Red Raiders warm up to spring sports

HUNTLEY — Head Huntley baseball coach Andy Jakubowski had some good news for the Red Raiders regarding the pre-season schedule.

The coach informed the team that the first day of IHSA’s spring season will be outside.

“It’s been more than 20 years,” Jakubowski said of opening outdoors after the Feb. 26 workout.

The temperature was down-right summer like, with record-breaking 70 degrees enabling softball, track and field, lacrosse and tennis to have at least one day outside. In fact, the warm day was just about equal to the weather in Arizona for Cubs and White Sox Spring Training.

“It’s awesome,” senior AJ Putty said. “We can do so much more outside (than inside).”

“It’s a lot better, we’re usually inside,” senior relief pitcher Louis Siriano said.

While baseball players reported, the track and field distance runners were working on their five-mile run time. Tennis players had their first practices, as did lacrosse and later, soccer.

The start of the Major League Baseball’s Spring Training was also on players’ minds.

“I’m really glad the Cubs resigned Cody Bellinger,” Putty said.

To give equal time, teammate Cody Aschenbach pulls for the South Siders.

“I admire Louis Robert Jr. and Dylan Cease,” he said of the White Sox.

Senior outfielder Haiden Janke agreed being outside to start is great.

Huntley’s scheduled baseball season opener is March 14 against Schaumburg here. By then, we may be using the phrase “weather permitting” again. But for one Monday, it was sure a balmy afternoon.

Pinecrest Golf Club

Justin Cripe, assistant general manager, reported about 150 rounds of golf were played Feb. 24.

“We’ve had a few days where it has been full. The course is all ready, we’re  in good shape from winter and we fixed the drainage issue,” Cripe said.

People interested in golf lessons may contact the golf pro at Pinecrest, 847-669-3111. The golf simulators which are indoors can also be used.

Alas, by dinner time Feb. 27, the deep drop in temps was expected, but with a spring return expected this weekend.