Victor Celebrates Luke Bartkoski

November 15, 2013 -

The Victor Central School District celebrated their six seniors who signed National Letters of Intent on Thursday. Among them was senior midfielder Luke Bartkoski who signed his letter of Intent to study and play at Le Moyne College after graduation next spring.

Victor Athletic Director, Ron Whitcomb welcomed the "largest group ever" to attend a signing ceremony as an estimated one hundred well-wishers packed the "quiet lunch room" for the event and the reception that followed. "While we've done signings, we've never had six and hence, we have a good crowd and that's just nice to see." He then introduced the five women along with Bartkoski and asked each of them to tell the audience why they selected their specific school. Mr. Whitcomb gave some advice to the large group of students in the audience and spoke about the work and planning that was required to help the honorees to get to a point where they were making a commitment to college sports.

With academics a major requirement for success, Mr. Whitcomb was pleased to say, "The great thing about these kids right here is that academics are not an issue. Academics put them in the door with the talent that they have." He continued his talk by thanking and acknowledging the help athletes get from coaches and parents. He finished his remarks by talking about the hard work, determination and preparation that helped the honorees advance to this point. There ceremony ended with each athlete telling the audience why they chose their specific college or university.

Senior midfielder Luke Bartkoski started his Varsity career as a sophomore and has a career thirty-four points as he enters his senior year with the Blue Devils. He likes the size, location and coaching staff at Le Moyne College (Syracuse). "It had the best academics [for me] and very good lacrosse." Among the other schools that he considered were Tampa, St. John Fisher and Hamilton.

Although he is yet to take an official visit, he has a close friendship with three other players from the area who will be attending LeMoyne as well. They include Jake Mortier from Churchville-Chili along with Justin Kesselring and Kacin Welch from Fairport. "I know them all real well. They are all on my Blaze team."

Bartkoski finished the 2013 season with strong performances including 1g-2a in the Class B semifinal win against Irondequoit and three goals in the championship game which they lost to Canandaigua in overtime. "I like big-time situations. I love to step up in big-time games and I look forward to them."

After leaning lacrosse in Niskayuna (Albany area), he moved to Victor for his freshman year and he noted that his coaches have been helpful. "I've had two Head Coaches [Mike Gottko and Jim Andre] and both helped me." He has always looked up to his cousin, Niskayuna/High Point midfielder Brendan Montrello, who helped his team reach the NYS finals as a junior.

At LeMoyne he plans to study business. "They have a brand new business program, the Madden Institute, and I think I'll be very happy there."

But before he leaves, Bartkoski has one more season at Victor and he is looking forward to his senior year with the Blue Devils. "We've got a lot of young talent this year. I've got to help the younger guys adjust to the Varsity game but I think we should have a good year."