Now that Super Bowl LIX is behind us, I can officially start dreaming of golf season, but before I turn the page, this past weekend I was reminded of all the Super Bowl traditions I have followed over the past few years. My history with Super Bowl Sunday is probably a lot like yours. I’ve both celebrated with my Steelers when they won the title but remember clearly the heartbreak of defeat when they lost.

For the last several years we have watched the Super Bowl in Columbus with my grandson, Leo. With no dog in the fight, the day is mostly about what kind of food we are going to eat, but Leo is at the age where he enjoys learning about some of the game traditions and all the opportunities there are for folks to wager on the outcome. For example, people can bet on whether the coin toss will be heads or tails and what color Gatorade will be poured on the winning coach. When you are in 6th grade, it is amazing to hear all the crazy things people can find to bet on.

As usual the Super Bowl didn’t disappoint, ranking up near the top as one of the most watched telecasts since the 1969 moon landing. Even if you’re not a football fan, you must tune in for the commercials and the half-time extravaganza! In the early days of Super Bowl history, halftime featured local high school bands and college entertainment. It wasn’t until 1993 When Michael Jackson changed the game. Even though his performance was over 30 years ago, my wife still ranks it as her favorite. The King of Pop was in his prime, and his performance is considered one of the most iconic in halftime history. Credit Michael Jackson with elevating the gig to stratosphere level. Everyone since has been trying to raise the bar.

I mentioned earlier I am ready for golf season, and it officially began for me with the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Rory McIlroy pulled off the win with a 6 under 66 for a two-shot victory at America’s most famous coastal golf course. Early rounds featured cold temps and a thick marine layer which forced golfers and patrons to bundle up. Sunday brought the more traditional picturesque sky with snow cone blue water crashing into the shoreline. I didn’t get to watch all of it but caught some of it on a delayed broadcast Sunday night. It makes me want to book my traditional May golf trip with my buddies. This past January had me thinking I had moved back to Michigan. We definitely needed our winter snow gear and driving skills here in West Virginia.

AT&T Pebble Beach winner Rory McIlroy also gave an update on his view of the ongoing battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He explained the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) and the PGA Tour may have a deal in place, but that will not bring the Tour together with LIV Golf for some time. There are still hopes that a “merger” of sorts would allow players from the PGA Tour and LIV to once again play alongside one and other, but according to McIlroy an investment deal doesn’t mean that will happen. “It doesn’t solve the problem of what the landscape of golf looks like going forward,” said McIlroy. “I’d say the biggest impediment is maybe the differing visions of what golf should look like in the future.” Add in media rights for partner contracts which run into 2030 and players not wanting their prize funds to go down, McIlroy cautioned, “It’s pie in the sky and there’s so much stuff that can happen.” Doesn’t sound promising for a golf reconciliation between the two groups.

As the winter sports season draws to a close, local high school teams have showcased some remarkable performances across basketball and wrestling. Success has come in many forms with all local teams pulling out victories in recent weeks. Notable performances include the Paden City girls basketball team on a three game winning streak with two wins over rival Hundred and one against Heritage Christian. Magnolia boys basketball has pulled their record to 500 with an 8-8 record demonstrating resilience and determination. Tyler Consolidated boys basketball have exhibited commendable effort with each game being closely contested. The perseverance and competitive spirit have been evident, and they aim to leverage these experiences in the upcoming postseason. The Valley Lady Lumberjills achieved a significant victory against class AAA opponent Brooke high school. This victory highlights their capacity to compete against higher classification teams, giving them a confidence boost as they head into the postseason. Tyler Consolidated’s Eliana Winfrey continues her impressive undefeated season in girls wrestling, pinning her way to several overall championships. Good Luck to all area teams as you head into the postseason.