A special thank you to all the Association Members who attended our annual meeting on Sunday, May 17th…for those who could not join us, here are a few of the highlights:
Constitutional Change
The following change was approved:
Article V – Election
A. The election of officers shall be held each year at the annual meeting.
New A. The election of officers shall be held each year at the annual meeting. The election of the president, treasurer, and two At Large positions shall be held in the odd numbered years. The election of the vice-president, secretary, recruitment/retention membership coordinator, and two At Large positions shall be held in the even numbered years. All positions are two year terms.
V.P. Tom Behmlander introduced a commemorative patch in honor of Jack Servis to be worn for the 2026/2027 season. The Jack Servis patch can be purchased through our website online store for $10.
Recognitions
The following individuals were recognized for their contributions and/or service:
• AD of the Year – Karl Schmugge, Michigan Lutheran High School
• Coach of the Year – Mitch Bohn, Meridian High School
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- Karl Schmugge – AD of the Year
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- Mitch Bohn – Coach of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Bill Heintskill (not present)
For many years, Bill Heintskill has faithfully served the local sports community as a football referee, boys and girls basketball official, and girls softball umpire. Through countless games, long nights, and busy seasons, he has demonstrated professionalism, fairness, integrity, and a true love for the game. In addition to his years on the field and court, Bill also served as the Executive Secretary for the Bay Metro Officials Association, where he helped support, organize, and mentor fellow officials throughout the area.
Bill’s impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard. He has been a mentor, role model, and respected presence for athletes, coaches, fellow officials, and fans alike. His calm leadership, deep knowledge of the game, and unwavering commitment to sportsmanship have helped shape positive experiences for generations of student-athletes.
Whether on the football field, basketball court, or softball diamond, Bill has always represented the very best of high school athletics. His years of service reflect not only dedication to officiating, but also a passion for supporting young people and the communities around him.
It is with great appreciation and admiration that we honor Bill Heintskill with this Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary years of service and lasting contributions to athletics. Congratulations, Bill, and thank you for the incredible legacy you have built.
Lee Morgan
Lee first registered as an official as a college sophomore in 1981 and remained active for 39 years until sidelined by his health issues. For many years, he primarily officiated basketball before adding volleyball and softball. He then added both football and lacrosse.
For many years, Lee was honored to be a trainer for multiple sports for the Association and for the MHSAA. Our Association took football training to new levels. Our meetings at the library set the standards for education. This aspect is by far what Lee is most proud of as our group set the bar to new levels.
As Lee’s experience in officiating grew, he was elected to an assigning position with Bay Metro. This election added a whole new experience that lasted almost 20 years. He has been blessed to work with many valuable people to build officiating staffs for 6 varsity sports. He thanks all of you for joining him. He could not have done it without you.
Lee was blessed to receive many postseason assignments through the years in many sports. While personally rewarding, he is most grateful for what we accomplished together. He has added so many friends in 39 years. To each of you, he says ‘thank you’. You will always share a place with him.
Dennis Wildey
This assignment gives me great joy. I have the honor of introducing Dennis Wildey as a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. I had the opportunity to work with Denny on many occasions over many years and the one thing that always set him apart was the way he enjoyed what he was doing. He has a way with people that sets him apart – the way he enjoyed what he was doing. He has a way with people that sets him apart and what made him so successful. We would sometimes laugh and say, there he goes running for mayor again!
As an umpire, Denny did it all. Little League to start, MHSAA Softball and Baseball Finals, NCAA Softball including GLIAC Championships, and working in the Big Ten, Tiger Fantasy Camps, Pro Baseball in the Frontier League and Comerica Park Legends games.
As a football ref, Denny worked 44 years with 4 MHSAA Finals and 8 Semi-finals, but also not too good to do the youth leagues. He worked basketball for 44 years with one semi-final. He also worked the Mid-Michigan Cagers Pro League, was a Gus-Macker official and worked a Harlem Globetrotters game at Wendler Arena. Dennis was a high school assignor for 25 years, including ten for the Tri-Valley League. He coached 2001 Swan Valley Baseball State Champion team, is in the Saginaw County Hall of Fame, was a guest speaker on officiating at Saginaw Township Schools, and a Can-American Game Board of Directorship. Denny’s notable influences: Grandfather who was also an umpire, Wendle Nehmer and his legacy is Jason Wildey.