The CHS Lady Raider softball team poses for a picture prior to the Midnight Madness practice on Monday morning
“…57…58…59…It’s midnight!” screamed assistant softball coach Jackie Wilder as another spring sports season kicked off at Coffee County Central High School early Monday morning at Terry Floyd Field. February 15th was designated as the date that spring sports teams could start practicing and the Lady Raider softball team continued a 20 year tradition of beginning at the stroke of midnight with “Midnight Madness.” The CHS soccer team also got in on the act as they hit the field at the stroke of midnight getting in a spirited 1 hour workout before Monday’s rains set in.
Coach Steve Wilder begins his first season at the helm of Lady Raider softball program as he becomes the 4th coach in program history and only the 3rd coach in the last 25 years. Battling wind and a little bit of rain, Wilder was able to get in a good round of infield/outfield in front of a small crowd of bundled up onlookers as temperatures hovered around 45 degrees. The Lady Raiders are looking on improving on last year’s sectional tournament appearance.
Across town, the Red Raider soccer team opened at midnight for the 2nd straight year and Coach Robert Harper was pleased with the turnout and enthusiasm. “We were able to get in some work that we could not get in (Monday) afternoon due to the weather” said Harper. The Red Raiders advanced to the region tournament last year falling in overtime to Oakland.
The other CHS teams were also forced indoors on Monday afternoon. The Raider tennis teams held a short indoor “informational meeting” as they hope to get out on the courts by Wednesday. The Lady Raiders are looking to recapture last year’s district title and return to the region tournament.
The Raider track teams will attempt to get started on Tuesday after the rain forced them to cancel Monday’s workout as well. Coach Stan Jarrell hopes to return a CHS track athlete to the state meet for the 26th consecutive year.
The CHS Soccer team goes through drills during their Midnight Madness practice on Monday morning
The Red Raider baseball team was able to do some hitting in their facility and worked on defensive drills in the gym as Powers Field was too wet on Monday afternoon. The baseball team is coached by first year head coach David Martin.
Remember, you can keep up with all spring sports all season long by visiting our website daily at WMSRradio.com. Additionally, Red Raider baseball and Lady Raider softball will return to the airwaves in March as Lucky Knott will bring you exclusive coverage of Coffee County games both home and away. We will be releasing out broadcast schedule in the next few weeks.
