By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/9/12
Millard West (NE) High face-off specialist-midfielder Matt Smidlein (Duke’s Lacrosse Club, formerly Downingtown West) has committed to play Division III lacrosse at Aurora University (Ill.).
Matt Smidlein log:
High school:Millard West HS, Omaha NE; formerly Downingtown West 2010/11 and then moved to Omaha Nebraska for 2012 and ’13 seasons
Graduation year: 2013
Position: Face-off Specialist / Midfield
College choice: Aurora University, Ill.
Club affiliations: Duke’s Lacrosse club class of 2013 and The Buddha Ballers, Class of 2013
Major lacrosse honors, camps and showcases: 1st Team All state in Nebraska – 2012, 80% Face-off wins during 2012 season, 30 goals, 20 assist and state runner -up. 2011 season 60% Face-off wins for D West and 70% during play-offs. Face-off specialist for Dukes 2 in 2012, made it to Semi Finals at Champ Camp and 2010 National Champs at the Crabs Tourney; Made All-star team for 2012 Denver Shoot-out (out of 750 players) and for the Denver Team camp (out of 600 players, scored first goal of the game) both this summer in June of 2012.
What will you major in/study: Business Management / Marketing
Why did you choose school: “It’s in a growing division within the Midwest with a great coach in Kylor Berkman of Salisbury, and it’s close to our new home in Omaha, Nebraska.”
Outlook for your high school team: “We are picked to win states with 75% of our starters back.”
Other comments: “I would like to thank (former coach) Tom Hannum of Downingtown West and Ebe Helm, Jason Christmas and the rest of the coaching staff of the Dukes Lacrosse Club for supporting me the last 3 years and especially through my move to Nebraska. I also want to thank Rob Mazinac with the Buddha Ballers (Nebraska All-star team ) as he was a great help this year in getting some looks here in the Midwest.”
Maple Zone Sports and Fitness Complex, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Recruits, congratulates Matt Smidlein. Maple Zone, located on Conchester Pike in Boothwyn, offers numerous programs, leagues and instructional activities for boys’ and girls’ lacrosse players and also offers boys’ U13 and U15 travel teams. Click here for registration for the Muck Dawgs travel teams. 
