Pregame

Growing up, the holidays and sports simply went hand-in-hand.

For many of you reading this, it's still certainly the case. Trying to travel and have an extended period of time away from teammates and coaches, let alone a day or two, is tough when you're a winter athlete. Holiday tournaments and invitationals are about as common as New Year's resolutions these days.

But I'm talking more about the connection - how the holiday season is one of the best times of the year for sports fans. In particular, I can remember the gifts I anticipated most had to do with sports - from packs and packs of trading cards to the ever elusive (and ever expensive) new pair of Air Jordan's. And what about the authentic pair of baggy Michigan basketball shorts, made famous by the Fab Five? Yeah, those were really cool.

Aside from the gifts, the holiday season also provides us with some of the best TV watching - just remember to set the table and help the family as much as possible before laying flat on the couch, or that TV might get shut off for good. Vividly, I remember several times on Christmas Day seeing Mr. Jordan himself give a gift to us Chicagoans - another win that was surely taken for granted. I believe one, maybe two of those came against nemesis Reggie Miller and the Pacers. Apologies.

And who's to forget the final week of December, culminating with one of the greatest days of the year? New Year's Day, as a college football connoisseur, is about as good as it gets - highlighted by the guarantee of hearing Keith Jackson call yet another Rose Bowl. "Whoa, Nellie!"

Here at HSSTM, you can tell we're ready for the holidays. Around high school sports, the state of Indiana is buzzing as the boys and girls basketball seasons hit full tilt. Wrestlers are nestling into their proper weight classes while swimmers get ready for their most intense training of the season with classes out of session. Gymnastics season is about to be in the thick of things come early January, and club sports hockey and bowling are doing the same.

This December, HSSTM would like to think that we have a few gifts for you, our readers. Staying with the holiday theme, one highlight of the pages ahead includes a rundown of local basketball tournaments coming your way in the next four weeks. We also have some gift ideas and a brief look at what area student-athletes are up to over the break in Locker Talk.

Also, in the second installment of our community service series, HSSTM tells the story of the All Pro Dad organization and its relationship with the incomparable Tony Dungy. We've also got a historical look at the changes being made at Franklin High School with its new facilities, Grill with notoriously candid Lawrence North boys hoops coach Jack Keefer and, of course, the chase to catch the Carmel girls swimming team.

As always, your comments and feedback are welcome by e-mailing us at letters.centralindiana@hsstm.com ... and enjoy your family over the holidays!