Most coaches don’t really know what their team is going to be like until the games finally start. For the WCMS spring sports teams, this will be especially true when games begin this week.

Mother Nature hasn’t been cooperative in the last few weeks, keeping the baseball, softball and soccer teams from getting in practices. Adding to the issues with preparations has been the school absences for snow and sickness. Getting in good workouts on a consistent basis has been a no-go, leading to uncertainty when the baseball and softball seasons begin Monday.

Neither bad weather nor the flu has Chad Young or Joe Damon down though.

“We look forward to a strong year. These guys are chomping at the bit wanting to play,” said Young, who has been the baseball coach since 2016. “It has been a tough start to our preseason. We are putting in some long hours wherever we can. Overall, the boys look good.

“Our eighth-graders have gained some arm strength and gotten stronger. The seventh-grade bunch looks pretty good as well – there will be a few of them fighting for varsity time.”

Likewise, Damon has taken advantage of any time he can get on the diamond with his Lady Pioneers.

“We have only had a handful of practices on the field. It’s been tough to get in the work needed, but we have been able to get in a couple of playdays and the girls have done some things really well,” said Damon, beginning his third year as softball coach. “We have some experienced girls returning and some younger girls that have put in a lot of time in the offseason who will contribute as well.

“All the teams in our conference have had to deal with the same weather issues and we will have the same opportunity to compete as the teams we play. I’m looking forward to Monday at Harris.”

Both the softball and baseball teams are scheduled to start the season with a home-and-home with Harris. Monday’s games are set to be played in Shelbyville and will start at 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Tuesday’s games have first pitches scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with the baseball team playing at WCMS and the Lady Pioneers taking the field at WCHS.

“One thing is for sure – we will be a tough team and we can’t wait to hear that mitt pop,” said Young.

Alex Cordova is set to lead the Pioneer soccer team for the second year. As with the diamond duo, the soccer team has dealt with outdoor issues and is hopeful it will be prepared when action begins.

“We have been working really hard on practice. The weather has been a challenge with all this rain and snow, so we haven’t had a chance to play,” said Cordova. “They have been really good in practice. We are building a very strong soccer family and we are excited to start playing.”

The soccer team is scheduled to play Thursday, March 4 at Harris, but the game is uncertain to be played due to pending rain that is in the forecast Monday and Tuesday.

The WCMS track program, weather permitting, is also slated to begin its season Thursday with a home meet against Franklin South and Coffee County. Action will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Nunley Stadium.