Two ALJ Athletes Go Pro

Two Arthur L. Johnson High School class of 2009 alums have recently been signed to professional sports teams.

Brian Megill, of Syracuse University, was selected in the 2013 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Collegiate Draft in the first round (No. 7 overall) by the Denver Outlaws.

And Rob Smorol, of Rutgers University, recently signed a free agent contract to pitch for the Boston Red Sox’s minor league affiliate.

A 2012 USILA Second Team All-American, Megill is the program's 16th first-round MLL draft choice since 2001, tied with Virginia for the most of any school. Megill recorded 62 ground balls and set an SU single-season record with 37 caused turnovers a year ago. For his career, Megill has 135 ground balls and 78 caused turnovers.

Megill was a defensive standout at Syracuse that will bring an element of toughness to Denver, however he may have a more hybrid position at the MLL level. “We certainly have a lot of options with him because Brian (Megill) is such a good athlete and runs the field so well,” Stagnitta said. “We are going to use him in a lot of different areas.”

Megill has currently helped the Denver franchise to the best record in the MLL thus far this season.

Megill was a standout athlete for the class of 2009 at Arthur L. Johnson High School as he helped both the football and lacrosse teams make it to the state championship in both sports.

Rob Smorol, of Rutgers University, recently signed a free agent contract to pitch for the Boston Red Sox’s minor league affiliate.

At Rutgers, Smorol finished his career second in school history in innings (313.0) and starts (44), tied for third in wins (22), third in strikeouts (206) and single season starts (15 in both 2012 and 2013) and eighth in games (72). In addition, he holds the program record for most consecutive weekends starts (44). In 2013 Smorol led the Rutgers staff with a 3.63 ERA and .262 opposing batting average.

Smorol will look to begin his professional career soon as he will be on the mound this week for the Red Sox affiliate.

Smorol was a standout athlete for the class of 2009 at Arthur L. Johnson High School as he helped the baseball team make the UCIAC Semifinals his senior season. 

“Both Brian and Rob were a huge part of the tradition and success of Crusader Athletics," said Gus Kalikas, Supervisor of Athletics, Health, and Physical Education for the Clark School District. "It was a pleasure, not only for me, but for our entire community, to follow them throughout their Division I careers at Syracuse and Rutgers respectively. The community and Arthur L. Johnson High School wishes them the best of luck as they embark on their professional careers and eagerly await all of the great things that they are going to accomplish throughout their careers as professional athletes.”