For a team to be a state contender, they need to practice constantly during the season. Spring sports like soccer, golf and tennis rely heavily on good weather in order to get their practices in. Unfortunately, this spring has not been a favorable year for weather.

“I have found it hard to create a constructive and hard working environment during our practices because of the everyday changes due to the weather,” said captain of boy’s varsity soccer, junior Quinn Nelson.

The weather has multiple effects on the teams. Inclement weather will cancel practices and also games. Games that are canceled need to be made up, which will take more practices away from teams. Teams have tried to combat this through practicing indoors.

“Other than a few times [practices] having to be inside, it really hasn’t impacted our practice too much. It wasn’t pleasant, but we made do,” said girl’s varsity soccer coach Nathan Moseley.

While some sports can play in a little rain, other sports like tennis need dry courts in order for it to be safe to play. The weather has forced the girls tennis team to find alternative places to practice.

“We have booked indoor ours and extended many of our practices that we have had. We also added a weekend practice,” said girl’s varsity tennis coach Kim Gradoville.

Unfortunately, soccer is a sport that is a lot harder to practice inside. Regardless there is still time to focus on other aspects besides skill.

“Throughout the season I have noticed that our players are well conditioned. Even though we have had practices indoors, we still find ways to get conditioning and a good workout in,” said Nelson.

The player’s commitment to the game is more important this season rather than others because of the weather.

“Players setting up time outside of practice to work on their individual skills is even more important when we don’t have as many team practices,” said Gradoville.

This weather has been present throughout virtually the whole season, with only a few weeks of nice weather. This has caused teams to enter Districts and State without good weather.

“There is definitely a different feeling for this season because of the weather,” said Nelson, “Instead of having players focus on their game and how they play as a member of the varsity soccer team, they are being distracted by the terrible weather conditions and its effects,”

Girl’s varsity tennis has not been as effected as they prepare for State because of their preparation throughout the year.

“Most of my team plays year round, so they practice a lot on their own before we start.” said Gradoville.

The effects of the weather has yet to be seen for a few of the teams. Girl’s soccer just advanced to State after winning their District. Boy’s soccer lost yesterday in District finals. Girl’s tennis does not have State tennis until May 16th.