By Shawn Bates
As long as I can remember even in the old days of the Observer Patriot there’s always been a local wish list for our local athletes, coaches and teams past and present .I don’t see any reason why this year should be any different from the past year’s so let’s jump into it.
For the Redman head coach and Putnam native Chad Neal another winning season and another cloned running back to take the place of Spencer Lockwood.
Next for our local basketball coaches Shawn Deary and Mandi Hogan:  a successful season playing independent and winning records for seeding in the CIAC tournament and a stocking stuffer for the Ladies, a true Big for the middle of the paint to dominate play!
Can‘t forget the little team:
For Derek Coderre: another run into the QVJC tournaments like last year and to bring home some hardware to hang on the long wall by the gym! And one more present under the tree. Another undefeated baseball season for coach Coderre and a stud pitcher to bring all home.
For these characters:
 Jon Miller and April Charvez:  a bunch of talented soccer players from the middle school to fill the holes left behind by the graduating seniors. And a successful new beginning back in the ECC conference .And of course another run in the CIAC tourney!
Some more basketball why not:
For Tommy Espinosa, Josh Scraba and the PSA staff: a championship banner to unveil next Mustang Madness!
How about A Retiree: For legendary coach and Putnam native Tom Auclair: some warm sun and a box of Titleist Pro Vs to chase around the golf courses.
And maybe for some local veterans: for Alan Joslin and Mr. Legion Ron Coderre: another successful project from the Putnam American Legion post to beautify our town like the banners that celebrate our local hometown heros. Well done,  gentlemen, well done!
How about some local baseball: For TriTown: another year of both programs making the state of Connecticut Legion tournament and for the coaching staff and executive to run another outstanding program in which others try to mirror!
For local baseball guy David Austin: the gentle nudge to come out of retirement so he may return to the coach’s box to pass on the knowledge that so many players need in this area.
For the guys we love to hate, the officials: For the Vitale brothers Peter and Andrew: more varsity games in the area and for the dad Dave to make sure that happens for local soccer.
For the assistant fire marshal and fellow smoke-eater Scott Belleville: a full baseball and basketball schedule, your talent behind the dish and the hardwood are being wasted doing the lower level games a solid official hard work pays off!
How about some football: For the QV Pride head coach Joe Asermelly: a resurgence of Putnam kids from 7 to at least double digits in numbers. And for assistant coach Kevin Dupre: some big bad nasty talented linesman to teach.  Let’s see a tournament berth next season.
Did I just hear Fore? How about coach Rob Loomis and his Putnam golf team: a season of being under par and no rain in sight at Connecticut National!
And last but not least for all the crazy sports junkies , players and coaches past and present a Merry Christmas and, of course, a happy New Year !