Eastside Catholic Crusaders’ last line of defense on the lacrosse field will continue his career at the Division-1 level.

Cameron Cronk, who will graduate from Eastside Catholic School in June of 2015, signed a letter of intent with the New Jersey Institute of Technology in early November. The campus is located in Newark, N.J. Cronk was recruited by close to 30 schools, but said the decision to join NJIT was an easy one athletically and academically.

“It’s a second year Division-1 lacrosse program and they have a great engineering program too. That played a huge part in my decision. I’m excited about having a chance to help establish a brand new program and see it grow from the roots on up,” Cronk said.

Before Cronk makes the move to the East Coast, he wants the Crusaders to bring home a lacrosse state championship this spring.

“We want to win a state title. That is our biggest goal we want to achieve. I know our entire team is super hyped for the season,” he said.

Cronk said he’s played goalie ever since he started playing lacrosse in the fifth grade in 2007.

“When you’re the goalie you got to be leader of the defense. You’re the backbone. If you have success in your position, the team is going to have success. That’s the role,” he said.

Cronk said he’s proud to be one of the few Division-1 players from the West Coast. Lacrosse traditionally is much stronger on the East Coast.

“Ever since I picked up a stick I wanted to play lacrosse in college. Coming from Washington, its hard to get looks (colleges interested). It feels great to have achieved one of my main goals,” he said.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com