Yearend hoopla if done right can be fun. "Best Of" lists require effort, but are necessary for a multitude of reasons. They are a snapshot of the past year and also serve as a historical documentation for generations to come.
New Year's Resolutions, on the other hand, are worthless. The concept must have been launched by sagging gym membership marketing groups or health food stores.
What makes Jan. 1 so special? Why not quit smoking on Dec. 30? How about starting your diet in March? It makes no sense.
So in the spirit of making no sense but still being entertaining, here is an amalgamation of resolutions, wishes, and "best of's" all rolled into a disjointed 813-word column.
The sports story of the year featured an elderly football coach who lost touch with reality and his colleague who apparently never lost touch.
Our wish is twofold. First, instead of pulling a Paterno and asking others to simply pray for victims, let's hope they seek counsel and can deal with the media storm still brewing.
The second part of the wish is even easier. All adults in a position of power (sports or otherwise) who cannot control themselves around children should step down from their job immediately. Save face now. Let this be the last story about child molestation for a while.
And parents--keep closer watch on your children and the adults to whom you "trust" them.
No smooth transition from a heavy story like that, but how about the showing Tulsa made during March Madness? Upon conclusion of the 2011 Tulsa pod city pride swelled. Leaders felt it was not a matter of if, but when the Big Dance would return.
  GAVIN ELLIOTT |
Since then the University of Tulsa sports leadership has been in flux. TU was a driving force behind bringing the tournament to T-Town. Now the university is between athletic directors and questions swirl around the direction of the basketball program.
Here is hoping a decision is made yesterday on TU President Steadman Upham's replacement, so an athletic director can be named and the chips can fall into place.
While on the subject of TU, how about that basketball team? We pointed out in previous years that Head Coach Doug Wojcik is such a nice guy and treats the media with such respect that no one would ever question his job or call for his removal. We'll stick to this ethic.
The St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series. Game six was phenomenal, but Cardinal fans are more likely to remember the season as Albert Puljos' final in red.
Tim Tebow. As someone who watched the kid in college for four years, I must admit to loving this nationwide obsession. For some reason, every media member must have their opinion on him out for public consumption.
The truth is, when he wins, it is interesting because he doesn't look the part. When he loses, it is a non-story. Here is hoping next year's Tebowmania drops a notch or two.
So much for gearing up for another year of Arena Football in the BOK Center. The Talons left for San Antonio, which is hilarious.
I remember sitting down with one of the owners who hails from New Orleans and talking about the possibilities of the Saints relocating to San Antonio after Hurricane Katrina. Ironic?
Let's hope the BOK Center can hoist a championship banner before it needs a new coat of paint. In other words, it is up to you Tulsa Oilers.
In 2011 we witnessed two major sports leagues lock players out. No one remembers the football lockout because no regular season games were missed. Sadly, most Tulsans wish the NBA would have kept the doors closed on their players a bit longer.
Too bad considering the performances of several NBA'ers with unlimited potential. You get the feeling Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are just scratching the surface.
The world of sports lost several high profile athletes, including OU legend Lee Roy Selmon. We should reflect on the passing of greats, including but not limited to Joe Frazier, Dan Wheldon, Al Davis, Bubba Smith, and of course Macho Man Randy Savage.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship landed a network deal. The first UFC on Fox earned high ratings.
It is only a matter of time before several local fighters earn their shot on the big stage. The UFC continues to run more events each year and must fill the fight cards.
Here are a couple of names to keep an eye on from this area: Trey Houston, Josh Bryant, Andrew Todhunter and JC Cotrell. Maybe Gerald Harris can get a fight in Japan on his DREAM contract too.
For those of you who hate the winter (slowly raising hand) I present the midsummer classic Tulsa style. ONEOK Field hosts the Texas League All-Star Game on Thursday, June 28. Sounds exciting, no?
So good luck with your failed resolution and here's to an even better 2012.
Send all comments and feedback regarding Left Field to ddavis@urbantulsa.com