The Week Before Christmasat McMurry University

by Dave Beyer, Sports Information Director

(with apologies to Clement C. Moore)

‘Twas the week before Christmas,and all through the gym,no athlete was stirring,…neither her…neither him.

Each War Hawk departed,having gone their own way.A break in the seasonfor the Yule holiday.

Back in their homes,feet up on the table,Xbox and Wii were the skills now most able.

! e nets were all hungFrom the rims with great care.Awaiting the basketballsA’piercing the air.

! e backboards all polished,stood " rm at attention.“Holmes Court” was immaculateand of perfect dimension.

But I turned on my heelsand # icked o$ the light.! ere would be no hoopsin Kimbrell Arena this night.

“Pass, Dasher!” “Dribble, Dancer!”“Shoot, Prancer!” “Score, Vixen!”“Hustle, Comet!” “Defense, Cupid!”“Press, Donner!” “Rebound, Blitzen!”

! e door made a creak,and I saw Santa’s image,point directly at me and ask:“Care to join in a scrimmage?”

I glanced at those antlers,and assessing the danger,declined to play versus,eight, 6-foot-9 reindeer.

Halfway down the hall,I heard the familiar soundof basketballs bouncing!! e echoes abound!

I peeked back inside,to see what was the racket.And there stood St. Nick,in a Dallas Mavericks jacket.

He barked out instructionsfrom around center court.His chubby legs stretchinghis polyester shorts.

But Santa’s short, portly bodywas not that of a kid.So I suggested with boldness:“How ‘bout one-on-one instead?”

He gave me a wink,then tossed me the ball, saying:“Winner’s outs. Game to 10.”! at’s all?

I took my " rst dribble,and he made a steal.At that moment I realized:Santa’s for real!

He popped a short jumper.! en a seven-foot sky hook.A lay-up; two free throws.His skills I mistook!

With the score 8-to-zero,o’er me he did soar.A Nike “swoosh” adornedthe boots that he wore.

With a powerful dunk,Santa " nished the game.Quickly departing.Much as he came.

From somewhere above,I heard his voice clear:“Merry Christmas my friend...…and better luck next year.”

HOOP-Y

HOLIDAYS!