Rutgers’ Sanguinetti relishing run to Final Four
Former Robbinsville High star has flourished as hard-working midfielder
When Michael Sanguinetti left Robbinsville High School, he was a record-setting attackman, but now as he prepares for the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Final Four with Rutgers, he’s a dependable midfielder and catalyst for the team’s success.
The role has changed, but the determination, work ethic, burning desire to improve and just being the consummate team player has only grown during Sanguinetti’s time On the Banks.
Sanguinetti, who recently earned his Master’s in Supply Chain Management, will be in the lineup Saturday when No. 6 Rutgers (15-3) faces off with No. 7 Cornell (13-4) at Noon at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut in the first of two national semifinals.
The second game pits No. 5 Princeton (11-4) looking to upset No. 1 Maryland (16-0) at 2:30 p.m.
“I am pretty much at a loss for words, but it’s an unreal experience,” said Sanguinetti, of being a part of Rutgers first ever appearance in the
Final Four. “It’s so exciting to see the growth of this program and to be a part of it is something special and something I’m looking forward to.”
Sanguinetti has played in every game this season and has career high numbers with nine goals and one assist from his midfield position.
“The team chemistry and the growth of the younger guys in the program shows everyone has taken a step forward from last season,” Sanguinetti said. “The extra work out of practice has made guys take that the extra leap and grow individually and collectively as a unit. Peer pressure in a positive way to exceed expectations and go above and beyond has helped me progress along with my teammates.”
He has progressed to the point that Rutgers coach Brian Brecht appreciates all that Sanguinetti has done for the program.
“In the locker room and on the field, Michael certainly has grown within our program, and I am very proud of what he has been able to accomplish over his time here,” said Brecht. “He has been a mainstay and a solid game day contributor in our midfield unit, helping us last year making the quarterfinals and this year heading to the Final Four. His game has developed, and he has been a big part of our success every day in practice and on the field for the last two years.”
When you score 182 goals in high school you can develop some respect for those toiling in the midfield and it’s that respect that has given Sanguinetti a better understanding of the position.
“Playing attack out of high school, I always had a respect for the hustle and grit that comes out of the midfield position,” said Sanguinetti, the CVC Player of the Year as a senior at Robbinsville. “As a freshman, it opened my eyes to how hard the midfielders work and we have a ton of hard workers, being able to work alongside then has been great. It’s a unique position and requires a lot of hard work.”
Looking back, he credits his brother AJ and former Ravens players like Jim Eckstein and John Demkovitz with being his inspiration and motivation.
During his time at Robbinsville, Sanguinetti would make the trek to Piscataway to see the Scarlet Knights play.
“I was able to see from a distance
what it was like to be a college athlete,” Sanguinetti said. “Then to have the chance to play underneath my brother (AJ) really improved my ability to take the step coming here. Jimmy (Eckstein), John Demkovitz and my brother were role moles for me and without them I don’t think I’d be here. They truly led me into my love of the sport and then seeing what my brother could accomplish, I saw what was possible and it drove me to work harder.”
While the Robbinsville boys were Sanguinetti’s on the field motivation, the top spot belongs to his parents, Christine and Anthony.
“I owe my parents everything,” said Sanguinetti. “They took me to all over to games, I so thankful for their unconditional love and support. They have allowed me the opportunity to accomplish my dreams.”
Only Cornell and one other team stand in the way of the ultimate dream for Sanguinetti.