The wait is finally over. While many metro-area teams started their season last week, the short-but-busy spring sports season gets under way in earnest this week.
Here is a look at some of the more notable prep events coming up:
BASEBALL
SATURDAY
Eastview at Eden Prairie, 3 p.m. The first big test of the season for defending Class 3A champ Eden Prairie, which is the preseason No. 1 team in the metro. With its pitching depth and senior leadership, Eastview will contend for the South Suburban Conference title.
Other games to watch
Today: Holy Angels at Hopkins, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Maple Grove at Centennial, 4:15 p.m.
Thursday: Minnetonka vs. Burnsville (at Alimagnet Park), 4:15 p.m.
Saturday: St. Anthony at New Ulm, 1 p.m.
TRACK AND FIELD
FRIDAY
Lake Conference Relays: Ten teams, including the top three finishers from the 2010 Class 2A meet (Eden Prairie, Edina and Wayzata), head up this early-season showdown. Keep an eye on Edina sprinter Devin Crawford-Tufts, the defending state champ in the 100 and 200 meters who has signed a letter of intent to play football for the Gophers next year. At University of Minnesota's Bierman Fieldhouse, 3 p.m.
SOFTBALL
SATURDAY
Mankato West Scarlet Tournament: The first tournament of note in the young season features two of the metro's top Class 3A teams, North St. Paul and defending state champion Burnsville, among the six-team field. At Caswell Park, Mankato, 10 a.m./noon/2 p.m.
Other games to watch
Today: Minnehaha Academy at New Life Academy, 4 p.m.
BOYS' TENNIS
TUESDAY
Edina at Mounds View, 4 p.m.: What better way for Wyatt McCoy to return as Mounds View's No. 1 singles player - he missed two seasons to concentrate on playing national tournaments - than to host the metro's most storied tennis program in the season opener? Edina has some questions to answer, but the Hornets are always a formidable foe.
Other matches to watch
Wednesday: Minneapolis South at Breck, 4 p.m.; Blake at Hopkins, 4 p.m.
JIM PAULSEN
