More often than not, I like to put together a sports column for this week with many things I’m thankful for. Some are serious, others are sarcastic as that’s my primary language. Here are a few things I’m thankful for as we get set to dig into some dead, flightless bird on Thursday.

•Star Valley Football: I’ve covered teams that have won and teams that haven’t. This last decade or so for the Braves has been a pleasure with the dominant run they’ve been on. These are truly great times if you’re a local high school sports fan. Soak it in and enjoy it.

•The End of the 2024 Wyoming Football Season: Part of the great disappointment of this season is my own doing. I drank several gallons of the off-season Kool-Aid and now staring a two-win season in the eye is my reward for high expectation. There are a few positives to look forward to for next season, but this year has been a debacle for Jay Sawvel and the new staff after taking over for Craig Bohl. Life is like that sometimes, you need to be slapped upside the head with the hockey stick of perspective before you can fully appreciate something good again.

•SVI Media: There are times when the broadcast gig can be a grind or a challenge. There are high expectations for what we do that have been built up over many years and we try and add to our product in an effort to distribute the best product we can. But the positives far outweigh the negatives and I’m grateful to be a part of an exciting type of job that I have input in on a regular basis. That’s not always been the case.

•Good Family: I’ve got some of the best and I’m grateful for them. Not just amazing siblings and their spouses, but two great kids and this year my first granddaughter. Who knew?

•Relatively Good Health: In the past 18 months I’ve broken some ribs, had a herniated disc and most notably, at least for me, a pinched sciatic nerve which drove me to the limits of my pain tolerance last winter. Thankfully professionals at Star Valley Health and my brother at Aspen Physical Therapy were able to help me. So while I’m not exactly running the Turkey Trot this week, I am grateful to be feeling better than I was less than a year ago at this time.

•Amazing Friends: During that time with health struggles, I had some friends and their family who went above and beyond to help me in a time when I have never been more in need of personal help. Selfless efforts on my behalf were made and I am very grateful for that.

•New Washington Ownership: No, not the election. I’m talking about the Commanders, formerly the Redskins, formerly the team owned by Dan Snyder who was possibly the worst sports team owner in history. That’s saying something. Now with a new owner, the franchise if renewed and has their franchise quarterback.

•Coconut Cream Pie: Really? This needs an explanation?

•Our Readers and Listeners: Without you, I’d be writing to myself or talking in a room with one other person. The fact that people out there like what we do for the most part is very gratifying and I thank you all for that.