On Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, five Central Bucks East seniors were recognized for committing to play lacrosse at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
CB East lacrosse coach Bruce Garcia says: “I look at these guys, and what comes to mind readily is – today is not about offenses or defenses or x’s and o’s, watching game film or conditioning. It’s an individual type of achievement.
“What we promote in our lacrosse program here at East over the last 15 years is success, and success is defined different by different people. I can honestly say these five guys today and the four guys (who signed) two weeks ago are all successful. They’re successful in what they’ve set out to do and that is to go to the next level and play at the next level.
“I wish them the best. They’re going to have great success in the next couple of years, whether that be in lacrosse, academics, or business, and they’re always going to remember their time at East. That is what my job and the rest of the coaches’ job is – to have them remember it in a positive manner and be successful in whatever they do.”
Matt Brown – Rochester Institute of Technology (Lacrosse)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Final list of colleges: RIT, NJIT, Quinnipiac, Boston University
Reasons for choosing RIT: “I decided on RIT because I believe that academically they were a great fit for me going into the mechanical engineering program. They are really well (known) for that. I really feel that coach (Jake) Coon as well as the assistant coaches and the team are heading in the right direction and hopefully winning a Division III National Championship.”
What was the progression that led you to playing lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I started thinking about playing lacrosse in college when I was probably in first grade. I first got introduced to lacrosse from my dad (Dan Brown) because he grew up in Long Island, and he played lacrosse at Adelphi. He introduced it to me really early, and I just love the sport. I loved how fast it was, loved how guys were so precise with making passes and shooting and how you could just run up and down the field. I just found it to be a great sport that I just really wanted to pursue both throughout my high school career as well as my college career.”
Coach Bruce Garcia says: “Matt’s an all-around lacrosse player/student-athlete. He’s the kind of kid that we would like all of our players to aspire to. He’s a great lacrosse player, a great student, a great person, and he’s going to do great at RIT.”
About Matt:
Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan
Favorite movie: Fight Club
Favorite music: Alternative Rock
Ryan Cataldo – Susquehanna University (Lacrosse)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: Susquehanna, Washington & Jefferson, Lycoming
Reasons for choosing Susquehanna: “It was the best school that I was looking at, and the coach was looking at me too. I enjoyed the beautiful campus, and it had all the options business-wise that I want to major in.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate lacrosse? “(I started thinking about it) the summer before 11th grade. I just loved the game.”
Coach Bruce Garcia says: “Ryan’s a goalie, and he’s sometimes unorthodox in the cage, but that unorthodox (play) brings him some fantastic saves. His speed and athleticism comes through, and however he’s doing, he’s doing extremely well.”
About Ryan:
Favorite food: Ribs
Favorite movie: Zoolander
Favorite music: Young Yeesh
Jeff Circuit – Colorado Mesa University (Lacrosse)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: Colorado Mesa, Florida Southern, Tampa, Stevenson, VMI
Reasons for choosing Colorado Mesa: “I have family out West – Utah, California and Texas. I’m used to that area visiting a lot. I ski and snowboard. I love the outdoors, and this is a great place to be.”
What was the progression that led you to playing lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I always knew I wanted to play college sports. I’m a three-sport athlete, and it just depended on what the sport was when it came down to it. I appreciated all my sports and played them throughout my life – I never stopped playing any of them. Really when it came down to it, I figured out lacrosse was the sport I was best at and could succeed at the most in college.”
Coach Bruce Garcia says: “Jeff is a midfielder. He’s a very big target on the field. He’s very difficult for the defenses to push around and to play because of his size. He’s going to do well out in Colorado, and he’s going to do well for us in the spring. He’s got a very, very good shot.”
About Jeff:
Favorite food: Mozzarella Sticks
Favorite movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite music: Hip Hop/Rap
Mitchell Narkoff – Depauw University (Lacrosse)
Major: Economics
Final list of colleges: Depauw, Washington & Lee, Washington College
Reasons for choosing Depauw: “I was asked to come visit back in the fall of my junior year. I went out there, met the coaches, saw what it was like and just absolutely fell in love. It’s a perfect tiny school, and I think I’ll fit in great. It’s probably the best mix of academics, lacrosse and student social life. It’s got everything I wanted.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate lacrosse? “(I’ve wanted to play in college since) probably kindergarten. When I first stated playing, college lacrosse wasn’t as big as it is now, but just hearing about the players at top D-1 schools and watching those games – I’ve always wanted to go out and play at a higher level. It’s been a dream for a while.”
Coach Bruce Garcia says: “Mitch is a defensive player, probably one of our more intelligent lacrosse IQ players that we have. He plays his angles extremely well, and he’s going to do great at the next level.”
About Mitch:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: Lone Survivor
Favorite music: Alternative Rock
Matt Vetter – University of Tampa (Lacrosse)
Major: Business/Finance
Final list of colleges: Tampa, Providence, Rutgers, Sacred Heart, UMBC, Salisbury
Reasons for choosing Tampa: “I just loved everything about the school. The coaches were awesome, I loved the team. The campus was beautiful, and the business program is really good there.”
What was the progression that led you to playing lacrosse at the collegiate level? “Ever since I started playing in first grade, I have always had the dream to play lacrosse in college. My brother (Chris Vetter) decided to play, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
Coach Bruce Garcia says: “Matt’s an offensive player. He’s definitely an individual to be reckoned with. He’s well conditioned and very focused.”
About Matt:
Favorite food: Chipotle
Favorite movie: Tommy Boy
Favorite music: Hip Hop
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