Dear Santa: Here's what we'd like you to bring us in 2008

… The stockings were all hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there …

As we wind down the calendar on 2007, it's that time of year to think about what we'd like to see under the tree on Christmas morning. And as we enter 2008, we offer some random thoughts about things we'd like to see next year.

This year, in breaking from the norm, I asked some of our writers for their wishes as well. So thanks to Matt Stacionis, Todd Johnson and Steve Nichols for adding to these thoughts.

We have a wonderfully unique sports mentality in the Fox Valley and as our communities continue to grow and prosper, we know the interest in high school sports in our area will as well.

So as we prepare for 2008, let's hope we see:

Jacobs boys basketball star John Moran eclipse the 2,000 point mark as he closes out one of the finest prep careers of anyone who has ever played in this area.

A fair assessment of the IHSA's 4-class system. It's going to be different, that's for sure, and already people are talking about not liking it, based on the state volleyball experience. But let's hold our thoughts on it until the madness of Redbird Arena and Carver Arena is done in March and then make a fair assessment.

The Fox Valley Conference to move swiftly on inviting a 14th school into the league. Woodstock North will begin varsity sports in the fall of 2009 and we'd hate to see a 13-school league and unbalanced scheduling again.

No more quadrants in IHSA football. Let's go back to seeding 1-32 and playing where you play. The IHSA's concern about geography was thrown out the window with the 4-class system, so now let's get the football playoffs back to a 1-32 setup so that we truly are crowing as champions the best teams.

Speaking of football, may work go swiftly on putting up the new lights at St. Edward. One of the most positive guys there is, Green Wave coach Mike Rolando, deserves everything the school can offer to make the program better.

A state finals appearance for two guys who truly deserve them -- Dundee-Crown's Al Zinke and Jacobs' Jim Hinkle.

State championship track medals for Huntley's Coryn Marzejon, one of the finest sprinters and nicest young ladies this area has ever seen.

A dry spring.

More technology. It's been great to see all the area schools that have flocked to places like athletics2000.com and highschoolsports.net to do their scheduling and announcements. Now we hope every school joins the Internet party.

Success for the Chicago Bandits in their move to Elgin. I know the people at Judson University well and I know they are excited. Let's hope all the work gets done on time for the Bandits to open their inaugural professional softball season in Elgin with a bang (see a dry spring above).

Peace between the IHSA and the media, as well as peace in the debate over wood bats vs. aluminum bats. Can't we all just get along?

A happy and healthy year for former Elgin boys basketball coach Rob Brault, a good man who we hope is doing well.

A successful opening for the new Hampshire High School. And speaking of peace, may there be a lot of it in the District 300 boundary process. While we're at it, this would be a good time to officially name the football field at the current Hampshire High School Ron Ellett Field.

That's all for 2008, besides health and happiness to all, of course. But let's not leave 2007 without a couple of thoughts.

That all holiday basketball tournaments prosper, but special wishes to Dundee-Crown and Elgin for their tournaments, which start the day after Christmas. It's D-C's 25th anniversary and no one deserves a resoundingly successful 25th more than D-C coach Joe Komaromy.

No more ice storms.

And, finally, peace in the hearts of anyone who has lost a loved one this year, most specifically Cory Bazany, Matt Cutinello, Dean Schlueter and their families.

So that wraps up this space for 2007. Sports Extra will return on Jan. 11, 2008 with all of us re-energized and ready to bring you the best high school sports coverage in the Fox Valley. In the meantime. keep reading and Merry Christmas!