As 2014 comes to a close, I realize that it has been a pretty good year in many aspects.

There were some low spots personally, but overall I would have to say that the sports year had a lot of special moments.

The biggest moment when it comes to regional sports may be sometime today when and if Jim Harbaugh is formally announced as the 20th football coach at the University of Michigan.

After watching the Wolverines go through one of their worst seasons in school history, it has been interesting watching the wheels turn as Michigan tried to lure Harbaugh away from the National Football League and back to Ann Arbor where he was an All-American quarterback for the Wolverines.

The other two college teams we pay close attention two — Notre Dame and Michigan State — have had their ups and downs this season.

Both can finish on a high note in their respective bowl games.

The Fighting Irish are facing LSU in the Music City Bowl tonight, while the Spartans will take on Baylor in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day.

Regardless of the outcome for Michigan State, the result will be bitter sweet as long-time defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi will be coaching his final game for the “Gang Green” as he has already been named the new Pittsburgh Panthers coach.

Closer to home, Edwardsburg, Brandywine and Cassopolis all reached the football playoffs with the Eddies reaching the state semifinals before falling in the closing seconds to eventual state champion Grand Rapids South Christian 50-48.

Christian went on to win 28-27 over Lansing Sexton.

I still believe that had Edwardsburg found a way to beat the Sailors, the Eddies would have been state champions.

As usual, there were some coaching changes at the various high schools and only time will tell if those changes will work out for better or worse.

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and I hope that you are able to keep your resolutions more than a few days or even weeks.

But, if not, make some new ones and start over.

 

Scott Novak is sports editor for Leader Publications. He can be reached at scott.novak@leaderpub.com.