It's strange.
I won't lie. Walking around in March, wearing shorts and sporting flip-flops.
My dear, what a difference one year makes.
Literally.
At this time in 2011, people around the area were buying lumber and preparing to build the arc because of the two months of rain and flooding that was quickly approaching Clinton County.
The sun brings out the best in everyone. Everyone seems to smile a little more. People laugh a little more when you crack that joke that maybe wasn't so funny.
Ah yes, it's the joy of the spring season.
It's one of my favorite times, I won't lie.
Football is great. Nothing pumps up the adrenaline like "Thunderstruck" blaring through the loudspeakers under the Friday Night Lights.
Basketball is my sport. Tennis, a close second.
Yet, there's nothing better than sitting in the dugout at the Mill Hall Community Park, ranch sunflower seeds nearby, stating a baseball game. In the past five years, I've learned so much about the game - the strategy, the passion, everything - from sitting on my trusty aluminum chair inside the Wildcats' dugout.
That's why I broke out the dust rag, wiped trusty ol' faithful off last Tuesday, and took in a baseball scrimmage.
Welcome to Spring Sports, 2012 style.
There are bound to be plenty of storylines throughout the quickest scholastic season. Remember, it only lasts around two months.
Here are five that I'm interested in seeing, in no particular order.
1. How far can Bellefonte softball go?
It's a good question, and one that's going to be talked about quite a few times. Manager Gregg Kohlhepp returns almost his entire squad that's two years removed from a state title and one year removed from a state semifinal run.
Look in that mixing bowl. The ingredients are sitting right there.
Don't look at Bellefonte through the first 10 games of the 2012 season. Every year, and mark my words, the Lady Raiders begin to slowly peak toward the postseason. Kohlhepp really has that knack of getting his team in tip-top shape when the district and state playoffs roll around.
Don't be surprised to see it again this year.
2. Here comes Central Mountain softball
This should come as no surprise. This is years in the making.
Get ready for Central Mountain softball to push itself right into the headlines.
Nine starters - mainly all juniors - are back for manager Dave Peters. Most of them will be three-year starters this year.
The entire Clinton Junior all-star team that took third at states during the summer of 2010 are now at Central Mountain High School in some way, shape or form.
A good majority of them on varsity, as a matter of fact.
You saw it with Carbino Club. That's your proof. Carbino, which feeds the Valley View High School softball program in Peckville, finished second in the state the year Clinton was in the tournament with them. Last year, with those girls on the varsity team as freshmen and sophomores, Valley View went deep into the Triple-A postseason.
Don't be surprised to see Central Mountain make a huge push toward a District 6-9 Class AAAA championship.
3. What will Von Walker's junior season look like?
He is the youngest Central Mountain player to ever grace the all-state baseball team.
He batted almost .600 with 33 hits - more than 10 of those for extra bases.
He swiped more bases than you can count.
He was recently named to ESPNHS's Pennsylvania All-State team.
What will Central Mountain junior Von Walker do for an encore?
It's an interesting question as Walker looks to continue to rip up the record books like former Wildcat standouts Scott Zuback, Cody Dolan and Colten Stover did while they were at the school.
If it's anything like his junior year on the gridiron where he rushed for more than 1,200 yards for a million touchdowns, look out, area fans. You are about to be treated to something special.
4. Jersey Shore tennis just wins
Streaks are an amazing thing. Any type of streak, really.
One of the area's best winning streaks is taking place in Lycoming County where the Jersey Shore boys' tennis team has currently won 20 straight regular-season matches and is off to a 3-0 start to the 2012 season.
It's interesting to see how long any streak can go. Lock Haven softball recently had an absolutely-long home winning streak that lasted nearly five years. Bellefonte softball had a district-title win streak that seemingly lasted decades.
It will be fun to see how long the Bulldogs can keep the streak rolling on the courts.
5. Interesting non-conference matchups
You know what you get in conference.
No surprises there.
But you want to see some intriguing non-conference dates? Keep these in mind.
Thursday, April 5: Jersey Shore at Central Mountain softball
Wednesday, April 18: Central Mountain at Jersey Shore baseball
Saturday, April 21: Jersey Shore Tournament. Both Jersey Shore and Bald Eagle Area softball are there, and should make for an interesting game should the state powers lock horns.
Saturday, April 28: Thunder on the Mountain. It's an all Quad-A tournament, and should show where the Lady Wildcats stand with the larger teams in the district.
Monday, May 14: Jersey Shore at State College baseball.
