At 5'7" and 160 lbs., intimidating is not the word that comes to mind when first glancing at this dynamic attacker and midfielder. During several games this season, Allison's reputable arsenal of offensive skills has drawn one, two,and even three defenders to him late in crucial matches.
"Mike is a very hard working player," said Head Coach Tom Carmean. "His energy in practice and in games is infectious and he is a player that I want to keep on the field as much as possible." His lightning-fast speed and ability to improvise at the last moment have earned Allison 18 goals and 10 assists, putting him third on the team in scoring behind Alex Casertano '05 and Harlow Voorhees '02.
What these numbers do not adequately explain is the timing of these points and their value to the team. At home on April 10 against Trinity College, the Jeffs found themselves trailing 10-7 midway through the fourth quarter after having led for most of the game.
Recognizing the need for some quick goals, Allison wove his way through the Bantam defense and single-handedly delivered a crucial shot to the back of the net. With that tally, the Jeffs proceeded to turn the game around and post an important 11-10 win, stopping a three-game losing streak. Allison's two energy-packed goals and one assist were a big reason for the Jeffs' win.
Allison's ability to come through when it matters most is not just limited to early season games. In Saturday's potentially season-ending game against archrival Williams College, Allison scored a game-leading four goals and notched one assist in the Jeffs 12-8 home victory. "In the Williams game, everything fell into place," said Allison. "There was a good crowd, the team played well together and things just seemed to work out for me. It was the most fun I've had on the field this year, and I have fun a lot," said Allison.
The speed with which Allison picked up lacrosse is indicative of his innate athleticism. While most college-level players begin their sports as early as five or six, Allison did not cradle a lacrosse stick until his freshman year at Clarkstown South High School in Nyack, N.Y. on the junior varsity team. After quitting soccer to play in indoor lacrosse leagues during the fall and winter, and playing in a summer "Shoot the Rock" league, Allison moved up to varsity just one year later.
"I got into lacrosse quickly and picked up stick skills and cradling fairly easily," said Allison. "The sport is fast, full of sprinting and hard hitting. It's got a bit of everything and requires a lot of athleticism, which appealed to me."
For the next three years, year-round lacrosse became the norm for him, and his well-practiced skills earned him team MVP, First Team All-County and All-League honors his senior year. It also got the attention of a number of Division I scouts. However Allison ultimately decided on Amherst "because of its educational reputation and more manageable balance of academics and athletics," he said
Practice and dedication are undoubtedly a big factor in Allison's success. Although his tremendous energy and innate talent are important, his constant attempts to better himself physically and in lacrosse-specific areas give him an edge over other players. Since last fall, Allison has kept up a regimen that includes running five days a week and lifting three days a week. In addition, Allison took part in a team-wide fitness program that began several months prior to the season.
"This year I pushed myself harder than ever because I was anticipating a competitive season and knew that we had a number of good recruits," said Allison. "As a result, I wanted to keep my edge." He cited the workouts as an important tool in helping him be both confident and intense on the field throughout the entire game.
Allison's teammate Alexei Kudla '04 praised Mike's skill. "Mike works harder than anyone all year long," said Kudla. "He is a quiet leader and I think he inspires others with his passion and unending energy." Only a sophomore, Allison should continue to make headlines for years to come.