About

Help me be a good sport in this game of life. I don’t ask for an easy place in the line-up. Put me anywhere you need me. I only ask that I can give you 100 percent of all I have. If all the hard drives seem to come my way, I thank you for the compliment. Help me remember that you never send a player more trouble than he can handle. Help me, Oh Lord, to accept the bad as part of the game. And may I always play on the square, no matter what the others do. Help me study The Book so I’ll know the rules. Finally, God, if the natural turn of events goes against me and I’m benched for sickness or old age, please help me to accept that as part of the game, too. Keep me from whimpering or squealing that I was framed or that I got a raw deal. And when I finish the final inning, I ask for no rewards. All I want is to believe in my heart that I played as well as I could and that I didn’t let you down.

Mike J. Entringer

Mike officiated football and basketball for 15 years. He began his career by volunteering to officiate junior varsity football and basketball for schools in the area around Colman. Throughout the years, he officiated numerous high school football games in the southeast part of South Dakota including area playoff games. In addition, he worked many Class “B” and Class “A” region basketball tournament games in the area surrounding his home in Colman. “He always had goals in life and his highlight and goal was to someday ref in a state tournament which he did in 1986 (State Football 9A Championship game) and in 1989 (State “B” Basketball Tournament).” His dedication showed at all levels that he officiated, whether it be junior high, junior varsity or the varsity. Mike enjoyed working with the players, coaches and fans; he was able to gain their respect year after year. Mike continued his involvement as an avid sports fan and official until his death September 18, 1990.