What Do You Want To See On Christmas?

Well, we got an email from [email protected] that reminded us we hadn’t sent in our Christmas list this year. Given the late hour, we appreciate his looking out for us, although he said he would be limited to three requests- one personal, one for the Buckeyes, and one for sports fans everywhere.

Claus gave us a couple of caveats- we couldn’t wish for wins or losses… Razorback fans are wishing for the same, and he’d rather see it settled on the field.  He also said he couldn’t undo any of the NCAA stuff; something about naughty lists and so forth.

So, we had an impromptu meeting at our annual tBBC Christmas Chaos, and chatted about what Santa could bring for us. Jeff and Jim were out finishing up last minute shopping, but here’s what the rest of us came up with.

Eric

Personal: All I really want is a nice, pleasant, relaxing Christmas.  Thankfully I should have no trouble getting it with the next week off work and a trip to Columbus to visit family and friends. Mali Note: This was written before Eric had to hold down the fort all day Thursday on top of the basketball livechat. Thanks, man.

Buckeyes: I wish we would stop becoming so “professional”.  The looks of both Ohio Stadium and the Schott have been “improved” to the point of looking more like NFL/NBA style stadiums.  Worse yet, the extra stuff they do during the game with the fans (i.e. the Kiss Cam) are atrocious examples of terrible decision making from the athletic department.  What’s next?  Piped in music in Ohio Stadium instead of the Marching Band on 50% of the downs during a game?  These things do not add to the fan experience.  If I want to experience these things, I’ll waste my money on a pro game.  I spend my money on OSU games to enjoy the collegiate sports atmosphere, not a horrendous mock-up of professional garbage.

Sports: I would deeply appreciate a National Collegiate Sports Organization that didn’t suck.  Some of the more recent gaffes (including, but not limited to, Cam Newton) just go to show you that the NCAA is completely and utterly out of control, and unable to clue in to what they need to be doing. The absolute first thing the NCAA needs to do is start judging cases by the spirit of the rule rather than the wording of the rule.  That, by itself, would go a long way to making the organization a whole lot less oppressive.  And lets not beat around the bush, oppressive is exactly the word that describes them best right now. Mali Note: Seriously, this was written before the Festivus Fiasco. Prophetic, that Eric.

Jay

Personal: A shiny new bionic knee.  While the athletes at places like Ohio State have ready access to world-class injury treatment, us mere mortals find it necessary many times to utilize a more “grassroots” approach to alleviating the pains and strains that result from participating in our favorite sporting activities.  Mostly this involves hoping that the injury will magically go away while continuing to play on it and trying not to aggravate it too badly.  If the knee comes with a shiny new rotator cuff as part of a package deal, that would be great.

Sports: A firm stance on the NBA age rule.  I know the NBA is not what it used to be, and people often roll their eyes if you try to talk about it, but the reason for that is largely due to unprepared players coming into the league and bringing down the quality of play.  The shift was made years ago from drafting on actual production to drafting on potential, and the league has suffered.  However, the trend has reversed, the NBA is experiencing a bit of a rebirth, and the quality of play is improving.  Funny, this has come along with the age restriction for players entering the league!

If we can get a stocking-stuffer to go along with the three big gifts on our wish list, I would like to see the Big Ten decision-makers take full advantage of this window of opportunity to redeem themselves from the debacle of Legends & Leaders by coming out with creative new division names that will truly impress the fans.  The best options I’ve heard came from a coworker, and are now my personal choices as well: Gryffindor and Slytherin.

Buckeyes: A big signing day: Doran Grant, Curtis Grant, Audrey Walker, Keith Wells would be great gifts.

Sports: I want 3 things: 1. I wish for a 8 team college football playoff.  If minds get together and become creative, keeping tradition, and new nuances this could be the greatest spectacle in all of sports.  B. I wish for no title for the Miami Heat! 3. The Reds to lock up 2010 MVP Joey Votto long term.

Mali

Personal: I’d love to ask for peace on earth and all that crap, but mostly this year I’m praying for patience. Not for me, but for the people who have to experience my joyful tidings all year long. I’ve got a great wife and kids; I hope that I can find ways to bring them as much joy as they bring me.

Buckeyes: My Christmas wish for the people at Ohio State is some fan perspective. As a survivor of the Cooper years, I’m as guilty as the next guy in my willingness to climb out onto the ledge when things start going bad for the Buckeyes. But, it’s important to remember that (even with the things that we’re currently dealing with) we’re living in a really amazing time as fans. Let’s keep that in mind- it’s always a great day to be a Buckeye.

Sports: As goofy as this sounds, I’d love to see a way for colleges to figure out the balance between the educational endeavors of the institutions and the “business” of athletics. I guess I agree with Eric here- it’s possible to be too professional. As we’ve talked about before, there are so many decisions that are seemingly made based on the financial realities rather than the educational objectives for the entire campus or the student athlete in particular. I don’t know the solution, but there’s got to be some way to adjust the rudders somewhat.

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One thing we couldn’t wish for is for a better year for the Buckeye Battlecry, yesterday notwithstanding. With all the transitions, the new web design, and great new guys on the team, there was a possibility that this whole thing could have gone sideways in a hurry. But, thankfully, we’ve got amazing people on the team and as a larger part of our community- from all the readers, facebook friends, folks who take time to comment and engage our ramblings, twitter followers, live-chat participants, and all of our partners across the Buckeye Blogosphere. We are blessed.

May this Christmas season be a blessing to you and your families as well. Thanks for including us in your online adventures.