BY FRANK PAPEO
Sports Photo Editor
KARINA CRACCHIOLO- FIELD HOCKEY
Midfielder Karina Cracchiolo, a three-year varsity athlete who finished her final year with an outstanding season, led the midfield in assists (16) and points (22).
Cracchiolo announced her commitment to Montclair State University on July 28, 2023. “I had gone to a few clinics held by the coaching staff, and I really enjoyed my time there. I think overall, the great things I had heard about the program is what really made me really consider Montclair when in my recruiting process,” said Cracchiolo.
Cracchiolo trusted her abilities during the toughest times in the recruitment stage. “Knowing I had to perform my best at tournaments with my coaches watching me was nerve wracking. But I was very lucky that after they saw me, the process went very quickly and smoothly. It only took one phone call and visit to secure my spot on the team,” explained Cracchiolo.
After Cracchiolo’s college journey with field hockey ends, she plans to coach and work as a public relations specialist.
STEPHEN DEAK- SOCCER
Goalie Stephen Deak, a two-year varsity starter, unfortunately missed his senior year due to injury. However, in his time as an underclassman on the field, Deak made a name for himself for one of the top goalies to ever play for Old Bridge. Deak finished his career with 206 saves in 29 games.
Deak announced his commitment to the University of Delaware on August 2, 2023. Deak performed when it mattered most and quickly found a good fit for him at the college level. “The recruiting process went well and easy for me,” said Deak. “The coaching staff were new to the university and were looking to bring in many guys that they knew could click together easily.”
After Deak’s time in college, he hopes to continue playing Soccer professionally.
LUKE KENNEDY- LACROSSE
Midfielder Luke Kennedy, a four-year varsity athlete, strives to continue a consistent performance. Kennedy led the midfield pack in goals (16), assists (21), and points (37) in his junior season.
Kennedy announced his commitment to Kean University on July 26, 2023. “I chose Kean because they have a competitive lacrosse team and are one of the best physical therapy programs in the state,” stated Kennedy.
Kennedy made the most of his opportunities outside of the school team’s season to make an impression on college recruiters. “I would say I did play differently when at showcases,” announced Luke. “I believe a mix of effort on the field and always engaging in thoughtful conversations with coaches in person and over email allowed me to get more looks and opportunities.”
Kennedy plans to continue his involvement with lacrosse after college, but in a different approach. “I look forward to coaching the next generation of players once I graduate from Kean,” explained Kennedy.
CHRIS LIBERAL- SOCCER
Goalie Chris Liberal stepped up and shined throughout the year. The St. Peters commit decided to play for Old Bridge after the team needed a goalie due to an injury. Liberal did not hesitate as he quickly performed for Old Bridge, achieving 146 saves in 20 games.
Liberal announced his commitment on December 29, 2023. He earned most of his attention from college scouts when playing club soccer at FC Copa. Liberal felt the pressure with the process but trusted his abilities enough to guide him to his dream. “In the beginning, the nerves got to me, but I realized how important this was to the process so everything changed and from there onward, I tried to play with as much confidence as I could,” said Liberal
After Liberal’s time in college, he hopes to continue playing soccer professionally.
ZOE MILONOPOULOS- SOFTBALL
Shortstop Zoe Milonopoulos added to her impressive resume throughout her high school career. In her junior year, Milonopoulos led the team in homeruns (3) and stolen bases (15).
Milonopoulos announced her commitment to Middle Tennessee State University on November 14, 2023. “Middle Tennessee State was a dream come true,” stated Milonopoulos. “I fell in love with the coaching staff and absolutely adored the campus.”
In the recruitment stage, players can find themselves criticizing everything they do to perform at their absolute best in front of coaches. When Milonopoulos felt that pressure, she found a way to shine through it. “I can relate to being nervous and getting in your head. As an athlete, you must trust not only your own abilities but your teammates as well,” said Milonopoulos. “The best thing you can do is play for the love of the game with confidence.”
Milonopoulos will continue playing for the Greek Olympic team in 2028 after her time at Middle Tennessee State University.
LOGAN ROMAN- WRESTLING
Logan Roman solidified himself as one of the best wrestlers in the 120lb class in the history of Old Bridge and even the state of New Jersey. Roman, a NJSIAA State Champion in 2023, finished his career with an 82-7 record, two Region 5 Championships, and the Outstanding Wrestler award in the district 20 tournament.
Roman announced his commitment to Kutztown University on November 8, 2023. “I was introduced to the wrestling team and the coaches and instantly felt like I belonged,” said Roman. “The campus was easy to navigate, and it is not too far from home.”
Roman found the college recruitment process quite easy after meeting with Kutztown. “My recruitment went pretty fast. I went on a few local college visits (Rider, Muhlenberg, Kutztown),” announced Roman. “I was not sure if I wanted to go to college or go into the Union as a Diesel Mechanic. After I met the Kutztown wrestling team and coaches, I knew it was where I wanted to be if I were to go to college.”
Roman feels wrestling gave him the opportunity of a lifetime to create family around the town of Old Bridge. “I do not have any plans to wrestle beyond college. I have been wrestling since the age of five,” explained Roman. “The sport has gotten me to where I wanted to go, which was college and that is all I could ask for.”
EMMA SAGI- WRESTLING
Emma Sagi made a name for herself as a top woman’s wrestler in the state and in Old Bridge history. Sagi was named captain for the team her senior year and fourth in the state for women’s wrestling. She added a Ron Mazzola Memorial Championship, EB Lady Bears Invitational Championship, Lakewood Lady Piner Championship, Elizabeth Lady Minutemen Championship, GMC Finalist, and Central Region Finalist, a two-time State placement, and an outstanding 32-5 varsity record.
Sagi announced her commitment to Ursinus College on January 1, 2024. “I love the team and the coaches and how they are just one big family,” said Sagi. “The school also has a great program for my major, so that helped a lot in the decision process.”
Sagi wrestled with confidence and that led her to an easy process during the recruitment stage. “My recruitment was a smooth transition,” stated Sagi. “The coaches and the team are great, and the coach is great at communication. It was an easy transition for me.”
After Sagi’s career in college, she plans to focus on her career in Health and Exercise Science.
Posted on 4/24/24
Photos by Jamie Hazel, Elisa Cioku, Ritee Karmacharya, Tristan Panday, and Tomi Komolafe
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