Matt Abatangelo started playing lacrosse in third grade, and now the Valley Central senior is starting his final and sixth season with the Vikings.

Abatangelo, a Viking middie who also plays attack, grew up in a lacrosse family and watched his brother play. He then picked up a stick and never put it down.

“I always had a stick in my hand,” he said,” and I just loved it.”

Abatangelo played defense when he was younger before switching to offense and started playing on Valley Central’s varsity team. He said it was a difficult time that he still takes lessons from as he prepares to play the game in college next year at Misericordia University in Dallas, PA.
“I had a hard time, definitely when I was younger,” he said. “I always think back to that time.”

Abatangelo is the only senior starting on offense this season for the Vikings, and his experience helps him lead the team and set an example on the field for a young squad.

“He’s a good leader, a good shooter, finisher and dodger,” said Tom Stoddard, Valley Central’s coach. “He’s a good overall player.”

Valley Central finished 6-10 last season and lost in the Section 9, Class A semis to Monroe-Woodbury. Now the Vikings embark on another season to finish the season with a better record and postseason. Abatangelo enjoys the game and his teammates at Valley Central.

“Playing with teammates,” said Abatangelo, of lacrosse, “it just incorporates so many sports. Basketball, football, soccer, hockey.”
Abatangelo was once a multi-sport athlete at Valley Central, playing football and basketball along with lacrosse. Now he just focuses on lacrosse as he looks forward to playing in college.

“This year,” he said, “I am only playing lacrosse.”