Coe’s Jack Allison parlays early-morning work into successful day at the plate in a loss to Buena Vista

CEDAR RAPIDS — Hitting a baseball is one of the toughest things to do in sports.

It can also be a fickle endeavor. Some days good swings aren’t rewarded. Other days at the plate render success, regardless of good contact.

Coe senior Jack Allison said he agrees with the degree of difficulty. He also doesn’t mind the extra time it demands to overcome inevitable struggles. His Friday started at 9 a.m., despite a 3 p.m. first pitch.

“(Coe coach Steve) Cook and I and some other guys were up early this morning hitting,” Allison said. “I’ve been struggling a little bit so I’m just trying to get my swing feel back. Always when you’re struggling you have to keep working and trying. Something is going to work out in the end. Today went really well for me”

Allison went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in the Kohawks’ hit fest against Buena Vista in a battle between American Rivers Conference leaders. The Beavers remained unbeaten in conference play with an 11-6 victory at Bill Quinby Field at Daniels Park, handing the Kohawks their first conference loss.

“I was glad to finally get some hits,” Allison said. “Have some balls hit hard.

“We had a lot of guys swing it really well. I thought we swung it well and kept swinging. We gave ourselves chances. I thought we all did really well but didn’t come out on the right side.”

Allison added a single and double after his home run gave Coe a 2-0 lead in the second. He added a whopping 31 points to his batting average, raising it to .281.

“The last few games he hasn’t been as right maybe,” Cook said of Allison, who hits sixth and plays third base. “He came in, got some extra work and got his head right. He had a good day and was locked in all game long.”

Dedication and work ethic are staples of Allison’s career. Cook said he talked with Allison, who took batting practice cuts before discussing the game more. Cook said that defines Allison.

“He’s experienced,” Cook said. “We’ve been running him out there now for three years. He’s seen a lot.

“He’s passionate about being a leader for us. He’s passionate about helping our team win.”

Allison takes his role as a leader seriously. He said he tries to keep his spirits up with the hope his teammates feed off his energy. The Kohawks are 10-9 overall but 4-1 in the A-R-C.

“I try to use my experience to help myself and my team,” Allison said. “We’re an old team now. It’s important we use that experience. We’ve been playing a long time. It will also help our young guys out. We’re trying to win as many games as possible and be a complete team.”

Buena Vista (15-4, 4-0) and Coe capitalized on the blustering winds that howled to right field. The teams combined for 31 hits, including 20 for the Beavers. They also belted five total home runs.

The Beavers were powered by a five-run fifth, sending 10 batters to the plate and taking the lead for good. Buena Vista received a two-run home run from Grant Oseka and a two-run double from Evan Taylor in the frame.

Every Beaver hitter had at least one base hit. Taylor and Joel Garcia finished each 3-for-6, Evan Taylor batted 5-for-6. The trio combined for eight runs and six RBIs.

Coe kept chipping away, scoring a run in four of the last five innings. All but one Kohawk starter had at least one hit.

Reid Rausch and Mitchell Eckardt each had home runs for Coe. Ryan Thoreson had two hits and scored on Allison’s home run.

“There are certain losses that you can take a lot away from,” Cook said about the hit parade for both teams. “This was a good fight. They are good and we know that. A veteran group, coming off being our conference champion. We knew we were going to be in for a battle.

“I thought we fought with them all day long. There is a lot that can springboard us — both for Jack and the rest of our lineup. We’ll come back ready to fight tomorrow.”

The teams resume the weekend series with a doubleheader Saturday, starting at 1 p.m.

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