Northampton head baseball coach Mick Sugra has a simple reaction seeking a solution to get his team playing on a field rather than encased in a gymnasium. But that's been the case for the past few weeks due to the rash of winter weather.

"Right now, my head is spinning," said Sugra, who is entering his fourth season at the helm of the program. "But, really, what else can we do right now? At least, everyone is in the same boat.

"Still, we went outside this week. Our field is still not in the shape it should be. It is really a day-to-day thing and we're anxious to get out of the gym."

Nevertheless, Sugra likes his club's chances this spring. The K-Kids were active in the fall leagues, and Sugra gained a good gauge of his player's progress.

"Our kids are working hard," Sugra stated. "We're all excited for the season. We had a good fall season and we have a good idea on what to expect. We have a number of starters back as well as some position players."

Senior Joey Wittreich, who saw his share of varsity time, will likely lead the pitching staff that has its share of experience. Fellow senior Nick Pavlacka also will help spearhead the staff. Junior Noah Durnin and sophomore Nick DeMieri also figure to be in the mix for a good share of innings this spring.

In the infield, senior Matt Durich will be back at first base, and fellow senior Evan Grube will handle the area around second base. Junior Harley Davidson, who has seen a considerable amount of playing time the past two years, is back at shortstop. Sophomore Will Stackhouse has opened some eyes and is a strong candidate to open the season at third.

Senior Bo Daubert returns to the outfield, and sophomore Ian Luberti will take over behind the plate after being a backup last year.

Durich, Grube and Davidson also will work out of the bullpen for the K-Kids.

With a mixture of returnees and newcomers, Sugra likes the early concoctions.

"We have a good mix of young and old players," he stated. "There is a good balance right now. We would have a good feeling taking the field."

As far as getting started, the K-Kids are scheduled to open the regular season with Catasauqua Friday. They will begin the year off a 10-10 campaign last season that ended with a walk-off home run to Freedom in an opening-round district playoff game.

If the K-Kids are to make a solid run this spring, Sugra believes it will center on the effectiveness of his pitching staff.

"We walked 69 batters and hit 18 last year," he stated. "That's 70-plus base runners we put into play. It didn't work out to our advantage last season. But we feel more confident with this group.

"We have five games scheduled in March. We got lucky the past two springs. We're ready to go. But it is what it is right now."