By John Lashley, Special Writer
Let’s take a look at local student-athletes who competed in collegiate sports this past spring season. This is the first installation in the series:
Meghan Schneck from Hamilton West High School was on the roster as a junior listed as an attacker for the Kean University women’s lacrosse team this spring. Schneck played in 14 games and started in 13 of them for Kean. She scored 17 goals and posted 12 assists.
As a team, the Cougars had an overall record of 9-9 and they were 6-3 at home. In the New Jersey Athletic Conference, they had a mark of 3-3. Kean advanced to NJAC Tournament where they were defeated by The College of New Jersey. They also earned a spot in the Eastern College Athletic Conference Mid-Atlantic Tournament where they lost by one goal to St. Joseph’s of Long Island.
James Locklear from Steinert High School was a junior outfielder for the Rider University baseball program this spring. Locklear started in all 49 games and had a .280 batting average for Rider. He had 49 hits, including seven doubles and a home run for the Broncs. He also had 27 RBIs and scored 26 runs.
Rider had an overall record of 16-33, including eight wins on their home field. In the Metro Atlantic Conference, they had seven wins. Locklear is listed as a business administration major.
As a junior infielder for the Rowan University softball team, Amanda Toomer of Steinert High School played in 26 games and started in 14 for the Profs. She had 11 hits, including two doubles and also recorded two RBIs and scored five runs.
Rowan had an overall record of 37-12, with a 12-3 mark at home. In the New Jersey Athletic Conference, they had a record of 14-4. The Profs won the NJAC Championship Tournament, ultimately defeating Kean University, 7-0.
From there, they advanced to the NCAA Division III Ithaca Regional where they finished with a 3-0 record with triumphs over SUNY Oneonta and Ithaca College (twice).
At the NCAA Division III Super Regional in Rochester, New York, the Profs lost twice to the University of Rochester.
Anthony DiCuircio from Steinert High School was on the roster as a freshman who competed in the shot put/weight throw for the Montclair State University men’s outdoor track and field program. Montclair State placed sixth at the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships held in Ewing.

