Spring sports officially began on Monday, March 1. New energy filled the school as all the athletes were preparing for their first day of practice. CHS’s spring sports include soccer, track, girls’ tennis, boys’ golf, and baseball. 

For the class of 2021 athletes, their last year participating in high school sports will be bitter-sweet. Girls’ track athlete Aliya Oceguera says, “With it being my last year, I feel sad but excited to give this season everything I have. I am going to miss all of the amazing friendships I've made with my teammates.” Girls’ Tennis athlete Miranda Swanson added, “I am just grateful that we are able to experience a season this year after not being able to play last year. I am so excited for the season to start and I really want to play with my team again! I will miss hitting with my friends and Licari.” When asked what she is looking forward to this season, girls’ soccer athlete Molly Roberts answered, “I'm excited about the new coaches and the new start. I think we have a chance on going far in our season.” Boy’s Soccer senior Garret Esch thought, “I'm excited to see how good we will be.” The 2021 athletes have plenty of goals they are determined to accomplish. Girls’ track athlete Elena Batenhorst says “I would like to qualify for state in triple jump because I missed by 1 place sophomore year.” 

For the underclassmen, these senior athletes have some words of wisdom for you. Colton Buxton says “Always show up and work hard every day! Push others to get better and build those relationships. If any underclassmen have questions talk to coach Bethune he is a great guy and awesome coach! Or they can contact me and I can give them information as well.” Roberts added, “I would say to not be afraid to take risks. You have no idea how good you can be until you try something out. The upperclassmen are there to help you out and don't be afraid to reach out to them.” 

However, for some seniors, their athletic career does not end here. You can watch Elena Batenhorst running track and Molly Roberts playing soccer both at Concordia University. 

Due to COVID-19 high expectations and pressure is put on CHS coaches. When asked how this year would look different, Boys’ golf coach Brady Vancura says “This season will look a little different in terms of how tournaments are coordinated. There won't be any medal ceremonies after tournaments which takes away from kids receiving recognition for their accomplishments. Other than that, there won't be too many other adjustments.” Baseball Coach James Johnson also says “The biggest difference this season is the precautions taken to keep our players, fans, etc healthy with the ongoing pandemic.  Our players wear masks at. practice and in the dugout for games.  We also plan to sanitize equipment regularly.  Other than that our first couple days of practice have felt normal and we are really excited to be back on the baseball diamond.” 

However, for track, not much will change. Boys’ track coach Scott Bethune says “ For the most part it will be the same as years past and we will make our daily routines/practices as normal as possible but there are some changes due to COVID.  One difference is the mask wearing which is not that big of an issue because coaches and athletes are used to wearing them at this point.  Some of our meets will be different because of the possibility of limited rosters and spectators.  Every competition will be different so we will adjust accordingly.” The coaches’ main goal is to make things feel as normal as possible. Coach Johnson states “Our plan to make things normal is to go about things as we would any other year.  We also just focus on what we can control.  If we focus on that the distraction of the pandemic won't phase us.” With that being said, coaches are putting in major effort to have a successful and safe season. 

Leadership is huge for our discoverer teams, and there are many athletes who take on the role of a strong leader. Coach Vancura says “I expect that Brock Kuhlman will take over as a leader for us this year due to him having the most Varsity experience. We also have a large group of seniors who have been around the program for multiple years that will be able to help the underclassmen as they prepare for their first high school tournaments.” Coach Johnson also recognizes athletes he considers leaders “We have 11 seniors on this team.  We also have several players who have worked hard this offseason to be ready.  I think Colin Flyr (CHS) and Kaden Young (SCC) are ready to break out and have a big season and lead us to name a couple.  We are lucky to have the group of seniors we do and are expecting big things from our team.” Columbus coaches are ready for a great season despite the state of the world. 

There are big goals in sight for our spring sports team. Athletes are ready to give it all they got and coaches are excited to lead their team to success. Keep your calendars open for any upcoming meets and games. Go Discoverers!

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