Bits and Pieces 15 

  I officially (if that's possible) have been infected with Holiday spirit. If I had a whole wagon full of cash, or the ability to grant wishes like some genie in a bottle, I would bestow on individuals and groups some gifts and blessings.
  To St. Marks Soccer coach Tom DeMatteis: an indoor high school soccer program so he could win three different soccer championships in one year (four if there were both boy's and girl's teams).
  To the News Journal: an expanded daily sports section complete with an expanded payroll for high school sports to hire an energetic, talented, and good looking middle aged dude who already covers high school sports now for nothing.
  To Nancy Grisgowitz, the St. Marks volleyball coach: a pressure relieving patch that will be necessary to wear to ward off the 2001 volleyball season pressures of trying to extend a 71 match win streak after graduating over half of the 2000 team.
  To the Tatnall baseball team: Oh, never mind, you already have head coach J.R. Fleetwood who is a young man who steps so far out of his way to nurture, promote, and lead your team that awards may someday be named after him.
  To Hodgson Vo-Tech wrestling coach Jerry Lamey: Three exact Jerry and Debbie Lamey clones to take over some of the parenting duties of their five children (4,2,1 yr old triplets) while you two take a nap.
  To Hodgson Vo-Tech assistant wrestling coach, Most Dangerous Man in Delaware, Production Designer, Editor, and Director of Delaware Sports the TV show, Mr. Dee Meyer: Official recognition by somebody other than I of your volunteer efforts over the years for the athletic community.
  To the Cape Henlopen Boy's Lacrosse team: the ability to draw players away from other schools to play for your talented team in order to offset Tatnall's acquisition of their new potential all-state goalie during the offseason.
  To all volunteer coaches throughout the state: Salaries.
  To all salaried coaches throughout the state: larger salaries.
  To Wilmington College's head volleyball coach Steve Lenderman: Well, he already received what I was going to wish for him, St. Elizabeth Viking graduate and first team all-stater (best player in the state this past year) Lauren DiSabatino.
  To the University of Delaware's sports information director Scott Selheimer: The National SID award for excellence. 
  
  Oh this could go on for ever....

  To all those little Delawarean gymnasts throughout the state: Less lawyers...no wait....NO MORE lawyers (sorry Chuck) that can sue coaches, schools, and team mascots for the twisted ankles, bumps, and bruises that happen naturally during gymnastics competitions, so high schools can once again have competitive gymnastic teams.
  To all high school and college wrestling programs (in particular): Elimination of Title IX.
  To Laurens Maliepaard, staff writer, soccer player and hurdler for G-High: school, conference, county, and state hurdling records for you this year.
  To Dave Frederick, Cape Gazette Sports Editor and special contributor to Delaware Sports: A permanent, engraved seat in Washington and Philadelphia football stadiums so you no longer have to worry about securing credentials any longer.
  To Tower Hill field hockey STAR, Jill Hocutt: The all-state team honors that were STOLEN from you.
  To the best Wide Receiver in the state, Brandywine's Ivan Schmidt: The First-Team All-State Honors that were STOLEN from you for the past TWO years....and a 7'2" high jump this year.
  To Newark high school's athletic department: A new Athletic Director.
  To St. Marks basketball star and 2000 player of the year Michelle Albanese: At least an inch of height to take you to 5'3", maybe 5'4". 
  To Shaquille O'Neal, Los Angeles Laker and 2000 NBA MVP: The ability to shoot free throws like St. Mark's Michelle Albanese.
  To St. Elizabeth head football coach Joe Hemphill and defensive coordinator Sam Paoli: The video and audio tapes of the official blowing his whistle and signaling play over on the 68 yard "touchdown" in the state championship game that proved to be the game winner.
  To all officials, umpires, referees, and judges: Boo filters....and new glasses. BAHAHAHAHA.
  To Diamond State Games Triathlon Coordinator Neil Semmel: A Delaware River free of large boats on June 16th.
  To all downstate teams: For all major tournament and championship games to be held near them for ten or twenty years or so.

  I'll be on vacation next week. May everyone have a safe and happy holiday season.

Truly yours,
Marshal Manlove