Sorry, Bret Breedlove.

My apologies, Glenn Brower.

Mr. Bergmann, there’s always next year, right?

Keep practicing, Jim Nicholas — along with your team.

Thanks for the encouraging words, Todd Bowser. Just know that the attempt will be to still make this tournament happen.

OK, it’s about time I explain what’s going on, huh?

In the very first issue of The News for 2002, I passed along in this editorial space three wishes for the year. To review, the three are:

  • Wish No. 1: Contractors begin insisting that their communities teach HVACR classes at the high school level.

  • Wish No. 2: An industry-wide HVACR three-on-three basketball tournament is established.

  • Wish No. 3: I win the lottery.

    To my complete disappointment, Wish No. 2 is not going to happen. I am not sure how to gauge the progress of Wish No. 1, but I have this ill feeling that this goal, too, will have to be accomplished in the coming years. Regarding Wish No. 3, the year is not quite over. The fat lady might be warming up, but she hasn’t started singing yet. There is still hope.

    BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

    Having a National HVACR 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament prior to the start of the 2003 Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating (AHR) Expo in Chicago seemed doable, based on early returns. But, like most New Year’s resolutions, the interest faded — unfortunately. By mid-year, what looked to be a slam-dunk turned into an air ball. Not good.

    Having said all of this, like any good coach would do, it’s back to the drawing board. Better strategy is needed.

    My publisher believes all of the specifics — when this tournament will take place, what arena, who can enter, etc. — need to be nailed down before the interest in the proposed b-ball tourney can be evaluated. (And that’s why John Conrad is the boss and makes the big bucks.)

    Seriously, there are some other ideas that need to be tossed out to industry associations and contractor groups. Envision, if you will, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) putting together a team, to which would then challenge, for instance, a team representing the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). Or how about Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC) taking on the top threesome from Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)?

    The possibilities are endless — including contractor groups, such as International Service Leadership (ISL) and Contractors 2000, fighting it out for the “Contractor Group Division King” crown. (Look out, WWF?)

    In order for Wish No. 2 to become reality in 2003, I shall follow my publisher’s words of wisdom and produce the exact who, what, when, where, how, and why before asking for entrants. When the facts are nailed down and “official,” you all shall be so informed in this editorial space.

    Unless, of course, Wish No. 3 becomes reality. That would make me a millionaire. And, if that were my luck, retirement would come early — which means someone else would have to take over as tournament director.

    I’ll keep you posted. In the interim, practice those three-pointers and stingy defense.

    Mark Skaer is editor-in-chief. He can be reached at 248-244-6446; 248-362-0317 (fax); markskaer@achrnews.com (e-mail).

    Publication date: 12/16/2002