Lax to the Max

Midfielder Christain Mazzone wears number 21 while representing Rutgers University.

Credit: Darryl Marshke

Former Rutgers University star athlete continues his success in the Major League.

By Michelle Amoresano

From excelling in the classroom to grinding on the field, Christian Mazzone left a legacy at Rutgers University and the Rutgers Men’s Lacrosse program. Over his five years at Rutgers, Mazzone received academic awards and athletic awards that helped represent his success as a student-athlete.

Mazzone was raised in Stony Brook, New York where he attended Ward Melville High School. His career at Ward Melville was when Mazzone began to succeed in the sport of lacrosse. Mazzone was named a US Lacrosse All-American as a senior and helped his team to an undefeated 22-0 during his senior year.

“I had a successful experience during my high school career. I believe that these four years at Ward Melville High School really helped prepare me for Division l athletics,” Mazzone said.

Christian was not the only athletic individual at his home in New York. Coming from an athletic family, Christian was one of three of his siblings who played lacrosse at the colliagate level. During his senior year of high school Mazzone were he wanted to go to college. Sports had played a big role in deciding where he wanted to go to college, but academics were even more important.

“Rutgers head coach Brian Brecht had a lot of interest in me,” Mazzone said.

Mazzone committed to Rutgers University in the fall of 2012. Mazzone felt that Rutgers was the opportunity for him to be successful academically and athletically.

“I was a big fan of Rutgers Lacrosse my whole life. I watched them growing up when I was a kid. Head Coach, Brain Brecht, has really changed the program around. I wanted to help this team on the national stage, so Rutgers was the best opportunity for me,” Mazzone said.

Coming in as a freshman in September 2013 Mazzone knew exactly what he wanted to study. He had a strong passion for writing, so Journalism and Media Studies was the perfect fit for him. He declared his major during his second year.

“I have been dedicated to sports for the majority of my life, so I really wanted to study something involving sports. Coming to Rutgers and studying Journalism and Media Studies with a concentration in sports was one of the best choices I have ever made. I knew Rutgers had great academics, so I really felt like I got the best of both worlds picking The State University of New Jersey,” Mazzone said.

The men’s lacrosse team was a talented team with a lot of success. Rutgers Athletics entered the Big Ten Conference during Mazzone’s time at Rutgers. Mazzone was a member of the team when they were ranked number one in the country in 2017.

“Mazzone was a reliable midfielder. He came in to the program determined. During his time on the team I could always count of Mazzone to make great plays. He was a top performer in the classroom as well,” Brecht said.

“I knew Rutgers had great academics, so I really felt like I got the best of both worls picking The State University of New Jersey.”

college. There were some weeks where I was going to bed at 3 a.m. every night because I was studying. Academics were important to me. I put just as much effort into my academics as playing on the field. I just wanted to overall best student-athlete experience I could get and I did,” Mazzone said.

Five months following graduation Mazzone was offered a one-year deal with the Ohio Machine in Major League Lacrosse. The 3rd Round Pick and 22nd overall was determined to take his career to the next level.

“I have only ever dreamed about playing lacrosse in the major leagues. I cannot believe it became reality. I give all credit to Coach Brecht, his staff and everyone at Rutgers who helped me get to this next part in life,” Mazzone said.

During Spring 2019 training camp Mazzone will compete for a spot on the official roster to claim his spot of the team. After a successful collegiate career in a top lacrosse program, Mazzone is prepared to play at the professional level.

Student-athletes have demanding schedules. Between class, practice, film, weights, studying and tutoring, student-athletes are always on the go. The Four-Time Academic All-Big Ten Honoree did not let a busy schedule affect him.

“Being a student-athlete is like having a full-time job in