Is it happening at your house yet? The excitement of the season is nearly here. Our house is decorated inside and out with pine, white lights and red ribbons all anticipating the birth of the King. The grand kids FaceTime us in matching Christmas pajamas sharing their news of Santa sightings and parties at school. Mary Ann and I know we are fortunate to live close to our families. Being able to make plans to be together for the Christmas holiday is one of the best perks and blessings of moving home for retirement.

It is the time of year where schoolchildren can’t decide if they are more excited for a two week break or their yearly visit from Santa Claus. I have a feeling if they had to pick, Santa would win hands down. Everyone at my house and my grandkids’ houses are making out their list for Santa. I have tried really hard to be a good sports fan and sportswriter this past year. I’ll be honest, a few of the twists and turns handed out to TCHS teams this past season had me questioning who needed to be added to the naughty list!

Hopefully I am not on the naughty list, so I have my fingers crossed that St. Nick can see clear to bring a few of the wishes I will be sending off to the North Pole. He usually hears from me this time of year. In this day of technology, I email or text him. It is a far cry from where I used to see him hanging out at the G. C. Murphy’s building downstairs in the toy department in downtown Sistersville. Now those were the good old days.

Dear Santa,

I will start off with a wish everyone can help with. I wish more fans would attend all area sporting events this winter and spring. There’s not a better bargain in town. I promise the action is good, but every team can benefit from the atmosphere of a packed house. So, residents of Tyler and Wetzel County, let’s try hard to attend a game or two. You will have a good time, and the kids will really appreciate your support.

Here We Go, Steelers! The Steelers are off to a great season with the leadership of Russell Wilson at quarterback and TJ Watt at defensive end. If you add in favorite sons and WVU graduates, Beanie Bishop at cornerback and Zack Frazier at center, West Virginia Steeler fans have a lot to cheer about. Santa, let us continue our ground-and-pound running game and bragging rights for the best special teams in the NFL. In other words, Santa, I’m asking you to help us continue this winning streak into the playoffs and a shot at the Super Bowl.

Please bring TCHS football a home playoff game in 2025. The last two years, with trips to Tug Valley and Seth, WV to play on muddy fields, have made it difficult for our players, coaches, fans and sports writers. So, we need a team to travel to Silver Knight Stadium to experience a beating on our turf.

For all area wrestling coaches, please bring a team and individual state championship home to their respective high school. Also, for the first time, TCHS has a girl’s wrestling team with 13 girl wrestlers! These powerhouse ladies are off to a great start with defending State Girls Champion Eliana Winfrey leading the way. I’m counting on you, Santa, to bring them continued success.

For area boys and girls basketball, please bring the coaches and teams an exciting and possible trip to Charleston in the spring. Boys and Girls state championships sure would get the communities excited. The coaches and student athletes of River, Valley, Paden City, Hundred, TCHS and Magnolia High, all are working hard. Santa, see what you can do to help them along in their journey to success.

And don’t forget, please double check your sleigh before leaving and include a long run in the postseason for all our area baseball teams.

This past year turned into a nightmare for the TCHS Volleyball team and cheer team with adults making bad decisions that kept the teams from participating in the state championships in Charleston. Santa, we are counting on you to bring some sense to the WVSSAC and not have this problem repeated. Girls’ hearts were broken and for some they missed out on the chance of a lifetime.

On a high note, Magnolia did get to take part in the state volleyball championship. Even though they fell in the first round they had a great season and made memories they will forever cherish.

Santa, please send congratulations to Valley on a great football season and a post-season playoff game. They fell short, but they are hoping you will help them continue to be successful in 2025.

You can’t forget our area high school bands, Santa. Several enjoyed successful 2024 competition seasons including Paden City and TCHS. These schools brought home giant trophies to add to their collections. We are grateful for the pride and honor they share with their communities.

As for me, I ask that you continue to have all area coaches send stats and information surrounding their teams so we at the Wetzel Chronicle and Tyler Star News can continue to feature our local kids in all their sports.

And that is a wrap for the wishes this year. I never want to be greedy so deliver the ones you think will best serve our local schools and communities. And I can’t forget to say thank you for all the blessings bestowed on my family and community throughout the year of 2024. For these I am incredibly grateful. Merry Christmas, Santa!