I can't thank the players, coaches and student managers of Saint Ignatius' varsity football and basketball teams enough for the kindness they expressed to this old-timer over the past few weeks.

After the Saint Ignatius versus Mentor regional playoff game, in which all of us on the sidelines were battling some tough weather conditions (the coldest I've experienced in what are now 44 years of coverage), the Wildcats players and football team managers were so concerned about how bad I was shivering, that they got together and recently presented me with a thick and warm winter blue jacket trimmed with gold lining pockets, the new gold and blue Wildcat logo and my designation with the program. That makes two outstanding coats this corner has ready for Mother Nature, as my beautiful daughter Suzanne Patton, my caring and thoughtful son-in-law Brian Thomas Patton and my eldest grandchild, the remarkable Caitlin Patton, presented me with a one-of-a-kind fall jacket for my birthday. Bring on the snow, the ice and those late November Byers Field wind gusts.

Speaking of birthdays, this old Capricorn just celebrated another one on Sunday. After Monday's varsity basketball practice in Sullivan Gymnasium, Wildcats head coach Sean O'Toole told me to come down to the coaches' office, that we were going to talk about this weekend's big game at St. Edward.

Well, sitting on the table was a huge Birthday Cake from Coach O'Toole, his assistants and the young men I have the privilege to report on in the winter - the 2013-14 Saint Ignatius Varsity Basketball Team.

Coach O'Toole, veteran assistant coaches Kirk Culler and Brian Carey, and the Wildcats players treated me to a rendition of "Happy Birthday" that would have brought a smile to the face of the renowned and celebrated composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim.

Gentlemen, I am blessed to be part of you. THANK YOU doesn't even begin to say enough!