On Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2024, Central Bucks West seniors Jackson Lombardi, Griffin Blocker & Richard Newell were recognized for committing to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level.
Griffin Blokker – Bethel University (Soccer)
Major: Nursing
Final list of colleges: Bethel, Whitworth University, Seattle Pacific University, St. Martin’s University, King’s College
Reasons for choosing Bethel: “In the end, they let me do nursing, and that was a big thing for me. I really liked the campus, I liked the coaches, everyone on the team was kind, and it’s a high level of play there.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I have wanted to play college soccer since I started club soccer. My end goal was to play in college, no matter what level it was and just to use soccer as leverage to get into a good school.”
Coach John Adair says: “Griffin is a four-year letterwinner, so obviously, he has tons of experience. He has leadership qualities as a goalkeeper and really just sets the example for what we stand for as a program in terms of trying to not just compete and be the best we can be individually but bringing others and young players along and really setting the example for the future of the program.
“As a player, he never shied away from big moments. He was always willing to be brave and take chances and have a big presence in goal when we needed him to. Unfortunately, this year he was hurt for a lot of the year, but all in all, he’s just a great leader and a great goalkeeper that really made a difference when he could play.”
About Griffin:
Favorite food: Penne alla vodka
Favorite TV show: Reacher
favorite music; Pop or Rap
Jackson Lombardi – Moravian University (Soccer)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Moravian, Catholic University, St. Joseph’s
Reasons for choosing Moravian: “I really like the campus. I got to go on a couple tours there, and it really seemed like a cool place.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “My parents have always told me I’m a very competitive kid, and I think playing in college is just the next level of competitiveness. I wanted to have fun while playing and also compete, so I thought D3 was the best I could have done as well as a good place to be.”
Coach John Adair says: “Jackson Lombardi is a player who has gone through adversity in his high school career. He missed his whole junior year due to injury. He has had three coaches in his three years as a varsity player, but all in all, he’s just the consummate professional. He always set the example – led with intensity but led with compassion.
“On the field, he was versatile. He could play multiple positions and really fit the bill for what we wanted to do that was unique to us and the way we wanted to play, but I really feel one of his most important roles on the field for us was as a fullback.”
About Jackson:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: Star Wars
Favorite artist: Zach Bryan
Richard Newell – Pfeiffer University (Soccer)
Major: Education
Final list of colleges: Pfeiffer, Washington College, Monmouth, Bryant, Marywood
Reasons for choosing Pfeiffer: “It really fit me best, and the coaches were great. I went on a couple of visits – all the players were super nice, and it was a great atmosphere to be in.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I always knew I wanted to play in college. I started playing when I was younger, and my dad played when he was in college, so I just wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
Coach John Adair says: “Richie Newell is someone whose pace jumps out at you. You see him from a mile away with how quick he is, but what you don’t see is how hard he trains every day, how much of a role model he is for the younger guys and the guys that are behind him in the pecking order. All in all, he’s just a great kid.
“All three of these guys really led by example, and as a first-year coach, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from this group.”
About Richard:
Favorite food: Penne Vodka
Favorite movie: Interstellar
Favorite artist: Mac Miller
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