Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable. The snow can last from October to April, and in turn, outdoor athletics can be put into jeopardy. The number of games being postponed is increasing, which not only impacts scheduled games but practice as well.
It puts teams at a clear disadvantage when these spring teams can’t perform on their preferred terrain. With temps rising and falling snow coming and melting, the fields, courts, and courses athletes are playing on just aren’t ready for the season.
March began with some warm weather, with temperatures reaching the 50s, only to lead into a mid-month blizzard. Some areas of Wisconsin got around 20 inches of snow, the highest in some areas in the last 100 years, according to the Weather Channel.
MacyJean Cain, a Stout Softball player, says, “It makes it difficult for practices not knowing what space we will be able to use.” This comes after Johnson Fieldhouse allows other athletics, such as high school track meets, to occur, taking potential indoor space from spring teams needing to practice.
Avery Meyer, a member of the women’s golf team, says, “With the cold weather conditions, it prevents us from getting quality practice in and preparing us for upcoming tournaments.” Changing venues can get confusing not only for the athletes, but also for the complexes hosting the events.
Cain says their regular season has already seen some changes. “We’ve had to change locations due to field conditions and even postponed a game,” she claims. Baseball follows suit by also postponing its home doubleheader versus Eau Claire on April 3rd to April 15th.
Temperatures are looking to rise, getting back up to the 50s, but with that comes rain showers and other stormy weather potentially.
Whether or not spring sport athletes get outside for most of the season, these teams will aim to get the most out of their season and continue to further their success. To follow sports updates and changing weather conditions, check Stout Athletics for news updates and look at the composite calendar for game day and times.
