Athlete of the Year: Anton Gives Madison a Big Lift

Goalie Brett Anton’s impact on the Dodger boys lacrosse team was monumental in 2011 as the senior helped lead his team to the NJSIAA Group 1 quarterfinals, after an 0-5 start.

Anton was the driving force, rather, the stopping force for the Dodgers this season, recording double-digit saves in every game, on his way to a .668 save percentage in 18 games played.

With a new-look Dodger defense, head coach Mark Sweeney time and time again referred to Anton’s capacity in the crease as a main reason why Madison was able to stay in, and win, as many games as they did in 2011.

“Brett kept us in every game,” Sweeney said. “We knew we could compete with any team in the state because Brett would make saves and keep the other team's score low.”

After sharing time in the cage last season with Madison graduate Ryan Colwell, Anton took the job on full-time in 2011. And just as Sweeney and his staff projected, Anton dominated the competition to the tune of just over seven goals against per game.

That success in the crease was acknowledged with a First Team All-Fitch/Pitt Division selection for Anton, as well as an honorable mention as All-State Group I.

Anton, who is headed to study and play lacrosse at the University of Delaware in the fall, totaled 272 saves in 2011 along with 37 ground balls.