We are so very close to officially changing seasons. Hallelujah, spring is on its way!

Not only can we now shed our winter coats, but we can also shed the good and bad memories of high school winter sports. It is now time for the residents of Logan County to show their support of high school spring athletics.

This spring, prepare yourself for girls softball. What could be better than basking in the sun on a beautiful spring day and supporting the athletes of Russellville High School? Nothing I tell you! Well, you might be able to improve that scenario with a bottle of lemonade and some sunflower seeds (salted).

All you have to do to prepare for the upcoming spring softball season is pick up a schedule, but the dedicated athletes are already hard at work planning for the games ahead.

I had the opportunity to talk with Tom Thompson, Russellville softball coach, about the upcoming season. When I asked Coach Thompson to describe what the team was doing to build mental and physical strength, he mentioned the great amount of effort the team is putting into practicing hitting and fielding techniques, as well as "working to fill the gaps" that were left in the team from two starters who graduated last year.

But "working to fill the gaps" shouldn't present too big of a problem to the team. Plenty of young ladies from RMS and RHS came out to be a part of the action this year, and he said that they will most definitely help out in the future because, "They are enthusiastic, they have good work ethic, and they are good sportswomen."

The team seems to be off to a good start by encouraging a theme of teamwork. Coach Thompson emphasized this point when I asked him to drop some names of any star players we can expect to make the headlines this season.

He told me that, "We are a team, a core nucleus of players, and everyone's experience will benefit the team. I don't want to single out one person."

Also, don't try to predict the Lady Panthers' season just yet. When I asked Coach Thompson who he thought would be their toughest opponent, he just smiled and said, "Our district is very talented and for us to be competitive with them we will have to work extremely hard."

It sounds as if the coaches and the team have the right attitude, and who knows how far that positive attitude will take them this year. I have a feeling that some magic will soon be made on the softball fields all around the county.

Just make sure that you don't miss out on the action.

Tory Patterson is a freshman at Russellville High School and will be covering RHS softball for the N-D&L this season.