The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Snow bound
Soccer, softball season debuts postponed
By Brian Cox, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: March 27, 2008
The Milan varsity softball team last week could have practiced sledding into home.
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The varsity girls' soccer team could have practiced penalty kicks with snowballs.
Opening games for both teams were postponed this week after almost 8 inches of snow covered area fields last Friday, marking a record year for the white stuff and delaying many spring sports.
With a few brief exceptions, the teams have been relegated to practicing indoors.
And they're tired of it.
"The frustration level is pretty high not being able to get outside," said head softball coach Jen Jackson. "You can only practice in the gym so much. Once you get outside, it's a whole different ball game."
The girls' soccer team, too, is itching to get outside.
"You can't play soccer in the gym," said head coach Russ Billau. "Nobody wants to be in the gym anymore."
The softball team's season opener against Saline was postponed, as was its game on Wednesday against Dundee.
Billau is looking to re-schedule the soccer team's opener against Tecumseh, originally set for March 24, for sometime in May.
Neither team will play now until after spring break. The softball team will open April 8 with a doubleheader at home against Chelsea, while the soccer team will open April 9 on the road against Riverview.
In addition to causing mounting frustration, the postponements could have an adverse effect on the softball team's schedule and pitching rotation, said Jackson.
"These early games are designed to prepare you for conference games," she said. "Not only do we lose that preparation, but it can make for a jam-packed schedule later on, which can take its toll on arms."
Both coaches are doing what they can to keep their teams focused.
"The girls have had to get used to different roles," said Billau, who is in his first year as the girls' varsity coach. "This has given them more time to figure out where they fit."
Billau and Jackson are hopeful that field conditions will be improved after spring break.
"Our field is pretty soft right now," said Jackson. "Some of it is under water."
The Big Reds are more than ready to get the season underway.
"They're tired of playing against each other," said Billau. "Nothing is better than actually playing."
Staff Writer Brian Cox can be reached at 429-7380 or bcox@heritage.com.
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