Spring teams meet as winter clings

Longtime La Conner High School baseball coach Jeremiah LeSourd has a favorite saying this time of year.

"You know it's the start of baseball season," he often notes at the end of February and start of March, "because there'll be snow on the ground."

Mother Nature has been true to form this year.

The first week of practice for Braves baseball, Lady Braves softball, and La Conner track and field and golf teams was met variously with snow, hail, wind and rain. All that plus a couple brief sun breaks.

La Conner athletes did their best to warm to the occasion, as they were greeted to workouts by LeSourd and baseball co-coach Andy Otis, head track coach Peter Voorhees, softball coaches Loran James and Taysha James-Sherman, and golf coaches Jamie Carroll and Galen McKnight.

"At this point, there are over 80 athletes out for high school spring sports," Athletic Director Christine Tripp said. "We're looking forward to strong showings in all sports with returning athletes and leaders."

The highest profile La Conner High School spring sports returnee is defending state hurdles champion Tommy Murdock.

He captured both the 110- and 300-meter hurdles at the 2023 Washington State 2B Track Meet, setting personal bests and school marks.

Throwers Alexzander Martin and Flint Huizenga, and versatile Morgan Huizenga are back as well for the La Conner track program, which opens with a home meet at 3:30 p.m. March 13 at Whittaker Field.

"The kids we have will do well," head track coach Peter Voorhees said. "After week one, everybody seems to have bought in. They seem pretty focused."

A similar preseason report flowed from the baseball diamond.

"The guys have been looking good in the (batting) cage," said Braves' assistant coach Preston Stewart.

He and baseball co-coach Andy Otis were pleased with La Conner's roster balance as the Braves enjoy a mix of seasoned letter winners and talented prospects. Stewart noted the extra work put in by senior hurler Ivory Damien, who is focused on developing secondary pitches to augment his fastball.

Still, the weather was a constant concern for La Conner coaches.

"It snowed at the end of our Monday practice," said Charlie Edwards, another of the La Conner assistant baseball coaches.

The baseball and softball teams are scheduled to open the '24 season, weather permitting, at Muckleshoot Tribal School in Auburn on March 12. Both games start at 4 p.m. The Braves host Evergreen of Seattle at 4 p.m. March 14, while the Lady Braves visit Edmonds-Woodway, also at 4 p.m. March 14.

The La Conner boys' and girls' golfers debut at 4 p.m. March 21 opposite Mount Vernon Christian at Swinomish Links.