The excitement and anticipation of Tippecanoe softball and baseball are what makes the spring sports season so special for the teams and their fans.
Thursday afternoon is the scheduled photo shoot for the Red Devils who gather in the Pat Wampler Gymnasium.
Without questions, the girls coached by Charles Tackett and the boys coached by Bruce Cahill are ready for the pictures and also ready for the first pitch of the 2013 campaign. Both teams have spent several weeks practicing inside the gym.
After Thursday's photo session, the softball squad will host Brookville in an exhibition game.
The Blue Devils, coached by Doug Orange, have played an exhibition game with the Red Devils since 2010.
Tackett has some big Red Devil shoes to fill with the graduation of pitcher CC Alvarez, third baseman Alex Dawes and second baseball Darlene Reinhard, who played four years for Tippecanoe.
But several key letter winners are returning this season. Junior Bri Eichman should handle the bulk of the pitching duties. Senior first baseman Kristin Mace, junior infielder-outfielder Cassie Gingerich and senior catcher Jordynn Kostyal solidify the defense and also add big bats to the lineup.
Adding depth to the team are outfielders Hannah Beck and Ali Muse.
Meanwhile, the baseball team has nearly a full complement of players returning from the squad that advanced to the Division II regional last season.
Senior pitcher Carter Langdon, who recently signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Dayton, has a strong right arm and a power bat.
Senior third baseman Zach Robbins, who recently signed with John Hopkins University, handles the hot spot at third base. Senior first baseman Steven Calhoun can also pitch. Senior Austin Hadden can roam the outfield with the best of them.
The versatile junior class led by B. J. Donathan, Ben Hughes and Cameron Johnson gives Coach Bruce Cahill many options in the field and in the batting lineup. Sophomore second baseman Zack Blair, who impressed as a freshman starter last season, made a habit of getting on base at the top of the lineup.  Sophomore Cole Quillen also returns as a pitcher-outfielder on the squad.  The Red Devils hope to play a baseball exhibition game or two before the regular season starts in late March.