Bloomfield’s men’s and women’s basketball, men’s soccer and softball teams will move to the USCAA, which creates national competition for small colleges of similar size to develop the minds, bodies and spirits of student-athletes.

Bloomfield’s USCAA sports will be scholarship eligible, continuing the institution’s sports tradition as part of Montclair’s reimagined athletics and recreation model designed to create more opportunities for competition at all levels.

“This transition represents a significant step forward for our athletic program, allowing us to better align with our mission and values,” says Deputy Director of Athletics Sheila Wooten. “Our student-athletes will benefit from increased opportunities for competition and growth, and we are excited to build new rivalries and traditions within the USCAA. We believe this change will enhance the overall experience for our athletes, coaches, and fans. We look forward to this new chapter in our athletic journey.”

The Bears will compete in the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA) against schools including (Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, Ohio and Rochester campuses), , and .

Bloomfield’s women’s volleyball and baseball programs will be discontinued. All Bloomfield students interested in playing these sports will have the opportunity to try out for ����vlog NCAA Division III programs or participate in club sports offerings.

“This move allows us to preserve and reimagine Bloomfield’s athletics legacy in a way that reflects both our commitment to student opportunity and our responsibility to sustainability,” says Montclair Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Soufleris. “Competing in the USCAA ensures that our student-athletes continue to grow, thrive, and represent Bloomfield College of ����vlog with pride. We’re excited about this next chapter and the new pathways it opens for athletic excellence and engagement.”

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Prospective Student / Parent?��, �����Ի� .

The programs were slated to be transitioned to club status as part of a realigned slate of athletics and recreation offerings set to take effect in the fall of 2025.

Funds raised by supporters will focus on the student-athlete experience by securing financial sustainability and continued alumni engagement to build a strong foundation for the future.

The reinstatement will not impact any additional aspects of Montclair’s realigned athletics and recreation programs, allowing the University to continue to expand its club sports offerings and add additional NCAA programs while continuing the history and tradition of its lacrosse programs at the NCAA level.

“As stewards of State funding, and the lowest-funded public institution on a per-student basis, we are forced to make tough resource allocation decisions,” says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “Making the difficult choice to move our lacrosse programs to club status was driven by financial realities. I am pleased that we are able to partner with a dedicated group of supporters, including alumni, parents and current student-athletes, who believe in what Montclair State Lacrosse represents – tradition, excellence, and opportunity – while still being able to expand opportunities for all students to engage in athletics at a competitive level. I am grateful for the supporters’ advocacy and solutions orientation. This cooperative model must be replicated to sustain and enrich our intercollegiate athletics programs in the fiscally-challenging environment facing higher education.”

“Through grassroots advocacy, financial contributions, and strategic collaboration with University leadership, ����vlog alumni, parents and student-athletes have played a pivotal role in ensuring the program’s return to NCAA status. Their efforts reflect the deep pride and commitment that generations of Montclair State lacrosse players share. This reinstatement is not just about bringing back a sport, but about preserving a culture and a legacy that has shaped so many lives,” says a program supporter.

For more information on ����vlog Athletics and Recreation, visit .

The men’s team advanced with a over Utica University behind 20 points from senior guard and 19 points from junior forward .

The Red Hawks will take on Saturday, March 8 at 5:45 p.m. at Panzer Athletic Center on the Montclair campus in the Round of 32.

The women’s team topped Christopher Newport University in a Friday night behind 27 points from freshman forward . The win is the first NCAA Tournament victory for the program since 2018.

The Red Hawks will take on at 7 p.m. at The Catholic University of America in the Round of 32, also on March 8.

For more information or to livestream the games, visit .

Earning their first NJAC Championship since the 2002-2003 season, the men’s basketball team outlasted Ramapo College in a on Sunday behind 28 points from junior forward and 25 points from senior guard .

The men’s team will host the opening two rounds of the 64-team, single-elimination tournament beginning Friday, March 7, when they will take on in the first round at 6 p.m.

The women’s basketball team captured their eighth NJAC Championship in program history and the seventh under head coach Karin Harvey with a over The College of New Jersey on Saturday behind 24 points from senior forward and 13 points from junior guard .

The women’s team will travel to , also on March 7, for the opening round of the women’s NCAA Tournament, where they will face at 4:30 p.m.

“I could not be more proud of our basketball programs for once again earning berths in the NCAA Tournament,” says Associate Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Rob Chesney. “This weekend was truly special, and I can’t wait to see how far they can take their postseason runs as they move into the Tournaments this weekend.”

For more information and to livestream the games, visit .

This includes the incorporation of Bloomfield College of ����vlog as part of a unified athletics and recreation program. Preserving the athletic traditions of New Jersey’s only four-year Predominantly Black Institution was a priority in the design process.

The newly merged Athletic and Recreation Department will aim to foster a campuswide healthy lifestyle by providing comprehensive tools, programs, and activities throughout the year, ensuring all students have opportunities to engage and thrive.

Montclair will sponsor 21 intercollegiate athletics programs at the NCAA Division II and Division III level and increase recreational and club sports opportunities, offering what the University sees as a national model of a dynamic response to the changing landscape of college athletics. Subject to NCAA approval, the new approach will become effective for the fall 2025 semester.

“This is a testament to our ethos of serving the public good by creating innovative solutions that will better serve students both now and in the future,” says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “By offering a diverse array of opportunities for students to compete in athletics, we are putting their wellbeing at the forefront. When you include maintaining Bloomfield College athletics and its place at the institution, this is a model we feel can be one other institutions will seek to replicate moving forward.”

Changes to ����vlog Athletics

With a look to the future and in response to growing trends in college sports, the University will transition its men’s and women’s lacrosse programs to club status.

Montclair will also launch an NCAA Division III women’s flag football program that will begin competition for the fall 2025 semester.

One of the fastest-growing sports in college athletics, the program will be a new opportunity for female student-athletes to participate in sports at the collegiate level.

“This new model is an innovative approach to ensuring every student has as many options to participate in athletics as possible,” says Montclair Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Rob Chesney. “Whether it is new NCAA programs or enhanced club sports opportunities, we are creating a future in which all students will have a platform to develop leadership, teamwork and wellness skills to further enrich their overall campus experience.”

Changes to Bloomfield College Athletics

Four Bloomfield programs – men’s and women’s basketball, men’s soccer and softball – will continue to compete at the NCAA Division II level, with Bloomfield maintaining affiliate membership in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC).

The remaining Bloomfield sports, baseball and women’s volleyball, will transition to club status to ensure more access to all students to participate in the sports at a competitive level.

“Preserving Bloomfield College’s athletics program solidifies our commitment to honoring its rich history and unique identity,” says Montclair Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Meza Soufleris. “We are dedicated to upholding the mission of Bloomfield College and ensuring that students continue to have access to transformative opportunities both on and off the field.

Expanding Access to Athletics Opportunities

The new model will also significantly expand opportunities for all students to participate in club sports and recreation programs to help foster a collaborative, student-centered athletic environment and cross-campus participation.

In addition to the new club programs, the University will also seek to develop additional club and recreational programs based on student need and demand.

Bloomfield’s successful ESports program will also remain a cornerstone of the Bloomfield experience, and Montclair will make additional investments into the program for future expansion to respond to growing student demand.

Student-athletes in all discontinued programs will have an opportunity to try out for existing NCAA teams or to participate in expanded club sports. The University will also review their individual situations to ensure they receive all financial aid for which they qualify.

For more information on ����vlog Athletics, visit . For more information on Bloomfield College of ����vlog athletics, visit .

Red Hawk football captain Nicholas Burgess, aka “Agent 0” because of his uniform number, and offensive lineman Cameron Siebert, #64, will receive Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Management and Accounting, respectively. They’ll both return to campus this summer to work on their MBAs.

Managing his business

With Burgess’ selection as New Jersey Athletic Conference [NJAC]’s 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, All-Region, All-District and All-Conference one might think that football is his Plan A. It’s definitely his Plan B.

Plan A has always been getting an MBA and working in finance. “I love football, but I never had a dream of playing pro football,” he says. Still, Burgess plans to participate in next year’s NJAC pro-scout day and “if that opportunity shows up, I’ll commit to it. If not, I’m OK with my football career.”

It’s not surprising given that Burgess was named NJAC’s Academic Athlete of the Year.

But first, he’ll take care of business. “I’ve always wanted to get an MBA, regardless of the timeline,” Burgess says. “For me to be able to do it while doing my undergrad degree, and then be able to finish it within a year is everything you could ask for. The program is everything and more.”

Burgess credits academic advisors with making sure that students “are on top of our stuff. We’re learning more about the professional world and general business, and then you’re able to see how your undergrad experience applies to your graduate school experience.”

But those who know Burgess credit his accomplishments on his hard work and determination.

“Everything he does, he does it 100%, whether it’s football, his internship or his classes,” says Head Football Coach Mike Palazzo. “He cares. There’s nobody on this team or who knows Nick who can say he doesn’t care about, not only his success, but the team’s success.”��

Management Instructional Specialist Lisa Brooks Greaux has taught Burgess in four business classes the past two years and gives him high praise. “Nicholas sits in the front row, dead center, and he’s always paying attention, always taking notes, always asking questions, but the interesting thing about him, probably because he’s also captain of the football team, is that he engages the rest of the class,” she says. “So, he actually raises the bar for the rest of the class, by his participation and by his presence.��

Because of his success juggling academics, football and an internship at the financial firm Morgan Stanley, Burgess was featured in an award-winning, eight-minute YouTube video titled about the star student’s athleticism, passion and legacy. In it, his parents Silas and Nickia Burgess say he’s worked hard and been successful as both a student and an athlete.

In the video, football teammate Mason Murdock shares that he admires Burgess’ time management skills. “I don’t know how he does it, working 30 hours a week, taking 18 credits and being a captain on the football team,” he says, “and he still finds time for extracurriculars. It’s insane.”

Burgess acknowledges that “it’s not an easy balance,” but says he learned time management from his parents and at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, an all-boys Catholic school, before moving to Hackensack, New Jersey.

“I’m always searching for more things to accomplish,” Burgess says. “My biggest thing with that is just being intentional. Everything I do has to allow for my goals.”

Burgess is looking forward to marking his graduation with his extended family but he’s especially looking forward to the celebration that accompanies Commencement. His 2020 graduation from Cardinal Hayes was held on YouTube. “They gave students their flowers but we didn’t get to experience it together,” he says. “I’m looking forward to just the atmosphere and just being a part of a graduation finally, after a long four years … being joyful and experiencing all of that with my family.”

Scoring a first-generation degree

Siebert also had a COVID-19 ceremony for his high school graduation and is looking forward to Commencement. His parents, grandparents and aunts will be on hand to celebrate that he’s the first in his family to earn a college degree.

Although Siebert was undecided on a major when he entered Montclair, he chose the 4+1 MBA program. “The opportunity came that I could do that and also play that fifth year of football, so it just made sense,” says Siebert, who also worked part time managing a recreational basketball team in Pequannock Township, New Jersey.

After acquiring his MBA, Siebert says, “I want to go into business to do project management or sports management.”

Associate Business Management Professor Te Wu had Seibert in his Project Management class. “Cameron performed very well, earning 950 points [out of 1,000 points for the class]. This is a solid A. A strong student, he regularly participated in class and asked ‘smart’ questions. For his research paper, he wrote an insightful report about the SoFi Stadium and its construction. It was a pleasure having Cameron in my class.”

Both Siebert and Burgess are committed leaders, albeit with different styles. They always show up, despite their busy schedules. “Cam is a quiet leader on the team. He doesn’t have to say much but he leads by example. He hasn’t missed a practice or workout session in four years, and he does the extra things that show he’s extremely dedicated to the team,” Palazzo says. “He’s an impressive student because, much like Nick, he’s able to be a 4+1 student and you wouldn’t even know he has a heavy workload. He is very good at managing his time.”

Palazzo is always happy to see his players graduate. Noting that Montclair is “not a football factory, churning out pro players,” the coach says he has one goal: “To get these guys to graduate and get a degree and get a job.”

Meanwhile, he’ll gladly welcome back both players for a fifth year of football. “Both Nick and Cam are leaders of the program,” Palazzo says. “They are great role models for the rest of our team and future Red Hawks.”

Story by Staff Writer Sylvia A. Martinez.

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Lukovic is in elite company at Montclair becoming just the third person in school history to claim a National Player of the Year honor. He joins John Deutsch (baseball,1989) and Lois Fyfe (softball,1992).

“Congratulations to Amer on a remarkable season and an outstanding honor,” expressed Director of Athletics Rob Chesney. “He was unbelievable throughout a very special season for the men’s soccer program. Only the third athlete in school history, and first in the past 31 years, to receive this honor is truly a great accomplishment for Amer, his teammates and coaches. We are fortunate to have so many committed student athletes at Montclair and this recognition is a proud moment for our University.”

A three-time All-American, Lukovic put together the best offensive season in Montclair history as he led all of the NCAA in points (75), goals (34), and game-winning goals (11). He established a new school record with 75 points and 34 goals, becoming the first student-athlete in program history to score over 30 goals in a season. Lukovic is now a three-time All-Region selection and was also chosen as the 2023 NJAC Offensive Player of the Year.

“It’s an amazing feeling to achieve this award and an honor to do so while representing ����vlog soccer,” Lukovic said. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates.”

The Clifton, New Jersey, native recorded at least one point in all but two games this season and opened the year with goals in his first nine contests. Lukovic scored twice in the season-opening win against NYU before bagging a hat trick in just nine minutes against Hunter College. Midway through the year, he scored twice in wins over Alvernia, New Jersey City University, Stockton University and Ramapo College before scoring twice with an assist in the victory over William Paterson University at Red Bull Arena.

In the NCAA Tournament, Lukovic tallied six goals in three games. He scored twice in the first round victory over Elmira before netting a hat rick in the second round, double-overtime win over Christopher Newport University. In the CNU win, the junior scored twice in the second overtime, propelling the Red Hawks to victory. He capped off the season with the game-tying marker against Connecticut College and helped the team force overtime in the Sectional Semifinal.

“It was a pleasure to coach this team this year,” said Head Coach Todd Tumelty. “A bunch of hard-working players who I have watched mature over the past three seasons. When you have all of that, and then Amer has the season he had, it can make for something special. Congrats to Amer for being named the player of the year in all of DIII men’s soccer. It is a tremendous honor and another great accomplishment for the ����vlog community.”

For more information on Montclair Athletics, visit .

After a in the Tournament’s opening round, the Red Hawks (19-2-1) notched a over Christopher Newport University to advance to the Tournament’s Sectional Round next weekend.

Tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, junior forward netted a pair of goals – completing his hat trick for the match and giving him five goals through the first two matches of the Tournament – in the second overtime to lift Montclair past the Captains in extra time.

The Red Hawks will travel to the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia for the Sectional Round of 16, where they will take on Connecticut College on Saturday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m.

“There are over 400 teams in Division III, and being a part of the last 16 is a huge accomplishment for this group,” says Head Men’s Soccer Coach Todd Tumelty. “We are well-traveled, and we will continue to take the ‘one game at a time’ approach to this tournament. We appreciate the University community’s support as we continue our postseason run.”

How to Watch the NCAA Tournament Sectional Round

When: Saturday, November 18 @ 1:30 p.m.
Where: (Fredericksburg, Virginia)
Watch:

For more information on ����vlog athletics, visit .

The men’s team will host the first and second round of the on the Montclair campus this Saturday and Sunday, November 11 and 12, at .

The Red Hawks (17-2-1), ranked No. 5 in the nation and the , will take on Elmira College on November 11 at 5 p.m. in the opening round.

The women’s team (13-3-2), ranked No. 20 in the country, will travel to Virginia Beach, Virginia, for their opening round match in the against No. 23 Virginia Wesleyan University on November 11 at 1:30 p.m.

“We are thrilled that both of our programs will be continuing their seasons in the NCAA Tournament,” says Montclair Director of Athletics Rob Chesney. “Both teams have had outstanding seasons, and we encourage the Montclair community to come to campus this weekend, or watch online, to cheer on the Red Hawks as they compete for a national championship.”

Where to Watch the NCAA Tournaments

Men’s Soccer vs. Elmira College
November 11, 2023 @ 5 p.m. (November 12 match TBD)
Location:
Webcast:

Women’s Soccer vs. Virginia Wesleyan University
November 11, 2023 @ 1:30 p.m. (November 12 match TBD)
Location: Virginia Beach, Va. (Foster Field at Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex at Virginia Wesleyan)
Webcast:

For more information on ����vlog Athletics, visit .

����vlog and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) are partnering to renovate Yogi Berra Stadium, part of a multi-million-dollar collaboration that will provide a home field for both schools’ NCAA baseball programs.

The project will have a total cost of $5.3 million, which will revamp the stadium for the 2024 season.

Improvements to the facility will include a new, state-of-the-art artificial turf playing surface, dugout upgrades, outfield wall replacement, a new storage building, new bullpens and batting cages, improved VIP and press boxes, and upgrades to both locker rooms. Future renovations could also include upgrades to additional space within the facility to create supplemental locker rooms.

Built in 1998, Yogi Berra Stadium is home to the and the ����vlog baseball team. As part of the original construction, the stadium includes seating for 3,100, with room for an additional 4,000 lawn seats. It was formerly home to the New Jersey Jackals, an independent professional baseball team, from 1998-2022.

The enhancements will position the facility as a location capable of hosting conference and NCAA baseball tournaments as well as other high-profile events, making it a year-round facility that will serve the baseball teams, all students and the community at large.

“The future of higher education is collaboration, not competition,” says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “We must create new partnerships that allow for the sharing of resources between institutions. We are proud to embark on this initiative with NJIT to not only revitalize one of the crown jewels of New Jersey baseball, but to provide what we hope can be a new model for how colleges and universities can work together to create a better future for students.”

“This agreement is an outstanding example of institutions working together and sharing resources to address a need and develop a mutually beneficial partnership that serves our students,” said NJIT President Teik C. Lim. “This is exactly the type of collaboration that we would like to see more of between universities.”

The NJIT baseball program plays in the NCAA Division I and earned the America East’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in 2021, winning NJIT’s first-ever NCAA Tournament game. NJIT has qualified for the America East Conference Tournament in all three seasons as a member of the league, and the Highlanders are scheduled to open the 2024 season at Miami on February 16 and will take on Seton Hall on March 12 in their first home game. Highlander alumnus Mark Leiter Jr. currently is a member of the Chicago Cubs.

An NCAA Division III program, ����vlog baseball has enjoyed continued success as one of the preeminent programs in the country. Winning national titles in 1987, 1993 and 2000, the program has also reached the NCAA Tournament 15 times and fielded 37 All-Americans.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our student-athletes and students in general,” says Montclair Athletic Director Rob Chesney. “We are looking forward to our partnership with NJIT and for our teams to play in one of the premiere collegiate baseball stadiums. I appreciate President Koppell and President Lim’s leadership and all the hard work so many put into making this happen.”

“Since the closure and demolition of Riverfront Stadium, we have been looking for a permanent home field for our baseball team,” says NJIT Athletic Director Lenny Kaplan. “Yogi Berra Stadium is the perfect venue for our student-athletes to call home for years to come. I want to thank President Koppel and the entire Montclair administration for being open to the idea of a true partnership between our universities. The end result will be one of the best baseball facilities in the region.”

For more information on Yogi Berra Stadium and ����vlog Athletics, visit . For more information on NJIT Athletics, visit .

This article was featured in the Winter 2024 edition of Montclair magazine.