Viewpoint: Good wishes for plenty in 2009

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As 2008 finally comes to a close, it’s time to look back at the year that was and look forward to what could be a banner year for many area high school and college programs in DeKalb County.

This past year produced plenty of momentous occasions for a lot of coaches, players and programs. Area fans had the opportunity to see former Sycamore pitcher Will Strack throw a no-hitter against crosstown rival DeKalb and win the Western Sun Conference MVP award.

The Northern Illinois football team rebounded from a dismal final year under Joe Novak to have one of the best turnarounds among Football Bowl Subdivision  teams and earn a surprising Independence Bowl bid.

The Kishwaukee volleyball team continued its stranglehold on the NJCAA Division II by winning its third straight national championship. The Kougars extended their streak of Tournament MVP awards to three as Ashley Beyer claimed the award, while Ron Sweet won his third Coach of the Year award.

Fans of the DeKalb boys basketball team have enjoyed watching the continuing development of center Jordan Threloff, who will become the first NCAA Division I basketball player to come out of the area since I started here at the Daily Chronicle in 2003.

However, 2009 looks to have even more joyous occasions in store. So with the new year promising to be another exciting sports year for the area sporting world, it is time to dish out our annual New Year’s wishes.

To DeKalb center Jordan Threloff: that your wishes of playing for a big-time program come true. His numbers steadily have improved throughout the season, and so has the interest in colleges.

To Northern Illinois men’s basketball coach Ricardo Patton: that Threloff decides to stay here and play for the Huskies. It would be a win-win situation for the program. Northern Illinois would receive a much-needed boost in the middle, and area fans finally would have a reason to head over to the Convocation Center.

To Kishwaukee volleyball coach Ron Sweet: another NJCAA Division II national championship, or having an NCAA Division I program finally come calling for your services. He already notched one goal of becoming the first coach to win three straight national titles, now it’s time to accomplish another.

To Jenna Thorp and the Hinckley-Big Rock girls basketball team: a speedy recovery so Thorp can come back in time to lead the Royals to a deep run in the IHSA Class 1A state tournament. Thorp and the Royals have been close during her first two years, and a healthy Thorp can spell a state appearance.

To Northern Illinois football coach Jerry Kill: another bowl bid. The first year went beyond expectations with a 6-6 record and a bowl bid. And with the program heading in the right direction, hopefully it will lead to more bowl bids and better players.

Also to Kill: a wide receiver to compliment a strong running game and developing Chandler Harnish at quarterback. Either that or stick-um. The Huskies saw too many dropped passes this season, especially at crucial times.

To former NIU tailback Michael Turner: an NFL MVP award. Turner’s first year as a starter shocked every football fan that isn’t familiar with the Huskies and MAC football. Hopefully he will get rewarded for his outstanding play.

To Genoa-Kingston football coach Bill McCarty: another chance to get to the state championship game. The Cogs were close in accomplishing a goal that hasn’t happened since winning the title in 1977.

To Sycamore girls basketball coach Ryan Picolotti: more wins. This year has been a banner season for the Spartans, as the program won more games through two months than the previous two years combined. Hopefully they will be rewarded when the postseason comes around.

And to our readers: a healthy and safe 2009. May the new year bring everything you want and then some.

Nick Gerts can be reached at ngerts@daily-chronicle.com