Sports
The Spring Sports Season Is Upon Us — Weather Permitting
Spring athletes can expect to play in the cold, rain, wind or even snow
The spring sports season officially started Monday, with the regular season starting three weeks from now, according to the Ohio High School Athletic Association. The calendar says spring doesn't arrive until March 20.
You have to be tough and flexible to participate in spring sports in this part of the world. Going to Florida or Arizona for spring training is really not an option.
Workouts take place indoors with the exception of those days where Mother Nature teases us with an occasional dry and mild day. Unfortunately, in most cases the athletes are relegated to parking lots because of wet grounds.
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According to weather.com, the average high temperature for March in North Canton is 48 degrees. April gets a little better at 59 degrees. It's a shame we couldn't play the games from those months in September and October. The average high temperature during those two months is a balmy 67 degrees.
Precipitation averages follow the same trending. Historically, March and April are wetter than September and October. Spring precipitation seems to hang around all day also. I can remember Septembers where we would go the entire month without any rain.
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When I was researching old yearbooks for past baseball rosters, inclement weather was mentioned over and over. The 1966 season was especially difficult for Hoover baseball. They only played 13 games that season.
Because we can't afford to build a dome over everything or realistically move the season later or to the fall, we must hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Get the long sleeves out and keep the heavy coats and umbrellas handy. Plan for the unexpected, even a snow delay during a game. No matter what, appreciate every nice day we get and know as each day passes, we are one day closer to summer. Play ball (weather permitting)!
Extra Points: Congratulations to Hoover senior wrestler Ryan Teis, who ended his high school career on a very successful note with a fifth-place finish at the State Wrestling Tournament this past weekend and a 47-6 season record. Teis also set the school season record for pins.