Unsigned Senior Spotlight: LHP Alec Haluzak

October 16, 2014

By Spencer Flaten
Staff Writer - Wisconsin

A loss in the sectional finals, one game away from the state tournament, always hurts. When you lose by one and strand the tying run on base, the feeling is only amplified. For Wilmot Union and LHP Alec Haluzak, that feeling provided motivation and eventually success. Ultimately, their loss in the 2013 playoffs made the entire team more focused on achieving their goal: getting to the state tournament, Haluzak said.

Haluzak, who made his varsity debut during his sophomore year, is one of the most underrated talents in Wisconsin. A first team all-Southern Lakes Conference pitcher last year, Haluzak only allowed 2 earned runs during the regular season, good for a 0.32 ERA. Overall, he pitched 51 innings and posted a 0.41 ERA, as well as throwing 5 complete games out of 9 starts. He struck out 68 batters (over 1 per inning on average) and walked only 12. His contributions helped Wilmot win 23 games and reach their goal of getting to the state tournament.

Being a starting pitcher at Fox Cities Stadium (where the state tournament is held) was an amazing experience, Haluzak said.

“It was all pretty crazy for my teammates and I both. Pitching in [the tournament] was crazy to think about because I knew that all eyes would be on me,” he said. “But I was ready for the moment and made the best of my opportunity.”

Pitching in the quarterfinals against a Middleton squad that collectively hit .331, Haluzak struck out 4 and scattered 7 hits over 7 innings of work, while only allowing 1 run. His effort was good enough for Wilmot to win 2-1 and advance to the state semifinals, where they would be defeated by Kimberly.

Haluzak’s breakout year brought him attention from several college coaches and scouts. UW-Whitewater, Northern Illinois University, Augustana, the University of Dubuque, and Upper Iowa University have all shown an interest in the southpaw. Haluzak says that UW-Whitewater, the defending NCAA Division III national champion, is currently at the top of his list.

Haluzak plays his summer ball in Illinois, with the Pro Player Canes, a travel team based out of McHenry. The Canes went 30-7 this past summer.

Haluzak's left handed arsenal features a running fastball at 78-80 mph that touches 81. Coupled with a 70-72 mph curveball which he has feel for, makes Haluzak tough to square up. He spins his curveball well and shows excellent control of the zone which bodes well for his projection.

“Just giving 100 percent in whatever I'm doing that is baseball related [helps me succeed]. Whether it is practice or a game, I give 100 percent,” he said.

As the upcoming spring season draws closer, Wilmot will need to deal with the loss of 7 starters. However, their 3 best pitchers will all be back for another year.

“We know we lost a lot of top guys but I think that if some of the people that didn't start last year can step up, we can compete with a lot of the teams in the state. And hopefully our pitching can keep us in most games so we do not have to score many runs in order to win,” Haluzak said.

Unsigned Senior Spotlight: LHP Alec Haluzak

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