Scott Swanson
Softball Coach Karyn Hartsook watched her players work out last week, the second of the “mini season” for spring sports, which runs through Oct. 23.
“We’re definitely enjoying the moment right now,” she said as more than a dozen girls worked on fielding and hitting drills.
The Huskies’ season was chopped off at the knees as they prepared to play their first game in March, derailing what could have been a promising year.
Now, Hartsook is just trying to knock off the rust and get the program rolling again. Having lost five seniors to graduation, she welcomes five freshmen, four of whom have “religiously” attended the voluntary mini-season workouts, held three days a week.
“Right now, we have new kids to the program, four who never played before or are new,” Hartsook said. “It’s been fun to watch the excitement for them to come out, to watch their improvement over the two-week period.
“This incoming group of freshmen was a pleasant surprise, to be honest. They seem like great kids, and it’s just been fun to get to know them. That’s been a bonus too. The more kids you have, you get to build those relationships.
“It’s just exciting. Really fun.”
She said she’s also happy to see varsity returnees turning out.
“Their season got cut short last year so it’s encouraging to see them out here and working. Se have some kids who’ve been playing fall-summer club ball, so they’re getting some double time.
“In general, it’s refreshing and exciting , and it give us hope to go back, to provide something for the kids. We’re looking forward to next spring.”
The Huskies will host Harrisburg at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, in what will be their first home game since May of 2019.
Hartsook said it’s been “challenging” to schedule games, as different schools in the area are approaching the COVID recovery in a variety of ways.
But meanwhile, the Huskies are having fun just being on the field.
“The kids are working hard and they’re coachable and their attitudes are great. It’s been good for us coaches too, to be back with them. It affects everybody, not just the kids.”