Reaching the big stage
ADAMS TWP — Joe Crognale was no stranger to achievement on the lacrosse field when he traveled to Dickinson College last month.
But his effort there elevated him to another level.
Crognale was one of 25 players chosen from a tryout for Pennsylvania's U17 boys lacrosse team that will compete at the Brine National Lacrosse Classic, set for July 19-22 in Richmond, Va.
“In March, I went to a tryout that included just players from Western Pennsylvania,” said Crognale, a defenseman. “It included a lot of skill drills and I made the cut out of that. At the Dickinson tryout, there were kids from all over the state and they had us play a bunch of games. I thought I did pretty well. I left it all out there and was just hoping to make the team.”
Two days later, Crognale was informed he had earned a roster spot for Pennsylvania.
It is the latest in an impressive string of accomplishments for the incoming senior at Mars High School.
In May, he helped the Planets' varsity team claim the WPIAL Division II title, finishing the season with a record of 19-1. He was named All-Section and All-WPIAL for the second straight season.
“He's our top shut-down defender,” said Mars coach Ed Monahan. “He marks the best attacker on the opposing team. Aside from that, he brings a lot of leadership into the lockerroom and always has a positive attitude.”
Crognale was introduced to the sport in the fourth grade.
“A bunch of kids were picking it up and I figured I'd give it a try,” he said.
It didn't take long for lacrosse to make an impression with Crognale.
“It's such a fun sport, unlike any other,” he said. “Now it's the only sport I play.”
Crognale earned a starting spot as a freshman for the Planets in 2014, but admitted, “I was just glad to be playing varsity. It was during my sophomore year when I started to think about the future and I wanted lacrosse to be part of it.”
He took a big step toward making that happen when he made Pennsylvania's team for the Brine tournament, which serves as a talent showcase as coaches from over 100 college programs are expected to attend the event.
“I want to keep playing in college,” said Crognale. “I've made some pretty good progress the last couple of years and hopefully, some doors will open for me.”
In Richmond, Crognale and his teammates will face elite competition from different states.
“It's crazy to think of all the different kids from all over the country,” he said. “It will be pretty neat to play against them.”
While Crognale's work and dedication have led to an individual achievement, it could also be viewed as yet another sign of the progression of Mars lacrosse.
“He's our first one (to make the Brine Classic), but we've only had a varsity program for four years,” Monahan said.
