Megan Quirk walked into the Scarborough High girls’ lacrosse locker room Monday afternoon and felt rejuvenated.

“Just walking in and seeing all the girls, I was like, ‘Wow, it’s spring again,’ ” said Quirk, a senior attack for the Red Storm. “It’s time to play lacrosse.”

Additional Photos

Senior Kyle Groves plays catch during boys lacrosse practice at Yarmouth High on Monday afternoon. Some teams took to their turf fields, while others convened in school gyms until as late as 10 p.m. Monday. Tim Greenway/Staff Photographer

Jenna Serunian and Andrew Kowalsky take a few laps at the track at Falmouth High School as part of the outdoor track team's opening-day practice. Tim Greenway

Evan Eklund and his Falmouth High track teammates participate in warmup drills Monday at Falmouth High School. Coach Dan Paul greeted more than 100 athletes on the first day of practice. Tim Greenway/Staff Photographer

Steve Moore takes over the Yarmouth boys’ lacrosse program after Craig Curry left in June. In seven seasons under Curry, the Clippers won four state Class B titles and six regional titles. Tim Greenway/Staff Photographer

The Yarmouth girls lacrosse team wasted no time getting busy Monday, taking advantage of a clear sky and temperatures in the 40s by diving right into drills. Coaches say they use the first few days of practice to gauge their players fitness levels and to evaluate their strengths. Tim Greenway/Staff Photographer

Mo McNaboe, left, senior captain Devin Simsarian, center, and Mariah Lanfer cheer on their Yarmouth High girls’ lacrosse teammates during a relay race on the first day of practice Monday at Yarmouth. Tim Greenway/Staff Photographer

And baseball and softball and tennis. And to run track outdoors.

Monday was the first day of practices for the state’s spring sports and while the temperature was cool — in the low 40s — and snow still covered many fields, the excitement kept everyone warm.

“Day one,” yelled Marcia Wood, the Scarborough girls’ lacrosse coach, as she clapped her gloved hands. “I am so excited.”

It was the first day of Scarborough’s state championship defense, as well. The Red Storm went 15-0 in winning the Class A title. Quirk is looking forward to this year’s challenge.

“I think we can live up to whatever (pressure) people put on us,” she said.

It was a special day, even for those who worked out last week as pitchers and catchers for the baseball and softball teams. Select players at those positions get a week head start to help get their arms in shape.

Julia Geaumont, a junior pitcher at Thornton Academy in Saco, could barely contain her excitement. She said, “That’s because everyone is here, everyone wants to play. You know it’s the start of the season.”

Gymnasiums across the region were busy until 10 at night as teams that could not get to their fields worked out inside, where it was much more comfortable.

Coaches spent some time collecting papers, making sure everyone was eligible, and explaining their expectations. Dan Paul, the track coach at Falmouth, greeted more than 100 athletes. As he addressed them, he said, “I know some of you aren’t sure what you’re here for. Hopefully we’ll find a place for you.”

He gave some basic instructions — including an admonishment for those who were wearing short-sleeved shirts and running shorts, noting that long sleeves were essential in the early part of spring.

Paul said the purpose of this first week of practice is two-fold.

“One, to find out what kind of shape the kids are in,” he said. “Two, to observe what their strengths are.”

Falmouth is the defending outdoor track Class B champion, and won the indoor title in February as well.

So while track is considered an individual sport, the Yachtsmen know full well how powerful a team can be.

“It’s really nice to be back with everyone,” said Reid Pryzant, a senior hurdler and jumper. “Training-wise, this isn’t much different than other seasons. But just to be with them is exciting.”

Jenna Serunian, a junior thrower, played basketball in the winter and she said there is a difference in the first day of practice of the sports. “You’re not fighting for a position in track,” she said.

But she was equally excited to be back with the track team. “This isn’t something I do all year, like Reid. So it’s fun for me.”

At Yarmouth High, the baseball team began its preparation for its spring trip to Florida. Day one began with running, stretching and throwing drills before the 17 seniors and juniors broke off into hitting stations.

Marc Halsted, the coach who led the Clippers to a 17-2 record last year and a spot in the Western B finals, said he tries to keep the practices fun. One hitting drill included a batter trying to swat foam golf balls.

“We always have high expectations here,” he said. “But we also have fun. We hurry up our drills and keep things moving.”

Senior infielder Dusty McCrossin said, “I’m stoked to be here. We’re becoming a team again.”

And the season has, indeed, begun.

Staff Writer Mike Lowe can be contacted at 791-6422 or at: mlowe@pressherald.com

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