Tucker Allen commits to play baseball for Motlow

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Tucker Allen, a senior with the White County Warrior baseball team, made a commitment to continue his athletic career at Motlow State when he signed a commitment letter, on Jan. 29.

“It's always big when a student athlete goes to the next level, and we are looking at some great things from Tucker as he goes to play baseball,” WCHS principal Greg Wilson said as he addressed Allen’s family and teammates who were on hand to witness Allen sign his commitment letter that will ensure he is a Buck next season. “We wish him the best.”

Warrior Baseball coach Shaun Floyd expressed his pride for his senior pitcher, saying that Allen has created this opportunity for himself through his relentless work ethic and commitment to improving his game.

“I'm excited for the opportunity that Tucker is getting here,” Floyd said. “He’s worked hard for it. He’s earned it. He’s put the time in, day-in day-out, every single day. You can’t find someone who works any harder and puts the time and effort into it. Motlow’s lucky; they are getting a great guy. I’m excited to see what the future holds for [Tucker].”

The magnitude of the moment wasn’t lost on Allen. He expressed gratitude for the chance to continue playing ball, while getting an education. Allen plans on becoming a physical therapist. He also expressed thanks to those who have been there beside him every step of the way.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity,” he said. “It’s a life-long dream coming to reality. I wouldn't be able to do this without all of my coaches, family, friends, and teammates.”

While Allen’s goal was to play college ball, he hopes that Motlow is just the beginning and has already set new goals for himself.

“Hopefully, I will make a huge impact for my new team, not only pitching but hitting and defense as well,” Allen, who plays short stop when he isn’t pitching, said. “On a personal level, I would really like to play well enough to continue playing at a four-year college when my time at Motlow is up.”

If Ryan Allen, Tucker’s father and Warriors’ assistant coach, is correct, there will be no reason Allen won’t reach whatever new goals he sets for himself.

“This kid has done it all himself,” Ryan Allen said. “He just took me along for the ride.”

Ryan Allen said that, as a parent, the recruitment process was stressful because he couldn’t make the phone calls he would for other players because he was Tucker Allen’s. He expressed his gratitude to both Floyd and Chris Armstrong, Tucker’s travel-ball coach, for making those calls and helping his son along the way but saying ultimately it was his son’s dedication and commitment to training that made the day possible.

“Very well deserved,” Ryan Allen said. “Very, very well deserved.”

Tucker Allen, of course, acknowledged that support from his parents and grandparents made it easier to stay on course as well as knowing he had teammates counting on him at every practice and every game to be prepared and help lead them forward.

“I wish you the best, and hope you can do even better,” he said to the teammates with whom he will play one more season of baseball before moving on, and to the teammates that he will join in a few months he added, “I can't wait to get started. I’m ready to work.”

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