During the upcoming February break the baseball and softball teams will be taking their annual trip to Florida to kick off their seasons.
Since Houghton has hit almost record low temperatures, close to negative forty, both teams have been using the resources available in the Kerr-Pegula Field House (KPFH). The KPFH provides an open space for both teams to move around and also batting cages to work on hitting, but it does not allow the typical outdoor experience of baseball.
“One of the biggest things I’m looking forward to is just getting outside,” said Brian Reitnour, head baseball coach. “Chances are that by the time we leave for Florida the snow will still be on the baseball field, so just getting back on a field will be great,” he said.
“Florida is a great opportunity for us to get our season going. It allows us to play in some warm sunshine, get a tan, and develop closer friendships with the team. Every year we come back a closer knit team,” said Seth Cornell ‘15, baseball captain.
Since this is the start of both teams’ seasons, players and coaches are very optimistic about the coming season and excited for the competition in Florida.
“This time of year is always exciting because it’s a fresh start. Our guys train year-round and they finally get a chance to compete,” said Reitnour. “We have 10 seniors on this team and our aspirations grow with each season. I’m looking forward to seeing how much we can accomplish,” he said.
Both teams seem to have a very busy schedule during the week. The softball team is scheduled to play ten games and will be playing teams such as Lydon State College, Hanover College, and Alma College. The baseball team is scheduled to play eight games against teams such as Cleary University, Concordia University, and Hanover College.
The baseball team plays every day but Sunday and the softball team plays every day but Wednesday and Sunday. The baseball team will be doing a worship service on Sunday and barbeque with the player’s families.
Last year the teams had the opportunity to see some Major League teams spring training, but this year they are going earlier, so they will not able to attend any games.
The baseball team will be traveling from Davenport and Haines City, Florida during the week and the softball team will be mainly in Clermont, FL.
“There is no better way to get our season going then going to Florida for a week of games and non-stop fellowship with the team,” said Cornell.