After the week we all had, it’s the understatement of the century to say we’re all ready for spring to speed things up a bit.
A once in a century ice storm can do that to you.
Unfortunately, more snow early this week has delayed some starts even more so, but there is hope on the horizon.
We will indeed have spring sports very soon.
Some have already started with some smart out of area scheduling, while others will have their start come later this week and into the weekend.
As we get underway, I began to think about the main storylines I’ll be following. The athletes, teams and scenarios I’m most looking forward to.
They’re in no particular order, but there is a top spot (if that makes sense), so I’ll start with them.
Northmen baseball follow-up
I’ve always got an eye on Petoskey baseball and Shawn Racignol’s teams. But that’s even more true this season. It’s hard not to when they’ve collected five consecutive district championships.
Last season also came with the first regional championship since 2000 for PHS and a trip into the Division 2 quarterfinals.
Know what’s scary? This PHS team might be even better.
They lost a few pieces from a year ago, but with what’s back and what’s new, expect another run.
The Northmen are a team already underway, opening over the weekend with a 2-0 day against Kingsley.
Charlevoix transfer AJ Speigl already has a double, triple and three-hit game to his credit, varsity newcomer Jonah Mattingly has a seven-strikeout, one-hit win on the mound and returnee Barrett Elliott has a three-inning no-hitter victory.
It should be an exciting season of PHS baseball ahead.
Harbor softball’s next step
It’s been a gradual progression for the Harbor Springs softball team.
They went from not having a team, to a program with a brand new field and still not enough to fill out a roster. Then they went from a team filled with freshmen and sophomores playing a JV schedule, to district champions last season.
The next step for the Rams is here: a full varsity schedule and eye on another district title ahead.
