Dec. 5, 2002
I've always enjoyed reading those columns from time to time where the writer makes a Christmas list or some such thing. There's about an hour left on Thanksgiving Day, I've just finished watching Ole Miss become bowl eligible by beating Mississippi State in the annual Egg Bowl (I hope this doesn't cost Wake a bowl slot) and I've settled in at the keyboard to compose - for lack of a better term - a Thanksgiving list.
Here a few things that I'm thankful for:
- that we have a day in this country set aside to celebrate the things we're thankful for - and that this day includes three of my favorite things - family, food and football.
- that my one NFL team got Thanksgiving off to a good start. Thanks, Cowboys. (We ate late.)
- that Jen Averill is on our side. She just led Wake Forest to the NCAA field hockey national championship following Wake's third consecutive trip to the Final Four. Many coaches and players would have been satisfied to make it that far. But Coach Averill instilled in her team that something extra that only champions know.
- what Jim Grobe has done to renew optimism in Wake Forest football. Something is in the air. And it's good.
- Carson-Newman, Marshall and Wake Forest.
- that I got to Winston-Salem in time to see the great Tim Duncan in person. One of the thrills of my career was the Demon Deacon basketball season of 1996-97 - my first - Timmy's last. He was special. He remains so.
- that I've been around to watch Josh Howard glide through his career. I think he's a very special talent - still waiting for it to all come together. The anticipation of it happening this season will make it a fun one of which to be a part.
- Mark Corts
- that Wake Forest has two Brian Andrews - the football player and the fan. I know what one does for the Deacs. We're all waiting to see what will come of the other.
- that guys named Ed, Clent, Dinger, Russ and Scott take time away from their full-time jobs to indulge me while I work at mine. Thanks, guys.
- that basketball season is here. Wake is young, but so are many of the other teams in the ACC. This season should be especially fun, and us media types might just actually have to look at some media guides this year to determine who it is out there on the court.
- that the ACC Tournament is back in Greensboro this season - where it belongs.
- that Chris Paul will be a Demon Deacon. And that's aside from his obvious basketball skills. The kid's got heart and class. Who wouldn't want to be around him?
- the seniors on this year's football team. They'll be remembered as the winners they are.
- that I get paid to sit in the best seat in the house, game after game, and describe how the Deacs are doing. And that, like my crew, you indulge me - and listen.
- that Patti, Annie and Jessie love me win, lose or draw.
That's all the space I have. See you on the radio.