Pilon commits to RIT
Sutter Pilon is happy to call RIT his home away from home for the next four years.
The 19-year-old St. Catharines native has committed to the Rochester Institute of Technology where he will suit up for the men’s lacrosse team while majoring in environmental sciences.
Pilon attended a prospect’s day at RIT and the more he learned about the school and the Tigers lacrosse program, the more he was convinced it was the place for him.
“It’s really strong academically and I think it’s a great spot,” Pilon said. “The lacrosse there is very good. So I think that was a big attraction for me and there’s a lot of Canadians there. So I think that’s another attraction for me, knowing I’m going to go to a school with a lot of people I share some similarities with.”
Pilon will suit up alongside fellow St. Catharines WMKL Athletic Logan Fletcher, who is in his sophomore season with the Tigers.
Pilon is relieved to have the process in the rear-view mirror.
“It’s really nice to not worry about it anymore because going through all the fall, you’re always worried about finding a place to play,” he said. “Now I know I have a place to be next year. I have a place to play for the next four years.
“It’s just takes some stress off your shoulders. You know you can just go and play for your school.”
Pilon, who won three Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) medals (two silver, one gold) with the Governor Simcoe field lacrosse team, is spending this season at The Kiski School, an independent, college-preparatory boarding school in Pennsylvania.
“I think it was my mom who found this place. There’s a lot of Canadians (here) now and the program has been pretty successful,” Pilon said. “I think (it’s helped) immensely because I am kind of new to the defensive middie position this year strictly. I think being here, you learn a lot from the guys too. I’ve never played this high of a level of field lacrosse before so coming here it’s like a total new experience for me.”
Pilon feels he is in for another big leap next fall when he joins the Tigers.
“I think that’s a massive jump. I’m going from playing in high school as one of the older guys, as a senior, to then I’m jumping all the way up to playing university at the top of D3, which is an elite level,” he said. “I’m just really excited.
“I think it’s a good spot to learn, too. I mean, when you go from being one of the older guys on the team to then being the youngest guy on the team, I think you have a lot of years in front of you to learn from.”
Pilon can’t wait to get back to St. Catharines and suit up for the Double Blue as the Athletics host the Minto Cup this summer.
“I like field lacrosse a lot, but I don’t think — and I think most Canadians can say the same — but I don’t think anything will ever beat playing box, and I don’t think anything will ever beat playing for your program,” he said. “It’s a want every single day. The team, we’re texting the group chat and everyone can’t wait to get back.”
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