You wouldn’t know it from the cold, winter weather we’re experiencing this week but spring is coming.

The jonquils scattered around our house have burst out of the ground and showing buds. Two or three more days of sunshine and temps in the 50s will have their yellow, ivory and white blooms showing and waving in the wind. I’ve even noted swollen buds on limbs of a crabapple bush on the north side of the house.

Squirrels and birds sense a change coming, too. Have you taken note of their singing, chattering and stepped up activity in the early morning hours?

Already, springs sports – softball, baseball, soccer, track and field, tennis and golf – are underway or will be soon.

Our staff has been busy the past few weeks interviewing coaches, making photos and writing stories about the teams in our area. You’ll find the Spring Sports Preview Guide in this edition of the Hartselle Enquirer.

While on the subject of spring sports, congratulations are extended to Falkville High School boy’s track and field coach Keith Wilemon. He has been recognized as the 2014 boys track and field Coach of the Year in Alabama by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

This recognition is well deserved. Coach Wilemon, who also serves as assistant principal, has devoted over 25 years to making Falkville Track and field one of the best small school programs in the state. His team won the state championship in 2013 and 2014 and he and his wife Karen, who coaches the girl’s team, have six state championship combined.

Looking ahead, Hartselle’s Lady Tigers softball team, with solid pitching and big bats, appear to be on track to defend their 2014 state championship.

Good luck to all of our spring sports teams.

Clif Knight is a staff writer for the Hartselle Enquirer.