Let’s get one thing straight. Don’t let the ‘spring’ in spring sports fool you. The weather is nothing remotely like ‘spring’ until towards the very end of the season. Girl’s soccer, baseball, boy’s volleyball, tennis and golf, rugby, track and field and roller hockey, all take place still in the dead of winter. Unless your sport takes place indoors, brace yourself for the chilly, snowy weather that comes with the start of the season in February.

Training is heavily important for sports in general, but seemingly more difficult for students wanting to participate in spring sports. The months prior to the beginning of the session include many big eating and party holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. So, before you sit down and start a new show on Netflix with a plate of leftover Santa sugar cookies, consider your training time being wasted and your chance of making the team diminishing

Many might not think of this, but weather conditioning is a big necessity if you have an outdoor sport. Going for a run outside on the first day of tryouts is not uncommon and can really bring you down if you are not used to breathing in the cold weather or running with shards of ice pelting down on you. It may not be as brutal for you, but there have been some crazy instances before.

The main thing to focus on is the fact that you are going to be representing FHN when you play. Keep your head up, work hard and remember it’s all worth it in the end. Although spring athletes don’t get to participate in a pep assembly or get nearly as much recognition, we all think you’re awesome and we’re all cheering you on.