I have made a list and checked it twice. Here is my Christmas list for 2025.

For a winter with legitimate snow cover. It’s been a while since we have had a blanket of snow throughout the winter months. Here’s hoping not only for a White Christmas, but also for snow covered ground through the month of February. I along with many snowshoers, snowmobilers, skiers and snowboarders have fingers crossed hoping Mother Nature will do her part. 

For Wisconsin to go back to private and public high school tournaments. In the lower divisions of the WIAA the private schools continue to dominate the qualifying state tournament fields. There are approximately 80 private schools in Wisconsin with competing athletic teams. How about 40 in Division 1 and 40 in Division 2, with the final four games played at Marquette University. 

For the elimination of the college transfer portal. With team rosters changing faster than a Comcast wifi connection, it is becoming more and more difficult for fans to establish any kind of connection or familiarity with players. The fans are losing interest.

For the WIAA to start reinforcing the high school uniform rule. Earlier this month a group of local officials made players tuck in their jerseys before tipoff. Although the request was met with some players and fan consternation, the referees stood firm and enforced the rule. Bravo to those officials. If there is going to be a rule, enforce it. 

For the National Federation of High School Associations to pass a national rule that mandates the elimination of all competitive athletics for those aged 14-18 during the months of June and July. The only type of competition allowed during these two months would be games void of coaches, officials, uniforms, and parents. For two months, no adults. For some that would be competitive nirvana. 

For the WIAA to resist pressure from AAU Basketball, AAU Volleyball, club baseball teams and other non-school, out of season competitive organizations to change the rules of the high school game. For example, the continued pressure from such organizations to add a shot clock to Wisconsin high school basketball. 

For all area high school game DJ’s to play good music during warm-ups, halftime, or between innings. No need to play songs with profane laced lyrics. Retire those screaming hair band songs of the late 1970’s and 1980’s. And enough with the chalkboard scratching tunes that lead to the furrowed brows of moms, dads and grandparents. 

For an increase in the number of spectators at high school sporting events. It’s hard to beat high school sports and when it comes to the price of admission, nothing beats rooting on the kids from your hometown. 

For the WIAA to televise all tournament games on regular network television throughout the state of Wisconsin. 

For the return of baseball to the flagship university of the state of Wisconsin. Badger Baseball was discontinued after the 1991 season. Reasons for dropping the program included cost, Title IX considerations, and program mediocrity. However, for the better part of two decades the University has had a very successful club baseball team. Jeff Block, a 1997 Prescott graduate, has built the Badger Club Baseball Team into one of the best in the Midwest. Additionally, Block has been among the most vocal lobbyists of bringing baseball back to Madison as a varsity sport. With UW-River Falls and UW-Eau Claire bringing back baseball within the last 10 years, it’s time for the same to happen in Madison.

For the players and coaches of today’s high school teams to continue to involve and recognize the contributions of alumni to their respective programs. Everyone wants to be remembered and acknowledging the legacy of past players and teams creates camaraderie, belonging and enthusiasm for athletics. 

For additional nominations to the Prescott Hall of Fame. The next induction ceremony will be held in the fall of 2027. 

Merry Christmas to everyone.