By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/2/12
Downingtown East senior FO-midfielder Justin Risser has made a commitment to play Division III lacrosse at Ursinus College.
Justin K. Risser log: 
High School: Downingtown East High School
Graduation Year: Class of 2013
Position: F/O Midfielder
College Choice: Ursinus College
Club Affiliation: Baggataway Elite Summer Club Team
Major lacrosse honors: Brine All-American NJ, Under Armour Finalist PA, 2012 Gait Cup All-Star, 2012 Denver Fall Classic All-Star, Brine Shootout
Volunteer work: Volunteer through the LEAPS charitable organization which teaches lacrosse to youth in the Philadelphia area.
What will you major in/study? Political Science/Pre Law
Why did you choose Ursinus? “I chose Ursinus because of their wonderful reputation for academics as well as for the very promising future for their lacrosse program. Coach (Jamie) Steele and his staff were extremely welcoming and helpful to me and my parents throughout the process. I really feel as though I will be able to compete on this team and I feel certain the coaches truly care about my success off the field.
“When it came down to it, the strong academics in my chosen major, the highly competitive lacrosse experience offered, and the proximity of Ursinus College to my home solidified my decision.”
What is your HS team’s outlook for next season? “Downingtown East should have a competitive, strong team this upcoming season. We had some strong seniors graduate but we have some talented underclassmen up and down our roster who appear ready to step up. Everyone was pleased with our play at the recent Philly Showcase and it should be a fun season.”
Additional Comments: “I would like to thank my parents for their ongoing support of my interest in lacrosse. They gave up much of their free time so that I could attend tournaments and clinics over the last several years. I would also like to thank my brother Mike, for practicing with me at home.
“I also need to thank Kevin Clark and Mike Dolente who both taught me a great deal about playing this position. Lastly, my Coaches…Coach Cliggett, Coach Karpinski, Coach Cullinan and Coach Carozza for all of their instruction, coaching and support in helping me get to this point, thank you.”
Other schools considered: University of Richmond, University of Scranton, Stevenson University, Widener University.
Maple Zone Sports and Fitness Complex, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Recruits, congratulates Justin Risser. 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. 
