George Ferguson: Times are still tough no doubt, but, there's plenty to look forward to in 2022

Ready or not, here comes 2022. And while it's always a good feeling to look forward to a new year, it sure does feel a lot like most off us are Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day." And not because it's bitterly cold in Havre as 2021 draws to a close, either.

No, it feels like "Groundhog Day" because, the end of 2021 feels almost exactly like the end of 2022 - with COVID-19 front and center. Yes, in all facets of everyday life, including the sports world, COVID is, and will continue to be the story, at least for the foreseeable future.

And that's why it's gotten increasingly frustrating to dare to look too far ahead.

Still, there are things to look forward to in 2022 - including maybe, just maybe, the world finding some sense of normalcy again. I know I, like everybody, looks forward to that, though, the pessimist in me won't be holding my breath. And yet, even if things don't get back to normal, life, and sports, will go on, and on those fronts, there's plenty to be excited about.

So, while COVID will never be too far from my mind, here's some things I'm looking forward to in 2022.

While I despise winter more and more, I am looking forward to the return of the All-Class State Wrestling Tournament in Billings. After a hiatus last year because of the pandemic, hopefully, one of the greatest sports spectacles in our state will be back in February.

On the wrestling front, I'm also looking forward to seeing if Montana State University-Northern's Isaac Bartel can repeat as an NAIA national champion in March.

Of course, repeating is what the Havre High girls basketball team does, and in Missoula in March, the Blue Ponies will try and cut the nets down for the fourth time in the last five years. Seeing that never gets old.

Eventually, winter will also turn to spring, and then summer, and that's when my own sports really kick in. I can't wait to coach my 19th year of Blue Pony high school tennis. We have great teams and great kids, and it's something I never stop looking forward to. I also can't wait to get back on the golf course. When you live where we do, there's nothing quite like hitting the links after a long, nasty winter.

I also can't wait to hit the trails. Many think I'm crazy, but hiking in places like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness with my wife has become a true passion of mine, and it's something I literally count the months and days until we can do it again.

Summer, though, will soon give way to fall, and I look forward to things like coaching golf, going to Blue Pony Stadium on a cool autumn night, and taking my place inside Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula. Of course, all of us will look forward to the 121st Brawl of the Wild, when the Griz invade what might be the defending FCS national champion Bobcats next November in Bozeman. Did I really just say that? Wow.

Then, when Cat-Griz ends, it will be time for winter, time to put up my Christmas lights, time for hoops to return and, time to look forward to 2023, just like I'm doing with 2022 right now.

I told you it feels like "Groundhog Day." Maybe it's not just because of COVID, though, maybe it's because I'm getting old.

Either way, Happy New Year everyone, Stay safe, stay healthy, and whatever you look forward to in 2022, I wish you all the best.