[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Menu Bar” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F7F7F5″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” sticky_position=”top” motion_trigger_start=”top” saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” background__sticky_enabled=”on|sticky” background_color__sticky=”#F3F3F1″ background_enable_color__sticky=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”2560px” custom_padding=”1.25vw||1.25vw||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”130″ menu_style=”centered” active_link_color=”#313436″ dropdown_menu_bg_color=”#cba052″ dropdown_menu_line_color=”#d7d2cb” dropdown_menu_text_color=”#313436″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#313436″ mobile_menu_bg_color=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_text_color=”#2f2f2f” menu_icon_color=”#25282a” mobile_menu_bg_color_tablet=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_bg_color_phone=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_bg_color_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” menu_text_color=”#313436″ menu_font_size=”1.3em” background_enable_color=”off” background_layout=”dark” menu_font_size_tablet=”2vw” menu_font_size_phone=”3vw” menu_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” mobile_menu_bg_color__sticky_enabled=”on|sticky” menu_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” menu_text_color__hover=”#711421″][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Article Title Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#EAE9E5″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2021\/12\/Ramapo_Cross-Hatch_gold-e1638904380397.png” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”70px||0px||false|false” bottom_divider_height=”40px” bottom_divider_flip=”vertical” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” background_enable_image_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” max_width=”1253px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”9px|2vw||2vw|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0.25vw|1vw|1vw|1vw|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|7vw||7vw|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”1.1em” link_font=”||||on|||#2f2f2f|” link_text_color=”#2f2f2f” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”0px||5px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#d7d2cb” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Athletics\u00a0 |\u00a0 Long Read<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”52px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#bc8c3d” header_2_font_size=”75px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” header_font_size_tablet=”6vw” header_font_size_phone=”7vw” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”8vw” header_2_font_size_phone=”15vw” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”align-items: flex-end;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/athletics-player-light-it-up-winter2024_3.png” alt=”RCNJ soccer player with a bright light shining on him at night” title_text=”RCNJ Athlete at night” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Copy1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”63px||42px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n By Rachel Pinton \u201901 \u00a0|\u00a0 Winter 2024<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The community came together this past fall as the semester was electric for the Department of Athletics varsity teams and intramural and recreation programs. Ryan Schmidt, a senior student at Ramapo College and avid sports fan was extremely excited to see the new lights turned on at the stadium turf field on the Mahwah campus. \u201cThe new lights at the college not only light up the turf, but also illuminate a new sense of pride,\u201d he stated. \u201cThey bring the community together, enabling night games that all students can attend!\u201d<\/p>\n For field hockey, men\u2019s soccer and women\u2019s soccer, the newly lit turf field played host to school spirited games under the lights throughout September and October, with Wednesday, September 6 marking the first ever varsity game under the lights. The men\u2019s soccer team played host to Moravian and were joined by President Cindy Jebb; Athletics Director Jan Koslowsky; Vice President of Strategic Enrollment, Engagement and Outreach Chris Romano; Vice President of Student Well-Being Melissa Van Der Wall, and Capital Planning Construction Project Manager Kostas Svarnas for a pre-game ribbon cutting ceremony. With Fall Out Boy\u2019s \u201cLight \u2018Em Up\u201d blasting through the speakers, the crowd of close to 1,000 fans cheered on the Roadrunners in their home season opener.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could feel the energy coming from the crowd,\u201d said Head Coach D. J. Pinton. \u201cIt was such a special evening for our student-athletes. We had been waiting a long time for the first night game and we can\u2019t thank the community enough for coming out in masses making it well worth the wait!\u201d<\/p>\n The crowd was a collection of family and friends, college administrators, faculty, staff and current Roadrunners. The athletic department provided free Kona Ice to students while other free giveaways included rally towels and t-shirts. \u201cBeing able to attend night games has made Friday and Saturday nights fun with friends,\u201d mentioned Dylan Bressler, a first-year student at the college. \u201cI often looked forward to attending the games under the new lights.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Pull Quote1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f3f3f1″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2023\/01\/element-bottom-right-warm-gray-crosshatchAsset-12.png” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_right” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/athletics-team-light-it-up-winter2024.jpg” alt=”RCNJ Women’s athletic team on a well lit turf” title_text=”athletics-team-light-it-up-winter2024″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald||||||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”50px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_5_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_5_font_size=”21px” header_6_font=”Oswald||||||||” header_6_font_size=”15px” text_font_size_tablet=”40px” text_font_size_phone=”26px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cThe new lights at the college not only light up the turf, but also illuminate a new sense of pride.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Copy1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”63px||63px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Student-athletes across all sport teams, members of the local Mahwah community and numerous alumni also came out to night games throughout the fall season. \u201cIt was inspiring to see the level of support the students, parents and faculty members showed at the college\u2019s inaugural night game under the new lights,\u201d said Rob Santaniello, \u201913, secretary of the Alumni Association Board. \u201cI\u2019m excited for future Roadrunners to experience the atmosphere as they represent the college as a varsity student-athlete.\u201d<\/p>\n Field hockey had their turn on September 27 against Western Connecticut State University, while the women\u2019s soccer team played their first night game on October 7 against New Jersey City University. \u201cProtect this house,\u201d is what senior Kaylee Babasade would say to her fellow teammates of the women\u2019s soccer team as they stepped onto the field for pre-game warmups. \u201cThe lights ignited a sense of pride while playing. Getting this opportunity at Ramapo in my final season was an experience that will always be significant in my athletics journey. The lights brought out more fans and spectators which was a huge boost to morale,\u201d Babasade added. \u201cWe played with more heart and more competitiveness under the lights and I will never forget the experience, especially scoring a goal at home under the lights on senior night!\u201d Ana Plaia, a two-year member of field hockey team agreed explaining, \u201cIt was really exciting to play under the lights! The night games brought more intensity and excitement to the whole team!\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/athletics-soccer-night-IMG_0678.jpg” alt=”RCNJ Soccer player” title_text=”RCNJ Soccer player” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The turf field has always provided a place for our intramural and recreation programs to host games and events. Now with lights, there is more time for students to enjoy the nighttime atmosphere and compete in club sports such as flag football, soccer and disc. \u201cThe addition of the lights at the turf field has been a game changer for our league,\u201d senior Tyler Mead, a member of the flag football program added. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about the added availability for the field, but the spirit and excitement night games bring.\u201d For the soccer club the lights have brought new members excited to participate during times that did not interfere with academic schedules. Senior James Jackson explained, \u201coutdoor night practices have been much more popular with a consistent second time slot that was previously unattainable.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”35px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Not only have the lights brought school spirit to the fields at night for both the varsity sports and intramurals and recreation, it has taken some pressure off the students in general for scheduling of academics. Without lights, all activities including games, practices and friendly competitions took up much of the daytime leaving little time for a full load of classes. \u201cThe lights have helped my teammates and me utilize time throughout the day for studying and doing homework,\u201d said Juliana Mikulski of the field hockey team. \u201cWe love the lights! It\u2019s given us more flexibility with our academic schedules.\u201d<\/p>\n Fans have also expressed their gratitude for night games as family and friends are able to attend and support their own Roadrunners. \u201cWe have been live streaming our games for many years, but now with lights, family and friends have been able to see their Roadrunner compete in person, traveling to Mahwah after the normal work day,\u201d expressed Koslowsky. \u201cThe lights this fall were nothing but a positive experience for everyone involved and we are excited for our spring teams and intramural programs to experience the same.\u201d<\/p>\nLight It Up<\/h2>\n
College Adds Modern Lighting System to Athletics Stadium<\/strong><\/h1>\n
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