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Normally, a review of the year would come about this time, but since Christmas comes this week, here are some things I would like to see upcoming in the sports world. This is in random order.
1) Clemson Tigers
They haven't won the national title since 1981. They haven't won it without a Chase grad on the team either. Just two games stand in the way of Carlos Watkins and the Tigers in completing the mission. Hopefully, they have the guts to hoist a National Championship Trophy soon.
2) Carolina Panthers
Who else should win the Super Bowl? The Panthers have made deep playoff runs before and been to the Super Bowl once, falling to New England. They have all the pieces needed to win it and the Cardiac Cats have been clutch all season.
3) The Charlotte Hornets to be a pleasant playoff surprise team. The Hornets actually look like a respectable NBA team. They could make some noise in the East, but they have to actually make the postseason first. Right now, they are on target.
4) Local Basketball to have a great season, if not threaten for a title. Most of our County teams are playing solid basketball. R-S Central's ladies and men look really good right now. Both East Rutherford clubs have potential, the ladies are playing better than the men at this point. Chase basketball has definitely improved. Thomas Jefferson is still competitive in 1A, the Men are playing better at this time.
5) Tyler White gets a chance in the Major Leagues. White, who graduated from Chase, is making a name for himself in the Houston Astros organization and could get a call up to the Major Leagues this year. Making a roster is hard enough, but it is possible for him to at least make a 2016 debut and get to experience the big leagues.
6) The Forest City Owls being good/entertaining again. I hate to say it, but it hasn't been quite the same. The newness has worn off and excitement hasn't been the same lately. The entertainment part as well as producing a winning team has went downward as well. The taste of food, certain pricing and excitement of the team must get better. New ownership, who seem thrilled about the opportunity bodes well on the situation and that gives me some hope.
7) The Braves to figure out what they want to do or be. I have yet to figure out what the Atlanta Braves are doing. They have traded nearly everybody or failed to resign quality players. The Braves are about to become The Bad News Bears of the 70's again if something miraculously doesn't happen soon. They did hire Chipper Jones as a consultant not too long ago, so that a first step in the right direction.
8) NASCAR has to stop being so politically correct. If NASCAR wants a fan base, they have to stand up for what they are. I understand NASCAR wants to appeal to as many people as they can, but it's not societies or the media's job to tell them who they are and what they want to be. NASCAR has to reclaim it. With Brian France steering the wheel of political correctness, they may never do so.
9) Legion baseball to gain more support. This is a baseball town. Why not support them? Things could be different if someone is willing to take a stand. It all can't change at once, but 2016 could be a start.
10) A safe year of County athletics.
So, there is my two cents. I am sure there is more I could throw out there, but this is a nice start to what is a solid list. Most importantly, everybody have a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year!
