With the last high school state championships being played in Nevada yesterday, that means it's already time for spring sports.

Spring sports opened official practices Saturday, and prep coaches got their wish - good weather. In a land of unpredictable weather at this time of year, the 60-degree temperature was a nice welcome for the new season.

Poor weather can wreak havoc on spring sports, but at least for tryouts, teams were able to practice outside rather than in gymnasiums.

"It was a nice day to be out on the field with the kids," Reed softball coach Ray Charles said. "It's nice to get outside so we can evaluate everybody early. That's huge for us. When you have tryouts and all the kids in the gym, it's pretty hard to evaluate. We definitely cross our fingers (for good weather) at the start of the year."

The weather isn't the only thing that gets coaches going early in the season. Coaches just like to be back out on the field with their players, especially when there's an increase in interest in the program.

The Sparks softball team had 32 girls come out for 30 spots on the first day of tryouts. Varsity softball coach Frank Avilla expects at least five more girls to try out for the JV and varsity squads this week. Tryouts end Wednesday for the Maroon and Gold.

Avilla is thrilled about the excitement shown by the returning players as well as the newcomers so far.

"Starting with soccer, volleyball, basketball and now softball, it looks like we're getting a real good turnout in everything," Avilla said. "Swimming and track has a big turnout also this year. I think the tide is turning as far as enthusiasm for girls sports."

Spring sports teams don't have much practice time before games start, which is another reason good weather is a bonus.

Both Reed baseball and softball start on March 12, with the baseball team staying in town for the annual Mike Bearman Memorial Tournament and the softball squad heading to Sacramento for a tournament.

Spanish Springs has a similar early season schedule. The Cougars softball team will begin its bid for a third straight state championship when it goes to Sacramento on March 12. Baseball will challenge Fallon, Fernley, Carson and South Tahoe at the Senators' tournament from March 12-14.

Spark baseball won't start games until March 13 when it travels to a Yerington tournament, but will scrimmage at Reed and Hug prior to that. Railroaders softball will also be in Yerington for a tournament during the same span.