Which stories were the best?

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Dec 8, 2008

Well, folks, I'm a year older since the last time we met. Problem is I'm not feeling a year wiser.

So I need your help.

Later this month, The Topeka Capital-Journal will run a series detailing the year's top 10 local sports stories, and we'd like you to be involved. The plan is to publish one story recap each day, counting down from No. 10 to No. 1 beginning Sunday, Dec. 21.

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I must admit the selection process won't exactly be democratic in nature. In other words, the sports staff here will have the final say in determining the top 10, and I'm quite confident the No. 1 story will have a certain Nintendo-game sound to it no matter how many purple-clad voters stuff the ballot box.

That said, your input is important to us. We'll use it to help form our final list. We'll use it to break ties. We'll use it to ensure we haven't overlooked a significant event, athlete or moment.

Bottom line, we'll use it.

It has been another tremendous sports year in these parts, as the list below attests. Take a look at the possibilities we've compiled and tell us what you think by sending your top 10 to sports@cjonline.com. If you're reading online, just punch in your list in the comments field below.

Don't feel limited by our suggestions. If you're a Royals fan who believes Mike Aviles' breakout season is a worthy of recognition, note it. If you're a diehard Kansas Koyotes supporter who thinks the team's sixth consecutive APFL championship is nothing short of mind- boggling, say so. After all, it's your list.

So get to listing. And thanks for the help.

This week's last-second shot: You don't have to be named Mack Brown or Colt McCoy to feel cheated today.

Now, don't get me wrong. Oklahoma vs. Florida has the makings of a sensational national championship game. For starters, it's the Big 12 and SEC, far and away the two best conferences this season. It also is Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow, two true college greats. Good stuff, no doubt.

But no matter how scintillating the game is, a feeling of emptiness will hang over everyone outside of Norman or Gainesville like a storm cloud. Texas got the shaft. USC, Texas Tech, Alabama and even Utah may have, too.

That's too bad. The BCS has cheapened a title -- national champion -- that should be cherished. What do the numbers say? Unfortunately, not much anymore.

Tim Bisel is the executive sports editor at The Topeka Capital- Journal. He can be reached

at tim.bisel@cjonline.com.