The holiday season always brings a lot into focus in our community, and with sports being an integral part of that fabric, let’s take this opportunity to instill the fact that Santa, despite all the reports of his demise, is alive and well. We all know how busy he is this time of year, so once again, he’s delegated some of the gift giving responsibility to yours truly. Let’s start with the Indianapolis Colts, who’ve had a rocky season again and could use something under their tree. To Chuck Pagano, who has demonstrated style, grace and dignity all year, I deliver an improved roster, along with my thanks for always answering any question I present to him. Andrew Luck: You, sir, get a better offensive line, one that keeps you from injury, allowing you to continue your superb work that impacts the less fortunate in the community.
Moving over to Bankers Life Fieldhouse — I’ll leave Nate McMillan a bonafide center, allowing him to play Miles Turner as the forward he is. To the vastly talented but often impatient Paul George, I bestow a better understanding of the 24-second rule, which hopefully will eliminate the need to hoist a perimeter attempt with so much time on the shot clock. Something nice in Lavoy Allen’s stocking is in order for all the people he once again fed on Thanksgiving.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway receives the wisdom and patience necessary to keep the storied facility as one that showcases racing, rather than other types of events. Santa says the revenue will be there, and the 500 is still king. Special gifts also to the legendary “yellow shirts,” who toil endlessly every year for very little in return. More sponsorship and a better television package will be gift wrapped and delivered to the IndyCar Series, along with even more talented young drivers looking to make their mark in open wheel racing.
Indiana University basketball is indeed on Kris Kringle’s list, and a large bottle of Tylenol will be delivered to Tom Crean. There will be headaches with this team, but they have a chance to be really special and could conceivably make the Final Four. Better shot selection will be placed in the stocking bearing the name of James Blackmon Jr., who also gets the wish of good health in his final season in Bloomington. Heading north to Tippecanoe County, a set of earplugs and a pair of blinders will be delivered to new Purdue Football coach Jeff Brohm. If he wears them daily and keeps focused, he has the opportunity to make his squad relevant again in West Lafayette.
To all the superb athletes laboring in obscurity in small schools and the minor leagues, I deliver the respect both you and your accomplishments warrant. Big dreams evolve from those stages you compete upon, and your spirit and determination do not go unnoticed or unrewarded. Thank you for inspiring and entertaining us regularly.
Finally, to all my colleagues at the Indianapolis Recorder, while you may not be athletes, you are indeed skilled participants in a highly competitive business, and you continue to knock it out of the park every day despite having to deal with me. Thank you for all your support year-round, and for allowing me to be a minuscule part of a great publication — one with heart, resolve and most importantly, a social conscience. Happy holidays to all of you.
Danny Bridges, who still wants to ride that Santa train at the mall, wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, and can be reached at (317) 370-8447 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
