https://www.happyherald.com/articles.sec-8527-1-sports-feature.html May is always an unusual month in our parts. It’s not yet summer but no longer winter; spring in our state is always a mystery to me, a state of mind rather than a noticeable change.]]> The calendar may say April, but our changing climate is such that April now, at times, feels like August.]]> March in South Florida used to mean something quite different, with sports fans able to enjoy PGA Golf Tournaments, auto racing, horse racing, tennis tournaments and spring training baseball.]]> Most of the time this column tries to speak to an audience both in and outside of South Florida, a reality consistent with how today’s information is consumed]]> Whenever you do a year in review piece, the temptation is to focus on the big picture, at the expense of more modest accomplishments. And to be honest, we’ll probably do the same thing here – but at least we admit it!]]> December already? Where did the year go? Well, for football fans, it starts in the heat of summer, when so much promise abounds – only to be dashed by the harsh winds of November.]]> So, you’re the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, fresh off a thrilling Finals victory over the Edmonton Oilers, after which you left your fans singing in the rain following your victory parade.]]> Two issues ago (or however many months ago it was for you) I predicted the records for the state’s major college football programs (and yes, apologies to UCF, which is undefeated as of this writing) and though it’s early, it’s time for a reset.]]> Quick: what were you doing in the year 2000? (apart from worrying about whether computers were going to be confused by the Millenium changeover, and end up taking over civilization). In school? First job? Unmarried?]]> At some point this fall, assuming we ever get out of the infernal heat wave otherwise known as summer, the average football fan will turn on his or her viewing device to watch their favorite college football team.]]> As we swing into the quiet season for most of our sporting interests (aside from our friends who enthusiastically participate in water sports), there remains one team stuck somewhere between “who cares” and “who are those guys?”]]> What do these stories have to do with a misunderstanding in Kentucky over a traffic accident? Maybe nothing. Or maybe it’s another chance for us to ask ourselves, collectively, who we are, what we stand for, and for whom we should be applauding? ]]> Often when composing our monthly meeting, your scribe forgets to include the many hockey fans who live in our area – either seasonally or permanently. Well, not today.]]> When it comes to predicting the fortunes of the local baseball team, you might have better luck using a Ouija board, or consulting the nearest psychic. Such are the vagaries of the game. Miami’s Marlins are a perfect example. ]]> So buckle up, state of Florida hoop fans, as the best part of the season is about to play itself out. A wise man once said sports is considered the best unscripted drama we have going today – and we’re about to see the latest chapter unfold.]]> The tsunami of resignations/firings/retirements in the NFL and college football this past month left those who watch or comment on such matters wondering who was going to take their places, sort of a musical chairs for people and jobs not accustomed to being in that situation. ]]> A new year brings with it the idea of commencement. That is, the finality of one task while simultaneously beginning a new challenge. In South Florida, we look back on 2023 with mostly good memories, but there were also lumps of coal in our collective sports stockings.]]> Now as any good Heat fan understands (or Heatians as they’re known), guessing what will happen with this year’s squad is nearly impossible. For proof, I direct your attention to last year’s NBA preview column, wherein a certain writer predicted doom and gloom, because the local team hadn’t made any perceived changes to be successful.]]> The late Don Meredith used to end his Monday Night Football broadcasts with an homage to Willie Nelson by warbling out his version of “The Party’s Over,” usually signaling the game was no longer in doubt.]]> One of the benefits of writing a pro football preview, after the season starts, is you have the advantage of evaluating a team’s early performance – how its best players are doing, and most importantly – who gets hurt (talking to you, NY Jets fans).]]>