SHS Baseball star Looking Forward to Spring

As Winter begins, anticipation becomes a common feeling among high school seniors waiting to start the next part of their lives.

For Suffield High School senior Luke Allen, anticipation is a skill. As the star shortshop for the Wildcat baseball team he needs to know what's going to happen before every pitch. Anticipation is key to being a good shortstop.

As the weather turns colder, Allen's anticipation is for the spring thaw and baseball season; not to mention the results of his college applications.

"I am so definitely looking forward to the baseball season," he said. "We haven't had a winning season for a while and I really want us to get there this season. We have a good team and I am confident we can."

Suffield last made the state tournament in 2008 when they finished 13-8. They lost to St. Joseph's in the first round of the playoffs.

"Luke is a strong player, leader and an exceptional student athlete," said Suffield High School baseball coach Tom Kadamus. "Luke has a great sense of humor and is dependable. He is trustworthy and committed to his responsibilities. He takes honors and AP level classes and is consistently on the honor roll."

A career .300-plus hitter, Allen is a top player for Suffield High School. As a sophomore he won three games on the mound as a starter but missed pitching last season.

"I love pitching but I like playing every day," he said. "There is no better feeling than striking out a hitter looking."

At shortstop, the Suffield senior finds the physical and mental aspects of the game challenging.

"I have to know everything everyone is doing at all times and [be] keeping track of what's going on," he said. 

Allen's experience on the field is a great asset. He came up in the Suffield system and has played on the varsity baseball team since his freshman year. Along with his experience, he brings a positive energy and attitude to his play.

"I learned to try to do everything 100 percetm and that when you go out and do anything you have to be prepared," he said. "I think sports teach you about that part of your life, too."

A member of the National Honor Society, Allen is looking for academics first and athletics second with his college choices, but hopes of playing baseball at the next level.

"I have applied to nine schools…and I have talked to the coaches at Wesleyan and Amherst," he said. "I would be great to be able to both…I really want to make sure I get a strong education."

Allen describes himself as a contact hitter. His best season was as a sophomore, when he hit .370.

"I just try to get the ball in play every time I am up," he said. "We want to make the other team work to get us out."

His baseball role model is New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. Allen said Jeter "is always in control of his emotions. He is all business and cool under pressure."

Winter can't pass fast enough for Allen. But his impatience for the spring belies his Suffield career of academic and athletic excellence. He credits his achievement to the support of his family.

His coach recognizes the senior's ability both on and off the field.

"I would describe Luke as an individual who is dependable, trustworthy and respectful," Kadamus said. "He is a fine teammate while also showing a laid-back [and] carefree approach to his responsibilities. His sense of humor is infectious as well. He has a high intellect and that most certainly carries over to the field. He has a field presence and understanding as to the situation at hand and makes the correct decisions."

"He is a young man who understands the importance of hard work, character and integrity," Kadamus said, succinctly.

With the baseball season still months away, Luke Allen can't help but thinking even further ahead.

"I loved Suffield High School," he said. "It's been great but I know it will be time for me to move on soon. I am looking forward to a change of scenery and expanding my goals and opportunities."

Wildcat fans can can anticipate an exciting season from Luke Allen and his teammates in 2011.