Spring break is over - even the weather has hinted that spring really is here - so starting this Monday, almost all the spring sports in Brookfield and Wauwatosa are back in action with the student-athletes returning to class.
Here are some insights - most of these are not brain surgery - and highlights of some things to look for this spring, starting with Brookfield first.
Golf - Look for Kyle Henning, the GMC Player of the Year for Brookfield East last season, to have another good season. But Ryan Hinz, one of Central's top players, will focus on baseball this spring and skip the golf season.
Tennis - Look for Brookfield East' s Drew Lied make his third straight trip to state this year. He will be playing tennis at Michigan State in the fall.
Softball - Amanda Kalupa of Brookfield East is one of the top pitchers in the area. I doubt that the extra three feet will hurt her effectiveness this spring. Brookfield Central's Brittney Held, whose top sport is volleyball, will be joined by younger sister freshman Taylor Held, as the Lancers could be a contender this fall.
Soccer - GMC will once again be one of the top soccer conferences this year with DSHA, East and Central leading the way. Kristin Becker and Katie Mahkorn of Central and Alex Piercy, Kate Reigle and Rebekah Roller of East will have plenty to brag about this year.
Track - BC girls coach Danna Bowe takes over for Lorie Lewis, who will concentrate on important family situations - and the Lancers showed they will be tough with their seventh straight GMC title in the indoor. Mike Steiner's East boys also won the indoor. Both East girls and Central boys have some outstanding athletes.
We'll take a look at Tosa East and Tosa West next