Columnists often assume the power of God in their condemnations of people and places. But today I'm going to wear the mantle of a lesser divinity, Santa Claus.

I'm looking down a wish list compiled by members of the Harvard athletic community. Some of the requests are rather surprising.

Hockey Coach Bill Cleary is not asking for an ECAC Championship or an NCAA Tournament crown, things his team seems capable of winning on its own. All he wants for Christmas is a pot of beans.

The Crimson has not won the Beanpot Tournament--the annual February get-together of Boston's four hockey powers (Harvard, Boston College, Boston University and Northeastern)--in eight years. In fact, the Crimson has not advanced beyond the first game in eight years.

The consolation game has never offered much consolation to Harvard. If the team wanted to skate in front of empty seats, it could call a midnight practice at Bright Center.

Harvard faces B.C. in the first round of this year's 'Pot on Februrary 6. The Crimson nipped the Eagles, 4-3, at Bright in late November. But don't expect Harvard to be as successful this time.

The ice surface at Boston Garden is small and rough. Skating skills, a Harvard staple, are not as important as bruising skills. A hockey maxim: bigger players are better on a small ice surface. And B.C. is bigger.

Harvard basketball Coach Peter Roby is asking for an Ivy League championship. Of course, he has asked for an Ivy title for the last three years.

He's like the little boy who every year asks for a train set and every year gets a pair of long underwear.

Harvard has a fine backcourt. Guards Mike Gielen and Ralph James are as good as any pair in the league. Small forward Neil Phillips can hold his own with anyone.

The frontcourt has been strengthened this year by the addition of freshman Ron Mitchell.

Can these players pull together and bring Harvard its first Ivy championship?

The Crimson's chief competition will come from Dartmouth (with sharp-shooter Jim Barton) and the University of Pennsylvania (a recent winner over nationally-ranked Villanova).

I forget, coach, do you wear large or extra large?

Check out your neighborhood New Year's party for some athletic fun couples: