GRINNELL — A look outside the window will confirm it is still technically winter in Iowa, but the spring sports season for Newton Senior High School kicked off Friday when the track and field teams competed in their first meet of the season. 

Even though neither team has had the opportunity to practice due to recent severe weather conditions, there were strong showings for plenty of the athletes, which suggests a fruitful track and field season for the Cardinals.

“The meet went pretty well considering we hadn’t been on a track yet this season,” boys’ coach Tom Bartello said. “I was really pleased with all the performances. It’s really an outstanding day for us to just get an idea of where we are without having practiced at all.”