Three ALJ Alums Dominate Big East Headlines This Week

This release was submitted by Arthur L. Johnson High School.

Three former Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusader Student Athletes recently dominated the headlines in the Big East Conference. Robert Smorol, Brian Megill, and Scott Klimchak were named Big East Players of the Week for February 18 – 24, 2013. All three former Crusaders graduated in 2009 and were tremendous pieces in what was a stellar year for Crusader Athletics in many sports.

Rutgers’ Rob Smorol was named Big East Pitcher of the Week for throwing eight scoreless innings in a 3-0 win over Old Dominion. Smorol pitched eight scoreless innings against Old Dominion, striking out seven and allowing four hits. The senior also allowed just one walk, leading the Scarlet Knights to their first win of the season. Smorol’s 2008 – 2009 season for the Crusaders was highlighted by a run to the Union County Semifinals in baseball.

Brian Megill anchored an Orange defense that held Army without a goal for 21:45 to start the game and blanked the Black Knights for the final 33:53 (including the entire second half) in a 6-2 Syracuse victory. For his efforts Brian was named Big East Defensive Player of the Week. Army’s two goals were tied for the fewest ever by an opposing team at the Carrier Dome. Megill guarded Army leading scorer Garrett Thul and held him without a point, ending the attackman’s 42-game goal scoring streak, which had been the longest in the nation. Prior to Sunday, the last time Thul did not score a goal was on March 30, 2010, against Hofstra. In addition, Megill registered a team-high four caused turnovers. Megill’s 2008 – 2009 season for the Crusaders was highlighted by a Championship appearance in Central Group II for football and a Union County Final appearance and a NJSIAA State Semifinal appearance in lacrosse.

Scott Klimchak led Rutgers as they defeated Wagner 20-10 before falling to UMBC 11-9. For his efforts Scott was named to the Big East Honor Roll for the Week. Scott Klimchak led the team on the week, tallying 10 points including nine goals. Scott’s 2008 – 2009 season for the Crusaders was highlighted by a Championship appearance in Central Group II for football and a Union County Final appearance and a NJSIAA State Semifinal appearance in lacrosse. In addition, Scott was the starting goalie for the Ice Hockey team that won the Union County Championship his senior season.

Gus Kalikas, Supervisor of Athletics, Health, and Physical Education, had this to say about all of the former Crusaders: “Rob, Brian, and Scott were all exceptional student athletes during their time at Arthur L. Johnson High School. Knowing each of these young men I would say that the tremendous success that they are having at the collegiate level is not a surprise, and the Clark School District is extremely proud of all of their accomplishments and continues to look forward to what else they will do in their wonderful careers in the Big East Conference.”