By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/15/10
Conestoga junior midfielder Jordan Klunder has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Drexel University.
Klunder was a member of a Pioneers team last year that went 24-2 and claimed the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association championship. He plays club lacrosse for Mesa Fresh 2012.
Klunder will play for coach Brian Voelker at Drexel, which last year finished 10-5 and was ranked in the Top 15 most of the year.
At Drexel, Klunder will join his older brother, Jason, a freshman midfielder. His sister, Jaclyn, is also a senior on the Dragons’ women’s team. A first Honors student, Klunder plans to study business management.
“Jaclyn and Jason playing there had a big impact on me. I really enjoy being in the city,” Klunder said. “I always knew it was the best fit for me ever since I started going to my sister’s games.
“After a few visits and watching practice, I was sure I wanted to be a part of Coach Voelker’s program.”
Klunder is the second Conestoga junior to commit to Drexel this month. Middie Mike McGregor, also a player for Mesa Fresh 20102, committed just a few weeks ago. Also from Philly, Bishop Shanahan junior defenseman Chris Panichelli committed to Drexel in the fall.
Klunder is the seventh Conestoga junior to commit to a Division I college. Besides, McGregor, the others are attackmen Connor Frisina (UMass), Bradlee Lord (Maryland), and Tyler Brooke (Maryland), defenseman Jamie Ikeda (Duke) and midfielders Adam Goins (Notre Dame). Also, seven Conestoga seniors – LSM Brian Dailey and midfielder Tanner Scott (Duke), midfielder Billy Flatley (Georgetown), midfielder Kevin Rudd (Bryant), defenseman Ben Karr (Ohio State), goalie John Lopes (Penn) and midfielder Robbie Rose (Air Force) – have signed National Letters of Intent or made commitments to play Division I lacrosse.
Klunder understands the pressures Conestoga faces in trying to defend its state title.
“Having a target on our back will make us work harder every day,” he said. “I am looking forward to the season.”
Klunder wished do thank Conesoga head coach Brian Samson and assistants Craig Gratton and Brody Bush as well as Mesa Fresh coaches Rob Lord, Peter Rohr and Marty McGregor.
