With the end of this year and decade approaching. Now presents an opportunity to reflect on 2019 in Cincinnati sports. Without further ado, presenting Cincy Sports Journal’s 2019 best and worst in show.

Best athlete: Rose Lavelle

She was part of the 2019 World Cup champion US Women’s National Soccer Team. The team’s victory was the best American sports story of 2019. That is at least in the view of this sportswriter. Having a Cincinnati area connection to that team is frankly awesome. Surely something for our entire region to celebrate.

Worst athlete: John Ross

In all fairness, his teammate Cordy Glenn was a close contender for this award. After three seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver continues to be underwhelming. Struggling with injuries throughout his career so far. While dropping passes and coming up a few yards or inches short in critical moments. He tries so hard but unfortunately isn’t meeting the expectations of a first round pick.

Best coach or management: Luke Fickell

Luke Fickell had the best year compared many other local coaches. Helping Cincinnati Football end the 2010’s on a strong and encouraging note. With their first conference title game appearance in school history. Good recruiting classes, including this year’s Ohio Mr. Football Evan Prater. The first Cincinnati area player to win that award since 1992. Most of all, Fickell’s leading a winning and contending team. Something Cincinnatians aren’t able to find in their major league sports teams.

Worst coach or management: Cincinnati Bengals

In hindsight, the Bengals did half the things they needed to do in the last offseason. They brought in a new coaching staff led by Zac Taylor. Unfortunately, they didn’t make any other substantive investments in their franchise. From failing to boost their offensive or defensive lines. To failing to learn the lessons of any minor league sports franchise out there. By having nothing beyond the game to fill the often barren Paul Brown Stadium. Perhaps that changes in 2020, but Bengals fans will believe it when they see it.

Best game: Cincinnati Football’s win over UCF

This was the most significant win of the Luke Fickell era yet. With Cincinnati beating then No.18 UCF Football on October 4th. Ending UCF’s 19 game American Athletic Conference winning streak. The Cincinnati Bearcats earned a spot in the AP Top 25 as a result. Keeping a spot in that poll through the rest of the season.

Worst game: Cincinnati Basketball’s NCAA Tournament loss to Iowa

Many Cincinnati Bengals games were worthwhile contenders for this award. However, this was a disappointing end to a fantastic Cincinnati Bearcats season. One that included the Bearcats winning the AAC conference tournament. This was also the latest opening weekend loss for the Bearcats in the NCAA Tournament. It was also a disappointing way for the Mick Cronin era at Cincinnati to end.

Best team: Cincinnati Football

This was perhaps the best Bearcats football season of this decade. Appearing in their first AAC Championship Game and being unbeaten in divisional play. Cincinnati’s only blowout loss was to an Ohio State Football team that played in the College Football Playoff. The Bearcats had the potential to play in their first BCS/New Year’s Six bowl game since 2010. Being among the highest ranked Group of Five conference schools this season.

Worst team: Cincinnati Bengals

They went 2-12 and earned the first overall draft pick in 2020, enough said.

Expectations met: FC Cincinnati’s inaugural MLS season

Inaugural seasons for a professional sports team rarely go well. FC Cincinnati’s inaugural Major League Soccer season was no exception. Finishing in last place in the league with a 6-6-22 record. Giving up a league worst 75 goals and scoring a league low 31. All in a season where they sacked manager Alan Koch. Regardless of those results though, moving to the highest level is an exciting achievement for Cincinnati. FC Cincinnati’s opening home match featured the familiar energy seen in their early days.

Most entertaining: Yasiel Puig

His brief stint with the Cincinnati Reds was both memorable and electrifying. Something the Reds weren’t on the field since 2013. From being involved in two bench clearing brawls with the Pittsburgh Pirates. To being part of the Reds best trade of 2019; bringing Trevor Bauer to Cincinnati. Providing the Reds with a much needed experienced pitcher.

These are just some of the people, teams and events that made 2019 an interesting year. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!