Standout Students: John Michael Bogusz

Lacrosse season officially opened up yesterday, but John-Micheal Bogusz has been in the gym, firing lasers from 15 yards out well before the season began.

The senior wants to prove himself following an injury-shortened 2010. Bogusz broke his collar bone during the second game of the season and did not recover until the summer, when he played for Superstars on the travel circuit.  

Bogusz found lacrosse to be his true labor of love. The sport provides him the ability to change gears and dictate the tempo like none other. He can alter his speeds, stop on a dime and wear the opponent out with crafty stick skills.

Lacrosse absorbed Bogusz last summer, when he traveled all along the eastern seaboard with the Superstars.

Bogusz went as far down as Maryland for tournaments and showcases. He played on the campus of Hofstra in elite tournaments. Now, in his final season, Bogusz wants to leave his mark on the field.

"I just want to establish myself as a leader," said Bogusz, who will prolong his lacrosse career at the College of Wooster in Ohio next fall.

"I don't worry about getting All-Section or anything like that. I'm not trying to get caught up in any hype or distractions. I'd like to score many goals, I'd like to be a scorer and just make good plays. Winning, of course, is first and foremost." 

During his time at Sleepy Hollow, it's visible that academics have been first and foremost for Bogusz.

The three-sport talent was taught since the very beginning that the power lies in the pencils. One must be efficient in the classroom in order to be eligible to compete and Bogusz prides himself on being a conscientious student.

Even as a second semester senior, Bogusz is taking a challenging course load that includes AP STAT, English 12 Honors, and a slew of others.

"Science is definitely my favorite subject," said Bogusz, who maintains a 3.5 GPA and scored a 25 on the ACT.

"I just always found the sciences to be the most interesting. I like chemistry the most out of all, that definitely has the most appeal to me." 

As a junior, Bogusz took AP Environmental Science and received an 88.

In English , Bogusz has found himself taking on new readings. He's steadily been pinpointing the unique, underlying themes of classic books such as Frankenstein, Brave New World, and 1984.  

When Bogusz graduates from Sleepy Hollow in June, lasting memories will stay with him. He credits those who have been closest to him over the years for making all the sports experiences memorable.  

"The best part of sports, all four years, has been the teammates I've had and the friendships we've shared on and off the field," said Bogusz.

"Everyone I've played with has been great, I wouldn't change it. I learned how to play sports with all of them and it carried over all the way to Varsity." 

Bogusz, who captained the soccer team in the fall, says the most thrilling victory he ever took part in was a soccer victory at jam-packed Valhalla high school his junior year.

The Headless Horsemen entered the under-the-lights affair as the underdog, soon finding themselves in a hostile environment.

"All of our competitive juices were flowing, it was just one of those things I'll never forget. They thought they were going to beat us. In the end, we came in more prepared. They were sleeping on us, but you can't sleep on Sleepy Hollow. It was probably the biggest crowd I've ever played in front of."

Bogusz was accepted into College of Wooster in late December, while he was playing his role as a lock-down defender on Sleepy Hollow's basketball team.

Bogusz was also accepted into the University of Vermont, where he entertained thoughts of attending prior to his campus visit at Wooster. 

"I think it's the right fit for me," said Bogusz of his college choice. "I liked the campus when I checked it out. I think I could potentially major in business economics but I'm not sure yet. I'll let it come to me."