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Bucknell University ended the calendar year in 2015 by picking up a big Class of 2018 commitment to its admissions process.

It comes from Mountain Lakes (NJ) attackman Matthew Barkauskas, whose December decision was first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section. 

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound righty is strong with both hands, an efficient feeder and effective on rides.

Barkauskas’ brother, Richard, a first-team All-Gibbs Conference and NJSIAA second team All-State Group selection at Mountain Lakes in 2015, is a freshman defender at Holy Cross.

Now, here’s a Q&A with Matt on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision?
Bucknell is fantastic academically and I loved the campus from the moment I stepped on it.  Coach Fedorjaka, Coach Conner and Coach Marks have built an outstanding program that I want to be a part of, and I am very excited to compete in the Patriot league.

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I also considered and/or visited Yale, Princeton, Holy Cross and Penn.​

Have you decided what academic major you plan to pursue?
I am undecided at the moment but the liberal arts curriculum at Bucknell offers me many opportunities.​

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I love playing lacrosse ​and try to bring a high level of passion and intensity to the field each time I play.

I think that my willingness to move off ball and to ride hard are strengths, as is my ability to play with both hands on either side of the field.

What area of your game do you need to work on?
Continuing to develop physically is important, and I know that that I need to continue working hard in all areas of my game.

How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I was first introduced to lacrosse in the 2nd grade by Bill Winter in the Mountain Lakes youth program.​

Today I also play football and basketball at Mountain Lakes.

What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I play for STEPS Elite and participated in Legacy Invitational, FLG in 3D, Crimson Classic and UpLax​.

I also competed at Prep School Showcase, National 175 and Fab Frosh.

Any final thoughts and people you want to thank for helping you reach this point?
I would like to thank my parents but also my younger brother and sister​ for always supporting me and encouraging me.

I particularly want to thank my older brother Richard for his advice and support.

I would like to thank my STEPS coaches, both the late Kyle Kirst as well as my current coach, Matt Kovachik, who has challenged me for the past few years to be the most complete player I can be.

Lastly, I would like to thank Coach Tim Flynn from Mountain Lakes.  He has been incredibly supportive during this process and I am very excited to begin playing for him this spring in Mountain Lakes.”

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