As the final season begins on the high school diamond for many high school seniors around the area,
Coyote baseball player Xavier Allen made the decision Tuesday that he will be continuing his baseball
career next year at Grand Rapids Community College.

The senior said he had considered many local schools during the recruitment process, but it was the
connection he made with Head Coach Mike Eddington that made him choose the Raiders.

“I really liked Coach Clark,” Allen said. “They're good people and make me feel wanted. That’s big thing for me is going somewhere where you want to be.”

Allen provided a huge spark at the plate for the Coyotes last season, batting .455 with 49 hits as well as striking out 86 and allowing only 25 earned runs on the mound through 56 innings last season. He also earned all-CSAA first team honors for Reed City, who reached the Regional 35 title game after winning the District 70 and CSAA conference titles.

While the multi-sport standout also earned honors in football and basketball this past year, he chose to ultimately follow the sport he loves the most.

“It's been my dream ever since I was little. I've played other sports and I love them too, but baseball has always been my thing.”

Allen joins fellow teammate and future Chippewa Max Hammond as seniors playing beyond their Reed City careers. As the season now goes back to full swing, Allen feels relieved of the decision and ready to finish his Coyote career strong.

“It's a great feeling. It takes a lot of pressure off your shoulders. We’re a young team this year but I hope we gel together, be the best we can be, and make little noise in the tournament.”

Allen plans to study architecture while competing for the baseball program at GRCC.