In the spirit of the season, we take time to pause and reflect on what has been a bountiful 2009 sports menu and count our blessings.

So, put down that remote control, hoist a drumstick and give a hearty thanks that:

• Quarterback Bryant Moniz walked on to the Hawai'i football team and prepared himself to do more than hold a clipboard on the sidelines.

• Shane Victorino is not only a repeat Gold Glover but a golden example to young athletes.

• Jayme Lee's heart and persistence prove on a nightly basis there is a place for so-called "under-sized" players in major college volleyball.

• America's team — well, one of them, anyway — is in the hands of Radford grad Ken Niumatalolo.

• Manoa chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw is still writing the checks that keep UH athletics afloat.

• You don't have to follow the innovative Keith Amemiya as the next executive secretary of the Hawai'i High School Athletic Association.

• The UH football team has a first-class training and medical staff — and gets the group rate on ankle, knee, finger, bicep and other care.

• You don't have to cough up the buy-out bucks for Charlie Weis.

• Brian Viloria got a second chance at a world boxing title.

• Local baseball and football had four decades of Dave Eldredge's influence.

• It has been six months since UH athletics last convened a search committee.

• Dreams come true and Dana Takahara-Dias and Bob Nash get to live theirs in the Stan Sheriff Center.

• The 800-pound gorilla finally got knocked off Michelle Wie's back.

• Wisconsin didn't buy its way out of the football schedule, too.

• Dick Tomey found his way here three decades ago and made his mark.

• A couple of generations of sportscasters had Les Keiter to help show them the way.

• In a season of injuries, center John Estes remains the "ironman" of Manoa.

• The Diamond Head Classic has the potential to put Christmas-time hoops back in big-time focus.

• Neil Everett keeps the 808 in view on SportsCenter.

• Kevin Uperesa is winning his health battle and is still coaching football.

• Kolten Wong took a scholarship and not a paycheck.

• Brigham Young University-Hawai'i has put local D-II basketball back on the map.

•You don't have to cover Greg Salas one on one.

• Mike Wilton's parting gift to UH was Jonas Umlauft

•The Sony Open in Hawai'i will return in 2011 (well, won't it...hello? hello?)

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.