With spring sports underway, here are some key sporting events and games to look out for around Ashland this weekend. Hopefully, the weather doesn't get in the way, which is more than possible.
Baseball
Clear Fork at Ashland, Friday, 5 p.m.
Findlay at Ashland, Saturday, 1 p.m.
Ashland now sits at 5-1, with a game against Wooster on their plate for Thursday. After they play them, the weekend will be filled with two nonconference tests. Clear Fork (2-1), who won a district title in Division II last season, comes to Ashland on Friday. Then on Saturday, Findlay (2-0) will get their crack at the Arrows, who defeated them 2-0 last season in a regular-season game. It could be back-to-back-to-back games for Ashland early in the season to test their metal.
Shelby at Crestview, Saturday, 11 a.m.
This would be a pretty good game to attend, as Crestview will matchup with last season's Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference winners in Shelby. Last season when the Cougars traveled to Shelby, the Whippets won 7-0. Let's see if Crestview can return the favor at home.
Softball
Shelby at Mapleton, Friday, 7 p.m.
Ashland at Mapleton, Saturday, noon
Mapleton, last season's Firelands Conference champions, are off to a slow 1-4 start. It won't get easier for them this weekend as Shelby (8-3) visits the Mounties on Friday, then an improved Ashland (3-2) so far, gets them on Saturday.
Crestview at Margaretta, Saturday, 11 am
This one isn't in the Ashland-area, but it's a good bet Cougar fans will make the trip. At 6-2, Crestview looks the part, as they are coming off outscoring league opponent Western Reserve 30-1 in their recent two-game sweep. Margaretta is just 3-4, so another big offensive game could be in store.
Track and field
McCay Relays at Smithville High School
The annual McCay Relays in Smithville will take place this Saturday, with a scheduled eight schools (Wooster, Northwestern, Fairless, Dalton, Mapleton, Smithville, Orrville, Triway) to participate. Keep an eye on Mapleton's Scotty Hickey (last year's high jump winner), and Northwestern's Jule Stoller (last year's high jump winner) and Emily Thompson (last year's shot put and discus winner) to see if all three can repeat at those events.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: What to Watch for during April 11-12 for Ashland sports
