Dear Santa,

My, how time flies — and so do you at this time of year.

During your travels, if you can fill the following list for me, it'd be much appreciated.

Besides ... It's your job.

To DARLENE, my wife:A year's supply of cupcake mix. This newsroom just can't get enough.

To MIKE KILROY, sportswriter, and his new bride, DAHN:You already gave them each other. You've also given them two cats. Now give them strength to resist the urge of becoming Cincinnati Bengals or Detroit Lions fans.

To CINCINNATI BENGALS and DETROIT LIONS FANS:A win. Nah, that would spoil our fun. Just give them sympathy.

To GEORGE MIHALIK, Slippery Rock University football coach:A starting quarterback.

To the PITTSBURGH PIRATES:Let's see, where to begin ... Never mind. There's not enough room on your sleigh.

To DAVE WANNSTEDT, Pitt football coach:ASun Bowl victory and a big "I told you so" to his critics.

To JEFF McANALLEN, Butler football coach:A few section wins and a playoff berth.

To the BUTLER BACON, my fantasy football team:A new general manager. I'm firing myself.

To the STEELERS OFFENSE:Points! Points! Points! Let the defense rest.

To JIM SMITH, Eagle news reporter:An Ohio State blowout win over Texas in the Fiesta Bowl. Already a Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots fan, he needs to be humbled so badly.

To the PITTSBURGH PENGUINS:A power play.

To KARNS CITYand MONITEAU FOOTBALL FANS:A friendship ring. Can't we all just get along?

To the NEW YORK YANKEES:A charity fund. They clearly need money.

To BRIAN MINTO, Butler heavyweight boxer:A worthy opponent and a worthy share of the purse to go with it.

To PULLMAN PARK:A packed house on numerous occasions this spring and summer. Welcome back!

To the new SLIPPERY ROCK SLIDERS:A life expectancy beyond one year.

To TERRELL OWENS and CHAD JOHNSON:The chance to be teammates, running the same pattern in the same place at the same time, with one football headed their way.

To CATHY, my sister:The privilege of being one of God's messengers. Her 230 on the bowling alley last week was a true Christmas miracle.

To MIKE TOMLIN, Steelers coach:A Super Bowl championship. Anything less he'll exchange for something better next year.

To SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY:An exciting, winning basketball team. Oops! Sorry, Santa, guess you delivered that one early.

To SCOTT STONER, Butler wrestling coach:A necessary trip to Hershey in March.

To JAMIE DIXON, Pitt basketball coach:a necessary trip to the Final Four in March.

To GARY RANKIN, longtime Sprint car racer:A trip to victory lane at Lernerville Speedway. He so deserves it.

To MIKE KINGand MARK McLAUGHLIN, Knoch football and wrestling coach:Healthy teams.

To EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE:A joyous Christmas season and the realization of what and who are important in your life.John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle.