Snow becoming a problem for baseball and softball

The severe winter weather has had a damaging effect on BVU’s softball and baseball fields, threatening to put a delay in their schedules.

According to Head Softball Coach, Heather Hupke, at this time last year the players were already on the field and focused on their first home game on the dirt. This year, both teams have been stuck practicing in the field house.

“I think the anticipation of when they will play is there. Our focus is good as far as what we need to get accomplished. The team is ready for the first game outside,” Hupke said.

The statewide snowfall average this winter is over forty-three inches, with local numbers reaching much higher than state average.

This region has received around sixty-four inches of snow. The softball field’s right field fence is engulfed in over four feet of snow, while only the top rows of the bleachers can be seen.

Snow removal is the main priority of the coaches. Facilities Management is doing a lot of extra work to try and remove the snow. Right now they are waiting for the rain to melt more of the snow.

Because the field is not frozen, they cannot use heavy equipment to clear the snow, so they are searching for alternative means of clearing.
“It is a waiting game now,” Coach Hupke said.

To date, there have been no scheduled delays for home games or conference games. Softball’s tournament last weekend in Hastings, NE was cancelled due to snow on the fields, low temperatures, and overall bad conditions.

Coach Hupke plans to be on the field after their game in St. Louis on Mar. 20 at the earliest, and at the latest, she plans to be on the home field after spring break.
Softball has big plans for spring break. They will play eight games in four days in the Sunwest Tournament in California.

Their first home game is Apr. 10 against rival Coe College. Without scheduling delays and any more snowfall, the softball team plans on have ten home games for their 2010 season.

Baseball has also had problems because of the incredible amount of snow on the feilds.

Head Baseball Coach Steve Eddie is glad they dont play the first weekend of conference play at home and as of now, is not concernced with the weather and snow effecting their playing time.

“We are hoping to be on the field before Mar. 30, for our first home game. The weather has to start helping us out, right now its a swampy mess,” Eddie said.

Maintence has worked a lot and used snow blowers to remove snow from the turf.
It looks as though baseball should be outside practicing next week.

“There is still snow in the out field, so the next problem will be standing water around and on the field,” Eddie said.

The baseball team gets back on the field this weekend, albeit in Missouri, as they travel to Westminster College for a non-conference series.