By Michael Hicks
Berthoud Recorder

With tomorrow being Thanksgiving, what better time to give thanks for all of the things that I’ve been blessed with the past year. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

First and foremost, I’m thankful for my wonderful family. My wife, Jennifer, and our three children, Kodey, Brandon and Abigail. Without them and their support, wherever would I be.

I’m thankful to be serving as sports editor at the Berthoud Recorder.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to watch such talented high school athletes like Jordan Major, Kelley Arnold and Emma Otto, and it’s only been the fall season. What will the winter and spring bring?

To the Berthoud Spartans’ fifth-grade football team, I’m thankful to have shared their story of inspiration and hard work. Nobody deserves the rewards they’ve received as much as these young men.

I’m thankful for the hard work that Berthoud High School athletic director Rusty Mathena and his secretary, Bobbi Coseo, put in day in and day out. Without their efforts, only God knows how things would not only get done at the high school but in helping out the media.

To all the coaches at Berthoud High School and Turner Middle School, in particular, Dan McGinn, Mil Santos, Curt Ranweiler, Dick Klocek, Jeff Benjamin and Murray Kula, I’m thankful for your cooperation in covering your respective teams. And to the coaches that I’ve yet to meet, as your sports seasons get under way, I look forward to a healthy working relationship.

To the Colorado Eagles, I’m thankful to watch such a talented group of players. No disrespect to the Colorado Avalanche, Denver University or the Air Force Academy, but these players just might be the best hockey team in the state.

I’m thankful to have gotten to attend games with my favorite professional sports teams – the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dallas Cowboys – this year. Too bad both of them lost the night that I saw them.

I’m thankful that my beloved Virginia Cavaliers football team didn’t fall flat on its face this season when things could’ve went south a long time ago. But that loss to Duke still stings. However, it doesn’t hurt as bad as the overtime defeat to Miami a few weeks ago.

On a personal level, I’m thankful for my brother, Tim, and my sisters, Debbie and Donna. We’ve suffered some immeasurable losses this year with the passing of our grandmother and mother. I love you all and I’m thankful that we have each other.

Finally, I’m thankful that its Thanksgiving. While I’m not the biggest fan of snow – I know, I know – today marks the official start of the holiday season. And with that comes the two biggest holidays on my calendar. Yes, Christmas and my birthday. I expect a lot of presents. Just kidding.

Thank you to all the readers for your continuous support, and here’s hoping everybody is thankful for what they have.