On the first day of Christmas the WIAA gave to me, high school basketball games without the shot clock. Working the clock is the only, I repeat, the only equalizer on the basketball floor when a poorer team faces a more talented one. For once, please WIAA, let’s not cater to the fans who believe the high school game should resemble the professional or college game. 

On the second day of Christmas the WIAA gave to me, awarding points and ball possession to the opposing team. If a player on the court receives a technical call it would be an automatic two points and ball possession for the opposing team. If a coach receives a technical foul, it should be four points plus ball possession for the opponent.

On the third day of Christmas the Wisconsin DNR gave to me, a reduction in the number of deer hunting seasons in the state. No pun intended, but it is overkill. I am waiting for a blowgun or an atlatl deer hunting season in the future. Bow hunting, the gun deer youth hunt and the traditional nine-day season are more than enough seasons for hunting Wisconsin’s Wildlife Animal. (Note - the Badger is the state animal, not the State Wildlife Animal. Look it up. Nice try.) 

On the fourth day of Christmas the WIAA gave to me, a return to private school and public school state tournaments for all sports.

On the fifth day of Christmas the WIAA gave to me, adjusting the pitch count rule as high school baseball teams enter the tournament series. Neighboring state Minnesota employs a pitch count rule but adjusts the rule once teams, who have been playing for the better part of two months, enter the postseason. Time for Wisconsin to do the same. 

On the sixth day of Christmas the NCAA gave to me, an elimination of the transfer portal. Granted NIL (Name, Imagine, and Likeness) is here to stay and for justifiable reasons. However, when it comes to college athletes, the constant moving of players from team to team is creating haves and have nots within collegiate sports. Please, once and for all end this college free agency. 

On the seventh day of Christmas Prescott citizens gave to me, more nominations for the Prescott Hall of Fame. Many people, both post and present, are deserving of consideration for the Prescott Hall of Fame. Contact Hall of Fame Chairman Jeremy Kerg at the high school for nomination information.

On the eighth day of Christmas Mother Nature gave to me, snow throughout the winter. We here in Wisconsin should experience the pitfalls and pratfalls of the four seasons. Sadly, recent winters have brought the doldrums to skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and snowmobilers. How wonderful it would be for the white stuff to stick around until it’s supposed to melt - in March.

On the ninth day of Christmas the WIAA gave to me, a change in the seeding process for tournaments. Seeding should be a two-part process. Part I: A computer-generated program generating tentative seeding of teams. Part 2: Two days after the computer-generated seeding results become public, a mandatory in-person meeting with coaches who can challenge seeding placements. No more hiding behind the computer. Results of both will determine the final seeding for the tournament.  

On the 10th day of Christmas Prescott dog owners gave to me: Come on owners, a city requires you to pick up your pet’s scat and dispose of it properly. Put some of those dollar store bags in your jogging pants or tie them around the handle of your leash. Come Prescottonians, pick up Fido's poop. 

On the 11th day of Christmas the NCAA gave to me, a reduction in the number of college bowl games next season. The Myrtle Beach Bowl. The Cure Bowl. The Gasparilla Bowl. And the granddaddy of them all The Pop-Tarts Bowl. As Ralphie Parker’s father said when he was checking the extension cords and trying to figure out why the Christmas tree lights were not turning on “It’s one too many.” 

On the 12th day of Christmas Prescott citizens gave to me, a renewed interest in volunteering in the community. More people doing more for the common good only enhances the quality of life in our community. Giving your most valuable resource - your own time - in order to help others and the community at large is a wonderful gift. Make it a New Year’s Resolution this year. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.