As another trimester wraps up in Viking Country, so do winter sports. The winter sports seasons began in November and will conclude by early March. As girls and boys basketball prepare for districts, there are several other sports training in their off-seasons for the upcoming spring. The various high school spring sports seasons begin on Monday, March 14th, but there are many rules and regulations as to how teams can train in the time leading up.
Swan Valley High School offers the following spring sports to its student body: Baseball, Boys Lacrosse, Boys Golf, Boys / Girls Track and Field, Girls Soccer, and Softball.
Under the leadership and coordination of Head Softball Coach Tom Kennelly and Baseball Coach Craig Leddy, many students across the district have been preparing for the good old game of baseball and softball. For the younger Vikes, there are pitching and catching lessons or clinics being offered by the Swan Valley Softball Program. While the younger generation of players are working hard, the high school programs have been conditioning and participating in 4 player workouts a few days a week. Many of the potential softball players hit on Sunday evenings throughout the winter while baseball hits and throws on Mondays and Wednesdays. The softball hitting sessions are offered to any middle school or high school players who want to work out before their season begins.
Girls soccer has been on the rise to start their season strong! The Swan Valley Girls Soccer Program gets at it twice a week, training in their off season. While keeping the field in mind, they have been working in the weight room as well. Their weight training is every Sunday and conditioning and open gym is on Monday evenings. Head Girls Soccer Coach Chad Brooks takes the reins again this spring, looking to build on his numbers and success from last year.
The Swan Valley Track Program has been working on a weekly basis in an attempt to get in shape for their upcoming season. Head Boys Track Coach Dave Dawson runs conditioning for incoming runners to give them a realistic feel for what the sport is truly like. While they do cardio, they also train in the weight room, focusing on breathing techniques and exercises, ending with a cool down. The speedy Vikings are expected to make headlines this season!
The Boys Lacrosse Program, which is a cooperative program between Saginaw Heritage and Swan Valley High School, is lifting on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and doing skills and drills on Sunday mornings with Head Varsity Coach Baldwin. The Sunday morning drills are limited to four players. The four player period is a MHSAA out-of-season regulation during the school year where coaches are limited to providing coaching in their sport to four students in grades 7-12 of the school district in which they coach.
Golf clubs are swinging in Viking Country! As the Boys Golf Team prepares for another incredible season, they are ready to rip it down the green! The members of the Golf Team participate in optional golf workouts under the guidance of 3rd year Head Varsity Boys Golf Coach Brian Allen. Many players use the golf simulator to help simulate their swing and the ball on the open grass. The Swan Valley Varsity Boys Golf Team had an impressive season last year, winning the regional in Division 3 for the first time in nearly forty years and are expected to do well again!
It is always a busy time in the spring. Whether it’s preparing for the SAT or for Prom, the fellow Vikings always make time for any activity or group they participate in. The end of the school year is slowly approaching. Please come out and support all Viking student-athletes at all levels this spring!