PASADENA, Calif. — A referee with West Michigan ties will call the shots at the 2024 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on New Year's Day.
Michael VanderVelde is a former two-time MIAA baseball champion for Hope College and a Grandville native, according to Hope Athletics.
He followed in his father's officiating footsteps, and now referees games at a high level.
Big 12 Conference referee Michael VanderVelde is no stranger to big games. He officiated the 2023 Rose Bowl and the XFL championship game in May 2023.
He and his officiating crew from the Big 12 were selected for the 2024 bowl game.
The No. 1 Wolverines, who are the Big Ten Conference champs, take on No. 4 Alabama, who are champions of the Southeastern Conference at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
The game kicks off at 5 p.m. on ESPN.
This year's Rose Bowl Game will be Michigan and Alabama's sixth meeting in history.
The Wolverines finished their season with a 13-0 record.
Michigan has played in 20 Rose Bowl Games with an 8-12 record. The Wolverines are 21-29 in 50 bowl games overall.
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