Luke Creyer understood that this could be the year.

Over the past two years, Creyer improved his play as a member of Catasauqua’s JV baseball team. He entered this season with high expectations and a world of potential.

“This year is a big step for me,” said Creyer. “I played JV the past two years and I knew this was the year for me to take the next step. I knew I had to work on my total game and I really feel good about things.

“The coaches have helped me with my hitting and my mechanics. I really feel everything is there for me now.”

Defensively, Creyer has been a mainstay at third base for the Roughies. When he isn’t playing third, he is behind the plate. Playing infield his entire baseball life, the junior has made a smooth transition to catcher. The move also has created a vital presence on the Roughies’ pitching staff for Zach Bilder, who normally handles the catching duties.

“I always have played in the infield,” said Creyer. “I had to work on some things with catching. I had to throw more downhill instead of leaning back. When I did lean back, my throws were getting away from me.

“But (head) coach (Steve) Bradley spent a lot of time with me and helped me threw it. He also instilled in me at both third and catcher that there is no room for mental mistakes and always work to be the best I can out there.

“It has worked out best for Zach (Bilder) and me. I have been able to learn from Zach, too.”

Bradley has been impressed with Creyer’s work ethic and approach.

“He (Creyer) has an awesome attitude,” boasted Bradley. “He is a total team player. Luke will do anything for the team.

“He has been making good contact and playing a solid third base. He hustles everywhere on the field. He is the one of the most coachable kids you will ever find.”

Along with his coaches, Creyer credited his older brother, Michael, and parents, Craig and Brenda, for their continued support and motivation in his athletic career. He also is a member of the Roughies’ soccer team. Upon graduation, Creyer plans to enter the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning through the help of the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute.

He also feels a strong bond with his teammates.

“We know what we can do,” said Creyer. “We all have been playing together for a long time and we have good chemistry together. That has pushed us along through this season.”

Creyer and his teammates are grateful to receive a recent district bid, but they still remember how they fell short last season. As a result, they have kept everything in perspective.

“We just want to take one game at a time,” said Creyer. “We all wouldn’t want to play for any other team. We just have to keep playing hard until we can’t.”