PLAINS/HOT SPRINGS - With spring high school sports just around the corner, athletes and coaches are gearing up for another successful season. Golf, track and field, and softball practice ibegan on Monday and coaches from Plains High School and Hot Springs High School were busy preparing for the arrival of their new teams.

A loss last season at the divisional tournament has not dampened the spirits of Plains High School softball coach David Thompson. He has reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season. With a group of returning veterans to assist him with the new players, Thompson is expecting a strong showing for his team.

“I’m looking forward to the new season. We gotta get them hitting and catching balls. We will have to work on technique with the new girls but that’s something the more experienced players can help with,” said Thompson.

Plains High School track coach Denise Montgomery is looking forward to following up last years exceptional season with an even stronger, experienced team and coaching staff.

“We had an awesome season last year. Our 4X100 girls relay was the class B state champ and Hailey Philips was the 300 meter hurdles champ,” said Montgomery.

With a team of 25-30 athletes and a group of returning veterans; Montgomery, in her first year as track and field head coach, will have her hands full assessing the fitness levels of her athletes and adapting the practice routine accordingly. She will be assisted by “a great coaching staff”.

“I love working with the kids and coaching individuals so they reach their full potential”, said Montgomery.

Montgomery is expecting strong performances from her distance runners as well as a returning state qualifier in shot put and discus thrower Ben Gorham. The girls relay won the state championship last year and is losing one member to graduation but the remaining three: Kayla Holmes, Nicole Rehbein and Hailey Phillips will be back in action in the spring.

Plains High School assistant golf coach Barry Fowler and the other coaching staff will be dealing with an interesting rule change this season that will alter the dynamic of the game. This year, coaches will be able to interact and assist their players in between play of individual holes.

According to Fowler, the change is significant due to the nature of the game.

“One of the biggest challenges in golf is the mental one. Now we can answer questions and provide encouragement. It gives you an opportunity to help the students. Golf takes practice and dedication. Having someone say you are doing fine and that you can improve your score is huge,” said Fowler.

The season for PHS golf starts at the Loyola Invitational on Apr. 4.

Track and field starts for Plains on Mar. 23 at the Columbia Falls Invitational while Hot Springs starts on Mar. 28 at the Ronan Invitational.

Plains/Hot Springs softball starts against Troy on Mar. 23.