By Staff
In the heat of the summer it is sometimes hard to remember to take care of a few loose ends.
So I am going to take care of that today.
On Tuesday it was announced that Wayne Gretzky would coach the Phoenix Coyotes when the National Hockey League returns to the ice this fall.
There seems to be some debate on whether or not "The Great One" will be a successful coach.
It is always hard to tell about these things, but it is my experience that great players do not make great coaches.
It seems like the players who spent more time on the bench watching the game and listening to what his or her coach had to say make the better professional coaches.
Gretzky, like his friend Larry Bird, may be the exception to the rule.
Of course, only time will tell.
Gretzky is smart enough to surround himself with great assistant coaches and he has already started.
Speaking of hockey, I have been pretty quiet about the return of the National Hockey League.
I love hockey and I missed the game, but the game has monumental problems that still need to be addressed.
I hope that league officials find a way to make the game more palitable for American audiences.
It was great to see the National Football League back on television over the weekend.
I don't spend much time watching professional football, but with the preseason under way, that means that college football is just around the corner.
I expect big things from Michigan this season, both in the Big Ten Conference and in the chase for the national championship.
I am also interested in seeing how Notre Dame will do with new coach Charlie Weis and what Michigan State will do in its second season under John L. Smith.
One of my favorite events is about to take place.
The U.S. Open is not your usual Grand Slam tennis tournament.
It's more like a rock concert.
The crowds are rowdy and the tennis is great.
If you have never checked it out, take time to tune in. It is definitely worth the time.
Fall sports practice is under way. Football started on Monday and golf practice is set to begin later this week.
There is no more exciting time in area sports than the start of another year of high school athletics. Let the games begin.