On Oct. 13, senior Jake Lukko announced his commitment to play lacrosse at Montclair State University. Lukko, a member of the varsity lacrosse team since his sophomore year, felt a connection with his future school, leading to his commitment.

“I decided to commit to Montclair because I liked the campus, coaches and players,” Lukko told The Fanscotian. “[It was] the best out of all other schools [I was looking at].”

Montclair State University, a public research university in Montclair, New Jersey, was established in 1908 and has popular majors of business administration, psychology and biology. Competing in the Division III Coastal Lacrosse Conference (CLC), the Red Hawks play on Sprague Field against the likes of Enidcott, Southwestern and Widener.

Once he is officially at Montclair State, Lukko hopes to add to the program’s history while also creating a strong bond with his teammates.

“In college [lacrosse], I hope to make a mark and benefit the team,” Lukko said.

The Red Hawks have been successful on the field in the past five years, reaching the conference finals twice while consistently making it to at least the quarter finals. Lukko will look to assist Montclair State in their efforts to make it back to the NCAA Division III Tournament, something they have not done since 2017.

A defender on the Scotch Plains-Fanwood lacrosse team, Lukko has helped bring the Raiders to two-straight Union County semifinal and sectional tournament quarterfinals appearances in his two years on the team. In his junior season, Lukko tallied 47 ground balls, the fifth highest on the team, while being a key part on the defensive front. He is also a part of the wrestling team at SPFHS.

Lukko will have one more opportunity to suit up as a Raider before heading off to Montclair State in the spring. Although he still has time left to play, Lukko can fathom what he will miss most about playing at SPFHS.

“I will miss the team that I’ve been playing with for a few years [now],” Lukko said.