Rain, rain, go way

This week’s rainfall could hamper the grounds of some key sports events this weekend.
And while today’s weather was sunny, rain in the forecast for tonight through Sunday morning could threaten golf tournaments planned Sunday (Memorial) and Monday (law enforcement) at Kitchen Creek.
“We’ve opened nine holes today,” associate club pro Glen Mills said late Thursday morning, noting Kitchen Creek has flooded the bridge on the ninth hole.
“As long as it doesn’t pour, we should be fine [for this weekend].”
Meanwhile, Struchan Gilson, head coach of the Muskie girls’ soccer team, said the NWOSSAA championship slated here Saturday will go ahead despite the weather.
“We’ll play no matter what, that’s the nature of the game,” he said.
Gary Thibault, recreation facilities superintendent for the St. Francis Sportsfield and VanJura Stadium, said he’s not overly concerned with the recent rain.
“We didn’t have any problem with spring thaw, they dried up pretty quick,” he noted. “So all we need is a couple days of good weather.”
John Pierce, vice-president of the Fort Frances youth soccer association, added the soccer pitches at St. Francis are made on a “crown,” meaning the middle area is higher than the outside.
This makes it better for draining and drying, he explained.
But soccer players are different breed when it comes to weather conditions.
“Soccer players, in general, are very enthusiastic with playing, they’re very anxious,” noted Thibault.
This was never more true than this week when close to 100 children braved the rain–and chill–to play Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings.
“It’s important to play in different conditions,” said Pierce. “The only thing that’s going to stop soccer is lightning.”