While winter sports are still taking place, training for upcoming spring sports has already begun. Preseason is important because
It helps you build a strong foundation and enhance your performance. This spring, Delta High School offers tennis, baseball, track and field, and girls’ soccer.
Baseball has had a strong preseason so far, starting in December. When asked, “With the first pitch still weeks away, what’s the single biggest thing you’re focused on improving this spring?” Mack Lockhart shared, “I want to focus on my pitching accuracy and velocity so when we get into a hard game I will be able to be more accurate under pressure.” “After a great 2025 season, we are looking for another successful campaign. We return 3 of our top offensive players from last year. Deacon Shean and Jhett Ryan were at the top end of the offensive statistics in batting average and and a combined 39 stolen bases. Landon Kennell is a 4 year starter that returns after leading the team in batting average and extra base hits. He also is our top returning pitcher and shortstop. We will have several new starters this year, which is exciting to see what these individuals will be able to produce as varsity players. Our goal is always to win the Western Slope League title, host and win regionals and win a state title. Is this the year that all of these things happen? I don’t know, but we have the pieces to make it happen. It will come down to pitchers throwing strikes, defensive players making plays, and hitters attacking at the plate. We have a very tough schedule. We’ll compete against 7-8 teams that saw post-season action last year, including the defending State Champion Coal Ridge Titans and the defending runners-up, University Bulldogs. 3 other teams were Final 4 teams in 3A (Resurrection Christian) and 4A (Palisade and Falcon). With this being said, we have our work cut out for us, but we’ll be up for the challenge. We are also very excited about our JV and Freshman teams as we have a great group of quality ball players. This is not just exciting for this year, but for the future of Delta Panther Baseball.” After talking to the head coach, Mr. Reiher, it is clear that the goals are clear. Wanting to have a successful season throughout all three levels of teams is what coaches and the players are hoping to achieve.
Kortlan Bynum is a returning player, and is preparing for another season. “What’s one specific skill or physical aspect you’re determined to improve this preseason? Kortlan said, “I want to improve my agility and athleticism as a whole.” Track is very important to train for in the offseason since the sport is physically demanding and requires speed, strength and endurance. To get another perspective, I talked to Mrs. Schmalz, a track and field coach. “I am very excited for the upcoming season because so many kids have been in sports or out for the indoor track season, so I think as a team we will be in better shape for the start of the season. I am hoping that because we were so young last year, that there will be a lot of improvement this season. The past couple of years we depended on very strong athletes to fill in everywhere, and I hope that there will be enough kids out this season that we can keep athletes in their strongest events.” It is clear that every track and field athlete has the chance to succeed this season.
Tennis is another sport that Delta High School offers, but the team has not started their preparation for the upcoming season yet. Preseason training is important for tennis players because it helps improve footwork, conditioning, and consistency on the court. When asked, “What’s one thing you’re focused on improving this preseason?” Chloe said,”One thing that I am focused on improving this preseason is my confidence and enjoying my last season of tennis!” The head coach states what she is looking forward to. ‘I am looking forward to getting to know a new group of girls, seeing everyone (old and new players) improve throughout the season and seeing student’s competitive spirit grow and change. I very much am looking forward to being outside, getting exercise every day, and having some good fun in the process.’ After talking to the two, their goals are similar in terms of having a good season.
Girls’ soccer is also preparing for their spring season at Delta High School. While official preseason training has not started yet, many players are already preparing on their own to be ready when the season begins.Jocy Ramirez said she hopes to put in more effort than usual to have a good season and going in with an “I can” mindset. While not being able to have the head coach make a comment on the preseason, it is believed that there are big hopes for the younger players.
