Area coaches, athletes share holiday wish lists

Little children aren’t the only ones with Christmas wish lists.

There are many things area coaches and athletes throughout the Tri-parish area would also like to see under their trees on Dec. 25.

The following wishes were e-mailed to the SportsNet from Santa’s headquarters at the North Pole.

Chip Durham (Nicholls State University baseball coach)

“I’d like a Southland Conference appearance along with a Southland Tournament Championship. And for myself, a new pair of tennis shoes would be nice.”

B.J. Antill (amateur golfer and assistant to the golf pro at Ellendale Country Club)

“Hmmm … well, I wanted to get a new driver, but I already bought that as a present to myself. A new PlayStation 3 would be nice. I already own Nintendo Wii and an Xbox, so it would be cool to have the (video) gaming trifecta.”

Duane Ring (Vandebilt Catholic swimming coach)

“I feel pretty fulfilled with two state champion swimming teams, but I guess my only wish would be to see the tradition continue.

“In order to do that, I wish for some stronger swimmers on the boys’ team to step up and fill the voids left by those that graduated last year and those who will graduate this year.

“And on a personal level, I guess I could not wish for anything more than good health and well-being for me and my family.”

Jesse Turner (standout running back for Ellender Memorial High School)

(Laughs) “I would like a car, maybe a Mercedes Benz. I’d also like to get a (football) scholarship offer from Southern Miss.”

Eddie Cole (E.D. White cross country coach)

(Laughs) “I wish for some peace and quiet. I also wish that our assistant boys’ basketball coach, Benton Ford, can get his CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) so he can take over my job of driving the team to its games.”

Justin Verdin (MMA coach of Team Extreme at his gym, Extreme Fitness)

“I wish for more room to hold my boxing ring in my gym.”

Ron Alcorn (Thibodaux Recreation Director)

“The only thing I want is for God to keep blessing me with good health and the strength to continue to be a good provider for my family. I’d wish that God keeps watching over my family and continues blessing us the way he has.”

Randy Boquet (South Terrebonne boys’ and girls’ soccer coach)

“Number one, I’d like to bring a district championship to South Terrebonne in soccer.

“Number two, I’d like to continue spending quality time with my family.

“And number three, I’d like a lifetime movie pass to AMC Houma Palace 10.”

Jonathan Richard (co-captain of Team Backdraft paintball team)

“I wish for more outside paintball sponsorships from companies unrelated to the sport.

“I also wish for paintball to be more in the mainstream and recognized as a major sport.”

Mary Cavell (E.D. White girls’ volleyball coach)

(Laughs) “I’d like to say a state title, but more importantly, I’d really like to see peace on earth.

“I’d like to see the war come to an end, and I’d like to see tranquility in all areas of life.

“I’d also like to see the country get back to the roots of its faith.”