To the editor:
As a mother of three sons touched by his accomplishments, I must pay tribute to an extraordinary member of the Hillsborough High School coaching staff.
There were many factors leading to this incredibly exciting, record-breaking season for the 2011 Hillsborough High School Raiders’ boys’ lacrosse team. No one will deny they were a talented group of athletes. Attack, middie, defense, goalie — every position had skill and depth.
And when it came to spirit and support, you would be hard-pressed to find a greater bunch of families.
But much more was at play than the boys or their families this season. There were the previous years of dedication and hard work, there was leadership and vision, there was planning and execution and, at the heart of it all, there was Head Coach Mark Wilson.
Mark Wilson has done an extraordinary job creating a lacrosse powerhouse at Hillsborough High School. During his mere five years at the helm, Coach Wilson has established a winning tradition and evolved Hillsborough lacrosse into one of the premier programs in the state.
He has set the bar for high academic standards and, despite the obvious sports versus academic challenges, he rigorously enforces those goals. He has instilled an unparalleled level of competition and sportsmanship that has athletes vying for coveted positions on the team. He exemplifies his vision of a unified Hillsborough lacrosse community through his guidance and physical presence at countless youth, middle school and summer camp events. His constant updates on the superb website www.borolax.com/ keep the borough lacrosse family entertained and informed.
More important than impressive accomplishments, Mark Wilson is a positive role model, mentor and leader for our children. As an authority figure he has earned unbridled respect from all of his players. He has supported them in times of personal crisis and believed in them more than they believed in themselves. His quiet support has given each of them the will to work harder and the confidence to reach higher.
In his unsung manner, Coach Wilson has forged relationships with college coaches, identified academic opportunities, and opened college doors that many families could only dream of. With many graduating HHS student-athletes going on to play college lacrosse in 2012, humble coach, mentor, and biggest supporter Mark Wilson, is likely quietly beaming in the background.
Coach Wilson, the outstanding 2011 season (13-5) and deepest state tournament showing yet (a 12-10 semifinals heartbreaker to state champ Bridgewater-Raritan), are added achievements in what is sure to be an even brighter future for HHS lacrosse. You are truly an asset to our community and a winner in every sense of the word!
Thank you for the pride and excellence you have brought to Hillsborough Lacrosse and the promising outlook you have provided for our sons. We wish you and the “Boro Lax Brotherhood” all the best in 2012!
With sincere gratitude,
Toni Cantalupo
Hillsborough
(Editor’s note: Mrs. Cantalupo is the mother of three lacrosse-playing Jenkins boys — Anthony ‘09, John ‘11 and Robby ‘14).
