she represents a new era of leadership that reflects the evolving demographics of the veteran community. Her groundbreaking achievement serves as an inspiration to women veterans and highlights the importance of gender equality in leadership roles.

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It’s hard to believe that Franklin got the call to fight UK’s Anthony Joshua, a 33 year old two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, but it was another phone call he received while working a 12 hour shift with a local roofing company that would change the trajectory of his life and boxing career.

Like most sports, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the world of boxing with fights being canceled or postponed indefinitely. However, unlike many team sports whose players receive guaranteed contracts and financial stability, the average boxer typically only gets paid when he enters into the ring. 

With no fights being held, and no money being made, Franklin was forced to put his boxing career on hold and started working with a local roofing company. He was mid-shift when he got a call to fight WBC interim heavyweight champion Dillian Whyte in November 2022. He quit his job on the spot.  Although Franklin lost by a controversial decision, the match propelled him out of financial hardship and put him on the international radar.

Fast forward to April 1. Franklin’s ring walk begins. He’s not the crowd favorite but a few cheers pour in for the underdog. He can’t help but grin as he makes his way to the ring, perhaps recognizing the gravity of the moment and how far he’s come. But the grin is short lived as Franklin is there for one reason — to cause an upset.

The fight begins. Franklin battled Joshua, enduring power punches by the 6′ 6″ UK boxer who may have gotten away with a few questionable hooks and holds. The first two rounds were evenly matched, with Joshua slightly edging out Franklin but in the third, Franklin seemed to get more comfortable, landing a nice inside left to the body. They would go back and forth in the remaining rounds, with Joshua getting the best of them. In round 11, Joshua seemed to seriously hurt Franklin with a body shot but the resilience of Franklin allowed him to finish out all 12 rounds. 

The results were not what Franklin or Joshua hoped for. The more experienced boxer defeated Franklin via unanimous decision (118-111, 117-111, 117-111), but it was no statement win for Joshua who many thought would dominate the match with an ending knockout.

Franklin lost on the scorecards but showed the boxing world that he is someone who won’t go away easily. His journey to this point has not been without challenges but much like his April 1 bout, he refuses to quit.

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This year, local “celebrities” will team up on the basketball court to raise money for Carter Kits, an organization that develops and promotes an affordable means to address the comfort and security needs of children in crisis.

The event will bring in some familiar faces including former MSU standout Darien Harris, a former Spartan captain on the 2015 Big Ten Championship team that reached the College Football Playoff and streetball legend Posterboy, who made a name for himself on the infamous courts of Rucker Park, scoring him a spot on the AND1 Mixtape tour.

Also in the lineup, a few hometown favorites:  

Tory Jackson is the boys basketball coach at Grand Blanc, currently on a 17-game winning streak as they head to districts on Wednesday. He played Division I basketball for four years at Notre Dame where he received the BIG EAST all-rookie team as a freshman in 2007 and BIG EAST Championship all-tournament team as a senior. He returned to Saginaw to coach at Buena Vista High School for one season where he won a district title.

Maurice Jones, a star basketball player at Arthur Hill, led the Lumberjacks to the 2010 Class A quarterfinals. Jones continued his basketball career at the University of Southern California and Northwood, where he holds the record for the most points in a game at home (41 pts against Lake Superior State in 2016). He went pro in 2016, signing with the Windsor Express (National Basketball League of Canada).

Terrance Roberson was a standout at Buena Vista and one of the best high school basketball players, leading B.V. to two state titles. He captured All-State honors three straight seasons and is only one of four players in the nation to be named to the Parade All-America team three times.  He attended Fresno State University where he averaged double figures three consecutive years, and went on to play professionally in the CBA, NBA and internationally.

Jenny Ryan led Saginaw Nouvel to back-to-back Class C state championships in 2006 and 2008 before heading to the University of Michigan from 2010-2013 where she helped U-M to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2012 and 2013. She graduated as Michigan’s all-time leader in games (130) and minutes played (4,558), along with ranking second in assists (489).

Julian Taylor became the Saginaw High’s boys basketball coach in 2012. That same season, he led the Trojans to a Class A state title with a record of 25-2. Taylor himself played for Saginaw High before landing at SVSU where he held the SVSU record for 3-pointers. As SHS coach he’s collected several district and regional titles, with a few quarterfinal appearances.

Blair White is an all-around athlete who played football, basketball and baseball at Nouvel High School. In 2005, White walked on the MSU football team as a freshman and earned First-team Academic All-America honors and Academic All-Big Ten Honors all four years of his college career. He went on to play two seasons in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts.

The event will take place at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, 2777 Hardin St. in Saginaw. Tipoff is 5:00 pm.  Adult general admission is $10, student price is $5.00 and 14 and under get in free. Tickets can be purchased on the event’s website.

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The 29 year old Saginaw native who has donned himself the “989 Assassin” will match up against Anthony Joshua (UK), a 33 year old two-time former unified world heavyweight champion on April 1 at the O2 venue in London.

It won’t be Franklin’s first visit to the area. Franklin traveled to London last November for his bout with WBC interim heavyweight champion Dillian Whyte. Although Whyte won by a majority decision, the decision became very controversial as many scored the fight a draw, some even scoring Franklin slightly higher. Franklin himself said in a press conference on February 9 that he felt he won the match with a score of 7-5.

The press conference hosted by Matchroom Boxing live from London was the first time Jermaine Franklin and Anthony Joshua went head-to-head.

A hometown favorite, the press conference opened with Joshua’s influence on British boxing.

“Ahead of a very special, important day for British boxing, the return of Anthony Joshua… perhaps the most important chapter so far in his unbelievable career, 10 years this year since the professional debut against Emanuele Leo,” said British sports promoter and chairman of Matchroom Sports, Eddie Hearn. “We know British boxing wouldn’t be in the position it was without the job that Anthony Joshua has done for British boxing.”

Franklin sat stoic and seemingly unfazed as praises were hurled at Joshua. Then, Dmitry Salita, promoter of Franklin had the opportunity to make his own claims. 

“To us, the fact that we got this fight shows that Jermaine is the unofficial winner of the fight against Dillian Whyte. In that fight Jermaine showed that he can perform thousands of miles away from home in front of hostile fans and showed that he can win a fight where he is not the favorite.  April 1st is Fool’s Day in the United States. I don’t know if in the UK it is, so the critics are going to be fooled and Jermaine is going to be the winner.”

When asked about his belief that he could beat Whyte despite Whyte’s impressive resume, Jermaine pulled no punches. “I got the most confidence. I believe I could beat anybody. You know there’s never a doubt in my mind. If you doubt yourself you’re in the wrong sport. I got the confidence for me to put this victory out… I got the will, I got the heart for it so I’m ready to go to war as always.”

This will be the first time since his match with Whyte in December 2015 that Joshua has fought without a world title on the line, however he says his focus remains the same. “I’m locked in. It’s a serious fight, good opponent. I respect all my opponents so if you had the belt I’ll take him the same way and if he doesn’t have the belt I’ve got to take him the same way.”

Later, Joshua compliments Franklin’s abilities. “You know people feel like boxing’s based on popularity but it’s based on skill and talent and he’s got a lot of talent and a lot of skill and he’s building himself up the ranks so credit to him…. It’s going to be a great fight,” he says.

Joshua claims there is no added pressure on this fight but many boxing enthusiasts disagree as a win against Franklin will likely revive talks of the long awaited rematch with Dillian Whyte and possible world title shot against Tyson Fury.

For Franklin, his promoter does not hide the importance of April 1, agreeing with Eddie Hearns that the rewards of victory are huge. “Incredible.  A true story of why boxing is so great because in one night you can change your life and Jermaine has been working for this for a long time,” he says.

JOSHUA VS. FRANKLIN FIGHT DATE, START TIME

• Date: Saturday, April 1 
• Time: 7 p.m. GMT / 2 p.m. ET 
• Main event ringwalks (approx): 10 p.m. GMT / 5 p.m. ET

The event is set to get underway at 7 p.m. GMT / 2 p.m. ET with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 10 p.m. GMT / 5 p.m. ET. These timings could change due to the length of the undercard fights. 

The card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe. You can sign up for a subscription here.

You can watch the Feb 9 press conference here.

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