Dear Santa,

It seems like only yesterday since I last wrote you. Since that time, you've given us a Super Bowl championship, a National League batting title and Evgeni Malkin.

That's not bad. Let's see how well you can fill this year's list:

To BEN ROETHLISBERGER, Steelers quarterback: A helmet with good sense locked inside.

To GEORGE MIHALIK, Slippery Rock University football coach:No wind and no turnovers at N. Kerr Thompson Stadium.

To DAVE WANNSTEDT, Pitt football coach:A win after the leaves change colors.

To BRIAN MINTO, heavyweight boxer:A fight against a top-10 ranked heavyweight.

To GARY RISCH Jr., now the official Lernerville Speedway general manager:Race nights without rain.

To KEVIN McCLATCHY,Pirates CEO:A salary cap and the All-Star Game at PNCPark every other year.

To GARRY CATHELL, former Butler football coach:A few more healthy players, a few more wins and a few more understanding supporters.

To SEAN LOWRYand AMYACHESINSKI, Butler basketball players:The health and consistency needed to lead their respective squads into the WPIALplayoffs.

To MARIO LEMIEUX, Penguins owner:A written apology from the state of Pennsylvania and with a check for about $50 million.

To PERRY MYERS, ED NEBEL and STEVEN DIETZ, Eagle personnel covering the Steelers:1 p.m. Sunday kickoffs at Heinz Field.

To MICHIGAN and LOUISVILLE FOOTBALL FANS:A national playoff system.

To WALTHARRIS, former Stanford and Pitt football coach:A job.

To BOBBY BOWDEN, Florida State football coach:A rocking chair.

To JOE PATERNO, Penn State football coach:Protection from would-be tacklers on the sideline.

To FRED DIESANCHEZ, NLbatting champion:A pen to write a book titled "How To Appreciate What I Do For ALiving"and enough stamps and envelopes to mail it to every professional athlete.

To TYRELL SALES, Penn State linebacker:A starting position.

To JIM TRACY, Pirates manager:A left-handed swinging power hitter.

To JAMIE DIXON, Pitt basketball coach:Heavenly blessings from his sister and a berth in the Final Four.

To BILL COWHER:A Christmas miracle. In other words, a wild-card playoff berth.

To DAVE FLORIE, Butler baseball coach:One more regular season victory.

To MATT CLEMENT, Boston Red Sox pitcher: A rapid recovery.

To JAKE CUFFMAN, Butler graduate and Pirates minor league pitcher:A rapid climb.

To ED CONTO, Karns City football coach:Recognition as the best football coach in Butler County.

To SPORTS OFFICIALS and UMPIRES:Three words to deliver to coaches, players and fans — Just Shut Up.

To SPORTS FANS EVERYWHERE:Food with your family and peace in your soul.Merry Christmas!