Editor, Times-Union: Great points in your Dec. 23 article, Roger! If there were any sports’ regular seasons that had active game schedules before and after the week of July 4th, I believe you would not even see an IHSAA moratorium on that week either. I would like to have been in the IHSAA conference room to find out the pros and cons discussed that formed the basis for the additional two games. With that said, since Christmas and New Year will now book-end high school holiday tournaments in perpetuity, let's grab some popcorn and try to embrace this bittersweet reality ... especially if we don’t get the time for, or the privilege of, spending the holiday somewhere in the Tropic of Cancer. I enjoyed the Merrillville-Warsaw game nonetheless, and I looked at some of the upsides ... and you're right! Gate revenue was not one of them. However, the fans who were able to attend were treated to a possible regional rematch. Other upsides ... the Warsaw athletic staff hosts and manages events like these very professionally. I bet the opponents appreciated the quality of the facilities and the hospitality services in place to alleviate the anxious wait between games. The selection of opponents was well done ... suitable for preparing the Tigers for the rigors of the post season. It would be nice to see a reversing trend toward a quieter Christmas sports season, but since it is unlikely that will happen, let’s hope the quality of opponents are worth staying in town to watch. Chip Davenport Warsaw, via email
