As we ease out of the chilly winter weather of January and February, students can expect to see more appearances from the sun and a distinct lack of snowfall. But along with warmer weather and longer mornings, South students also anticipate the start of the spring sports season! The current sports that are active in the springtime are as follows: Baseball (Varsity & JV), Outdoor track (Boys & Girls), Softball (Varsity & JV), Tennis (Boys & Girls), Volleyball (Varsity & JV – Boys), Golf (Girls – Citywide), and Lacrosse (Girls & Boys – Citywide). In honor of the season beginning, the Chronicle reached out to a few coaches that run a spring sport for some insight. Here are the responses below!:
Track:
- What type of players are you looking for?
For outdoor track we are looking for motivated student athletes who are up to the challenge to work hard, trying new running events and field events as well as getting out of their comfort zone to try new things.
- What are the requirements needed?
You need sneakers!
You need to give 100% effort at each practice, have a positive attitude, and be supportive to other teammates!
- What is your coaching style? What should students expect?
We do have expectations, the biggest one is that students try their best at each practice. We try to be fair and consistent with all athletes. We do have a competitive edge and come meet days we are locked in to do our best as a team in each event. We ask each member to compete in a field and track event.
We are passionate about the team. We really want everyone to understand that it’s about them improving as the season moves on. We tell those that are just starting out, as well as my varsity athletes, it is about your time, your improvement, if you improve then we are happy, it’s not always about where you place at a meet, but did you improve your time?
It’s about improving skills, we have expected workouts they have to complete each practice. We want them to enjoy time with their peers, socializing with each other without the phones!
- How was last season? What are you hoping to see this season?
We had a good season last year, so many of our team had personal records and created new school records in different events. It’s great to see the hard work pay off. We had two girls who competed at states one one in the hurdles and high jump and long jump last season. Our hurdler is now running for D1 Providence College! Our long jumper surprised herself, thought soccer was her game but is now part of WSU’s track team! Hard work pays off. We also had one boy reach the state meet in the 400m. All of our athletes work hard and when they put their mind to it anything is possible. We hope to finish this year strong and see some of our athletes head back to the district and state meets.
- Any advice for those thinking of trying out?
For track, we do take everyone to start! It is up to them to stay on the team. They accomplish this by giving us 100% of their ability, attend practices and all meets!
Baseball (JV):
- What type of players are you looking for?
We are looking for highly motivated student athletes who want a challenge. These players should have good grades, good attendance, positive attitudes, and be coachable. They should be willing to work hard to see how good they can be as players, teammates, and friends.
- What are the requirements needed?
The requirements are good grades, good attendance, positive attitude, being coachable, and willingness to work hard.
- What is your coaching style? What should students expect?
When coaching I use a combination of positive reinforcement, humor, and accountability to keep the players engaged. Students should expect to work hard at practice, games, and in the classroom. They should expect to have fun while learning the fundamentals, they should focus on team success which comes from individual improvement. Students should be supportive of teammates during success and failure.
- How was last season? What are you hoping to see this season?
Last season was up and down. We won more games than the past five seasons but needed to improve on availability, accountability, and work ethic. Improving in these areas begins with myself and the volunteer staff.
- Any advice for those thinking of trying out?
Yes, make sure you have all your paperwork taken care of in order to try out, make sure you can commit to the team full time, part time commitments are rarely successful. Be willing to push yourself to be the best student athlete you can be. Have fun!
Golf – Girls (CITY WIDE):
- What type of players are you looking for?
looking for players who have the willingness to learn something new and try their best always in hard situations. These players must be drama free, and encourage their teammates to work hard as well as allow their teammates to encourage them.
- What are the requirements needed?
Requirements needed are a commitment to show up, a positive attitude and willingness to improve everyday.
- What is your coaching style? What should students expect?
My coaching style is encouraging, positive, and consistent. Students should expect me to hold them accountable for team rules, especially effort and attitude.
- How was last season? What are you hoping to see this season?
Last season was great, we had many successes. We didn’t win much, and we improved everyday. I hope this year we continue to improve and have our new players learn to love the game.
- Any advice for those thinking of trying out?
Step out of your comfort zone and try something new, what if you love it?
Tryouts are always a nerve-racking time for upcoming athletes who wish to join in on their desired sport. To all of those who have tried out (or are planning to), good luck! For those who did not make the final cut, do not give up hope. There will always be an opportunity to try again next year, and even if you don’t, more opportunities will be available!
