Football Standout To Throw Javelin In College

Zach Torrell, a former football player at Lacey Township High School, has signed as a student-athlete at the collegiate level, but not as a wide receiver. Come the fall, Torrell will be a member of the Monmouth University track and field team.

“Track would bring Zach enough recognition to become a scholarship athlete,” said tootball coach Lou Vircillo.

Although Torrell has contributed to the Lions football team for the past three seasons, he has also been an all-star on the track as he holds the school record in the javelin throw at 193 inches and 6 centimeters.

Torrell placed first in the Shore Conference Championship in 2009 and second in 2010; third in 2009 for State Sectionals, fourth in 2010; fourth and fifth in the Meet of Champions in New Jersey; won the Ocean County relay along with the javelin relay team the last three years; and won the Ocean County Championship in 2009 and 2010, and is the favorite for 2011.

“He is a well-rounded student athlete and is very passionate about what he does,” said track coach Jason England. “He’s a great kid. He’s very bright, very dedicated. One of the most hardworking kids I have ever come across. I expect him to have the same success because of his work ethic.”

Torrell has also excelled in the classroom as a member of the National Honor Society with a 4.15 GPA.

“Zach Torrell will go down as one of the best student- athletes in the history of the school,” said Vircillo.

As a wide receiver for the Lions, Torrell had 45 career receptions with 486 yards placing him as number five and 12 respectively on the Lacey all-time list.

As a defensive end, Torrell made 13 interceptions and 13 pass deflections, number two in both categories for the high school football team.

“Monmouth University has become a great university for our men to attend. They have a great competitive reputation and are located in our backyard,” Vircillo said.

Torrell will be joining Lacey football standouts Justin Pandorf and Corey Neil as well as Vincent Elardo on the track team.

“Zach Torrell will now become a 'Hawk,' he will still wear blue in his uniform, and he will compete for a New Jersey team only 40 minutes up the parkway,” Vircillo said.

One of Torrell’s favorite things about becoming a Hawk is that he will only be one mile from the beach, Vircillo said.

Torrell was unavailable for an interview.