Former Rebels' Captains to Honor Fallen Teammate at Next Level

In overtime of Howell High School's boys lacrosse first-round Shore Conference Tournament game last season against Jackson Memorial, the Rebels turned to their leader.

Johnny Bukoweic, one of three team captains last spring, won the extra-period faceoff and took off with the ball in hopes of scoring.

Much to the everyone's surprise, Bukoweic ran the wrong way, unaware that the teams had switched sides.

"That's my fondest memory of Johnny," attack-man Mike Fedele said, "He was still full of energy and in the huddle after the time out he just laughed about it."

"I remember looking at him running toward me and I just laughed," goalie CJ Cameron said.

As both Fedele and Cameron move on to collegiate lacrosse, they have both found a way to honor Bukoweic, who was killed in an auto accident in July.

Fedele, playing attack at Monmouth University, and Cameron, the goalie at Marywood University, both will wear number 11 -- the same number that Bukoweic was known for both in football and lacrosse at Howell High School.

Cameron and Bukowiec's relationship dates back to Pop Warner football, though the goalie says his fallen teammate had much more of an impact on him other than sports.

"Johnny changed my life," Cameron said. "He was this rambunctious, spontaneous, crazy guy who everybody loved. I was with him everyday in the fall and everyday of the spring. He changed my life around."

Cameron and Bukowiec also played four years of football together. Bukowiec was a defensive back who was going to play for Montclair State University.

Fedele and Bukoweic didn't meet until high school but their relationship on the field quickly turned into a true friendship off the field as well.

"He had a great effect on everyone," Fedele said. "He was always so full of energy and he made the game so much fun. He was a great captain for us."

As far as attaining number 11 at their respective universities, both players said it wasn't too difficult, seeing as the number was free and their teammates and coaches understood the circumstances.

As far as playing at the college level, the two Howell graduates said that it's a different kind of lacrosse.

"It's a lot faster paced," Cameron said. "Without Mike and Johnny, it's different. I had four great years with them and I don't have the control over my team like I did last year. I don't have my partners in crime either."

"It's totally different in terms of familiarity," Fedele said. "I played with the same guys for four years but I just need to focus on playing lacrosse."

Fedele and Cameron are both expected to see time as true freshmen on their respective teams, and with 11 pasted across their chest, it makes it that much sweeter.

"Eleven will never be my number," Cameron said, "It will never be my number, it's Johnny's number. I'm wearing it to represent Johnny Bukowiec."