The spring sports season in the area is about to ramp up. Even though the weather outside lately has shown us otherwise.
All five area schools have competed in some indoor track meets. But the biggest part of the season begins next week when those same track and field teams start the outdoor season. And then golf, soccer and tennis get going in April.
The spring season is always tricky. Every athletic event is outside so rain plays a large factor in what gets played and what doesn’t.
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the weather to turn warm for good.
I got out to a few area practices on Monday and one particular golfer muttered to a teammate, “I thought golf was a warm-weather sport.”
When I got into my SUV a few minutes later, the temperature was 39 degrees outside.
I wouldn’t necessarily want to practice in those conditions either.
After fighting through mono a few weeks ago, I am just now starting to get my complete strength back.
I have run five half marathons in my life and a pair of 10Ks but right now, I don’t have the energy to run more than a few miles. My wife said it’s probably because of the mono still, but I can’t wait until I can get outside and go on long runs again.
The weather has to change soon. And I can’t wait.
March Madness got off to a crazy start last Thursday with Iowa State and Baylor going down in the first few hours.
After the first weekend, the brackets are left without one No. 1 seed (Villa-nova), two No. 2 seeds (Virginia and Kansas), two No. 3 seeds (ISU and Baylor) and two No. 4 seeds (Georgetown and Maryland).
And unfortunately, all three state of Iowa schools have already been eliminated.
Iowa State and Northern Iowa were both trendy picks to make deep runs but only the Panthers got into the win column.
UNI then lost Sunday against Louisville.
Iowa State could get the last laugh though. The roster the Cyclones will have next year should put them in at least the top 15, and probably the top 10, in all preseason polls.
That’s why I don’t think Fred Hoiberg will bolt to the Chicago Bulls, as has been brought up in the national rumor mill.
Iowa Hawkeye fans should be happy despite a loss to Gonzaga on Sunday.
The men’s basketball hadn’t won an NCAA Tournament game in 14 years. Friday’s 30-point dismantling of Davidson had to feel pretty good and the overall improvement in the program each years is evident.
The only team left playing on the hardwood is the Iowa women’s basketball team, who advanced to its first Sweet 16 in 19 years after a win over Miami (Fla.) on Sunday afternoon.
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