Commentary

As the rest of the world is fully engaged in the holiday season, the sports world is no different. Here a few Christmas wishes the sports staff hopes that Santa takes into account.

For the men’s soccer team: Continued success in the NCAA Tournament, as the Billikens march ever closer to what SLU fans hope is the 11th national title in the program’s history. Cage the Cardinal and go from there.

For the women’s soccer team: That the program continues its ascension up the college soccer ranks with its first berth in the NCAA Tournament next season by maintaining its high standards and expectations.

For the men’s basketball team: That the Mizzou contest was a precursor for one of the best seasons in the program’s history. An effort like that combined with the desire to return to the NCAA could propel SLU beyond its wildest dreams.

For coach Lorenzo Romar: Recognition and respect. The man is a throwback. He is successful and actually cares about his players. He is like John Wooden. He sets high standards for his players because he holds himself to the same standards. It’s refreshing to see a coach who cares as much for his players’ success off the court as those on the court. He doesn’t use them to further his interests. They are his interests.

For the women’s basketball team: Riding the momentum of their recent four-game winning streak to its first-ever win over Mizzou on Friday night. Later on, Conference USA competition will be tough but ripe to be gobbled up by a hungry Billikens team.

For coach Jill Pizzotti: A season without injuries and success that reflects how hard the team works. Who knows how well the Billikens would have done had they not been ravaged by injuries the past two seasons. She has said that this is the most talented team she’s had here.

Without injuries, Pizzotti could make her first appearance in the NCAA Tournament with the Billikens and her hard work and determination to win would finally be recognized by a large audience.

For all SLU basketball fans and the basketball teams: An on-campus arena. The threat of the Charlotte Hornets coming to St. Louis should make everyone think. After the Mizzou showing, a 12,000-15,000-seat arena could easily be filled. Cameron Indoor Arena at Duke University isn’t much bigger than West Pine Gym. Hmmm.

For the student section at Savvis Center: Students. Santa won’t bring us our arena if we aren’t good and show that we deserve it.

For Chris Braun: No more phantom charge calls against him this year. It’s hard to foul a guy when he’s already flopped and is lying on the court.

For Marque Perry: Continued press from the national media. Monday night he showed that he’s the best point guard in the state. Heck, he outscored Kareem Rush, who’s supposed to be the best player in the country.

For Christan Shelton: Continued dominance on the offensive end of the floor, while shutting down the opponents’ best scorers as she leads the Billikens into the NCAA Tournament.

For Angie Lewis: Maintaining her string of double-double performance against Mizzou and beyond. She’s quietly becoming one of the best post players in C-USA who no one knows about.

For Mizzou basketball fans: A clue. You haven’t won anything yet. An 8-0 start and a No. 2 ranking are great, but it doesn’t mean much if you can’t deliver in March.

For all the opponents that the basketball teams play this year: Respect for SLU. Don’t take the Billikens lightly.