When I started thinking about this article I was looking out the window on a day off of school due to the large snowstorm. I was laughing as I started writing as I thought there would be no spring sports played this year thanks to a typical Minnesota spring. Now just over a week later, I’m looking out the wind and dreading that I am sitting inside while it is 73 degrees and not a cloud in the sky with a slight 15 mph wind. Thanks Minnesota. Now it feels like the spring sports seasons can officially begin, so I want to give you all a little preview.

Baseball: Led by senior captains Jacob Konz, Eric Rinzel, Danny Schneider, and Patrick Barrett the team is just excited to get outside. It’s tough to be stuck in a cage and gym and not have had a game yet a few weeks into the season. However, the team is getting mentally prepared and being as efficient as possible. With 7 returning starters this year the team should have no problem jumping right into game action. The fire expect very solid contribution from the junior class as they get the season going.

Softball: So far this softball season has been a success as they did something that has not been done for two years in the program… they won a game! The team is 1-1 so far with some cancellations due to weather. With one senior, one junior, and one sophomore, the young team primarily composed of 7th graders, 8th graders, and freshmen has a lot of room to grow and improve throughout the season. The future looks bright for HF softball.

Mennis: The first highlight of the season came before a match was even played: there are enough guys to form a team! About 70% of the team is composed of first year players that will be looking to the veterans in Senior Chris Carlton (yes he is considered a veteran after two seasons on the team) and Ben Charpentier. Despite two very close losses and and one match that we are all trying to forget, I am feeling a victory on the horizon.  

Men’s Lacrosse: After a developing year last season with a young team, the 2019 Fire lacrosse team is more experienced and poised for a potential breakout year. This season will be the last that the Fire are teamed up with students from Mound Westonka, so they are hoping for a solid send-off. So far the boys are 1-1 with a tough loss to a talented Blake team, and a solid win against Waconia. With the weather starting to improve the boys look to do the same in their game next week against the Spartans of Orono.

Women’s Lacrosse: The girls have been practicing hard, and getting into shape to be ready when their first game arrives. Despite star player Leigh Steiner being out for the year, the team is not scared or backing down from the challenge: the players understand that it is time for others to step up. The mood around the team right now is to improve and to become the best they can be while having a lot of fun. The girls have great comradery as they work together and grow!

Track and Field: Holy Family’s track and field team is very well rounded this year. In the 100 meter Connor Chalmers is looking to post a fast enough time to be invited to the Hamline Elite Meet. Pat Ricke has shown to be a top competitor in the 3200 meter. Seth Thompson has been throwing very well. The boys 4 by 400 team of Zyler Niece, Connor Chalmers, Joey Richelsen, and Sam Bradley are eyeing a new school record along with Grace Murphy in the triple jump. And perhaps Holy Family’s most consistent runner over her years here, Evelyn Willenbring hopes to make it to her third straight state appearance, however, this time maybe as an individual runner. The bottom line is there is a lot to be excited about this year.

Men’s Golf: The Fire golf team hopes to defend their state championship with pride throughout the season. With 4 returning golfers from the winning team last year, Sam McNulty, Charlie Lindberg, Blake Stedronsky, and Cole Wilson the team feels good about their chances for another deep state run. The team will turn to their captains in Jake Bornhoft, Cole Wilson, and Blake Stedronsky to lead the way. Senior captain Cole Wilson explained that the key to becoming back to back state champions is their “depth and experience”. He went on to say that “any of our guys can shoot low anytime” and that it is a huge benefit that much of the team has played multiple years at the varsity level. So what do you say… back to back?

Women’s Golf: The Women’s golf team is coming off of a season in which they had an individual qualify for the state tournament for the first time in program history. This year things might be different as girls are hopeful that they qualify as a team for state. Quite an accomplishment this would be. Despite a little bit of a rough start on Tuesday, the girls look to bounce back tonight Thursday the 25th. The team is putting in the work and will be trying hard to reach their goals.

Good luck to everyone in their spring sports and activities. Go Fire!