Who’s been naughty and who’s been nice? Santa Hague knows

Well, believe it or not, it’s that time of year, even if the thermometer says otherwise.

It’s time for the jingling of bells and the wishing of good cheer. It’s time for caroling and joyous celebrations. It’s time for Steve Harvey to totally butcher the Miss Universe contest, but that’s another thing altogether.

Yes, it’s once again Christmas time, boys and girls. It’s time to judge who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. It’s time for Santa Hague to reach into his giant bag and give presents to deserving local sports figures.

So without further ado, here’s the Santa Hague Gift Column for 2015. Ho, ho, hardy ho ho.

We will start geographically south and work our way with the sleigh northward.

For our friends in Harrison, let’s start with athletic director Kim Huaranga, the Best Friend of the Year award. Your buddy had a real tough time this year and you were right next to her every step of the way – and remain that way. So congrats to you on being a great friend.

For baseball coach Jairo Mendez, a few righthanded pitchers who can pitch like Jairo Mendez.

For basketball coach Noel Colon, a few power forwards who play as hard as some guy named Noel Colon played.

For girls’ soccer coach Raphael Viana, a weather forecaster that will predict when some large sportswriter wants to come take pictures, because that means it’s going to rain that day – a lot. Never fails. It’s like it only rains in Harrison. And while we’re giving gifts, let’s give Raph a good razor.

For girls’ basketball coach Al Ruiz, a book entitled “Whatever Goes Around, Comes Around,” and hands the book to the Queen of Peace coaching staff.

For boys’ soccer coach Mike Rusek, a few more goals come November so that the Blue Tide’s state tournament game doesn’t have to go to the silly penalty kicks.

For assistant coach Mickey Rusek, more grandkids to stroll around the parks with.

For retired AD and girls’ basketball coach Jack Rodgers, nothing. The man needs nothing. He lives the life of Riley every single day. We all wish we could have Rodg’s life. For retired school official Alan Doffont, good health and happiness. Boy, does he deserve that.

For retired principal Ron Shields, a chance to market the “Fountain of Youth” serum he takes daily to look and act young. Shields seriously looks like he’s 35 and would look younger if he didn’t have white hair. The man is a marvel.

For Bobby Gerris, your buddy may be gone for three years, but we never forgot how wonderful of a friend you were to him. We could never begin to thank you enough.

That goes ditto for Kearny soccer legend Hugh O’Neill, who treated Jay Costello more than “just a regular guy.”

For Harrison softball coach Carmine Ronga, an autographed bobble head doll of CC Sabathia and a power pitcher who throws strikes. And a broccoli rabe and sausage sandwich from Biggie’s.

For Harrison football coach….wait, they don’t have one.

In Kearny, for athletic director John Millar, a spot in the NJSIAA Hall of Fame, which he totally deserves.

For girls’ basketball coach Jody Hill, air conditioning in the Kearny gym so her basketball camp in July isn’t held in stifling conditions.

For boys’ basketball coach Bob McDonnell, a newspaper that cares about summer and fall league game scores. Not to mention, some recognition for doing a spectacular job in not the easiest of situations.

For boys’ soccer coach Bill Galka, a road map that will lead Galka and his team out of the state playoffs.

For girls’ soccer coach Vin Almeida, another stud goal scorer like the one he had with Amber Crispin.

For football coach John Kryzanowski, the last line of the neighborhood eye doctor’s eye chart and a hug for whoever it was that devised the schedule that keeps him far away from the Hudson County powerhouses.

For baseball coach Frank Bifulco, the book “How to Climb out of a Hole.” And more assistants like Doug Gogal.

For softball coach Jimmy Pickel, a few wins in the state tournament.

For my friends in North Arlington, for athletic director Dave Hutchinson, the Athletic Director of the Year award from the NJIC. No one does a better job with no staff than Dave.

For boys’ basketball coach Rich Corsetto, the autobiography of George Hamilton.

For boys’ soccer coach Jesse Dembowski, another goal scorer like Cristiano Neves.

For girls’ soccer coach Dan Farinola, the 2016 pocket reminder so he keeps up with all the jobs he has and another goal scorer like Joanna Seca.

For baseball coach Paul Marcantuono, the chance to sell some of his vowels to the “Wheel of Fortune” game show and a thermal hoodie to wear for the first two weeks of the season.

For football coach Anthony Marck, more kids to coach against like his son, Zack.

For my friends in Lyndhurst, for athletic director Jeff Radigan, the speed dial from Butch Servideo’s old phone.

For football coach Rich Tuero, a few more players like Matt DeMarco.

For girls’ soccer coach Kim Hykey, the “I Survived the First 100 Days of Marriage” handbook.

For boys’ soccer coach Denis Jelcic, a new sport that combines daredevil skating and hockey.

For retired AD Butch Servideo, a three-wood to complement his golf game.

For girls’ basketball coach John Cousins, a full-time job in the district and about 2,000 atta-boys for a job well done.

For boys’ basketball coach Tom McGuire, patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

For my friends at Queen of Peace, for new girls’ basketball coach Jiovanny Fontan, a handbook that teaches new coaches when enough is enough. Running up scores like 87-10 is not how one makes friends and influences people.

For football coach Jim Kelly, a complete recovery from last fall’s major health scare and about 20 legitimate football players.

For baseball coach Nick Edwards, a patented response to give to people when they ask, “What the hell are you doing?”

For the powers-that-be at QP, prove this guy wrong. Go out and show the world that you truly care about athletics and about kids and not worried about what some stupid sportswriter puts in his column. Do the right thing and you’ll become a thankless anonymous entity.

For whoever takes over for Nick Mazzolla as QP track coach, good luck. It won’t be easy replacing someone as beloved and as dedicated as Nick. He will be sorely missed.

For my friends in Nutley, to athletic director Joe Piro, the intestinal fortitude to see this new football conference come to its fruition. And the finest Cuban cigar on the planet.

For baseball/basketball coach Bob Harbison, a piece of mind that the powers-that-be are leaving him alone and letting Harbison do what he does best – coach.

For football coach Tom Basile, a duplicate of 2015. Just turn the clock back and do it all over again – but this time, with a different ending, like a state title.

For girls’ basketball coach Larry Mitschow, about two more players like Blair Watson. OK, maybe one.

For girls’ soccer/wrestling coach Mike DiPiano, no changes. Just keep life going along like it should, because things are pretty nice in his world.

For boys’ soccer coach Marcellino Marra, a true 30-goal scorer.

For my friends in Belleville, for new AD Dan Senacore, good luck and continue in the traditions of people like the late Karen Fuccello and Tom D’Elia.

For boys’ basketball coach Jim Stoeckel, about 15 more wins after the good win against Waldwick to begin the season.

For football coach Joe Fischer, a win or two. Not a bad place to start.

For volleyball coach John Spina, recognition for being the school’s most successful coach.

For all of our great people at the Observer, especially General Manager Bob Pezzolla and people like Michelle Rybeck, Ron Leir, Karen Zautyk, webmaster supreme Kevin Canessa, and the woman who runs the office, Diana Crespo, thanks for another great year putting my words on your pages.

And for the readers of the Observer, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays and thanks for reading. We need you to keep us going, so thanks again. Santa Hague is off to spread his Christmas cheer on others. You all continue to be naughty or nice