As the calendar turns to April and the temps creep into the 70s, spring is here! With the college basketball season wrapping up this weekend and the Frozen Four one week away, winter sports are all but over for this year. The change in the weather causes a change in activities and attitudes. Pastimes like sunbathing, disc golf, corn hole and barbecuing become popular. During this period of change sports can get lost in the shuffle.
When I think of spring, it's hard for me not to think of baseball. That excitement peaks with the Major League Baseball (MLB) season officially beginning Sunday night (Cincinnatians argue it doesn't open until Monday). But even if you are not excited by the start of the MLB season, there are many things here in Oxford to get excited about.
While we are on the subject of baseball let us not forget that Miami University has a team. So far the season has not been too bad. Although the club is hovering around 0.500, it could be worse when you consider they have only played a handful of home games. Junior catcher Adam Weisenburger and junior outfielder Adam Eaton are both off to a good start hitting 0.321 and 0.313 respectively. Eaton also leads the team in home runs with four and RBI's with 22. The RedHawks are averaging around seven runs per game, so run support will not be an issue. The question will be how well the pitching staff holds up.
On a warm spring afternoon McKie Field is one of the best places to take a study break. In fact, it may be one of the best kept secrets on this campus. The facility is magnificent with grass areas that are great places to sit with friends and watch a game. What makes the experience even more tempting is the smell of hamburgers and hot dogs wafting from the grill. Anyone who walks though North quad knows that smell well.
The softball team is also a relative unknown on this campus. With a beautiful facility located between Millett Hall and Yager Stadium, it too is a secret. It is a team full of youth. With talented players like seniors Sarah Billstrom (2009 First-Team All-MAC) and Alicia Hogl, the RedHawks will look to rebound from a slow start to the season with better play in the MAC.
Track and Field also is something not to be overlooked. Some may be surprised to learn that yes indeed there is a track facility is located behind Yager Stadium — the George L. Rider Track. The women's track and field team had a good showing at the Vanderbilt Black and Gold meet last weekend. Kelly Miller and Amanda Mirochna captured the top two spots in the 1500 meter run. Miller broke the previous school record set by Mirochna with a time of 4:26:27. In addition to success on the track, the 'Hawks fared well in the field events as well. Sophomores Alexandra Roberts and Samantha Gable placed first and second in the shot put and discus.
On the men's side, Miami was also represented very well in Nashville winning 10 out of 18 events. Junior Justin Eddie won the 200 meter dash and placed second in the 100 meter. Junior Josh Rees and freshman John Cantwell took the top two places in long jump. The Red and White also finished first in the 4x400 meter relay. With all of this happening in just the first outdoor meet of the season, the men's track and field team looks to be off to a promising start.
Both the men's and women's track and field teams will be in action next weekend in Oxford. The Miami Invitational will take place April 9 and 10 and the teams will also compete in the RedHawk Invitational April 23 and 24, both at the Rider track facility.
Finally, let us not forget about the football team and their annual spring game April 10. It has been a challenge to watch the football team over the past few seasons. Despite that, this is the first look at a team looking for a rebound season. You never know who may have a breakout spring that could lead to good fall. Besides, at least you are guaranteed Miami will win this one.
The month of April can be very hectic with everyone finishing up projects and final papers and seniors gearing up for graduation. Just remember to take some time out for a break from all of the craziness of the final weeks of the semester. You have been cooped up for far too long, get out and take in some fresh air. And there's no better way to do that then by supporting your RedHawks.
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