Norwood three-sport athlete Sam Larkee is trying to figure out which sport he wants to continue to play on the collegiate level. The Mustang athlete competes in football, basketball and baseball, but on the collegiate level he is looking to either play football or baseball. 

Following his graduation from Norwood High School, Larkee will be attending Philips Exeter Academy, in New Hampshire, a prep school where he will play both football and baseball hoping to be able to settle on a decision of which sport he would like to pursue.

“At Philips Exeter, I hoping to develop my skill while gaining exposure to both sports,” Larkee said. “I love both sports, but I find football more fun and would like to eventually play football on the college level as a receiver and/or safely. Football is my passion, but if the opportunity presents itself to play both sports, I will.”

While football takes the lead from baseball for the Norwood senior, Larkee has already concluded his football career on the high school level and is gearing up for his final campaign on the baseball diamond.

Larkee was introduced to baseball playing t-ball. He continued to Little League with his friends, and the influence of the great coaching staff inspired his continued play. In sixth grade, he hooked up with the Northeast Gators. Playing with the Gators, Larkee was looking to improve his game to prepare for high school

“Going into freshman tryouts I felt confident in my ability,” Larkee said. “I made the team and played on the freshman team the entire year and was called up when the (varsity) playoffs started. I didn’t get to play; I was sitting on the bench to watch and learn the varsity game to get me ready for my sophomore year.”

As a sophomore, Larkee started the first game of the varsity season at shortstop, but he knew that he had to earn the position going forward. If he didn’t perform, he could be back on the bench or even sent down to the junior varsity squad.

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” Larkee said.  “I was nervous knowing this position was not guaranteed. Luckily, I had a good game and spent the entire season on the varsity team. I played well in the field and at the plate. I started near the bottom of the lineup but worked my way up into the two-hole by the end of the year. I also had a walk off hit against Xaverian.”

As he enters his final campaign with Norwood this spring, his biggest goal is to help the Mustangs earn a tournament berth. Outside of sitting on the bench as a freshman, Larkee has only been able to play in the post-season with Norwood his sophomore year when the Mustangs made it to the Round of 8 where they lost to Plymouth North. Last year, Norwood did not qualify for the Division 2 Tournament.

This year, Larkee was named as a captain, which he calls an honor. As a captain for both the football and basketball teams, he knows what his responsibility is and he is looking to be a good leader and role model to the younger players.

“I’ve told them, always have a good attitude and don’t worry about mistakes,” Larkee said. “We all make them, just look to the next play as that is the most important one.”

Offensively, the Norwood athlete is looking to get stronger and hit above .350 this season while trying to go error free in the field; a goal he knows will be difficult to achieve. 

“Sam is the straw that stirs our drink,” Norwood skipper Kevin Igoe said. “He brings speed and athleticism to the team and is flawless at shortstop. He moves well side to side and has a cannon for an arm. At the plate, he is a high-average hitter and we will be looking for him to provide some power.”

Igoe knows that Larkee can play both football and baseball on the next level if he so desires. Although the Norwood athlete is getting ready to play his senior season on the baseball field, he is still positive that he can play football on the collegiate level and is hoping that he gets the chance to play baseball as well.