On Thursday February 20th, three Middletown North student athletes placed pen to paper and signed their letters of intent, promising their attendance to their respected college after four years of high school. Surrounded by friends, family, teammates, and coaches in the CRC room of the library, Tom O’Neill, Danielle Matassa, and Alex Juzwiak finalized the next step in their education.
Wearing a bright yellow T-shirt with deep blue lettering, girls’ varsity soccer player Danielle Matassa signed her future to the University of New Haven located in West Haven, Connecticut. “I’m really nerviest, but I’m good at adjusting,” Matassa said expressing optimism and excitement about her future college endeavors. The soccer star was recently recognized at the January 28th Middletown BOE meeting as she made All-A North.
Sitting comfortably and confidently in a black swivel chair, long distance runner Tom O’Neill wore a sweater baring the college of his choice: Providence College. “I’m just really excited,” O’Neill said about going away to college, “I’m going to miss this school, the coaches, and the friends.” O’Neill is a two-time Meet of Champions winner and an All American runner. The Asbury Park Press also named O’Neill First Team, All Shore for Boys’ Cross Country and participated in the Nike National Cross Country Championships in Portland, Oregon.
Concentrated and ready, cross-country runner Alex Juzwiak signed becoming the next Scarlet Knight as she plans to attend Rutgers University. “I’m excited,” Juzwiak said, looking forward to continue her academic and athletic pathway. In October, Juzwiak led the Middletown North Girls’ Cross Country team to victory over Freehold Township. The victory was the first time in two decades that North won over cross-town rivals Middletown South.
Left to Right: Mr. Ray Convey, Tom O’Neill, Ms. Patricia Misciagna, Danielle Matassa, Mr. Richard Piro, Mr. Brock Silvestri, Alex Juzwiak
“It was wonderful to see three of our students [sign their letters of intent],” Principal Dr. Patricia Vari-Cartier said, “I’m very pleased to see the amount of scholar athletes and students applying to four-year schools.”
The signing on Thursday bumped the total number of students who signed their letters of intent this year up to seven. Prior to this signing, swimmer Erin Finn signed for Wagner, gymnast Dominiquea Trotter signed for the University of Maryland, and fencer Robert Slawinski signed for NJIT. In addition, swimmer Chris Vadala signed for Iona College.
