I guess everyone looks at the new year as a way to make some self-improvements and set goals for the upcoming year. But I wonder if folks actually follow through with them. See I’ve never been one to make resolutions because I figure I’ll end up breaking them as the year goes along. So I make resolutions for other people. And most of them have to do with the Tigers so here goes. Ok, I guess I can’t expect changes out of other so I’ll add my at the end.

Tommy West–My first resolution is to improve the recruiting class. I am going to work hard to do this and expect my coaching staff to work just as hard to accomplish this. I have faith that this resolution will be completed. The second resolution is to win 10 games. I figure that number will shut the detractors up.

Dr. Shirley Raines–My first resolution would be to finally accept that an OCS stadium and making other improvements in the football program could be the cash cow for the University of Memphis. I will not fight this improvement to the school.

Memphis Fans–We will learn that blind support with our attendance, money and time is what will help build our programs. We realize that the constant complaining without offering any help does more damage than it helps. We all will join TSF to help pay for the things we demand.

John Calipari–I resolve not to lose a game this year. Look folks, this one is going to be hard. I know we only lost one game in 2007 so improving is asking for perfection. Ok, I think we can do it so I might as well make that my New Year’s resolution.

Derrick Rose–I will quit taking the circus shots.

Clay Helton–I will put together a package that gets Duke Calhoun and Carlos Singleton on the field.

Tony Reagins–As the Angels GM I will make a deal that gets a big bat without trading away our future. (I had to get one Angels resolution in there)

R.C. Johnson–I will do whatever it takes to get the University of Memphis into a BCS conference. I will do more to include former Tigers in our program. I will forgive transgressions and accept the mistakes we’ve made in dealing with our former athletes.

All former Tigers professional athletes– We will start to give back in larger numbers. We are a few that can give enough to really effect some changes.

Tigers Opponents–Our resolution is to accept the beating with class and understand that we are flimsy road blocks on the road to the Final Four for Memphis.

And mine are:
1. I will completely quit smoking by the end of March 08. I gotta do it slowly.

2. I will quit eating greasy food. Salads aren’t so bad.

3. I will be do more to help the University without upsetting my wife.

4. I will tell my family I love them more. Life is too short to not do this. I’d recommend it to everyone.

5. I will be happy with winning. If at the end of the seasons and the Tigers have more wins than losses then it is a good thing.

6. I will not be too critical of things I truly don’t understand. I know I have questioned coaches and players before. But the truth is that few of us really know what goes into a game plan or recruiting a 17-year-old kid. I figure that I might as well start telling doctors and lawyers how to do their jobs too.