As the Spring Sports seasons kick off on Monday, Mar. 24, the teams are itching to get games underway after a long, snowy winter. Most teams have had to split practice in the gym, making preparations limited. However, Bel Air Bobcat fans can expect strong showings from their Spring Sports teams.

Baseball

Last Year’s Record: 20-5 (3A State Champions)

Head Coach: John Swanson

Assistant Coaches: Tom Thorsen, Jarrod Thorsen

Captains: Nick Loiodice, Brandon Clifford, J.D. Bruck

Key Returners: Nick Loiodice, Brandon Clifford, J.D. Bruck, Grayson Boone, Dylan Franz, Ben Webber

Key Newcomers: Jack Struve, Micah Hunter-Goskie, Michael Yetter, Teagan Lamon, Jack Jenkens, Mike Feinour

Coach Quote: “Every year is a different year, with a different dynamic and a different feel. As we prepare to compete at a high level for every game, our return class has set realistic goals for us to accomplish as a group. I am excited to see where we end up.” –Coach Swanson

Softball

Last Year’s Record: 11-9

Head Coach: Kathleen Donaldson

Key Newcomers: Brianna Fleischmann,Morgan Dvorak

Key Returners: Taylor Hensley, Rayn Gibson, Taylor Scott, Bethanie Cook

Coach Quote: “I’m super excited! It’s my favorite time of year! I get to work with a bunch of young ladies who are committed to doing their very best every game, and I think we will do well this season.” -Coach Donaldson

Boys’ Lacrosse

Last Year’s Record: 14-4

Head Coach: Chuck Muir

Key Returners: Calvin Fleagle, Tom Pfeiffer, Garret Utz, Joey Creaghan, Brad Casale, Anthony Sampayo, Connor Beil, Brad Barth, Spencer Stachowiak, Gavin Hanley

Key Newcomers: Hunter Jewitt, Ryan Clelland

Coach Quote: “The loss of Head Coach Scoop Kelly less than 2 weeks prior to season has greatly challenged us with adversity. However, 17 returning varsity players with 9 starters returning should provide good leadership. Experience back at all positions and good depth with newcomers. Expect the kids to be highly motivated in honor of Coach Kelly.” – Coach Muir

Girls’ Lacrosse

Last Season’s Record: 9-6

Head Coach: Shannon Esposito

Assistant Coaches: Kristen Barry and Debbie Hall

Captains: Tori Gryglewski, Brianna Kelly, Lucy Loughlin, Cassidy Jones

Key Returners:  Shannon Williams, Morgan Hollenback, Cassidy Jones, Brianna Kelly, Lucy Loughlin,

Key Newcomer: Katy Higinbothom

Coach Quote :“We have a very well rounded team led by some great seniors and are looking forward to a strong season.”  – Coach Esposito

Tennis

Coaches: Michael Daniell and Katie Roppelt

Key Returners: Matt Rannie, Jason Dinh, Dylan Donley, Andrew Haney, Douglas Naumann, Holly Naumann, Paige Naumann, Karlie Scherba, Colleen Martin, Aarti Shah

Key Newcomers: John Allen McKinney, Jay Zorzi, Milan Patel, Elijah Olsen, Gracie Brett, Mariah Thomas, and Karly Menchen

Coach Quote: “I am looking forward to an exciting tennis season! I wanted to coach tennis since I played 4 years of Varsity Tennis in high school. I have never coached a sport, so I thought the best way to learn how to coach is to learn from Mr. Daniel. He has coached the tennis team for years and he has a solid knowledgebase of tennis skills and strategies.”  – Coach Roppelt

Track and Field

Last Year’s Record: N/A

Head Coach: Michelle Janson

Key Returners:  Joe Whilden, Ethan Brito, Dylan Chan, Kenny Connolley, Casey Sims, Breanna Keene, Brittany Keene and Gabby Encarnacion

Key Newcomers: Collin Tolson and Lauren Pfeiffer

Coach Quote: “Last year we had a successful season with a 4X100 relay team making it to states. I expect a lot of kids making it to states this year.” – Coach Roppelt