The spring sports season has sprung for the Morgan County school system, but, apparently, Mother Nature didn’t get the memo.
So far, one tennis match has been rescheduled and the only reason last Monday’s soccer games weren’t cancelled due to pouring rain was the artificial turf on Lamar County’s field, which causes water to drain off the surface more quickly.
Oh, the rain was really cold. And wet.
To be fair, it’s only February, so there should be no surprise that the cold showers that fell during last Monday’s soccer game –the first official sporting event of the spring for Morgan County – will bring none of the proverbial flowers that we look forward to during the true springtime.
At this point, rain and unwanted weather can only disrupt the carefully laid plans of Morgan County’s coaches.
For the next month or two, the best that Morgan County sports fans can hope for is the occasional sunny day on their way out to the game.
If history tells us anything, games will be rained out and cancelled or rescheduled, and sometimes we’ll only realize this as we drive up to the event (which is a great reason to follow the Morgan County Citizen’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, by the way).
Before you know it, the true nature of spring will show itself. Amidst the blossoming renewal of life, made manifest in the green of the grass and the unobscured ball of fire in the sky, sitting outside will again become a pleasurable experience and no longer just something we endure in order to watch a soccer match or a baseball game.
Then, the atmospheric conditions will enhance the pleasure derived from being a spectator of the ephemeral scenes of a moment that will never again be relived outside of memory. 
In the meantime, however, the inclement – but quite seasonable – weather shouldn’t deter your decision to be in attendance during the early part of the spring sports season. After all, habits are made early, and these teams deserve regulars in the stands during their games. The best we can do is to come prepared for anything.
Just like the falling curveball flying from the hands of Morgan County’s pitchers, expect temperatures to drop with the setting sun. Bring a coat.
When those pesky nimbus clouds release drops of rain as fat as the Net Dogs’ drop shots, you’d better have a poncho stowed away in your trunk.
Waterproof your boots for days when flood-like puddles get between you and the stands. After all, you won’t be the one on the track running the 100-yard dash.
And snow...
Well, pray for no snow.

Printed in the February 21, 2013 edition