Don’t rely on algorithms to get your news. Join 12,000+ locals who get it delivered free. As a lifelong resident of the Montclair area and a proud Montclair State University alumnus, I’m writing to voice my deep concern over the university’s decision to eliminate its lacrosse program. To replace lacrosse, a sport that has been part of Montclair’s history for over a century, with another program simply doesn’t make sense. Montclair State University, a leading educational institution and the second-largest university in New Jersey, is at a crossroads in its athletic history. The university has decided to phase out its men’s and women’s lacrosse programs, a move that risks erasing the rich, storied legacy of lacrosse in this community. This decision not only threatens the heritage of Montclair, but also deprives current and future students of a game that teaches valuable life skills—discipline, resilience, teamwork and leadership. What many people may not know is that lacrosse’s roots run deep in Montclair. In 1897, the Montclair Athletic Club helped introduce the game to the town, forming the first official team. Since then, lacrosse has become a cornerstone of the Montclair community—a connection that spans generations. This isn’t just about a game on the field; it’s about the community, heritage, and values lacrosse instills. Lacrosse also has a deeper, more profound connection to the land we live on. Long before our local rivalries, Native American tribes like the Lenni Lenape and Iroquois played versions of lacrosse across the Tri-State area. Known as “The Creator’s Game,” lacrosse was sacred to these tribes, and its roots are tied to the very history of this region, even before New Jersey was a state. We know you count on Montclair Local. Can we count on you?Support the local journalism you rely on. Come here often? We've got a way to make getting the news easier. Today, lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport in America, and it is rapidly gaining global recognition. Every Ivy League school and top-tier university has made lacrosse a varsity sport. These institutions understand the life-changing opportunities the sport offers: the lessons of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. It is difficult to fathom why Montclair State, an institution with ample resources, would consider eliminating this program. Replacing lacrosse with women’s flag football is not only a disservice to the legacy of Montclair and the university, but it also undervalues the powerful role lacrosse plays in shaping young lives. Women’s flag football can certainly have a place at the university—but it can start as a club sport and, if successful, eventually earn varsity status. It shouldn’t skip the line at the expense of a program with a century-old tradition. Montclair State has an opportunity to honor its rich history by reinstating both men’s and women’s lacrosse as varsity sports. This isn’t just about saving a sport—it’s about preserving our community’s pride, our shared history, and ensuring that future generations can experience the transformative power of lacrosse. Lacrosse shaped who I am today. It taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of working toward a common goal. These are lessons that stay with you for life, long after you’ve hung up your stick. Let’s not take that opportunity away from the next generation of Montclair students. Kevin Gondres Montclair Before you go... Can you help us make a difference? At Montclair Local, we’re dedicated to bringing you the in-depth reporting you need to stay informed and connected to your community. There’s nowhere else you’ll find as much information about the Montclair area and Essex County than at Montclair Local. We rely on support from readers like you to make it possible. Right now, only 1 in 15 households in Montclair supports Montclair Local. If you value the news and stories you get from us, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our nonprofit newsroom today. Here’s why now is the perfect time to give: thanks to the generosity of the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, Montclair Local board member Jonathan Bellack, and Jennifer Bonnell, we’ve secured $10,000 in matching funds. And with the NewsMatch campaign, your donation will be TRIPLED through December 31! That means a recurring donation of $12 a month becomes $36—making three times the impact for local news. Will you join us in strengthening community journalism?

Reinstate Lacrosse at Montclair State University (Letter to the Editor)

Don’t rely on algorithms to get your news. Join 12,000+ locals who get it delivered free. As a lifelong resident of the Montclair area and a proud Montclair State University alumnus, I’m writing to voice my deep concern over the university’s decision to eliminate its lacrosse program. To replace lacrosse, a sport that has been […]

image of an email symbol nd envelope for letter to the editor

As a lifelong resident of the Montclair area and a proud Montclair State University alumnus, I’m writing to voice my deep concern over the university’s decision to eliminate its lacrosse program. To replace lacrosse, a sport that has been part of Montclair’s history for over a century, with another program simply doesn’t make sense.

Montclair State University, a leading educational institution and the second-largest university in New Jersey, is at a crossroads in its athletic history. The university has decided to phase out its men’s and women’s lacrosse programs, a move that risks erasing the rich, storied legacy of lacrosse in this community. This decision not only threatens the heritage of Montclair, but also deprives current and future students of a game that teaches valuable life skills—discipline, resilience, teamwork and leadership.

What many people may not know is that lacrosse’s roots run deep in Montclair. In 1897, the Montclair Athletic Club helped introduce the game to the town, forming the first official team. Since then, lacrosse has become a cornerstone of the Montclair community—a connection that spans generations. This isn’t just about a game on the field; it’s about the community, heritage, and values lacrosse instills.

Lacrosse also has a deeper, more profound connection to the land we live on. Long before our local rivalries, Native American tribes like the Lenni Lenape and Iroquois played versions of lacrosse across the Tri-State area. Known as “The Creator’s Game,” lacrosse was sacred to these tribes, and its roots are tied to the very history of this region, even before New Jersey was a state.

Today, lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport in America, and it is rapidly gaining global recognition. Every Ivy League school and top-tier university has made lacrosse a varsity sport. These institutions understand the life-changing opportunities the sport offers: the lessons of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. It is difficult to fathom why Montclair State, an institution with ample resources, would consider eliminating this program.

Replacing lacrosse with women’s flag football is not only a disservice to the legacy of Montclair and the university, but it also undervalues the powerful role lacrosse plays in shaping young lives. Women’s flag football can certainly have a place at the university—but it can start as a club sport and, if successful, eventually earn varsity status. It shouldn’t skip the line at the expense of a program with a century-old tradition.

Montclair State has an opportunity to honor its rich history by reinstating both men’s and women’s lacrosse as varsity sports. This isn’t just about saving a sport—it’s about preserving our community’s pride, our shared history, and ensuring that future generations can experience the transformative power of lacrosse.

Lacrosse shaped who I am today. It taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of working toward a common goal. These are lessons that stay with you for life, long after you’ve hung up your stick. Let’s not take that opportunity away from the next generation of Montclair students.

Kevin Gondres

Montclair