TERRY COLUMN: Weathering early spring practices

You’ve heard the old adage.

If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute. It will change.

That has never been truer than this spring, when early warmth for the first days of practices has shifted into rain and snow, depending on the wind direction and location of the playing fields.

As athletes around the Valley attempt to get back into the swing of the spring sports schedule, some come more prepared than others for the random bouts of weather that March and April spit out.

“The older kids usually guide the younger kids,” Flathead boys track coach Dan Hodge said.

It starts with layers.

Sweatshirts and tights are a regular sight on the fields and tracks around the area. Golfers in beanies, runners in winter gloves. Anything to keep warm before warmups and after cool downs.

Once warm, the game is like it would be in any weather. Short sleeves are back and comfortable as ever.

As the season breaks for summer near the championship weekends, those layers can be kept for security. Just in case.

While it’s still chilly, Hodge said warming up is the key to preventing injuries. Even in the coldest weather, which this spring has yet to spit out, warm muscles will prevent any snaps, stretches or tears that could linger into the season.

“You just have to get the kids to warm up properly,” Hodge said.

The Braves and Bravettes warm up in the Flathead gym with stretches and dynamic exercises before making the half-mile trek to Legends Stadium and the school track.

The team has practiced seven of eight days outside so far this season and will be outside permanently after spring break next week.

As the season marches along, the weather is only supposed to warm up, but that doesn’t stop Montana’s weather, and the Valley’s quirky patterns, from completely flipping the script.

The Bigfork track meet has been snowed out as recently as a few years ago, and the Columbia Falls track meet has built such a reputation it now goes by the Iceberg Invitational.

Athletes in every sport have carried the season’s most valuable accessory — blankets — for years. Decked out in school colors or those of favorite sports teams or future colleges, blankets litter the infields at track meets and the dugouts at softball games. Some tennis players have resorted to an upgrade, bringing sleeping bags to insulate them from the wind at the usually blustery courts.

Sleeping bags have also given way to tents and rain flies, which can protect from the season’s other unexpected elements, though have to be patrolled more often by coaches and administrators.

While the weather may have its surprises in store for the area’s athletes and spectators, most seem to be prepared for anything.

And, as Montana has showed time and again, anything is likely on its way.