By: Austin Hanson 

     With winter sports having ended, the season of spring sports is upon us. Baseball, softball, and track season have begun for many student athletes here at EMHS. All three sports have already had their first games/meets of the season, with some being postponed due to weather conflicts.  

     The Knights track team has had a quick and successful start to the season, already having several meets, including one in Johnsonburg, one at General McClane, and the Harbor Creek Invitational. However, this quick jump to start the season hasn’t deterred the success of many athletes from both the boys and the girls, having already nine athletes qualify for their respected events at the district level meet. The Squire asked sophomore Easton Fitzgerald about some of the goals that they have as a team this year, and he explained, “I would say that our goal as a team would be to get a good amount of people qualified for districts and possibly have a few moves on to states.” Fitzgerald also shared some of his own personal goals that he has for himself this season, “For me personally, I hope to beat my personal best in the 400-meter dash, and be successful in a new event for me, long jump.” The district meet will be on May 17, in Slippery Rock, at Slippery Rock University’s Stadium. 

     Out on the diamond, the Knights baseball team is looking to bounce back after a slow 1-3 start to the season, with a few games being postponed due to weather issues. With many notable seniors having graduated last year, the Knights are looking to other upperclassmen and some underclassmen, to step up and take new roles on the team. New team captain, junior, Caleb Jakubczak is one of those people. When asked about this challenge, he responded, “I have to step up and fill the areas that the seniors left; being one of the most experienced gives me an advantage to help the younger guys.” With Jakubczak’s leadership, the Knights will be pushing hard to make a deep playoff run this year. Jakubczak also shared some of the team’s goals with us, saying that it’s their goal to make playoffs and take it game by game. 

     The Lady knights have also had a slower start than anticipated to the season, with a record of 1-4, and many games also being postponed due to weather conflicts. The Lady Knights will be practicing and training relentlessly to make a playoff push this year. Senior captain, Tracey Jakubczak shared with The Squire what helps them stay focused and prepared for their upcoming games, “Listening to music during practice helps us stay focused and energetic during and throughout games, so that we are able to perform our best on game day.” Jakubczak also shared that a strength that they have as a team is that no matter the score of the game, everyone stays energetic and upbeat and plays as one unit. 

     The Squire wishes the best of luck to all three Eisenhower teams as they continue with their season, and would also like to thank Easton, Caleb, and Tracey for their responses. Stay in tune with the spring sports schedule for upcoming games, and where to watch them at!