Spring has sprung. Well, at least the calendar says so. Mother nature, not so much. As local spring sports teams prepare for the opening of their 2026 seasons, they do so while dodging snowflakes, raindrops, high winds, and just about anything else that is not favorable for most outdoor sports.

However, despite the unfavorable conditions, they must find ways to prepare, nonetheless.

At Central Mountain like many other schools, that means time in the gym, in batting cages, in hallways, fitness rooms, on the turf field, and just about anywhere else they might be able to get a legitimate workout in the books. There’s potential for solid seasons ahead for Central Mountain softball, baseball, track and field and boy’s tennis.

The baseball team is once again led by longtime head coach, Mike Kramer. Kramer has consistently produced solid squads, and this season should be no different. The Wildcats lost some talented players from last year’s 16-2 team that qualified for the state playoffs. But in their place, they return a nice core of veterans who played big roles a year ago.

Leading the group is standout Blake Walker, who was named the PHAC Player of the Year for his efforts last season along with fellow returner Austin Frank – the 2025 PHAC Pitcher of the Year. Several other PHAC honorees return this season as well.

Pitching and defense looks to be an area of strength for Kramer’s squad with Frank, Walker, Darius Shade and Dane Hanna each logging quality innings on the mound a year ago.

Overall, Kramer likes the work that his troops have put in leading up to opening day but cautions that each season and team is different and thus knows that this year’s squad must establish its own identity. Fortunately, he is confident that the talent is in house for a successful 2026 season.

Jeff Brinker returns to lead the boy’s tennis team. Four key players are back from last year’s 7-10 team, Tim Brinker, Joey McCluskey, Brayden Spedding and Ben Brinker. While that group will provide a solid top of the Wildcat lineup, Brinker will need a couple of his younger netters to step up as well.

The veteran coach is optimistic that his players can compete in the very competitive PHAC. Specifically, he said, “I look for the boys to compete with gratitude and enjoy the opportunity to play a game they love. They are winners if they can do that. The wins will come but I hope they enjoy the time they are on the courts together as they compete for a PHAC title.”

With just two seniors on this year’s team, growth will be a key to watch for not only as this season moves along but how this program continues to grow toward the future as well.

An exodus of a solid group of track and field performers from a year ago, creates a challenge for new head track and field head coach Scott Bair. Bair – who also leads the cross country team – takes over head track and field duties this season as well. He recognizes that this year’s squad must make up for the loss of some talented athletes from a season ago that saw the boys team finish 3-3 while the girls were 2-4.

Despite those losses, Bair is expecting big things from Marcia Owens, who won the D6 100-meter hurdles last season, Sarah Hall (sprints & hurdles), Grace Keohane (800/1,600), Sophia Hoy (long & triple jumps), and Morgan Davis (shot & discus).

For the boys, he’s looking for Shayden Hill (sprints), Damien Winner (1,600/3,200), and throwers Owen Kaler, Brayden Bird, Josiah Allert, and Ethan Shetler to have breakout seasons.

As far as a strength, Coach Bair says, “Our biggest strength going into this season has been our work ethic. The team has been showing up every day and putting in the work. The athletes have been very coachable and willing to learn new techniques. The team has a positive attitude everyday and they are competitive .”

At the same time there are always things to be concerned about. To that point, Bair acknowledges that, “One of the biggest challenges will be maintaining consistency and staying healthy throughout the season. Track is a long season, and balancing training intensity with recovery is very important.”

“We’ll also need to continue gaining experience, especially in high-pressure meets and invitationals. Learning how to compete, not just participate, will be key for us as we move into the postseason.”

The softball team will once again be led by former CM standout, Taylor Thompson. Not unlike the other spring sports teams, the softball team saw a talented group of seniors graduate from last year’s squad.

However, Central Mountain has established a softball program that sees an infusion of young talent each year. This year should be no exception.

Pitching is an area where CM is led by an established pitcher in junior Camdyn Weaver. Also, returning from solid seasons a year ago are Kirstyn Watson, Aubrey Eiler, Mallory Wunder and a few others who will be looked upon to provide fireworks and stability to a lineup that will also feature young talent.

After finishing with PHAC and D6 championships a year ago, the pressure will be on this year’s squad to see that success repeated.

The action will soon begin. Expect some beautiful days but anticipate some postponements along the way too as mother nature attempts to decide whether or not to cooperate. Enjoy the games, meets and matches. Look for this weekly column to provide you with a recap of CM events and to recognize the CM team and athlete of the week throughout the spring sports season.