Central Mass. native Ostrosky leads the Crusaders into action

All athletes enjoy playing games at home. Whether it is the familiarity with the surroundings, the support of the crowd or not having to deal with the rigors of travel, being on your own field always brings some advantages. 

For senior Jack Ostrosky, home games at the Linda Johnson Smith Soccer Stadium have an even bigger meaning. With his family’s house in Holden less than 10 miles from campus, playing games in Worcester is home in more ways than one.

“Every time I step on the field, I want to win and defend it not just for my team, but also for my family,” Ostrosky said. “Since I live so close to campus, I get to see my parents at all the games. I always do a celebration for them when I score, and hopefully I’ll have a few more chances to do that this season.”

With eight goals scored so far in his collegiate career, Ostrosky has been one of the team’s top scorers over the last few years. And he will have more opportunities to celebrate in the week ahead, as the Crusaders are set to play host to Sacred Heart (Sept. 1) and Bryant (Sept. 5) in the next seven days.

“We are going to play as hard as we can and know what we are capable of accomplishing,” Ostrosky said. “We have the opportunity to pick up some victories if we play up to our potential.”

Now in his second season as one of Holy Cross’ team captains, Ostrosky has also been a key leader both on and off the field. 

“It is really a special thing to be a captain for two years,” Ostrosky said. “I’ve been able to grow as a leader and as a person from my first year until now. I’m five years older than some of the freshmen and know what goes on the scenes, so I can use my maturity to help people out.”

A two-time selection to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll with a major in history, Ostrosky looks to attend law school after his playing days are over. If his ability to succeed in both athletics and academics serves as any indication, he is sure to be successful in all he sets out to accomplish.

“The busier I am, the better I am,” Ostrosky said. “I want to achieve everything I can and be as good as possible in every aspect of life.”

'SADER SHORTS

• Senior Matt McGonigle scored his first goal of the year against Manhattan last Thursday, 
and now has six goals and 10 assists for 22 points in 49 career games played.
• Junior Tristan Stephani tied his career high with three saves against both Manhattan and Connecticut last week.
• Holy Cross holds a 10-9-0 lead in the all-time series with Sacred Heart, including a 4-2-0 mark in the last six meetings.
• Bryant stands 7-6-0 all-time against the Crusaders, but Holy Cross has won the last two meetings. 
 

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