College Adds Modern Lighting System to Athletics Stadium

By Rachel Pinton ’01  |  Winter 2024

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. “The new lights at the college not only light up the turf, but also illuminate a new sense of pride,” he stated. “They bring the community together, enabling night games that all students can attend!”

For field hockey, men’s soccer and women’s 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’s 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’s “Light ‘Em Up” blasting through the speakers, the crowd of close to 1,000 fans cheered on the Roadrunners in their home season opener.

“You could feel the energy coming from the crowd,” said Head Coach D. J. Pinton. “It was such a special evening for our student-athletes. We had been waiting a long time for the first night game and we can’t thank the community enough for coming out in masses making it well worth the wait!”

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. “Being able to attend night games has made Friday and Saturday nights fun with friends,” mentioned Dylan Bressler, a first-year student at the college. “I often looked forward to attending the games under the new lights.”

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. “It was inspiring to see the level of support the students, parents and faculty members showed at the college’s inaugural night game under the new lights,” said Rob Santaniello, ’13, secretary of the Alumni Association Board. “I’m excited for future Roadrunners to experience the atmosphere as they represent the college as a varsity student-athlete.”

Field hockey had their turn on September 27 against Western Connecticut State University, while the women’s soccer team played their first night game on October 7 against New Jersey City University. “Protect this house,” is what senior Kaylee Babasade would say to her fellow teammates of the women’s soccer team as they stepped onto the field for pre-game warmups. “The 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,” Babasade added. “We 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!” Ana Plaia, a two-year member of field hockey team agreed explaining, “It was really exciting to play under the lights! The night games brought more intensity and excitement to the whole team!”

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. “The addition of the lights at the turf field has been a game changer for our league,” senior Tyler Mead, a member of the flag football program added. “It’s not just about the added availability for the field, but the spirit and excitement night games bring.” 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, “outdoor night practices have been much more popular with a consistent second time slot that was previously unattainable.”

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. “The lights have helped my teammates and me utilize time throughout the day for studying and doing homework,” said Juliana Mikulski of the field hockey team. “We love the lights! It’s given us more flexibility with our academic schedules.”

Fans have also expressed their gratitude for night games as family and friends are able to attend and support their own Roadrunners. “We 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,” expressed Koslowsky. “The 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.”

For more information on Ramapo College Athletics visit www.ramapoathletics.com.