Another topsy-turvy year in the world of sports has come to a close, with the unexpected becoming the norm.
The year ended on a sad note for many sports fans when former Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers defensive end Reggie White died Dec. 26 at the age of 43.
While we Lions fans may have rooted against him, particularly when he played for the Packers, you had to respect his ability and sportsmanlike manner in which he conducted himself.
White’s death served as a reminder that we don’t know how long we have on this earth, and to make the most of the time we have here.
With that in mind, there are several things in the world of sports on my 2005 ‘wish list.? Here are some of the things on that list:
‘A win for the Brandon varsity boys basketball team. As of press time, the Blackhawks are 0-5 on the season. I watched the Blackhawks in action against Goodrich in the season opener, and even though they showed their inexperience, they battled until the bitter end, diving for loose balls and playing hard on defense. Here’s hoping their hard work pays off in the win column.
‘Whatever decision Goodrich’s Kirk Elsworth makes about where to attend college, it’s the right one for him.
‘Continued success for the Goodrich girls cross country team, which won its second straight state championship this fall, and for the Goodrich girls track team, which won a state championship last spring.
‘Good health and success for all the Brandon and Goodrich sports teams this winter and into the spring, along with plenty of support from their communities.
‘An end to the lockout between National Hockey League players and owners.
‘The Detroit Lions finally getting their act together and becoming a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
‘A second straight National Basketball Association championship for the Pistons.
‘A Rose Bowl win for the University of Michigan football team (sorry, David).
‘Continued improvement from the Tigers, along with the influx of some minor league prospects so the team can have some legitimate hope for the future.
‘Along those same lines, continued improvement from my fantasy football team. I finished fourth out of 12 teams in my league in 2004, up from fifth out of 10 teams in 2003.
‘The football team at my alma mater, Central Michigan University, to build upon its 4-7 record this past season under first-year coach Brian Kelly. At least the Chippewas defeated archrival Western Michigan in 2004. Yes!