Modest goals: Things I'd like to see in '08-'09

I'm not greedy. Really, I'm not. Especially after seeing the men's hockey team win the national title.

Thus, this list won't be filled with things like "Football team wins the national championship," "Men's hockey team goes undefeated," or "Lauren Wiedmeier wins Patty Kaz." This is just a list of a few modest, attainable goals that I'd really like to see BC accomplish in the upcoming season.

-Baseball team qualifies for the ACC tournament

BC has shown signs of progress in baseball since joining the ACC, but nobody is under the illusion that they are on the verge of becoming a powerhouse. But Sliding into the #8 spot is certainly possible for the Eagles, and to do so the year the ACC baseball tournament is hosted at Fenway Park would be extra sweet. I really want to be able to sit back at Fenway and watch the Eagles participate in the ACC tournament. Make it happen!

-Women's Basketball team qualifies for NCAA tournament

Year 1 of the Crawley Era could obviously go either way. We could take the Jags route, upgrading with the debut of an exciting, new coach; or we could take the Katie King route, taking a step back with an inexperienced regime. The talent, however, is undeniable - BC has a young, strong team that could very well be comfortably within the top 6 of the ACC. That ought to be enough to get into the NCAAs. I think that Crawley, just like Jags, represents change we can believe In. YES WE CAN!

-Women's hockey team cleans up against the bottom feeders

I think every team in every sport looks back on the past season and pinpoints a few games that they 'should have won.'

BC women's hockey was bitten badly by that bug in '07-'08, losing once to Maine and twice to Northeastern. With the HE tournament field expanding to six teams, qualifying that should be a mortal lock (knock on wood). But if BC is going to make it into the Big Dance, they're going to have to beat up on the weaker teams in Hockey East.

-A loud, sellout crowd for banner-raising night against Wisconsin

This isn't too much to ask, is it? I didn't think so. Assuming the banner is actually finished and ready to be hung on Opening Night (always a question mark at BC), it should be a memorable evening at Conte Forum.

-Men's basketball defeats New England foes

I knew last year was probably going to be tough. That's why the games against URI, PC, UMass, NU, et. al. took on special significance - I just wanted to maintain local pride and bragging rights.

No such luck against PC and UMass. Gotta reverse that this year, especially for my first ever hoops road game @ UMass.

-BU loses the Beanpot

Now that I've seen BC win it during my time as a student, I'm less worried about actually bringing the silverware home to Chestnut Hill. Obviously, I want BC to win it. But if Harvard or, even better, Northeastern wins the 'Pot, I'll be very happy.

-Soccer teams to the Sweet 16

Both soccer teams showed great promise last year before fizzing out in the first round of NCAAs. By all indications, both will be back in contention next year. A few NCAA wins will sweeten what promises to be an exciting fall sports season. Which leads, of course, to:

-Football wins at least 8, including ND

I know it's all doom and gloom all the time in the major publications, but I'm high on Chris Crane and I think BC could contend for a berth in the ACC title game.

But since this post is all about modest goals, let's shoot for at least 8-4 and another victory over the Domers. [I know, I know, we have at least two games that are far bigger than the Notre Dame game. But be honest. If we look back at this season as another 8/9 win, Tire Bowl kind of year, wouldn't continued dominance over the Irish make it a little more memorable?]

I think that all of these things can/should happen in the upcoming year. I have loftier hopes, which I will share as the season draws closer.

In the meantime, I will continue to climb the walls, pace, watch Youtube videos, and pass the time until BC sports season finally begins.

I can't wait!