LT's Cuff Set To Pitch At Penn University

Ever since he was nine years old, Connor Cuff has taken the mound to pitch. Whether it was shown in Western Springs Little League, town All-Star or traveling team games, his love for the game of baseball—and for pitching—has always been clear.

Now, having graduated from Lyons Township in June with an IHSA state championship under his belt, Cuff is set to take his pitching potential to Penn University in the Ivy League.

Despite his genuine passion for America's pastime, Cuff cited academic motivation as a partial deal maker in choosing Penn.

"I knew that if I played baseball it would be in the Ivy League," Cuff said. "I wanted to play at a school I could not have gotten into with grades alone. Also, [when I met] the coaching staff, I clicked very well with them."

Having been ranked No.2 in state most of the 2011 season, the Lyons Township baseball team claimed championship glory in June when Cuff's admirable outing on both the mound (complete game win) and at the plate (3 RBI) drove the Lions to an 8-3 victory over state No. 1 side Providence Catholic.

Following the win, fellow Lyons ace Zach Remijas described Cuff's importance to the squad in its final game of the year.

"[Cuff] brought a balance that the team relied on during each half inning," Remijas said. "When he was pitching, there was a confidence among the team that we would win. Plus, he provided a bat that could back himself up while he was on the bump."

Cuff's commitment to Penn baseball had been made many months before the state championship game, so his shining performance against Providence only proved his promise as a competitor yet again.

Having been a standout student his entire high school career, Cuff understood that, like with school, top quality effort would be required once he realized his ambition to play in a collegiate environment.

"Once I decided I wanted to play Division I baseball, my work ethic definitely increased as it had to," Cuff said. "I was an average player with very big aspirations of playing at the next level—sitting around and hoping I would improve wasnt going to cut it anymore."

As is true with any high-achieving athlete, hours of practice are part of the job description; Cuff noted the time commitment and sheer difficulty of competing with the best of the best.

"It takes a lot of time and a lot of sacrifice to put yourself in a position to play any college sport," Cuff said. "Luckily, my dad helped me with a lot of things like taking me to lessons and getting me a gym membership."

And for ambitious Little Leaguers everywhere, Cuff offered his own words of advice.

"To any kid who wants a chance to be a competitor at a high level or the varsity level of baseball, just play the game," Cuff said. "Always be throwing the ball around or just mess around and swing the bat with friends. Getting extra [repetitions] is the difference between a good player and a phenomenal one."

It goes without saying that this LTHS baseball hero will be aiming for "phenomenal" status in the next stage of his athletic career.