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On Preps: Take a spring twirl through Vail Valley sports

Chris Freud

Happy spring, people. It really feels like it, too.

First things first. This column will make no references to coaching changes at Battle Mountain, nor will it contain any attempts at humor when it comes to Eagle Valley basketball.

Let’s all play nicely, children.



– OK, maybe not. Am I the only one who thinks that giving lacrosse sticks to Eagle Valley and Battle Mountain is a bad idea? Really, don’t these athletic programs dislike each other enough?

The Huskies head to Gypsum on Friday for the “rematch” of their snowed-out game two Saturdays ago. Today, the Lady Devils host Summit, and the Huskies boys are at home Tuesday against those Tigers. Give all four teams a little bit of time before passing judgment.

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This is not like when Battle Mountain hockey started in 2001-02 and was an instant contender. Lacrosse at the CHSAA level is a whole new animal. The good news is that both the Devils and Huskies are in the newly formed Mountain League with first-year programs such as Grand Junction, Durango and Glenwood Springs. The local teams will be competitive by the end of the season.

– That said, give it up the Eagle Valley girls lacrosse team, which had two wins last weekend at Lax Jam in Grand Junction.

– Lauren Arnold ” yes, that Lauren Arnold ” is an assistant coach this year for Battle Mountain girls soccer. Not only am I feeling much older now, but the Huskies alumna gave out awards from Vail Ski School after Saturday’s game. Lizzie Seibert received a ribbon for a hat trick, and we’re sure that’s the first skiing ribbon she’s ever received. Maybe not.

– Huskies soccer’s Maddie LyBarger made it clear at the beginning of the season, saying, “Emily is Emily,” referring to her older sister, who starred for the team the past four years. Valid point, but Emily and Maddie are similar in their settling presence as well as leadership. While Maddie is contributing well now, mark it down ” she will have some huge games against better opponents as Battle Mountain’s center fullback.

– Making a serious impression as a freshman: Haille Hogfeldt.

– Congrats to Eagle Valley soccer for getting its first point of the season in a 2-2 draw against Moffat County Saturday. The key for this team is experience ” that and not having to play Battle Mountain, Steamboat Springs and Montrose to start the season. Yes, Steamboat was postponed, but that’s a heck of a schedule to start the season.

Game experience will be key for the Devils, as they have a good system in place. Watch out for Francois Nanin’s crew after spring break.

– Under the category of “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day,” Battle Mountain baseball had a very respectable outing Saturday at the Paonia Tournament. Yes, the Huskies lost to Hotchkiss (13-4), Steamboat Springs (18-9) and Paonia (13-7). The most encouraging thing here is that the bats are going this early in the season. Many things are difficult in high country baseball, but the bats are the last to come around because of no live pitching indoors. It would be fantastic to see the Huskies pick up a win or two in league this spring.

– What does Vail Christian have to do to get a soccer game? The Saints will play three times in March, and two of those games are March 30 (at Aspen) and March 31 (home for Rangely). Barbara Wilson’s bunch was meant to play Coal Ridge, but the Titans were still busy with basketball playoffs. The Saints’ game versus Grand Valley was snowed out Tuesday, and they finally got to play at Rangely on Friday, a 3-0 loss.

The Saints were without most of their seniors, who were on a mission trip, so once everyone returns and they get to play some games, look for Vail Christian to rumble.

– Finally, our thoughts are with Leticia Harrison and her daughters, Christina and Katie. Their husband and father, Chuck, passed away last week after a long illness. We’re all with you.

Sports Editor Chris Freud can be reached at 970-748-2934 or cfreud@vaildaily.com.


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