Katie Leb: Snow’s melting and the world is beginning to be a happy place again. It must mean that spring sports are hitting the field. I for one am pumped to get out in the fresh air and watch some competitive sports.

Jimmy Johnson: I am too, Katie. I can’t wait to be done being cooped inside and battling the winter. But the question must be asked: Which NIU spring team has the best chance to do some damage in their respective sport? I have a few teams on my mind, how about you?

KL: Well there are several options to choose from so let me ponder for a minute.

OK that didn’t take long. I love the diamond, and other shiny and expensive objects. However, thinking outside of baseball and softball, I have to say the track and field team has put together a good enough indoor season to garner attention for its outdoor season.

JJ: Connie Teaberry and her squad certainly have the goods to bring home some hardware this season. Rasheta Butler and Courtney Oldenburg certainly come to mind of individuals who have gotten off to a hot start. I, however, am going to go a different route. I am going to take it on the court and say the men’s tennis team will make some noise this season.

KL: Taking it back to the track, the women have put together an indoor season that including the tearing down of several sprints records. The senior Butler claimed a new 200-meter dash time at 25.32 seconds. Along with the 4×200 and 4×800 teams, expectations for success are high. When the runners are in the open air, I will look to see a lot of wind at their backs. And yes, I do mean see. Wouldn’t that be cool?

JJ: Yes, that would be pretty interesting to see. Let me shed some light on why I am so optimistic about the men’s tennis team. Head coach Patrick Fisher has a roster well equipped with talent, including seven foreign players. Ukrainian Maksym Bartiuk and Russian Roman Turtygin have stood out so far. It appears they’re starting to settle in here on the American courts.

KL: That is all well and good, but track also has field, and there are more reasons to come to a meet. The field team consists of throwers, vaulters and jumpers. That fact alone makes for something interesting to watch. Rachael Waldrop vaulted her way into the record book this indoor season, clearing the bar of 10’7″. And with the outdoor addition of hammers and javelins being thrown, what else could a person ask for?

JJ: Well not being hit with either a hammer or javelin would be the only thing I’d ask for. Both of these teams, as well as all the other spring sports, are in position to succeed this season. It will certainly be fun to watch the seasons play out while enjoying this well overdue warm weather.

KL: Touché.