Spring Sports Return to BSU
As we begin the second week of March, the MASCAC is officially planning on holding a spring sports season. After finally receiving a formal announcement from the league, teams around the conference have continued to practice and train for the upcoming season despite so much uncertainty. Teams that are set to participate in the spring season are baseball, softball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s golf.
BSU has adapted well with the times as the Tinsley Center looking a little different these days, with batting cages dropped onto the rubber floor since softball and baseball teams have been working inside during days of cold temperatures.
As weather is extreme and unpredictable, when it is warm enough, the softball team has been practicing on the Swenson field turf working on base-running situations and defensive drills under the lights. The batting cages have also allowed for the pitchers of both teams to get bullpen work in with the coaches observing as they wear a face covering.
Both golf teams have been put on hold due to cold weather, but the hope is they can get their season going with the benefit of the sport’s no-contact elements. These teams can follow country club protocols, where they will most likely have to take their own golf carts and maintain a certain distance.
The lady’s lacrosse team has been posting videos on Instagram of the girls putting in work on the turf despite the cold temps. At the end of February, the team competed in “Red vs White” week where the team is split up and given a color to represent. Throughout the practices the two sides would compete in relays and games until a winner is declared at the end. This team bonding activity is great to see, and it was a pleasant surprise to see it take place in this wild year.
All spring teams have faced so much uncertainty and it was huge relief when the league announced its return to play last week. All BSU athletes have been working hard and have stayed ready and kept a “put me in coach” attitude towards training despite not having an official season to practice for.
These current players have made countless sacrifices in times where nothing is guaranteed, and we are all so excited to see their effort come full circle with live game action. To all athletes, spring season or not we see how hard you are working and admire you from a far. Once again, we are all excited for the current spring athletes who will be competing on strict protocols in the coming months but get to play the sports they love.
This is only a sign of great things to come for the summer training and eventually the fall season that is bound to take place. Good luck to all spring athletes this season and stay safe! Go Bears!
