Jay Resha's Westword Sports: New Years Resolutions

By: Jay Resha

“New year, new me…” I keep hearing this phrase at this time of year. I mostly chuckle – count me among the cynics, I guess. I drive by the gyms with their overflowing parking lots this month. I’ll drive by again in February and see the parking lots back to half-full or less. I realize that the overarching issue here is that I keep driving by but never actually go in…but let’s not dwell on stuff like that.

In the meantime, let’s turn our attention to sports – where it belongs! – and examine some of my resolutions for 2026.

I resolve to thank Morgan Donahue in print and in real life every time the opportunity presents itself. If any of you think I devote a lot of hours to Westwood sports, may I kindly refer you to a guy who does about a hundred times what I do!? There has to be some Clark Kent stuff going on with him, too…like when I see him interviewing kids after a game, and I’m scrolling through reels that he just posted, but I could swear I just walked by and saw him in the press box, too. Bravo, buddy.

I resolve to get even nerdier than I already am, and study the stats and standings and schedules of all our local teams even more.

It’s a lot to cover. So, if I fail at that one…I will just text Morgan.

I resolve to play some golf this summer. Used to play every week. Lately only a time or two each year. Free time is always hard to come by, but we all could use a few hours outdoors. Even if there is much anger and cursing (and that’s just in my car, while driving to the golf course!)

It’s a ways away still, but I resolve to make the most of the upcoming football season. Westwood Gridiron has done such a fantastic job for the program these past few years. Sponsor dollars plus parent participation equals a program poised for growth, and even greater on-field success. I benefit from their efforts and also assist in them, as I continue to do my part in the booth. I have just two seasons left with a kid on the team, and after that I’ll just be one of those old guys who volunteers, so with apologies to the next eight months…I already can’t wait for September!

I went to a great New Years Eve party where I met quite a few parents of younger kids, and the next day I resolved to talk more about my time with Westwood Youth Softball whenever I can. Not to boast of my involvement or presidency, but because I want to encourage younger parents who might be hesitant to help out, as I once was. My time is long past now, but I remember it all, and I’m so appreciative of those years. I was doing it for the kids…but they did so much for me, whether or not they even know it.

I resolve to continue submitting content twice a month, roughly the first and fifteenth as it has been, to Westwoodlivingsports.com. Thanks for reading – and as always, please patronize our sponsors. Keep it local!

I resolve to attend more Westwood hockey games. Our programs have been so good for so long, and I haven’t been able to go as often as I’d like. Work, kids, commitments to Westwood basketball, love of skiing…all real excuses. But there’s no excuse not to make at least a few trips down to the Canton Ice House this winter. At the home-opener, I witnessed Caleb Fengler’s game-winning goal just 14 seconds into the game! The boys now possess a 3-2 record – and the girls are 4-0, undefeated! – with the meat of the schedule in front of them. I’ll see you there.