Five West Milford athletes have taken their game to the next level

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused struggles and tribulations all over the world. That’s why it’s important to recognize those who were able to remain focused and committed to their chosen field of endeavor.

Several local young men and women are not only getting the job done in the classroom, but in the realm of athletics as well.

At Felican University in Rutherford

Brandon Cerone, Anthony Derin and Anthony Hanratty, all graduates of West Milford High School, were on the roster for the Felician University (Rutherford, New Jersey) men’s lacrosse team this spring.

Hanratty, a junior attacker, played in seven games and started in four of them with five goals and two assists.

Derin, a sophomore defender, started in seven games and won four ground balls for Felician.

Cerone, a freshman midfielder and defender played in seven games and started in one for Felician.

The Golden Falcons had two overall victories with one occurring at home. They had one win in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. Hanratty is listed as a Marketing major, Derin is listed as a Business Administration major and Cerone is listed as an undeclared major.

Let’s take a look at other local student athletes who competed in collegiate sports right here in the Garden State this past spring season. This is the first installation:

At Rutgers University (Newark campus)

Paige Masiello, a graduate of West Milford High School was on the roster as a senior right handed pitcher for the Rutgers University (Newark campus) softball team this year. Masiello started in 10 games and had a 3.50 earned run average. She struck out 26 batters.

The Scarlet Raiders had two victories this past season, both of which were against New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) opponents. They advanced to the NJAC Championship Tournament where they were defeated by Ramapo College in a game held in Mahwah.

At Centenary University in Hackettstown

Chris Miller (West Milford High School) was a senior catcher for the Centenary University (Hackettstown) baseball program this year. Miller played in eight games and started in six of them for Centenary. He had a .333 batting average with seven hits, including a double. He also had four RBIs and two runs scored.

The Cyclones had an overall record of 7-10 with three wins on their home field. They had six victories in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC). Centenary advanced to the CSAC Tournament where they were defeated by Keystone College (twice) in games held in La Plume, Pennsylvania. Miller is listed as an Independent Studies major.