LIKE IT IS: Sending holiday cheer to those near, dear

LITTLE ROCK — Here it is Christmas Day, and my shopping is still not finished; so with a wink of the eye and a ho-ho-ho, here we go:

For Bobby Petrino, the man with the plan, a 42-27 victory in the Liberty Bowl and a good, if not great, recruiting class. In two seasons at Arkansas he has put the ship back on course and headed for the BCS.

For Jeff Long, a seamless semester. That’s a lot to ask with an up-and-down basketball team, but this is not Long’s first rodeo.

For John Pelphrey, who took on a major chore, a few full houses and a conference season that doesn’t bore.

For Frank Broyles, who campaigns so hard for Alzheimer’s research, a significant breakthrough and national attention.

For Chris Peterson, who leads UALR with a tiny budget, some financial relief and a raise to boot. The Trojans do more with less than any Division I program in the state.

For Steve Shields, who is rebuilding the basketball program, the light to go on for three new players.

For Joe Foley, who runs one of the best motion offenses in the country, an injury-free season and a run to the NCAATournament.

For John Brady, who has fit Arkansas State like a comfortable slipper, a lot of fan patience as he puts the pieces together. The Indians are improved from a year ago but a long way from where Brady intends them to be.

For Steve Roberts, who suffered a disappointing season, a recruiting class that gets some of the pressure off.

For Dean Lee, who leads A-State, some understanding that he’s doing what he thinks is right.

For Brad Teague at UCA, a continued smooth transition with the new administration.

For Clint Conque, a football season next year during which those narrow losses of 2009 will be victories.

For UAPB basketball, which is playing 14 consecutive road games amassing money to carry the entire athletic department, a well deserved Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament championship and more home games in the future.

For Jerry Jones, who owns the finest stadium in the world for his Dallas Cowboys, a December to remember and a January to cherish.

For Larry Lacewell, who found Tony Romo and signed him as a free agent, one more Super Bowl ring in honor of all he did for the Cowboys.

For the sports department of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, who now do more with less, a heartfelt thanks for all you do.

For radio partner Shawn Arnell, who is a new daddy, that his son Harris will be able to hit a driver 300 yards down the middle and that will not be the strength of his game.

For Bill Ingram, who runs Real Deal on the Hill, one more gym so he won’t have to turn away so many teams this spring.

For Keith Jackson, whose vision led to Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids, another year in which he makes a difference, something we all benefit from more than we know.

For my former teammates Tommy and Baz, all the best in 2010.

For Lanny Beavers, founder of Hogville.net and who’s helping yours truly start a personal blog, a lunch on me.

For Gov. Mike Beebe, a man who has served the state for so long without so much as a speed bump, continued success in all his endeavors.

For all my personal friends, and I am blessed, a prosperous New Year and next time’s on me.

For all those following on Twitter (wallylikeitis), thanks personally to each of you.

Last but not least, to my wonderful family.

For my daughter Whitney, who became engaged this year to a wonderful young man named Brad Homan, I wish them the start of a great and wonderful journey.

For my mom, sisters and their families who I’ll see at noon today, the knowledge I intend to be a better father, son, brother and uncle.

For my brother, to know we are all praying for him.

And to one and all, a hearty Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.