Restore Men's and Women's Lacrosse Teams at Montclair State University


Restore Men's and Women's Lacrosse Teams at Montclair State University
The Issue
You've signed the petition, Now Please Donate to Our Recently Launched GoFundMe Page any small amount or large helps
(if the teams for any reason are not reinstated you will be refunded 100% of your money, including fees by GoFundMe)
UPDATE 02/18/2025
In our recent meeting with the University we’ve made our voices and have our university's attention—now it’s time to take action. We’re moving into the next phase we need to show that we’re not just passionate—we’re committed. That means demonstrating financial backing and sustainability for MSU Lacrosse.
Our GoFundMe page is our chance to prove that our community stands behind these teams, not just in spirit but in support. Every single donation—big or small—counts.
Now, we need your help to spread the word. Share this in your stories, post it everywhere, tell your family and friends. The more people we reach, the stronger our case becomes. (if the teams for any reason are not reinstated you will be refunded 100% of your money, including fees by GoFundMe)
Other ways you can help advocate for the team.
Additionally let's continue advocating for the teams by contacting our government officials respectfully for added fiscal support:
Governer Phil Murphy - Text (732) 605-5455
Senator Cory Booker - (973)-639-8700
State Senator Anthony Bucco - (973)-627-9700
State Sentor Joseph P. Cryan - (908)624-0880 or (908)327-9119
State Senator John F. McKeon - (973)377-1606
Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie - (973)-535-5017
UPDATES 01/15/25
This past friday, January 10th a small group of alumni from the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams—including our founder Houston Weber and two other NJ Lacrosse Hall of Famers—met with Montclair State University’s President, Athletic Director, Associate Athletic Director, and Vice President of Student Life in a closed-door meeting. This was a productive and solution-oriented discussion where we presented our case, sought clarity on the decision-making process, and introduced potential solutions that had not been previously considered.
While no immediate decisions were made (as expected), the meeting gave us an opportunity to voice our concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue with the administration. Importantly, we did not receive a definitive “no” regarding reinstating the programs. The Athletic Department and university leadership are still in the process of navigating the complex merger of the two athletic departments (MSUs and newly acquired Bloomfield College) into one unified Montclair State University program. The NCAA’s transitional guidelines for merging athletic programs following the acquisition of Bloomfield College have added layers to this process.
One of our key next steps is to await the results of our Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request, which should provide valuable insight into the financial realities that influenced these decisions.
We remain cautiously optimistic, as the university has expressed a willingness to meet with us again. This gives us the opportunity to return to the table with well-researched, practical solutions that address their concerns while continuing to advocate for the reinstatement of both men’s and women’s lacrosse programs.
It’s vital that we remain respectful and tactful in our approach, even as we advocate passionately for this cause. The administration is listening and has shown an openness to dialogue and exploring creative solutions. Moving forward, we ask everyone to continue fighting respectfully, share our message and practice"active patience," as this process will take time.
Thank you all for your continued support, and dedication to the future of Montclair State lacrosse. Please standby as we will provide further updates as new information becomes available.
Thank you.
The Issue:
Supporting 70 student-athletes whose dreams were shattered by the sudden decision to eliminate Montclair State’s men’s and women’s lacrosse programs. After years of dedication and hard work, our teams were abruptly downgraded to club status without warning. Lacrosse isn’t just a sport for us—it’s a way of life. It’s about teamwork, discipline, and the lessons that extend beyond the field. By cutting these programs, the university isn’t just taking away our passion; it’s telling us our hard work doesn’t matter. This decision affects 70 students and all those who have come before us, who’ve invested everything into representing MSU. The lack of communication and the way it was handled shows a complete disregard for us as athletes and as individuals. Studies prove that student-athletes like us perform better academically and develop crucial leadership skills (Smith & Harrison, 2015). Montclair State’s choice to eliminate lacrosse in favor of promoting Women’s Flag Football to varsity status erases over a century of lacrosse in the community of Montclair. Lacrosse players at MSU consistently rank among the highest GPA averages on campus. This decision undervalues the impact of lacrosse and disrespects its legacy.
We urge Montclair State to reinstate both men’s and women’s lacrosse teams, honoring the tradition, history, and future of our community. Please sign this petition to support us in demanding justice for these dedicated student-athletes.
Why It Matters:
A Historic Legacy:
Lacrosse is deeply woven into Montclair’s fabric, Lacrosse is a Indigenous sports to North America and over a century of tradition in the surrounding Montclair community. Erasing the program risks severing our connection to this rich history that defines who we are in the Montclair and the Tri-state area.
Impact on Students:
Lacrosse is more than a sport—it’s a tool for growth. It teaches resilience, teamwork, and leadership, while players consistently excel academically. Montclair State’s lacrosse teams are among the highest GPA achievers on campus, shaping both athletes and scholars.
Opportunity and Growth:
Lacrosse continues to be the fastest-growing sport in America, embraced by top universities and Ivy Leagues. Cutting the program means denying students life-changing opportunities, scholarships, and careers that come with the sport’s global rise.
Financial Blindspot:
Replacing lacrosse with programs like women’s flag football ignores the long-term benefits lacrosse brings. The sport attracts talent, generates revenue, and boosts school pride—elements crucial to Montclair State’s success and prestige.
What You Can Do to Help:
Share the Petition:
Post on all your social media, email friends, and tag alumni and community members. The more we share, the louder our voice becomes.
Engagement on social media increases visibility, helping our cause rank higher in feeds, reaching even more people.
Engage with Decision-Makers:
Reach out to Montclair State’s administration, board members, and athletic department. Send the story to your local news.
TELL THEM YOUR WHY... lacrosse is important to you, your community, and the future of MSU student-athletes.
Join the Movement:
Stay connected with updates, join the montclair state men's and women's lacrosse FB page community, look for events, and rallies. Your continued involvement shows how much this program means to Montclair, its students, and alumni.
Raise Awareness:
Share your personal story about lacrosse’s impact on your life. Write to local newspapers or use your social media to amplify our message. The more we spread the word, the stronger the movement grows, and the more likely we are to see change.
TAKE ACTION, BE PERSISTENT!:
The lacrosse program at Montclair State is not just a collection of games and practices; it is a reflection of our shared history, our community, and our commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders. Removing this program for financial reasons would be a disservice to our students, the sport, and our heritage. We have a chance to preserve something truly meaningful—not just for today, but for future generations. Let’s come together and ensure that Montclair State continues to honor its legacy by reinstating lacrosse as a varsity sport.
**UPDATES: Following today’s (12/19) meeting with the Board of Trustees and school's president, there has been a shift in their initial rationale for cutting the lacrosse programs. While some positive discussions took place, the university disclosed a new rationale which focused on "budgetary" concerns. This shift in narrative raises significant issues that need further scrutiny. The lack of transparency around this shift only deepens the questions we have now.
We will plan to work with MSU and hold them accountable in exploring potential solutions if funding is indeed the core issue. This is a critical moment to stay engaged and continue to email, write, and call as an advocate for the future of MSU's lacrosse programs.
Our work is far from over—thank you for your ongoing support.
Standby for our next moves. As we plan a meeting on budgeting and problem solving solutions.
The Issue
You've signed the petition, Now Please Donate to Our Recently Launched GoFundMe Page any small amount or large helps
(if the teams for any reason are not reinstated you will be refunded 100% of your money, including fees by GoFundMe)
UPDATE 02/18/2025
In our recent meeting with the University we’ve made our voices and have our university's attention—now it’s time to take action. We’re moving into the next phase we need to show that we’re not just passionate—we’re committed. That means demonstrating financial backing and sustainability for MSU Lacrosse.
Our GoFundMe page is our chance to prove that our community stands behind these teams, not just in spirit but in support. Every single donation—big or small—counts.
Now, we need your help to spread the word. Share this in your stories, post it everywhere, tell your family and friends. The more people we reach, the stronger our case becomes. (if the teams for any reason are not reinstated you will be refunded 100% of your money, including fees by GoFundMe)
Other ways you can help advocate for the team.
Additionally let's continue advocating for the teams by contacting our government officials respectfully for added fiscal support:
Governer Phil Murphy - Text (732) 605-5455
Senator Cory Booker - (973)-639-8700
State Senator Anthony Bucco - (973)-627-9700
State Sentor Joseph P. Cryan - (908)624-0880 or (908)327-9119
State Senator John F. McKeon - (973)377-1606
Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie - (973)-535-5017
UPDATES 01/15/25
This past friday, January 10th a small group of alumni from the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams—including our founder Houston Weber and two other NJ Lacrosse Hall of Famers—met with Montclair State University’s President, Athletic Director, Associate Athletic Director, and Vice President of Student Life in a closed-door meeting. This was a productive and solution-oriented discussion where we presented our case, sought clarity on the decision-making process, and introduced potential solutions that had not been previously considered.
While no immediate decisions were made (as expected), the meeting gave us an opportunity to voice our concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue with the administration. Importantly, we did not receive a definitive “no” regarding reinstating the programs. The Athletic Department and university leadership are still in the process of navigating the complex merger of the two athletic departments (MSUs and newly acquired Bloomfield College) into one unified Montclair State University program. The NCAA’s transitional guidelines for merging athletic programs following the acquisition of Bloomfield College have added layers to this process.
One of our key next steps is to await the results of our Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request, which should provide valuable insight into the financial realities that influenced these decisions.
We remain cautiously optimistic, as the university has expressed a willingness to meet with us again. This gives us the opportunity to return to the table with well-researched, practical solutions that address their concerns while continuing to advocate for the reinstatement of both men’s and women’s lacrosse programs.
It’s vital that we remain respectful and tactful in our approach, even as we advocate passionately for this cause. The administration is listening and has shown an openness to dialogue and exploring creative solutions. Moving forward, we ask everyone to continue fighting respectfully, share our message and practice"active patience," as this process will take time.
Thank you all for your continued support, and dedication to the future of Montclair State lacrosse. Please standby as we will provide further updates as new information becomes available.
Thank you.
The Issue:
Supporting 70 student-athletes whose dreams were shattered by the sudden decision to eliminate Montclair State’s men’s and women’s lacrosse programs. After years of dedication and hard work, our teams were abruptly downgraded to club status without warning. Lacrosse isn’t just a sport for us—it’s a way of life. It’s about teamwork, discipline, and the lessons that extend beyond the field. By cutting these programs, the university isn’t just taking away our passion; it’s telling us our hard work doesn’t matter. This decision affects 70 students and all those who have come before us, who’ve invested everything into representing MSU. The lack of communication and the way it was handled shows a complete disregard for us as athletes and as individuals. Studies prove that student-athletes like us perform better academically and develop crucial leadership skills (Smith & Harrison, 2015). Montclair State’s choice to eliminate lacrosse in favor of promoting Women’s Flag Football to varsity status erases over a century of lacrosse in the community of Montclair. Lacrosse players at MSU consistently rank among the highest GPA averages on campus. This decision undervalues the impact of lacrosse and disrespects its legacy.
We urge Montclair State to reinstate both men’s and women’s lacrosse teams, honoring the tradition, history, and future of our community. Please sign this petition to support us in demanding justice for these dedicated student-athletes.
Why It Matters:
A Historic Legacy:
Lacrosse is deeply woven into Montclair’s fabric, Lacrosse is a Indigenous sports to North America and over a century of tradition in the surrounding Montclair community. Erasing the program risks severing our connection to this rich history that defines who we are in the Montclair and the Tri-state area.
Impact on Students:
Lacrosse is more than a sport—it’s a tool for growth. It teaches resilience, teamwork, and leadership, while players consistently excel academically. Montclair State’s lacrosse teams are among the highest GPA achievers on campus, shaping both athletes and scholars.
Opportunity and Growth:
Lacrosse continues to be the fastest-growing sport in America, embraced by top universities and Ivy Leagues. Cutting the program means denying students life-changing opportunities, scholarships, and careers that come with the sport’s global rise.
Financial Blindspot:
Replacing lacrosse with programs like women’s flag football ignores the long-term benefits lacrosse brings. The sport attracts talent, generates revenue, and boosts school pride—elements crucial to Montclair State’s success and prestige.
What You Can Do to Help:
Share the Petition:
Post on all your social media, email friends, and tag alumni and community members. The more we share, the louder our voice becomes.
Engagement on social media increases visibility, helping our cause rank higher in feeds, reaching even more people.
Engage with Decision-Makers:
Reach out to Montclair State’s administration, board members, and athletic department. Send the story to your local news.
TELL THEM YOUR WHY... lacrosse is important to you, your community, and the future of MSU student-athletes.
Join the Movement:
Stay connected with updates, join the montclair state men's and women's lacrosse FB page community, look for events, and rallies. Your continued involvement shows how much this program means to Montclair, its students, and alumni.
Raise Awareness:
Share your personal story about lacrosse’s impact on your life. Write to local newspapers or use your social media to amplify our message. The more we spread the word, the stronger the movement grows, and the more likely we are to see change.
TAKE ACTION, BE PERSISTENT!:
The lacrosse program at Montclair State is not just a collection of games and practices; it is a reflection of our shared history, our community, and our commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders. Removing this program for financial reasons would be a disservice to our students, the sport, and our heritage. We have a chance to preserve something truly meaningful—not just for today, but for future generations. Let’s come together and ensure that Montclair State continues to honor its legacy by reinstating lacrosse as a varsity sport.
**UPDATES: Following today’s (12/19) meeting with the Board of Trustees and school's president, there has been a shift in their initial rationale for cutting the lacrosse programs. While some positive discussions took place, the university disclosed a new rationale which focused on "budgetary" concerns. This shift in narrative raises significant issues that need further scrutiny. The lack of transparency around this shift only deepens the questions we have now.
We will plan to work with MSU and hold them accountable in exploring potential solutions if funding is indeed the core issue. This is a critical moment to stay engaged and continue to email, write, and call as an advocate for the future of MSU's lacrosse programs.
Our work is far from over—thank you for your ongoing support.
Standby for our next moves. As we plan a meeting on budgeting and problem solving solutions.
Victory
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The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on December 13, 2024