CJLAX has been the parent for several surrounding programs: the Howell Lacrosse Program started in 2005, the Ocean Townhip Lacrosse Program started in 2006, and the Manalapan Lacrosse Program (Nomad Lacrosse) started in 2009 and the Pride Lacrosse Program in Fort Bragg, NC (founded by Chris Lach, former CJLAX player, referee and coach, now serving in the 82nd Airborne Division). The name ‘Central Jersey Lacrosse’ was selected to provide an inclusive environment for players from around the Freehold Township area until their towns provided local programs. When CJLAX was first formed, there were no similar programs in several of the surrounding communities that were part of the Freehold Regional School District. Since then, it has expanded to include a Spring Clinic for boys grades 1 -3 a Rec league for boys & girls grades 4 - 8th a Boy’s Travel program for U11 (3rd &4th grade), U13 (5th & 6th grade) and U15 (7th & 8th graders), and Summer clinics for boys & girls grades 1-3 a league for boys grades 4-12 & girls grades 4 - 8.

The first year, the Rec program had 38 boys. Working with FTHS Varsity Lacrosse Coach Steve Gibb, Victor, Steve and Bill proposed running a Spring Lax program for middle school boys to the Freehold Township Parks and Rec Board. To support expansion of the program, Coach Rivera, Steve Shinners and Bill Miller formed Central Jersey Lacrosse (aka CJLAX) in 2001. That winter, Coach Rivera formed a team to play at the indoor Peddie League.

That was the first Freehold Township Rec season played and players received a Certificate of Participation. Coach Steve Gibb asked if Victor would be willing to hold a series of clinics for the high school boys in the summer. Having played as a Division 1 All-American Defenseman at NC State, he was interested in getting involved with lacrosse in our community, and stopped to see if he could help in any way. District 3 Little League.Early in 2001, Victor Rivera was driving by Freehold Township High School and noticed a group of boys playing lacrosse on the back field.

Freehold township high school lacrosse