By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/11/11
Montclair (N.J.) junior goalie Jimmy Sestilio has made a commitment to the admission process to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania.
Sestilio was named Most Promising Newcomer last year at Montclair, which won the New Jersey Group 4 state championship and finished 17-4 overall. Sestilio played on the New Jersey Under Armour team in the Underclassmen Games and was named as a captain for 2011.
“Penn was a very easy decision for me,” he said. “No school compares. The combination of academic prestige, a new weight room, a fun visit, and an exciting coaching staff with Coach (Mike) Murphy at the helm, could not be refused.
“My great grandfather and grandfather graduated from Penn and my brother is currently enrolled in Penn so to follow the legacy is a blessing.”
Sestilio also considered Delaware, Ohio State, Loyola, Lehigh, Fairfield, Virginia, and Dartmouth.
Sestilio, who plans to study either business or economics and hopes to enter the Wharton School, takes all honors courses and AP Biology.
He predicts that Montclair will again be a power in 2011.
“We made it to the semi-finals in the Tournament of Champions last year,” he said. “Montclair is one of the most traditional lacrosse towns in New Jersey and last year’s state championship gave us 10 state championships, leading the state in total state championships.
“Although we lost 18 seniors last year, we expect to win the state championship because we expect to win the State championship every year. With a great weight room, a lifting coach, and a hard work ethic, it is more than possible.”
Sestilio wished to thank Montclair coach Peter Von Hoffman for his help throughout the recruiting process.
Other juniors that have committed to Penn include Haverford School midfielder Sam Rohr, Episcopal Academy attackman Tyler Odell and Summit (N..J.) midfielder David Kalin.
Are you a Philly player that has committed to play college lacrosse or have you made a commitment to a D1, D2 or D3 school in Philly? E-mail us at golax@phillylacrosse.com
