With the weather outside starting to warm up, spring sports season is right around the corner. The spring season should be jam-packed with 7 sports happening in the spring. Boys volleyball, boys tennis, girls lacrosse, boys golf, girls soccer, track and field, and boys baseball are all competing in the spring season. Tryouts were last week and teams are making sure they are getting their practices in so they are ready for their first games which are approaching fast.
Boys’ tennis is coming off a very strong season. With lots of success at both their matches and tournaments. Tennis sent both Jack Duncan and Alex Senica to the state tournament; both athletes graduated last year and now play collegiately at Missouri Baptist University.Their first first match of the year is March 24th as they take on Lutheran St. Charles. Head coach Mr. Duncan is excited to see how the underclassmen fill in those roles.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the underclassmen perform. I know most of them have been training and practicing in the offseason, so I’m excited to see their growth. Obviously, with the graduation of our #1 and #2 players, I’m looking forward to seeing how these younger guys can step up,” Mr. Duncan said.
The girls’ soccer team is looking to have yet another strong season this spring, after last season they were district champions, which led to a berth in the Class 4 state championship before falling to Cor Jesu. They take on Ursuline for their home opener on March 24th. Junior goalkeeper Maeryn Meyer believes this year’s team has what it takes to make it back to state.
“We’re returning a lot of key players, and I think that with the combination of our skill as well as our chemistry, we have what it takes to be a very successful team this season,” junior Maeryn Meyer said.
Boys baseball is loading up for another run at the state quarterfinals and is looking to improve on last year’s finish after falling to Rockwood Summit in the state quarterfinals, which came after an electric district championship win. Senior AJ Flamn is excited for the opportunity to compete one more time and is optimistic that the team will go further this year.
“I’m excited to play with my friends one last time. We return a lot of production this season, and I don’t see why we can’t make a run to the state championship,” senior AJ Flamm said.
The boys first game is March 19th against Fort Zumwalt South at home.The crusaders are taking on a very strong schedule this year and will be seeing some of the best teams in the state. Senior Dylan Dawson is also very high on the team’s chances this spring.
“I’m really looking forward to playing one more season with my boys before we all go are separate ways to college and trying to win a state championship because we have a good chance to win it all this year and im also really excited for it to be over to go off to college and continue playing baseball in college,” senior Dylan Dawson said.
Track and Field is getting ready to compete this spring. The largest spring sport athlete-wise is looking to produce more state qualifiers this year. Coach Markway is excited to see how some of the younger players have developed and how they can step in on the varsity level.
“I’m excited to see all of those junior varsity athletes who were right on the brink of varsity last year. I’m looking forward to seeing how they develop, and hopefully they can make some noise at the varsity level.” Coach Markway said.
Track’s first meet is approaching very fast as they compete on the 20th of March. Coach Markway isn’t the only track coach looking forward to competing this spring. Mrs. Jochimsen is excited to see how the athletes compete and bond with each other.
“I am most excited to just get into the competition part of the season. It is always so exciting to watch the athletes go out there and race their hearts out and then turn around and cheer for their teammates just as hard. I love watching them all support one another before, during and after the races. I think it’s something that only fully happens at a track meet. Not everyone does the same event or practices together, but they will be first at competition to yell and cheer for their teammates,” Mrs Jochimsen said.
Boys Volleyball will have a new look this spring after head coach Maggie Allen decided to step down after 11 seasons as the head coach. Replacing her as the head coach will be former jv head coach, Ms. Linville.Their first game of the year is March 24th at home against Northpoint. Coach Linville is excited to coach a very skillful team.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to coach a team that has such a competitive mindset and also a strong skill set. I’m excited to get to work, and it should be a fun season.” Coach Linville said.
Boys’ golf is looking forward to having another good year after sending Dom Saputo and Niko Bezzole to state last season.Their first match of the season is March 19th vs Lutheran St. Charles. Junior Landon Sheppard is excited to see what the team can do this spring.
“We have a very good team this season, and I think we will be very competitive in our matches and tournaments, and I think we have the pieces to make it to state,” junior Landon Sheppard said.
Lastly, the girls lacrosse team has been working hard this offseason to set them up for a successful season this coming spring. Their first game this spring is March 28th as Lockport Township travels from Chicago to take on the Crusaders. The Crusaders return a lot, and senior Bree Moore is excited to grow and learn with her teammates for one last season.
“I’m looking forward to playing with my close friends and teammates one last time, and I’m excited for the opportunity to be a leader, and I’m looking forward to making this season extra fun,” senior Bree Moore said.
It is set to be an action-packed spring sports season with a lot of sports being played till the end of the school year. Make sure to come out and support your Crusader sports teams and enjoy the good outdoor weather.
