Belles get psyched for spring season
Katie McVoy
Inside Saint Mary's Sports
It's true it might be difficult to find a tennis court under the snow that fell on Monday. It's true that it's so cold outside a softball might freeze to your palm if you tried to throw it. It's true that the ice outside makes it detrimental to move at more than a snail's pace. But — believe it or not — it's spring sports season.
As most of us head home or to the warmer reaches of Florida or Cancun for a week of relaxation, our athletic teams are heading for a week of competition. When they get back to Saint Mary's they'll be ready to play, but are you ready to watch?
Since it's the beginning of another season, it's time to remind all of you sporting fans on both sides of Route 31 that there is athletic competition worth watching over here at Saint Mary's.
That competition starts soon. The softball team, weather permitting, will open its season on Wednesday and the track and tennis teams will open up their outdoor seasons after spring break.
So, why should you come out and watch athletics this season?
For one, the Saint Mary's tennis team tied for second in the MIAA last year, with two conference champion in No. 4 singles and No. 2 doubles. The Belles will be returning to the court this season anxious for another shot at a No. 1 finish in the MIAA. A fast paced, action packed tennis match on a beautiful South Bend afternoon, if such an afternoon exists, is the perfect way to spend some free time.
But there's more than that. Nothing motivates quite like fear of non-existence, and this season the track team is going to be running for its life — literally. With the knowledge that it will be dissolved next year, the Saint Mary's track team will be looking to smoke its competition. During the indoor season, team members have already broken several school records and participation is tripled.
And softball is back with a new look. The Belles recently experienced a coaching switch and now, under the leadership of John Kovach and Don Miller, they are out to improve MIAA rankings.
So, come out and show some support for the Belles. Give your classmates the opportunity to show you they can get an A on the court as well as in the classroom. Give an afternoon to cheer for your hallmate or even your roommate. Take an afternoon off to support your school.
That goes for all of you Irish fans too. Div. III competition may not rate with Div. I competition as far as money goes, but it can hold its own when it comes to the excitement of a close match. Win or lose, it's worth a trip to the softball field or the tennis court for an afternoon of entertainment.
So, while you're relaxing during spring break and planning out the rest of your semester, plan in some time to cheer on spring athletics.
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, March 6, 2001
