Spring Has Nearly Sprung

Here is the good news: it finally looks like we can put winter weather in our rear view mirror.  We were well into the 60’s yesterday and Easter Sunday looks terrific with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 60’s. 

Now here is the bad news: wet weather just might dominate Easter Week when schools are closed and those who don’t go away are looking for something to do.  While it’s still six days away the forecast is not promising for Thursday night’s season opener for the Lakewood BlueClaws, who host Kannapolis at 6:35 at FirstEnergy Park.

Hopefully things will change but you actually can get a first-look at the 2015 BlueClaws Monday night when they face Brookdale Community College in an exhibition game.  Admission is free as gates open at 6 p.m. the 6:35 first pitch. The players are due to arrive in Lakewood this weekend from their spring training location in Clearwater, Florida.  Shawn Williams, son of former major league manager Jimy Williams will manage the BlueClaws after spending last year with Williamsport.

Coming off back-to-back championship seasons the Brick Green Dragons are now searching for a new football coach after Thursday’s surprising news that Rob Dahl was stepping down.  The Shore Sports Network’s Scott Stump reports that Dahl is walking away from the game he loves to spend more time with his family as he feels he’s leaving the program in much better shape than when he took over four years ago(that’s an understatement). 

The Green Dragons won the Class A South championship last fall, a year after they surprised everyone by winning their first state sectional title in 20 years.  Dahl, who played under legendary coach Warren Wolf, briefly resigned as Brick coach in the summer of 2013 citing family reasons but rescinded that resignation following meetings with players, coaches and school administrators.

Brick loses many of its top players to graduation, including quarterback Carmen Sclafani, linebacker James Juliano and defensive back Ja’Quez Johnson. The sudden opening at Brick is the only head coach vacancy in the Shore Conference.