Here are some buzzer-beating holiday gifts for some specialpeople:
For the University of Dayton men's basketball team: An NCAAtournament appearance.
Ohio High School Athletic Association: Separate public andprivate school state tournaments.
Centerville boys basketball team: A long-overdue state final fourappearance. Alter football players: Shining commemorative ringsbefitting a football state champion that they can wear with pride.Cincinnati Bengals: Two high draft choices who foam at the mouth andare the size of Coke machines.
Attorney-turned-author Jeff Kirby of Springboro: A spot on theNew York Times best-seller list for his 'Once a Wildcat, Always aWildcat.' A must-read.
Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage: Bill Cowher's cell number.
Brad Brownell: An outside shooting presence for his Wright StateRaiders.
Another Flyers gift: A commitment from blue-chipper Adreian Payneof Jefferson.
Trotwood athletics: A year of peace.
Bill Belichick: Charisma and confirmation that he is the best inthe business.
Mike Brown: A win-at-all-costs mentality and a GM. Givefrustrated Bengal fans something to cheer about in 2009.
Dave Long, venerable Dayton Daily News sports reporter who isretiring next week: Thank-yous from the thousands of athletes he'scovered during a career that has spanned four decades. It's trulybeen a privilege working with him and learning from him.
For everyone: Peace on earth, and go easy on the eggnog tomorrow.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2478 orrjackson@DaytonDailyNews.com.
