DaytonDailyNews.com

Here are some buzzer-beating holiday gifts for some special people:

For the University of Dayton men's basketball team: An NCAA tournament appearance.

Ohio High School Athletic Association: Separate public and private state tournaments.

Centerville boys basketball team: A long-overdue state final four appearance.

Alter football players: Shining commemorative rings befitting a football state champion that they can wear with pride.

Cincinnati Bengals: Two high draft choices who foam at the mouth and are the size of Coke machines.

Attorney-turned-author Jeff Kirby of Springboro: A spot on the New York Times best-seller list for his "Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat." A must-read.

Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage: Bill Cowher's cell number.

Brad Brownell: An outside shooting presence for his Wright State Raiders.

Another Flyers gift: A commitment from blue-chipper Adreian Payne of Jefferson.

Trotwood athletics: A year of peace.

Bill Belichick: Charisma and confirmation that he is the best in the business.

Mike Brown: A win-at-all-costs mentality and a GM. Give frustrated Bengal fans something to cheer about in 2009.

Dave Long, venerable Dayton Daily News sports reporter who is retiring next week: Thank-yous from the thousands of athletes he's covered during a career that has spanned four decades. It's truly been a privilege working with him and learning from him.

For everyone: Peace on earth, and go easy on the eggnog tomorrow.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2478

or rjackson@DaytonDailyNews.com.