Joe DiGangi is a hard working, physical and accomplished lacrosse player. He is a multi-sport athlete who understands that to succeed in any team sport you have to “put the team first, and continuously work to improve your game.” After serving as varsity backup to All-State goalie Mickey Hover his freshman and sophomore years, Joe turned in a stellar performance as the starting goalie in 2005 recording a 62% save rate and picking up 43 ground balls. For his efforts, Joe was a Courier News All-Area Honorable Mention selection in 2005. Joe will earn his fourth varsity lacrosse letter in 2006.

This season will be Joe’s 8th year playing organized lacrosse. Joe began playing lacrosse at the youth level in Massachusetts learning to play the game as a defenseman. Joe made the switch to full-time goalie in 8th grade where he learned to compete with many of his current teammates. “Many of my greatest memories are the pickup games we played when we were young. It was there we developed our skills, and there where we began to gel as teammates.” Joe has exceptional ball handling and passing skills, but considers his knowledge of the game as his greatest asset. “When you get to the point where you fully understand what everyone in front of you is doing, the entire game slows down, and you can play at a higher level.”

Joe’s highlights for the 2005 season include big wins against Ridge, Hun, and Pingry where the Cougars earned their first Somerset County Championship. His 16 save performance in a 9-8 loss in the state semi-final game to a talented West Essex team serve as a personal motivator for the 2006 season. “This year’s team is very talented, has great senior leadership, and has a chance to take that next step.”

Joe was a three year starter for the Cougar varsity football team where he played on both sides of the ball his junior and senior years and served as team captain for the 2005 season. His list of football accomplishments include: 2005 All-Somerset County 1st Team Offensive Tackle, 2005 All Skyland Conference 1st Team Offensive Tackle, 2005 Courier News All-Area 2nd Team Offensive Tackle, 2005 Trenton Times All-Area 2nd Team Offensive Tackle, 2004 All Somerset County 3rd Team Defensive Tackle, 2004 All Skyland Conference 2nd Team Defensive Tackle, 2004 Courier News All-Area Defensive Tackle. Joe was also awarded the Ruhlman Award as Best Cougar Lineman for the 2005 season.

Joe is a huge sports fan and in his spare time likes to train hard, lift weights, and listen to country music. He closely follows the Professional Bull Riding Circuit, the Arena Football League, and the National Lacrosse League. Despite several D-III football opportunities Joe has decided to continue his lacrosse-playing career at the collegiate level. Joe has recently committed to play lacrosse at Montclair State University for the ’06-’07 season.