Spring sports face off against Mother Nature in Dayton-Waitsburg

DAYTON/WAITSBURG – Typically, in early March, people associated with Spring sports find themselves either complaining about, or at the very least, verbally expressing their desire for warmer spring weather. But this year is more extreme than usual.

Thus far, practices have been held in the indoor temperatures of gyms and multi-purpose rooms. Track and softball facilities at Dayton High School, the baseball facility in Waitsburg and the Touchet Valley Golf Course are still covered by 6-8 inches of snow.

“We are utilizing indoor facilities while we await warmer weather and snow melt,” said Dayton Athletic Director Nikki Luper.

“We are in our second year as an athletic co-op, so there’s still a learning curve scheduling buses and all the logistical matters, but we are getting better,” she added."

Schedule-wise, plans remain relatively intact following the powerful snowstorms of late February. Baseball and softball remain on schedule for their season openers. Updates may have to be made for golf and track at later dates

“Players need at least ten days of practice to be eligible for season opening games. So far we are on a healthy pace,” Luper said.

Baseball

Head Baseball Coach Johnny Watts begins his second year at the helm and welcomes twelve players to this 2019 roster. Fundamental drills have been occurring since Wednesday February 27th in the gym at Waitsburg High.

“A few more kids would be nice, but all twelve want to play, and we’ll take that every time,” said the Skipper. Watts is assisted by Blaine Bell.

Opening day for the team is March 19, in Waitsburg, for a doubleheader hosting Riverside (Wa) at 3 p.m.

Golf

The golf schedule does face some urgency with weather. The squad is coached by Mike McGahn, and the opening match is schedule for Tues., March 13 in Milton-Freewater. Thus far, swinging clubs, putting in the high school commons, and working on physical conditioning make up the practice routine.

“We are returning most of our golf team, although we are still quite young. Many were first-year golfers last year,” said Mcgahn, who begins his fifteenth season as Head Coach.

Senior Logan Literal, juniors Kiya McCaw and Mckellyn Bradham return, as do Sophomores Ashton Phinney, Eli Talbott, Lexie Draper and Samantha Davis. Junior Seamus House joins the team as a first-year player.

Previews of the 2019 Dayton-Waitsburg softball and track teams will be in the March 14 issue of The Times. Below is the season schedule for softball. Shane Robins is the Head Coach and his assistant is Josh Wilson.

Softball Schedule

Tues. March 19 @ Riverside (Chattoroy, Wa) Doubleheader at 3pm

Sat. March 23 @ Liberty Christian Doubleheader at 11am

Tues. March 26 @ Tri-Cities Prep (Pasco) Doubleheader 3pm

Sat. March 30 Mabton Doubleheader 11am @ Dayton

Tues. April 9 @ Milton-Freewater Doubleheader at 5pm

Sat. April 13 Lacrosse-Washtucna Doubleheader 11am @ Dayton

Tues. April 16 @ Burbank Doubleheader at 3pm

Sat. April 20 Kittitas Doubleheader at 11am @ Dayton

Sat. April 27 @ White Swan Doubleheader at 11am

Tues. April 30 Desales Doubleheader at 3pm @ Dayton

Sat. May 11 District tournament TBA

Baseball schedule

Tues. March 19 Riverside (Chattoroy, Wa) Dblheader. 3pm @ Waitsburg

Sat. March 23 @ Liberty-Christian (Richland) Doubleheader at 11am

Tues. March 26 @ Tri-City Prep (Pasco) Doubleheader at 3pm

Tues. April 9 @ Milton-Freewater single game at 5pm

Sat. April 13 Lacrosse-Washtucna Doubleheader 11am @ Waitsburg

Tues. April 16 @ Burbank Doubleheader at 3pm

Sat. April 20 Kittitas Doubleheader 11am @ Waitsburg

Sat. April 27 @ White Swan Doubleheader at 11am

Tues. April 30 Desales Doubleheader at 3pm @ Waitsburg

Tues. May 7 District Tournament TBA