Spring sports in bloom
Saturday was the first day of spring, and today is the first day of the spring sports season. It’s opening day for several baseball, softball and tennis teams, with track and field soon to follow.
The Advocate-area schools that won last year’s 12th Region baseball and softball championships are in excellent position to defend as a new season begins. Danville’s baseball team lost only two starters to graduation, but the Admirals will be challenged locally by Boyle County and Mercer County and regionally by the likes of Somerset and West Jessamine.
The Garrard County softball team will field an experienced team in its bid for a third straight regional title, and the Lady Lions are led by a legitimate Miss Softball candidate in Jessica Speake. Among other local teams, Boyle County made great strides last year, and Mercer County is on the rise.
In tennis, defending boys singles champion Kyle Jeffries of Casey County and girls singles champion CeCe Witten of Boyle County and doubles champions Lee Baxter and Lauren Yates of Mercer return.
In track and field, these 2009 state champions return: Cheyenne Evans, Boyle County, Class AA girls 800-meter run; Diamond Pace, Danville, A girls 300 hurdles and triple jump; Candice Taylor, Danville, A girls long jump.
Here are this season’s new spring sports coaches at Advocate-area schools, a smaller list than in most recent years:
- Burgin: Greg Harlow, baseball; Brian Jackson, softball.
- Casey County: Todd Carman, baseball; Andy Stephens, softball.
- Garrard County: Doug Simpson, baseball.
- Lincoln County: Brian Leach, baseball; Lacey Ledford, girls track and field.
