By: Jake Harvey

Winter sports are coming to a close, and spring sports are now preparing in the preseason. The Knights baseball team is preparing to make another run at the state title. Last year, the baseball team went to an indoor facility in Erie on Sundays. This year, there is a new indoor facility in Warren with cages and nets. Although it isn’t as big as Erie’s Strike Zone, it gets the job done and the place is never crowded. In the upcoming weeks, the baseball and softball team will be splitting time in the gym to get a good preseason workout with the team. Ike baseball has to work extra hard this year with big shoes to fill with the loss of three starters: Logan Bellardo, Chris Sanders, and Kyle Hunt.

The girls track team is coming off of an undefeated season and being crowned Region 4 champs. Most of the lady Knights are staying in shape by playing soccer and basketball in the offseason. Also with big shoes to fill, the girls track team will miss key seniors this year. Returning stars on the track team are Terry Lee Talasky, Emily McJunkin, and Tiffany Work. The boys track team is coming off of a strong season with a winning record. The boys are staying in shape by lifting with the football players, and doing other things to stay fit on their own time.

The Squire caught up with Ike track star Owen Nizzi to see what he has been doing to get ready for the spring season.

The Squire: Have you been doing anything in the offseason to stay in shape?

Owen Nizzi: I have been lifting twice a week with the football players and when it’s a nice day I will go for a run back at my house.

TS: Have you done anything different in this preseason than last years?

ON: I am a lot stronger from lifting and I have been running more; the same stuff, just more intense.

TS:  Do you think that the track team will be better or worse than the team last year?

ON: I think that we will be better. This year, our two best teammates are seniors, Josh and Noah.

TS: Do you have any personal goals coming into this season?

ON: I would love to make districts and eventually states.

All in all, Ike spring sports have been working hard in the preseason and are ready to see what they can do in the real season. Come out and support your Knights at a home game this spring!