Winter slows down spring sports

There's no substitute for being outside, head baseball coach Joe Reed said.

Softball and baseball have been forced to have a majority of practices inside due to weather constraints.

"It has a huge impact," head softball coach, Jay Kahnt said. "The weather has definitely put us behind from where we normally are."

With baseball already starting and softball beginning this week, many players are frustrated with not being able to play on their fields.

"It makes it very difficult to practice any kind of defense inside because the floor doesn't have the same effects as the dirt," shortstop Ashley Mundy said. "The outfielders can't take any kind of fly balls inside."

Coaches notice the difference from practicing inside as well.

"The lighting inside is different from outside," Reed said. "Being inside has an affect on timing and distance, both."

Senior infielder Josh Sturm said that not getting to practice outside has been frustrating.

"We can't really practice inside or on the turf like we would on a baseball field," Sturm said.

"We just have to deal with the hand that's dealt and work hard each day to improve."

The coaches have a difficult time keeping players on their toes inside they said.

"It has a mental affect on the players so coaches have to be creative," Reed said. "It'stough to get a rhythm."

Kahnt said his team is used to being outside more than they have gotten the opportunity this year.

"Normally we have been on the field fifteen times by now and have only been out two times all year on the dirt," Kahnt said. "We can't do a lot of team practice; everything has to be individual."

Despite the weather hindrance, the teams are looking forward to the season and being successful teams.

"It's frustrating wondering if we are prepared enough for our season to start, but from what I've seen outside it's going to be a great season for us," Mundy said.

Making due with the time and space available, Kahnt is happy with his team.

"We have to make due with what we have and we have done that," Kahnt said. "I am pretty satisfied with where we're at."