Congratulations to Matt Pogue (Edge 2015) on his recent commitment to attend the Rochester Institutes of Technology.  The Mississauga, ON native has been with the Edge program for 3 years now and has proven that he is ready for the next level.  The 5'11, 175lbs, LSM is a very solid defender who has the ability to shut down offensive threats, get the tough ground balls and make big plays in transition.  We would like to wish Matt the best of luck at RIT both in the classroom and on the field.  We have no doubt that Matt will fit in nicely with the #2 ranked lacrosse program in the Div III NCAA!

Check out Matt's Highlight Film

We had a chance to Catch up with Matt

Where did you first begin playing lacrosse? 

I first began playing lacrosse in my home centre, Mississauga, for the Tomahawks.
 
Why did you choose RIT?

RIT is a great school with a great lacrosse program. What really stood out for me is the sense of community you get on campus. Classes aren't too large, which gives you a chance get to know your classmates and professors very well. 
 
What are you looking forward to most at RIT?

RIT's Lacrosse program is known all around the country for their success at the DIII level. Head Coach Coon, Coach Wilkins and all of the other assistants have built their program on discipline and hard work. I'm looking foreword to getting the chance to be apart of the Tiger's and to be coached by the great staff they have at RIT.
 
Future ambitions and goals beyond NCAA lax?

In the fall of 2015 I'll be entering the Criminal Justice program at RIT. My undergrad will open me up to a whole new range of careers in law and legal studies. My main goal right now is to go to law school after my 4 years at RIT.
 
When did you join Edge? Can you tell us about your experience in the program?

I joined the Edge program in the fall of 2012 and my experience throughout my 3 year tenure was great! Field lacrosse is still just growing in Canada but bringing our "box- field" hybrid style down south of the border can be really challenging for Americans. Also, the Edge experience is so awesome because it comes with certain kind of Canadian patriotism. Being alongside fellow Canadians playing a team of all American born athletes makes you want to be successful that much more. 
 
Any future advice for Edge members (Maybe your experience)?

My biggest advice to any Edge players would be to never give up. If it's on the field, no matter where you are or who you're playing ago ants there's always someone watching you. Also on the recruitment side of things; never shorten your list of schools or coaches and keep your list of schools open for consideration. 
 
Favourite memory with Edge?

My favourite memory with Edge would be in the 2014 NSCLA Tournament. We played with a short bench and even had to use some call ups from the 16's and 17's but still advanced to the finals. It was the best caliber and most fun lacrosse I've ever played. 

Who did you look up to growing up?

Whenever I needed, and still need, advice I always can go my parents.  Raising a family of 4 kids is hard stuff, so I've always looked up to my mom and dad in that respect. 

Any shoutouts, special thanks?

Big shoutout to my neighbours, now playing in the CUFLA, who were the ones who originally introduced me to the game of lacrosse. Also my first ever lacrosse coach with the tomahawks, Owen Missen, as well as Clem D'Orazio, Michael Bentivegna and Adam Gardner who coached me on Team Ontario. Most of all thank you to all of the Edge faculty, especially Marc Burton, Alan Tsang and Stu Brown.