Due to high snowfall this year, the Trojan softball team have started their spring practice on the field behind the elementary instead of their home field at Roosevelt park until the field is clear of snow. Inside a half moon of mounded up snow from a recent plowing, the team is immersed in catching drills.

“Stretch those arms. Extend. Really reach for it” calls Coach Keith Haggerty.

“All the players have been working hard preparing for the season opener against Bonners Ferry on March 28” says Haggerty.

Haggerty and the team aim to build on their success last year, which was the first time Troy has gone to divisionals in softball. And with seven returning players including seniors Kylie Carr, Alyssa Lewis, Riliey Maggie and Taylor Carter, and 14 players in total, they have a good chance.

“Positions are not set yet” says Haggerty, who is in his third year of coaching the team “we’re working on conditioning and fundamentals now, to build skills in our freshmen. Actually, it’s always about building on skills, no matter what level you are at.”

Haggerty is assisted by Dallas Carr as assistant coach, and Brad Hanson, who volunteers his time to attend practise and goes to most of the games “I just love softball, baseball” says Hanson “it’s pretty fun.”

“We’ve got a really decent team” says Haggerty “Offensively, defensively they do a good job. But what I always focus on is that it takes everyone. I don’t highlight individuals because it takes all of the team to win.”