On Friday, April 1, 2022, Upper Moreland seniors Ryan Olexa, Zack Rudgunas and Matt Ludlow were recognized for committing to continue their lacrosse careers at the collegiate level.
Matthew Ludlow – Immaculata University (Lacrosse)
Major: Business/Sports Management
Final list of colleges: Immaculata, Misericordia, DeSales
Reasons for choosing Immaculata: “It definitely was a combination between the athletic and academic fit. It’s a small university, and I liked that coming from a small high school. I feel like I thrive in a smaller classroom environment. Definitely from the jump, it was evident that the professors and everybody there are really invested in the student’s success. Just from touring, I saw staff members and the whole community out there supporting all the athletic teams. It’s a beautiful campus. You wouldn’t know it’s there until you roll up on it. They’ve got something really good going on there. It wasn’t a difficult decision.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in lacrosse at the collegiate level? “From the moment I started, I knew it was something I was going to stick with. I started playing in fifth grade. My soccer coach also coached lacrosse and got me to play goalie. I played on the field on defense, and I think I really became a student of the game. I took a lot away from my coaches and from what the people and athletes before me who paved the way for me and really formed me to not only be the athlete but the person I am today. I really felt like there’s so much to learn about yourself through athletics. It’s not only a great metaphor for in-game but also for life. Our coach always talks about how it gets you ready for adversity in and out of your everyday life and off the field.”
Coach Corey Kelly says: “Matt was our goalie. He was a two-year starter but would have been a three-year starter if we had the COVID year. He actually converted his freshman year to goalie, and he has improved tremendously, so much so that he’s going to college for goalie. Having two senior leaders down at the defensive end was huge for us.”
About Matt:
Favorite food: Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese
Favorite movie: Braveheart
Favorite music: Classic Rock
Ryan Olexa – Lynn University (Lacrosse)
Major: Investment Management/Finance
Final list of colleges: Lynn, Canisius, Wagner
Reasons for choosing Lynn: “Just the culture of the team when I visited them. Everyone was excited and wanted to win, and everyone had common goals as me, so mainly the team, and obviously, the location was a deciding factor.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I always wanted to play in college – it was my dream. My siblings both play a sport in college - my sister plays lacrosse and my brother plays football, so I didn’t really want to follow in their footsteps, but I also knew if I could play in college, I definitely would.”
Coach Corey Kelly says: “Ryan Olexa has been a four-year starter for us. This year he was named an offensive captain, one of the captains of the team. Last year, he was coming off 45 goals and about 45 assists, so he was the main person who our offense went through.”
About Ryan:
Favorite food: Prime Rib
Favorite movie: The Benchwarmers
Favorite music: Classic Rock
Zack Rudgunas – University of Alabama in Huntsville (Lacrosse)
Major: Engineering
Reasons for choosing UAH: “I considered other schools, but it was my number one school all along. It’s really good academically, and it’s a good size.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I really knew I wanted to play in college freshman year, and then it was just figuring it out from there. Playing with club, I eventually found my groove, and offers started coming in. I found UAH, they sent me an offer, and I was on board right away.”
Coach Corey Kelly says: “Zack is a four-year starter and a two-year captain as a junior and senior. He plays close defense for us, and he is absolutely the glue. He’s a communicator back there, and we looked to him to provide leadership on the defensive end.”
About Zack:
Favorite food: Barbecue Ribs
Favorite movie: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Favorite music: Classic Rock
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