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Marino was surrounded by family, friends, teammates and coaches as he signed his letter in the Harrison High School library. The day was a long time coming for Marino, who first accepted a scholarship to play for the UMass Minutemen following his sophomore year.
"It means a lot to me. It means everything, actually. This is a very special moment in my life," Marino said.
He said that what attracted him to UMass was "mainly the coaching staff,as well as the teammates. I fell like I'll fit in very well there."
"I credit my parents, my friends, teachers and coaches with getting me here," he said.
Athletic Director Stewart Hanson congratulated Marino. He said that he first met Marino shortly after he was hired as the interim athletic director this summer.
"Jake was one of the first to welcome me to this wonderful district, and I'll always remember that," Hanson said. "This is a very special day for Jake, and a special day for the entire athletic department."
Varsity lacrosse coach Jay Rabinowitz said he was proud of Marino. He credited Marino's lacrosse success with helping to transform the entire program at the school, and opening up doors for younger players.
"We've seen this program grow over the past four years just because of his presence and the presence of his fellow players. This opens up new opportunities for young players, and shows that they can perform well in the classroom as well as on the field."
Marino verbally committed to UMass in July, 2012.
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