Escalon High School spring sports are officially underway and tennis, boys golf, track and field, baseball and softball are all on the schedule for Cougar athletes. Pre-season contests are keeping most of the teams busy over the next couple of weeks.

Returning for baseball are varsity head coach Greg Largent and JV head coach Ken Baptista, each with help from assistant coaches. The varsity has brought out new ‘throwback’ uniforms in honor of the school’s 100th anniversary celebration, jerseys they will be using this season only for home games. Trans-Valley League play starts on Tuesday, March 17 hosting Modesto Christian.

On the softball diamond, last year’s JV coach, Kristin Beckman, has made the move to varsity, replacing longtime coach Art Brooks. The new JV coach this season is Amanda Vanderwall. First TVL game for the girls is Monday, March 16 hosting Ripon.

Entering her second year as the co-ed tennis coach is Jackey Blakely and her assistant coach this season is Ali Jones. A trip to Hughson on Tuesday, March 17 will open the league season for the tennis team.

For boys golf, Ron Gutierrez is back for another season with the varsity boys and JV boys with Tom Silva and Steve Souza as assistant coaches. The golf boys are the first to get league play started, they were slated to play Tuesday, March 3 at Spring Creek against Ripon to kick off TVL action.

Track and field will be under the overall leadership of head coach Carrie Nash with assistant coaches Paul Anserlian and Michael Bower. Their first league meet is Wednesday, March 25 at Hughson.