Signing Day at ALJ High School
Clark Public Schools
Various staff members and administration at Arthur L. Johnson High School participated in a signing day ceremony held on November 8, 2023, to honor Robert Tyra (Men’s Lacrosse), and Joey Ortega (Men’s Wrestling) for their years of service to Crusader Athletics. This event commemorated their signing of Nation Letter of Intents to play NCAA Collegiate Athletics at Merrimack College for the Warriors, and Kutztown University for the Bears.
Men’s Lacrosse
Robert Tyra, Division I Merrimack College, Mascot: Warriors, Head Coach Bryan Klimchak
Some of his lacrosse accolades include…
- Four Year Varsity Gold Letter Winner- Lacrosse -Grades 09-12
- Lettered in Basketball Last Season – Grade 11
- First Team All-Conference Kimber Division – 3 Years -Grades 09, 10,11
- First Team All-Union County Mountain Division – 3 Years – Grades 09, 10,11
- 2022 led all Sophomores in the State of New Jersey in Points – Grade 10
- 2022 finished 3rd overall in the State of New Jersey in Points – Grade 10
- 2023 Lacrosse Team Most Valuable Player Award – Grade 11
- Career Stats … 124 Goals, 87 Assists, 211 Points, 129 GBs … & Counting – Grades 9-11
- Was selected a Captain for our ALJ Lacrosse Team his Junior Season – Grade 11
- Committed to Merrimack College on February 07, 2023 – Grade 11
- With many more accolades on the way for this upcoming spring season…
With all of his time outside of lacrosse, Rob is involved in…
- Heroes and Cool Kids (high school- middle school relations) – Grades 09,10,11
- Nominated for Homecoming King – Grade 12
“Rob is a two-year captain who has a love for the game of lacrosse that cannot be measured. Putting in the behind-the-scenes work, hitting the wall, shooting, watching film and game prep are natural to him. He understands what it means to lead by example and that positive actions can speak louder than words. The Merrimack Warriors will be getting an excellent student athlete, and an even greater person, next spring.” – Head Coach Brian Klimchack
Rob has been an integral part of one of the best stretches for Crusader Lacrosse in the history of our school. He has led his team to 3 NJSIAA State Tournament appearances, while being a part of 27 wins over the last four years. Congratulations on your wonderful career thus far and best of luck as you continue your athletic and academic career collegiately in North Andover, Massachusetts, with the Warriors.
Crusader Athletics would like to wish the best of luck to Rob as he culminates his wonderful career for the Crusaders this year and continues his academic and athletic success as a collegiate student athlete.
Men’s Wrestling
Joey Ortega, Division II Kutztown University, Mascot: Bears, Head Coach Rick Ortega
In an exciting moment for the wrestling community, Arthur L. Johnson High School, and the Ortega Family, Joey Ortega, a standout student-athlete, is signing his national letter of intent to join Kutztown University’s wrestling team. With an impressive record of accomplishment, Joey brings a wealth of experience and determination to the mat.
Joey’s wrestling journey has been nothing short of remarkable. A two-time New Jersey state qualifier and Union County champion, his prowess on the wrestling mat is undeniable. His achievements extend to the national level, where he reached the finals of the NHSCA tournament, showcasing his exceptional skills, willpower, and determination.
But Joey’s talents aren’t confined to just one sport. In addition to his wrestling achievements, he has made a significant impact on the lacrosse field as a FOGO specialist. Joey’s dedication and hard work have led him to win over 400 face-offs, demonstrating his versatility as an athlete.
In addition to his athletic accolades, Joey was crowned homecoming king this past fall, as well as the prom prince in his junior year. Joey has also been a member of Heroes and Cool Kids for the past two years, where he helps mentor up and coming future Crusaders.
With a track record of success, both academically and athletically, Joey Ortega’s commitment to Kutztown University marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in his life. As he embarks on his collegiate journey, he will undoubtedly continue to make his mark both on and off the mat, inspiring others with his dedication, talent, and leadership. Kutztown University is gaining not just an exceptional wrestler, but also a well-rounded and influential individual in Joey Ortega.
Joey has been an essential part of one of the best stretches for Crusader Wrestling in the recent history of our school. He led the Crusader Wrestling team to NJSIAA State Tournament Semifinals last year, which was an awesome accomplishment (although this year we are shooting for a championship). In even better news, in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), you will never have to wrestle against or play Governor Livingston again. Congratulations on your wonderful career thus far and best of luck as you continue your athletic and academic career collegiately in Berks County, Pennsylvania, with the Kutztown University Bears.
Gus Kalikas, Athletic Director at Arthur L. Johnson High School, had this to say about the event. “Both Rob and Joey have been integral parts of the success of our athletic programs while competing at Arthur L. Johnson High School. More importantly, they have been model student athletes that did things the right way both on the field, in the classroom, and throughout our community. Although it will be sad to see them leave, the Crusader’s loss is Merrimack’s and Kutztown’s gain, and we look forward to following their successful collegiate athletic careers over the next four years.”
