Arnett visiting Arizona for tourney

Johnny McMahan Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — At a number of small schools, baseball comes to a halt over spring break.

Not so with Arnett.

The Wildcats typically play several times over spring break and this year they’re going west - to Arizona.

Schools in Oklahoma have made similar journeys over the years, but this is Arnett’s first time to take a full-fledged trip.

The Wildcats, who opened their season with a doubleheader sweep of Shattuck, will play in a tournament in Chandler, Ariz., and also see some Major League spring training games.

“Weather is one of the advantages of taking the trip,” said Arnett coach Bryan Shoaf. “And also team building. It’s kind of a reward to the seniors and parents for the work they’ve done over the years.”

More than just the baseball team is driving out to Arizona. Several parents are also going as there are 43 people in the Wildcats traveling party.

“It will be an educational and fun trip,” Shoaf said. “I asked our parents before making the decision to make sure they were all on board with it.”

Shoaf said everyone thought it would be a good trip to take.

The Wildcats are scheduled to play 4 tournament games, all against larger schools.

“There is maybe one 2A school in the tournament and I think the others are 4A level,” Shoaf said.

Arnett plays Valley Christian and Phoenix Country Day on March 18, then Seton Catholic on March 19 and Scottsdale Christian on March 20.

Arnett has some ties to the area. The Wildcats will be at South Mountain Junior College where alum Ryan Christiansen is currently playing baseball and where Baltimore Orioles signee Randy Henry also played.

Before heading to Arizona, the Wildcats have a few games in a festival at Dover. On Friday, they play the host Longhorns, then face Ripley and Okarche on Saturday.

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For the most part, the outdoor track season doesn’t get going in a big way until after spring break.

There is, however, one major meet before the break as Boise City hosts a competition on Friday.

Activity begins at 1 p.m.

The host Wildcats are expecting several Texas teams along with Springfield, Colo. Other Oklahoma teams entered include Guymon, Turpin, Texhoma and Hooker. Other schools could enter as well.

Boise City boys coach Doug Daffern said Turpin and Hooker would be among the top boys teams at the meet. Texhoma’s boys are also typically strong. On the girls side, Boise City and Texhoma are both expected to do quite well.

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Weather has slowed the start of Woodward’s spring sports seasons.

After being rained out Monday, the baseball team is scheduled to get under way on Thursday at 10 a.m. against Christian Heritage in the Altus Tournament. Both schools also have teams in the state basketball tournament, which accounts for the early start.

The Boomers will also be in acton over the spring break as they host Frederick, Lawton MacArthur and Guymon for a festival on March 18, then go to a festival in Shawnee on March 20.

The only other spring sport that has started is soccer and the Boomer teams dropped their openers to Enid last week. Next up is the Weatherford Tournament on March 25.

High school track starts March 26 in Fairview and the slow-pitch softball season begins March 22 in Vici. Boys golf debuts March 22 in Alva and tennis April 2 in Elk City.

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