Three members of the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys Lacrosse team officially committed to their respective colleges this week.

Coach Mike MacDonald and the Titans can now focus on their run at a three-peat.

Brett Bucktooth ’24 (Syracuse University), Ben McDonnell (Wagner College) and Logan Dudley (Roger Williams University) signed their letters during a ceremony in front of a large gathering in the WMA Athletic Center on Nov. 15.

The Titans have won the Western New England Secondary School Lacrosse Association Division II title the last two years, and Coach MacDonald and the Titans have their eyes set on adding a third championship banner to the gym in 2024.

Quotes

Brett on what attracted him to Syracuse: “The competitive state of Syracuse, being so close to home, and my father going there. (Attending Syracuse) has always been a dream of mine, watching so many greats come through that school. (I want to) try to win a national championship.”

Ben on what attracted him to Wagner: “The lacrosse culture there that the coach is building, he’s a new coach in his second year and he’s trying to build the team into winning a conference championship. Also, for me the location was a big thing. It’s close to home and my parents can make all the games. After all the sacrifices they made to get me to this level, it’s fair that they are at those games.”

Logan on what attracted him to Roger Williams: “The academics there is what really did it for me. They were really the only school I was in contact with that had the major I was interested in. That combination with a competitive lacrosse program made it an easy choice.”

Brett on how WMA has helped him: “WMA has taught me a lot about moving away from home and given me the opportunity to see the world since Syracuse is very close to my home. Everyone has been nice and welcoming. It’s been amazing.”

Ben on how WMA aided him in the college process: “I wouldn’t have the chance to play Division I lacrosse at Wagner without WMA. Coach Mac has been huge for me. He’s been great with recruiting and making me better as a lacrosse player. The school has helped me academically and helped me become the person I am today.”

Logan on how WMA guided him in the recruiting process: “WMA was awesome and really did everything for me. I had the opportunity to do really well in academics and learn everything I need to learn before going to college, but at the same time pushing myself athletically.”

Brett on signing his NLI: “This day means everything to me since it’s been a dream of mine, seeing all of my hard work pay off.”

Ben on signing his NLI: “This is a very special day. I started playing lacrosse when I was 8 years old. This is a huge day for me. I’ve been working for this pretty much my whole life. I’m excited to play this spring and get to Wagner in the fall.”

Logan on signing to play lacrosse in college: “It was super stressful, but it’s super exciting at the same time. I’m glad the day’s here and it’s kind of over with at this point, but this day is awesome. I’m loving it.”

Coach MacDonald on Brett: “Brett’s one of those special ones - you don’t always have the opportunity to coach a kid of that talent. He embodies everything we want in a postgrad. He’s taken full advantage of Wilbraham & Monson Academy and I can’t wait for the community to see his talent on the field in the spring.”

Coach MacDonald on Ben: “I’m proud of Ben and his efforts during the recruiting process. It was not easy, but at the end of the day we found a great home for him where it’s going to be a great athletic and academic fit. I’m looking forward to his skill and leadership being back out there this spring and hanging up a banner inside the gym at the end of May.”

Coach MacDonald on Logan: “I’m really excited for Logan. He’s been a staple in our defense for the past three years. He’s compiled 33 wins and I can’t say enough about him and his upcoming leadership this spring.”