The start to spring sports is here, the cold weather has  started to die down and the sun is coming out. Although the cold weather has returned, the Padua Pandas are ready to kick into gear and start training for this 2017 spring season.

The Padua Pandas had their first day of tryouts on March 1. Now that tryouts are over, the coaches and athletes are ready to start working hard for future games and championships. Padua has a total of  seven sports that allow anyone to tryout in hopes of joining the team. Spring Track and Crew are the only two out of the seven sports, Crew, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, and Track & Field, that allow you to join without having to tryout.

Tryouts are nerve racking and competitive for any sport. Alexis Hamm ’19, said, “Tryouts were very difficult and competitive, but I knew going into them what to expect. There were a lot of girls trying out for few spots, so you have to be the best that you can possibly be.”

Now that they’re over and coaches have made their decisions on players, each team is ready for the season. Practices have already started, regardless of the snow and cold weather.  Teams have had to relocate and have practices in indoor areas. Julia Pollinger ’19,  said that the fields are still icy,  so they have been practicing for softball in the gym for the past week. Lacrosse, Soccer, Track & Field, and Softball have had to use the gym to practice all week because of the un-spring like weather. The sun eventually will come out and melt the track and fields so that the athletes can get out there and train.

The Padua Pandas train and work hard in all the sports they do; it is shown through the many state championship titles the school has won. The soccer and track & field team both currently hold a state championship title. The Pandas are ready for a successful 2017 spring season. Alexandra Musial ’19 who is on the softball team says, “I think this season will be one to remember. We have gained new players this year with great talent. The team’s hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm will bring us to the state championship this year.”