John's Journal: Learning Lessons While Awaiting Sunny, Warm Conditions

We’re barely into April so there’s no need to get bent out of shape because of the weather and how it impacts outdoor spring sports. As all Minnesotans know, spring can arrive slowly and in fits and starts, but it has never failed to arrive.

That doesn’t make it any easier for spring sports teams and athletes -- boys tennis, softball, boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls golf, girls and boys track and field, baseball and clay target – to prepare for their season when being outdoors is next to impossible. There are big snowbanks and frozen ground in the northern regions of the state and elsewhere things are soaking wet and frigid.

In recent days I have circled a few events on the calendar, planning to attend, only to see them postponed or cancelled. Such is life.

I posted a question on social media recently, asking for input from coaches and activities directors on how things are going. I have done similar things on previous occasions, including past springs when the weather really put a stick in the spokes of outdoor competition. Feedback from those folks is vitally important, based on their experience and how they work with athletes on dealing with obstacles. After all, one of the points of high school activities is learning life lessons.

Here's what I posted: COACHES AND ADS, I need your help. How are you and your outdoor teams dealing with this rotten spring weather? What's the frustration level? How's your patience holding up? Type your thoughts into an email and zap it in my direction: [email protected]

This morning I received a response from Mary Nelson at Mankato East High School. Mary is an assistant track and field coach as well as co-chair of the physical education department and student council advisor.

The subject line on Mary’s email said: “Mankato East Track Embraces Spring Weather.”

Mary wrote …

At Mankato East, our girls learn from day one that we never shy away from less-than-ideal weather. Rain, snow, sunshine — whatever the conditions, we embrace every opportunity to train and adapt.

There’s a Norwegian saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” We live by a similar philosophy — every experience is a chance to grow, learn, and navigate challenges safely.

Weather teaches us resilience, adaptability, and perseverance — the same qualities that track & field (and life) demand. We’re grateful for every day we get to train, and even more thankful for the sunny ones.

That is a wonderful statement about high school activities in Minnesota … even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

--MSHSL staff member John Millea has been the leading voice of Minnesota high school activities for decades. Follow him on Bluesky at johnmilleamn and listen to "Preps Today with John Millea” wherever you get podcasts. Contact John at [email protected] or [email protected]