Ad
My apologies for a holiday column that seems to be more “bah hum bug” than “joy to the world.”
Change in venue
The NMAA is moving the state golf tournaments from Santa Ana Pueblo to the Four Corners for the next two years. No doubt, different communities deserve the opportunity to host, and competitors should face the challenges brought by a mix of courses.
However, it’s going to be one long bus ride from places like Lovington and Las Cruces. Plus, the change will make it more difficult for locals following Rylee Salome as she tries for a record-tying, fourth-straight individual state title representing the Belen Eagles.
Hey boss, better get the VCNB Winnebago in for a tune-up.
Left or right?
When did using turn signals on a vehicle become optional? Lordy.
Wrestling cool down
No definite reason was given for not holding the Belen-Los Lunas wrestling dual this season, but it is clear fan behavior played a role.
If it takes a cooling-down period to encourage supporters to cheer and not berate and belittle, I’m all for it. If that’s impossible, well, there are plenty of other good teams out there to wrestle.
Ad
Eagles vs. Tigers hoops
Mark your calendar for Jan. 14. That’s when Belen visits Los Lunas in girls’ basketball, perhaps the only one-on-one meeting between the two schools in any sport during the academic calendar year.
Bronco rides away
I had written an as-yet published ditty, gloating about the (limited) success of Bronco Mendenhall as UNM head football coach. Stop the presses!
Like many Lobo fans, I was disappointed, hurt and a bit cranky when Mendenhall left for Utah State after just one season. After emotions settle down, expect a longer ditty in these pages about the situation.
Planting season
The regular season in college football ended with scrums, fighting and pepper spray on the field in a half dozen games.
Much of the angst was over so-called “flag planting,” when players of a victorious visiting team “plant” their school flag at midfield.
To stop this childish practice, coaches just need to order their players beforehand to knock it off or face consequences. Simple.
However, here’s a little secret — many coaches love it. It’s part of the machismo of the sport. Under one UNM coach decades ago, the players would take scoops of dirt from the field after a big road win and put it in a jar as a trophy. No real drama but still a bit silly.
Don’t cry for me, Alabama
There are many things I’m enjoying about college football’s brand-new playoff format. None more so than the big boys like Alabama, Miami, SMU, Iowa State, Ole Miss and a dozen others whining and sniping at each other. It’s great.
My other favorite aspect is that the little kids on the block, like the Mountain West Conference, are guaranteed at least one representative in the 12-team field. That will probably all change next year, when the selection committee kowtow to the SEC, Big-10 and the rest.
For now, it’s great. Adjustments do need to be made. Boise State and Arizona State are seeded way too high.
Chain gang cheerleaders
Walking along the sidelines of a high school football game, taking pictures and jotting down notes, is fun.
However, at several games outside the county, chain-gang members acted like cheerleaders.
The chain gang, provided by the home team, is responsible for helping keep track of down and distance. It’s an important job.
I’ve seen members yelling, “come on defense,” or “great run Billy,” right in front of the opposing team. One guy started waving a towel while yelling for the home side.
This lack of sportsmanship could cause a ruckus. Besides, chain-gang members are truly game officials and must be unbiased.
So, this is Christmas?
Traditional Christmas music along with holiday standards are great, but my favorite Christmas song is “Happy Xmas” (War Is Over) by John and Yoko. I (my parents) bought a copy of the 45 when it was released in 1971. It had green vinyl, which was so cool. If only I still had it.
