Harry Chaykun’s Christmas greeting
With apologies to Clement Moore, and Ed Gebhart...
‘Twas the night before Christmas
Not a softball in sight.
Once in The Hook and at Nall
Home runs would take flight. Boog Laird on his deck Sitting in Florida sun. Cheering and beering As his Eagles say “We’re No. 1.”
•••
For some a long countdown
What could be the reason?
Only 66 days remain Until the 2020 lacrosse season.
On Sixers and on Flyers Winning like never before.
In the spring will come playoffs
And success will be for sure.
•••
Look back to last season When Garnet Valley had hoops goods.
On McAteer, on Borcky And their leader, Coach Woods.
Archbishop Carroll with a squad
That was fun on the court.
The Pats ended up in the final
Before coming up a little short.
•••
At Chester the Clipper ship
Each player a true sailor. Following the lead of their captain
And their leader, Coach Keith Taylor.
When the calendar reads March
It would be nice for us to know That Hershey would be The place for them to go.
•••
Wrestle with this fact: If you’re listing the winning tally
You can start with the name Catka,
The Hunter from Sun Valley.
Whatever the weight class
He gets the job done. When states are completed
He should again be No. 1
•••
All the fine track runners No one should be ignorin’ Including the Strath Haven Panthers
And Hall of Fame coach Bill Coren.
In cross county the state medal
Wasn’t gold, 24-karat. It belonged to Garnet Valley’s
Senior standout, Sean Garrett.
•••
Garnet Valley in football Made a big turnaround. Despite an overtime loss Episcopal Academy was crowned.
Academy Park, Penn Wood
In Del Val were the best. Chester High performed better
And Chichester impressed.
•••
Haverford High’s Fords Played with a flair Led by their all-everything, Temple-bound Trey Blair. At the Thanksgiving game Make sure Coach Lennox ducks
And avoids a Gatorade shower.
From his winning Interboro Bucs.
•••
At Springfield they recently
Took time to shout and scream And sing the praises of A state champion lacrosse team.
The Cougars finally wore Medals brightly shining gold.
On Long and on Gormley,
As Coach Broome’s winning story is told.
•••
The life of a referee Has never been easy and sane.
Crazy coaches, rowdy fans …
Then rushing to catch another plane.
Here’s hoping hoops season
Ends with postseason joy For NCAA’s Rutecki, Armstrong, Lindsay …
And the NBA’s Mark Lindsay and Ed Malloy.
•••
Delco League baseball Had the old and the new. Concord Canes made the finals
But Wayne said it was overdue.
Fili managing, Mathes pitching
Williams swinging a big bat.
Scartozzi, Haines, Steven the umps …
Now how about that.
•••
There were many football refs
Who sought the big prize. Dan Bush has another bowl game
Dan Scanlan has roses in his eyes.
Bob Bush and Rich Bush Were part of a state crew. Maybe they’ll make it to Hershey
Before the year 2022.
•••
College hoops is in full swing
Swarthmore College men at the top.
Cabrini’s Pearson, Haveford’s Morgan
Cream of the women’s coaching crop.
Widener men and women
Big winners, we knew it would be so.
On coaches Cardideo and Kintner,
On Maddy Ireland and Jordan D’Ambrosio.
•••
In Wayne stands a museum
Honoring legends of county sports.
A new book tells its story In words and pictures of all sorts.
Delco Sports Figure Jim Vankoski
And helpers Phil Damiani, Rich Pagano
Are hoping many people Will say “let’s all go.”
•••
Fifty years have gone by Since one grid season had the tune
Of star players Cappelletti, Joachim, Arnold,
Johnson, Grossman and Don Clune.
Delco Athletes Hall of Fame’s
Dinner is always a sellout.
On Leary, On Cirilli. To Patrica Mescanti a big shoutout.
•••
Our family has had joys we wish to share.
Maddy Lewis spending Chrismas in LA …
Brother Danny’s on ‘Nova’s Dean’s List
Early graduation is well on its way.
Jake is driving and working
And keeps everyone well fed.
Mom Lisa passed a major nursing exam,
Dad Steve a good looking yard in which to tred.
•••
Joey Finnegan is in ninth grade.
He played for the freshman soccer team.
Brother Brody and two hockey clubs …
Making captain, what a dream.
Mother Cindi and her young students
And her happy dog Avery.
Father Dan’s long trips end
With a stop at Pica’s for pizza so flavory.
•••
Gran’s still knitting and reading
And watching food shows every day.
Grandad’s brother Tom’s grandchild Jack is two.
And there’s a new one on the way.
The whole family knows in June
They’ll always be able to say
The best week of each year Is when everyone’s in Ocean City, N.J.
•••
Here’s hoping that Santa Hears all the good reports And is kind to the people At the Daily Times Sports.
Give Rob Parent more help
And better deadlines would be nice.
Matt DeGeorge’s All-Delco research
Was prize-worthy once or twice.
•••
Bob Grotz’s concerns about the Eagles Never seem to go away. At least all this season He could watch Carson at play.
Jack McCaffery’s gifts always will include
Iowa Hawkeyes basketball success
As well as many new things
That he doesn’t get, we guess.
•••
Terry Toohey knows one thing
Villanova football helped him learn.
It’s not a good idea to take
A 25-hour car ride with Mike Kern.
Matt Smith would be ecstatic
If football season never ends.
And he’s hoping for places in Delco
Where people act like they are friends.
•••
Dillon Friday writing about soccer,
Rich Flanagan covering football games.
Bruce Adams reporting for papers
All with different names. Look around in the office Empty desks, so sad. So many people missing, Yet the sports section’s never been bad.
•••
Remembering Anthony SanFilippo,
Tom McNichol and the late Bob Tennant.
John Lohn will always be missed.
To Rob Knox, Chris Vito, best wishes are sent.
There are sad memories, too,
From 2019 that weren’t so bright …
Losing Brian Freeman, Mark Locher,
Bobby Dean Franklin … God bless and good night.
•••
It’s always seemed proper
At this time to remember Those who made things special
Many another December. Terry Doyle, Karen Deeck, And Madison Bierling, Jennifer McGehean, Laura Miller …
All taken too soon from the scene.
•••
As the next year begins The months will hurry by.
We hope you’ll show kindness
To all ... or at least try.