Christmas and the New Year are right around the corner, and with the games winding down, your local sports guy has some rare free time to actually sit back, relax and regroup a little.

It’s been a busy, hectic year and as the new one approaches, here is my “sports wish list” for Christmas and 2008.

First, for all of our student-athletes, success on and off the field. That doesn’t necessarily mean a state championship but more individual success, so you can say you worked hard, did your best and represented your school and community well. And, no injuries.

For their coaches, some more patience, wisdom, a thicker skin and at least one guy’s thanks for the hard work and long hours you all put in.

Those same wishes also go out to the referees, umpires, scorekeepers, administrators and all of the other folks who put in their time, skill and effort to help keep the games going smoothly.

My “pet peeve” wishes go out to the NCAA for the fortitude to put in a playoff system, OSSAA to do something about the private schools and the NFL to do away with those red flags and replay officials.

And, for Michael Vick, Barry Bonds and the other assorted millionaire miscreants of the professional sports scene, minimum-wage jobs in the real world.

On a more local and personal note, I wish Steve Chard some snake-bite medicine and a playoff spot. For Chad Randle, a 103-pounder. For Chickasha’s boys soccer program, McGuinness to close theirs down. For Brad Gore, a couple of more runs in this spring’s state championship game.

And for Roy Edwards, 1,000 more wins.

And finally, for everyone, I wish for the same kind, generous and compassionate spirit of good will that we enjoy throughout the season to stay with us for the entire year, especially at our kids’ games.