The track looks more suitable for cross country skiing, and the fields are better for throwing snowballs than baseballs and softballs, but springs sports still started at Wareham High on Monday, March 16.

Earlier last the week, custodian crews and other individuals began working to clear the courts, tracks, and fields at the school. Principal Scott Palladino said though a lot of the facilities can’t currently be used, he hopes they’ll be ready for the start of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) athletic season. The MIAA’s website lists the start of games as March 26.

Principal Scott Palladino said that there’s been some talk amongst the MIAA and the schools of extra time being added onto the end of the season for teams to qualify for the postseason tournament because of postponed games. He said more time was added this past winter season because of cancellations due to snow.

“That’s probably what they’ll do,” he said.

At Wareham High, spring sports include baseball, softball, boys and girls tennis, and boys and girls track. Palladino said most of the teams utilized the school’s gym for practices starting Monday while the fields are given more time for snow to melt and water to drain.

He also said an outdoor pitching cage behind the old Boys and Girls Club building could currently be used, as well as other indoor facilities.

Girls tennis coach Geoff Swett said it’s been almost impossible to clear the tennis courts for a number of reasons.

“They can’t throw (the snow) far enough,” said Swett on Friday, “and it’s creating more snow in other areas when they throw it. And the back area doesn’t get the same amount of sunlight, so there’s about 18 inches of show.”

Though parts of the court are still bad, he said other areas have had a good amount of melting.

“I’ve talked to some other coaches in the area, and some of them think it will be at least two weeks before they get on the court,” he said, noting that the team’s first match is scheduled for March 31. “My guess is that at least, the tennis season would stay as is, but we’ll have a lot of matches postponed.”

Palladino said it’s not uncommon to have the post-season qualifying dates pushed back, especially in the spring, as inclement weather often stops at least softball and baseball from happening.

“We’re used to getting them in last,” he said.

He said the the bad weather combined with an earlier start than usual has caused an unusual situation, but he’s confident they’ll get through the seasons without problem.

“It’s kind of awkward,” he said. “It’s an early start. A lot of times, we’re starting a little later than than we are now—it’s always the third Monday in March, but it’s early this year. But we’ll get through it. A couple more 50-degree days we’re all set.”