Ramapo News

SPORTS: Men’s volleyball continues to crush their foes ~ page 13

A&E: Hey boys, wanna look good at Ramapo? ~ page 8

THE RAMAPO NEWS

Ramapo Meets Middle States Standards A publication by the students for the Ramapo College community

By DIANA STANCZAK, JILL GRIMALDI & MEGAN ANDERLE Staff Writers

As of yesterday, Ramapo passed all 14 standards of excellence required by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, allowing the college to be reaccredited.

The Middle States Commission is a voluntary membership association that assesses and determines if a college is successfully promoting the interests of its students according to its individual mission statement.

The commission is called ‘Middle States’ because it deals with colleges in the middle states region, such as schools in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

What it is

Ramapo has been accredited in the past, but this year the school was up for re-accreditation.

The process to apply for re-accreditation asks Ramapo to examine its programs and services and how they relate to the 14 standards outlined in the Commission’s Characteristics of Excellence in Higher Education, as well as Ramapo’s own mis-

sion statement; this process is called selfstudy.

Self-studies allow Ramapo to identify areas that need improvement, along with areas where the school is strong.

The self-study takes place over the course

THURSDAY, March 25, 2010

ten the chance to talk to them about Ramapo.

The first part of the interactive visit took place on Monday afternoon where the team’s chairperson, Dr. Christopher Dahl, President and Professor of English at SUNY

XL No. 18

added that standards no. 7 (Institutional Assessment) and 14 (Assessment of Student Learning) were exceptionally important.

The second part of the evaluation took place on Tuesday afternoon, with two open forums, one for faculty and one for students.

The student forum was led by team members Wesley Jordan and Frederick FosterClark. About ten students from various grade levels and student organizations attended the forum and voiced their concerns and opinions about Ramapo’s liberal arts foundation.

The final part of the team’s visit was yesterday’s report of its findings.

Findings photo by Megan Anderle

Dr. Christopher Dahl reported the Middle States findings to the Ramapo Community yesterday.

of four years. This self-study started in 2007 with the selection of committee members and ended February 1 when the study was sent to the Middle States Study Team for evaluation.

The final step, the independent study team’s visit and assessment of Ramapo, occurred Sunday to Wednesday. Since they have arrived, the study team has been interested in involving students in the process; many students, along with faculty, have got-

at Geneseo, along with team members Myrna Chase and Gary Nigh, discussed and answered questions about the evaluation process.

Dahl gave a brief overview of the work that the team, consisting of seven members, would do over the three days.

“The team members are deployed in areas according to expertise. We meet with different individuals and consider whether the 14 standards are being met,” Dahl said. Dahl

Ramapo passed all 14 standards of excellence, examples of which include: Institutional Resources, Integrity, Effectiveness and Faculty.

In a detailed, hour-long lecture, Dahl reviewed Ramapo on each of the 14 standards, offering recommendations from the team.

Areas that need improvement include: experiential learning and integrating transfer students, whereas major strengths of the college are: the college’s focus on students, funding allocation and sustainability.

Dahl emphasized that Ramapo sets itself apart from other colleges by putting students

Ramapo Remembers Beloved Director of Athletics

By SHARON MEYER Staff Writer

Ramapo has suffered the loss of not only an integral part of the sports department, but one of its most beloved, adored and respected staff members. Director of Athletics Michael J. Ricciardi died Sunday after suffering a brain aneurysm. He was 52 years old.

“We are all mourning right now. Mike was a wonderful colleague and friend who had an abiding commitment to Ramapo College and the students he served,” President Mercer said. “He will be dearly missed.”

According to the Ramapo Athletics website, Ricciardi was an instrumental leader in the New Jersey Athletic Conference and a member of the Ramapo College community for more than 28 years.

“He had a very difficult job with many people pulling at him constantly but was fair,” said Gary Orr, swim coach and long time friend of Ricciardi. “Now that he is gone

people will really see what he did for all of us.”

Prior to becoming director of athletics at Ramapo, Ricciardi graduated from Ramapo College in 1979 with a degree in business administration and metropolitan studies.

Ricciardi started as student assistant for Ramapo women’s basketball team while still working toward graduating. He coached AAU Girls Basketball, was a member of the Sts. Joseph and Michael Sports Program and for 20 years was a certified high school and college referee.

“He started as a bread delivery man and ended up being the AD at Ramapo College.

My utmost respect went to Mike because he was not given anything for free - he worked for it,” said Kathleen Finnegan.

Finnegan worked closely with Ricciardi for many years, most recently as the associate athletic director.

see MIDDLE on page 6

photo by Carolyn Herring

see RICCIARDI on page 6 Michael Ricciardi was inducted into the Quarter Century Club for his dedication to Ramapo College last November.

Schomburg Scholar Exposes a Troubled Africa

Page 2 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 25, 2010

“Wonderful People Cursed by Bad Leaders”

By MEGAN ANDERLE News Editor

Visiting Schomburg Scholar George Staples critically examined Africa’s past and present to put forth a plan for the country’s future.

“There needs to be an honest discussion about race relations there,” Staples said.

In his lecture “Genocide and Civil War in Africa” on March 11, Staples detailed several of the looming problems that pervade Africa: tribalism, media distortion and censorship in Rwanda, political instability and ineffective governance during epidemics such as HIV/AIDS in many countries, of which there are many. Though Staples exposed truths of the country’s grim reality, he also discussed solutions.

Staples, a seeming Rwandan tribal expert, was in Rwanda when it was a dangerous place and witnessed many tribal conflicts first-hand.

“Groups right next to one another in Africa do not see themselves the way we do,” Staples said.

In their most basic terms, the two factors that strengthened hatred between tribes were identity and individualism. Rwanda was diversified and each tribe had its own identity. This left little to no room for a sense of unity between tribes. After colonialism, tribes focused on their own self-interests rather than the common good of Rwanda.

“It’s all about identification by tribe,” Staples said. “Who do they represent, and how do they see themselves?”

Tribal conflicts are what made Rwanda a ticking time-bomb, until a mass genocide occurred. An estimated 800,000 civilians were killed over a brief span of three months.

To make matters worse, Western and local media distorted the truth.

For instance, a New York Times article

reported that the fighting was “diminishing in intensity” in mid-April when it was in fact mounting, according to an article published by the International Press Institute.

At the local level, journalists “were just irresponsible for the most part and given poor training,” Staples said.

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Comons

Staples discussed Rwandan genocide and tribalism in his lecture “Genocide and Civil War in Africa.”

Some aspects of the war were not even covered by journalists — but rather by government officials.

“Go find a journalist and pay them if you want something covered, or the government does it for you,” Staples said.

Through media censorship, the government had a powerful grip on its constituents.

“If you aren’t following government rules, you won’t be in good shape,” Staples said.

Africa at large faces its own government

problems: weak or ineffective governance is a main cause for many of the problems that plague the continent.

Though outbreaks such as HIV/AIDS have worsened over the years due to poverty, a lack of useful leadership exacerbated the issue.

“Political instability and HIV/AIDS are wrecking havoc among African nations,” Staples said.

South African President Thabo Mbeki denied that AIDS resulted from HIV; only after international outrage did he admit the fact. In addition, South Africa’s health minister refused medicine as treatment to AIDS victims; instead he prescribed natural remedies such as garlic, according to a ScienceNOW article.

Needless to say, many of those afflicted with the terminal disease did not receive adequate treatment.

The end of Staples’ lecture focused on how Africa is starting to move forward. Staples said that there are well-educated people who want to make constitutions that hold more weight in several countries, for the sake of making governments more consistent and less corrupt.

“We’re not the world’s policeman, but we should help out when things go wrong.”

-George Staples, Visiting Schomburg Scholar

Staples also said that the many countries in Africa want to “rehabilitate tourism” to stimulate their economies and modernize factories, bringing industrialism up to speed with the Western world.

He believes that the majority of Americans discuss issues in Africa far less than necessary; this makes the public generally unaware of current problems. At the same time, some of those who are aware claim that the United States is “doing too much,” a notion with which Staples disagrees.

“Groups right next to one another in Africa do not see themselves the way we do.”

- George Staples, Visiting Schomburg Scholar

“We’re not the world’s policemen, but we should help out when things go wrong,” he said. “I’m an interventionist, I really am.

These are wonderful people cursed by bad leaders.”

Junior Jared Washington feels that the United States should intervene in African affairs only when there is genocide.

“The United States should’ve intervened in Rwanda when 800,000 people were killed. In Afghanistan, the U.S. shouldn’t have intervened,” Washington said.

But Professor of African American Studies Karl Johnson said the United States should get involved, but with the help of other nations.

“Along with other concerned nations, preferably those in the area, we should intervene,” Johnson said.

Staples has experience. He was career member of the Foreign Service for 25 years. He was director general of the Foreign Service and director of the Bureau of Human Resources at the U.S. Department of State.

Staples served as U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda for three years and is currently a career minister.

THE RAMAPO NEWS: STAFF, CONTACT & POLICY A publication by the students for the Ramapo College community

Charlie LaPlaca & Joey Lewandowski Co-Editors-in-Chief

Megan Anderle

Morgan Balog

News Editor

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Sports Editor

Business Manager

Katie Sobko

Michelle Angelino Online Editor

Daniel Rist

Dan Sforza

Stefanie Mauro Photo Editor

Technical Advisor Staff: Erica Buchman, Krysta Daniels, Angela DiMari, Amy Fezza, Keri Ann Flaccomio, John Fraze, Andrew Gould, Jill Grimaldi, Lauren Haag, Julianne Ilaria, Michael Jagendorf, Kevin Johnson, Bryan Kaminsky, Jeremy Kelly, Tara LaFemina, Michele McKenna, Sharon Meyer, Huma Munir, Diana Stanczak, Matt Thompson, Marissa Torr, Amanda Valenti, Melissa Veloz

Contact us at:

The Ramapo News Robert A. Scott Student Center 505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430

Telephone: (201) 684-7842 Advertising: (201) 684-7842 Fax: (201) 684-7939 E-mail: rcnjnews@ramapo.edu

Whenever necessary, The Ramapo News will publish corrections or clarifications in the following issues. All corrections must be brought to the attention of the editor as soon as possible. The Ramapo News strives for accuracy. In keeping with journalistic standards, pre-publication review of any article, quote or editorial is not allowed. Viewpoints may be dropped off at SC-218 or emailed to rcnjnews@ramapo.edu. The Ramapo News reserves the right to edit viewpoints for content, style and space. Anonymous viewpoints will not be accepted.

Paid advertisements are accepted at the sole discretion of The Ramapo News staff and are due no later than the Monday of that weekʼs issue. Rates are available by contacting the editorial staff by e-mail.

ARCH

AROU N D THE

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Charities Adjust Benefits in Response to Same-Sex Marriage Laws

By KRYSTA DANIELS Staff Writer

The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington ended its 8-year foster care program in the District as a result of the Supreme Court’s refusal to block DC’s gay marriage law on March 2. The Supreme Court’s verdict allows the city to issue its first marriage licenses to same-sex couples in the following days.

The gay community’s victory should make them rejoice, but instead they are faced with the realization that the Archdiocese would rather take away foster care then allow gay married couples to adopt. The viewpoints of the city and the Catholic Archdiocese are on opposite ends of the gay marriage controversy.

The Catholic Charities, which now run more than 20 social service programs for the District, have transferred its entire foster care program to another provider.

There are 43 children, 35 families and seven staff members who are currently with the National Center for Children and Families. To top it off, the employees at the Catholic Charities were told last week that their social services organization is changing its health coverage as well, to avoid offering benefits to same-sex partners.

The aftermath of DC’s decision is also felt in other parts of the country. In Denver, Colorado, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School kicked out a preschooler because his parents are lesbians. The child will not be able to enroll next year. “[The child’s parents are] living in open discord with Catholic teaching,” the Archdiocese said.

“The entire thing is absurd. If the Archdiocese is trying to ‘send a message’ to the LGBTQ community and its allies, they have gravely failed. Whatever happened to ‘love thy neighbor as thyself’?” Sophomore Vicky Blume said.

“As much as the Catholic society tries to be just and good, its things like this occurrence that just proves that they don’t truly think that way. They find a way around it in the end and some how still make themselves look good,” Junior Ilinka Vangelovska said.

The Catholic Charities are saying it might not be able to continue operating homeless shelters along side facilitating city-sponsored adoptions.

“They’re missing the point here, and just punishing arbitrary and innocent people,” Junior Gabriella Naimo said.

The Church was faced with two different options when it came to making the new law. They could either expand the definition of domestic partnership to include a parent, sibling or someone else in the household.

The Church’s second option, which was their ultimate choice, was to eliminate benefits for all spouses.

“I was baptized Roman Catholic and have in my late teenage years completely withdrawn myself from my religion because of their prejudice beliefs and unjust judgment

of individuals. Who are they to say who is a fit parent or not?” Sophomore Diana Galvez said.

The Catholic Charities have received $22 million from the city for social services programs with which they are now cutting ties.

“Religion was never, nor was it ever meant to be a weapon,” Senior Zaneta Rago said.

Edward J. Orzechowski, the charity’s president, said Monday that the change in health benefits will be the last move necessary in response to the legislation.

“We do not anticipate any further changes whatsoever,” he said. “Taking the action we have on foster care and spousal we feel has addressed everything the new law requires of us.”

And although they don’t expect and further changes, many students feel that the children are still the main concern in this whole situation.

“It is sad to me that children are now going to suffer from the Catholic Church’s statement against same sex marriage,” senior literature major Tracey Spinato said.

“The Archdiocese has ignored the real victims in this decision — the innocent children in the foster care system. These children have just been sent the message that their well-being is secondary to bigotry,” Blume said.

are growing up in,” Junior John Hayes said.

A similar discussion preceded Tuesday’s, called “Purity Myth.” The Purity Myth was based upon similar topics but touched more

“’Sexualization’ of young girls is what stuck out the most with me. I see it with my niece. I see her seeing herself as a sex object before knowing what sex is,”

upon the pressures girls face to be “good” and “chaste” from family, religious communities and media. It also touched on how society expects women to look “sexy,” but then shames women who are “too sexual” and sexually active.

Timothy Magnus Olson, a member of Catholic Campus Ministry, said.

“Leaving aside the fact that girls themselves report being miserable, and even if you accept the whitewashing—that they merely do not feel ‘real’—isn’t this strange

enough? Suddenly girls do not feel ‘real’, in a society which is supposed to have girls’ liberation as its goal,” Shalit said in “The Good Girl.”

“Parents and educators should do their part in helping students to understand what is going on around them and help them to find a comfortable, healthy middle ground between the mixed overt sexual messages and pressure to be chaste that they get from the media and society,” President of Feminist United Jill Grimaldi said.

“Girls Gone Wild” videotapes’ exploitation of women was another topic discussed.

Cultural pressures still push women towards being part of videos like “Girls Gone Wild.”

“I didn’t particularly like the book. Wendy Shalit made quite a few good points but I feel that she ruined her argument by using sketchy and misleading evidence that can’t really be backed up or proven,” Feminists United Secretary Travis Nicol said.

“I think it was cool that people who had thoughts of this were comfortable enough to speak up, that isn’t the social norm. This was a discussion of both sides of the spectrums. I learned a lot about role models and that women are more then just either promiscuous or prudes, it is more then that,” Senior Jim Marino, president of CRU, said.

photo by Flickr Creative Commons

The Supreme Court now allows D.C. to issue marriage liscences for samesex couples.

“Good Girl” Brings Catholics and Feminists Together

By KRYSTA DANIELS Staff Writer

Wendy Shalit, author of “The Good Girl Revolution,” spread word that all around the country there is a youth-led rebellion challenging the status quo with her book.

The discussion of her book took place on Tuesday. Maria Parker, Focus Missionary with Campus Ministry, organized it.

Members from Feminists United and the Catholic Discussion Group attended the discussion on Wendy Shalit’s book.

“It sparked my curiosity when I was talking to Jill Grimaldi in the Feminists United group. She was talking about reclaiming sexuality and I wanted to share how the formidable decade impacts us,” said Maria Parker.

“The Good Girl Revolution” deals with young women at the frontlines of the counter-sexual revolution, and is based upon over 100 in-depth interviews with young women, ages 12 to 28.

“In the very beginning of the book, Shalit talks about kids, ages 3-10, who dress like dolls. They start with Barbie and now the Bratz dolls. They are walking and talking like them, with logos all over them with phrases they didn’t know. That sad sight stuck out the most. My issue was that its effect on children. Media is the reflection of our beliefs. Kids don’t realize what they

Page 4 The Ramapo News

Roving

Reporter

Thursday, March 25, 2010

“What are your thoughts on the health care reform?”

Question by Hannah West, Photographs by Erica Buchman

“I'm undecided on whether I agree or disagree with it, but I definitely think it's a step in the right direction.”

-Danielle Mascio Freshman

“I really can't say because I don't know how it'll affect me.”

-Janeille Lewis Sophomore

“Because there's so much bureaucracy in congress, there is never going to be a perfect health care bill.”

-Walter Deptuch Sophomore

“It's great that the bill was able to even pass. I wish that more reforms could be passed despite Republican opposition.”

-Jamie Gold Senior

“I think that there are some good things and some bad things about it--no health care reform is going to be perfect.”

-Rachel Halpern Sophomore

Always Greener: Aquariums Can Be Green, Too You Can Protect the Coral Reefs and Other Natural Habitats

By BRYAN KAMINSKY Staff Writer

Aquariums may be relaxing and fun, but they can also be unsustainable and harmful to the environment.

Salt water fish are unsustainable to take care of because often they are not bred in captivity and the methods of catching them in the wild, with the use of cyanide, destroy the coral reefs and habitats from which they come.

Fresh water fish, on the other hand, are more sustainable because they are easier to breed in captivity and capturing them rarely involves ecological destruction. One way to ensure that the fish are the most sustainable is to find out if they were bred in captivity before purchase.

Show respect for the planet by reducing the amount of energy needed to retrieve fish.

Buying fish bred in captivity may cost more, but it has less of an impact on the environment. Some fresh water fish do not breed well in captivity, such as the white mountain minnow, the barred danio and the cherry barb. The numbers of these fish are starting to decrease in the wild for this reason among others, including death by overcatching, pollution and habitat destruction.

It is important to research your fish before going to the store. A local store may know more about where their fish come from and whether they are bred in captivity or not, so one way to be greener is to support the local stores that only sell fish bred in captivity.

An upside to aquariums is that it has made

Orinoco River.

Another way to be sustainable about owning fish is to breed them on your own. This involves doing research to find proper methods. This ensures that they are bred in captivity and that their origin of birth is known and can help protect the environments from

photo courtesy of Flickrʼs creative commons

Fish bred in captivity may cost more, but are more environmentally friendly.

aquarists more conscious of the destruction that endangers coral reefs and other natural fish habitats. They are becoming more aware of catching methods and invasive species. Certain fish, such as the cardinal tetra, overpopulate their natural habitats, and it actually helps to catch them in environmentally friendly ways. This is common in certain areas of South America, like the

which they came. Show respect for the planet by reducing the amount of energy needed to retrieve fish. It cuts out the middleman and can also be enjoyable.

The fish tanks can also be unsustainable, since they require electricity to run filters, lights and heaters. The good news is that most fish tanks do not use incandescent light bulbs and use compact fluorescent (CFLs)

bulbs or LED lights instead. CFL and LED lights require a significantly less amount of energy to operate than incandescent bulbs.

Another option is to choose fish that are adapted to colder temperature to avoid using a heater. Fish such as bloodfin tetras, Buenos Aires tetras, zebra danios and gold barbs prefer colder water compared to most tropical fish in aquariums. If possible, electricity use can be reduced by limiting the use of a light in the fish tank by keeping the tank in a location where natural light can come in.

Sustainable fish keeping does not only apply to fish when they are alive. One of the worse ways to dispose of a dead fish is to flush it down the toilet where it will rot in the sewers. Instead it is recommended, given that the fish did not die of disease, to let scavengers eat the deceased fish. Or you can dispose of the fish by burying it in a yard or field for earthworms to eat and gain nutrients. If these are not possibilities, put the fish in a bag and put it in the garbage.

Ramapo’s pet policies allow students living on campus to have fish in tanks ten gallons or less.

Green Fact of the Week:

One way to practice sustainable fish keeping is to breed them on your own.

Show Your Support and Relay for a Cancer Cure Page 5 The Ramapo News

By MARISSA TORR Staff Writer

Tomorrow, Ramapo College will host Relay for Life at the Bradley Center. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and end the next day at 7 a.m. All the money raised goes towards the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and patient services.

Students must commit to staying up all night in hopes of promoting awareness for cancer. There will be 772 participants representing 88 different teams. So far, $42,712.20 has been raised, and this year’s goal is $60,000.

Each student has their own story as to what inspired them to become involved in the cause. Junior Laura Hahn, team development/recruitment chair for Relay and team captain for Colleges Against Cancer, has been involved with Relay for a number of years now.

“I was introduced to Relay four years ago by an acquaintance, and survivor, in my town. I became extremely active right away because that year a friend of mine, a sophomore in high school, had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I relay for everyone affected by cancer, but specifically my grandmother who passed away from lung cancer six years ago and my high school friend Zach who has been in remission for three years,” Hahn said.

Anthony Siciliano, a senior who is on team WRPR, is one of many students looking forward to the annual event.

“It is important to me because it is important to others. I was never directly affected by cancer but someday I may be and it is important to find a cure. I relay to show my support. I always like to meet new people, especially about a “same cause”. My expectations are for fun and profit for the cancer organization,” Siciliano said.

The top teams this year are Colleges Against Cancer, which has the maximum number of 25 members and has raised $6,420, Ramapo College Dance Team with $4,238.60 and Phi Delta Epsilon with $3,697.50. The top participants are Devon Hippeli, Lauren Fullmer and Adam Panella, who raised $3,998.60, $3,094.50 and $2,135 respectively.

One may wonder what goes into planning an event this size. Hahn said that the process was extensive.

“It’s a year-long process. Technically, we have a couple months to breathe after Relay is over in March, but usually we start it back up as soon as we get back in September. I think the committee just thinks, sleeps and breathes Relay, Hahn said.

Last year’s Relay was a success, surpassing goals in participants, teams and fundraising. There were about 700 participants, 40 teams, and more than $51,000 was raised. There’s always room to grow.

Ramapo Reacts to New Bill

Thursday, March 25, 2010

By HUMA MUNIR Staff Writer

President Obama signed the health care reform bill into law on Tuesday. The new bill brings many changes, but what’s in it for students?

“The new health care bill is a breath of fresh air for this country. For nearly a century, the government has been trying to pass a new healthcare bill and finally Obama accomplished it,” Ryan Shapiro, president of the College Democrats, said.

The bill is guaranteed to provide healthcare to 47 million Americans who are currently uninsured. Health insurance companies can no longer deny coverage for acute diagnoses or prolonged treatments.

For young adults, the bill grants people coverage until the age of 26 under their parent’s health insurance.

“A big concern with many students, including myself, is that once we graduate we will be left without health insurance.

Under this new plan, students won´t have to worry about finding a job with a health insurance plan the second we graduate,” Shapiro said.

With the national deficit at an estimated $13 trillion, the health care reform bill is believed to reduce debt.

“According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill will reduce the deficit $143 billion over 10 years, and could reduce the budget deficit by one-half percent of gross

domestic product – a little over a trillion dollars – in the next decade,” Tim Fernholz said, a reporter from the Guardian’s Web site.

While the bill has good intentions such as debt reduction, there are many who disagree and question whether the bill is even “constitutional.”

“The health care legislation violates the Constitution. The government isn’t allowed to force Americans to purchase health insurance. To me, the passage of this legislation is frightening,” Lauren Scirocco, former president of the College Republicans, said.

CNN projects that individuals will be fined considerable amount of money if they choose not to buy coverage. However, these changes will not be in effect until 2014.

“I don’t see many benefits for students. We will be forced to purchase health insurance or else face an annual fine. We’ll also see tax increases across the board, which will make it even more difficult for us to prosper in the future,” Scirocco said.

“The bill poses a new problem for medical care: an influx of patients. The number of patients will dramatically increase in the coming years, possibly leading to a shortage of doctors and medical staff across the nation,” said William Fenwick, current president of the College Republicans.

More information on the bill can be found at: http://whitehouse.gov.

Game Show Provides Prizes and Insight into Feminist Issues Page 6 The Ramapo News

By AMY FEZZA Staff Writer

In order to educate the Ramapo community about feminist issues, Feminists United and the Women’s Center co-sponsored an event that allowed people to become more informed in a relaxed atmosphere.

Not only did Ramapo students play a game show and win prizes, but participants also gained knowledge.

“The feeling here was more like I was at a friend’s house hanging out, rather than at school. It’s like we’re all here to relax and have some fun,” Sophomore Colleen Steel said.

A mixture of both female and male contenders contributed to the event and everyone seemed to come in with a positive attitude.

“My friend wanted to check it out so I came thinking it would be a fun time,” Steel said.

Before being assigned to a team, participants were instructed to pick a chip from a bag, which revealed their team name. Each table of teams was themed by either an influential feminist or a supporter of feminist issues. John Lennon, Lady Gaga, Rosie the Riveter and Spice Girls were the four names given to the teams’ tables at the event. This was a chance for people to laugh at their table theme and become better acquainted with their new teammates.

The event even had a live Rosie the Riveter present at the event. Played by Ramapo’s own Robin Netanel, a freshman and treasurer of Fem U, Netanel decided to portray

Thursday, March 25, 2010

feminism in a different light. She was dressed in a jean jumpsuit with sleeves rolled up high and a red bandana. People were here to role play and put themselves in

because everyone on my team was really welcoming and nice. We wanted to win,” Steel said.

Behind the stage, a large projection screen

informed.

Questions such as what the number of female senators in office and what the first co-ed college was were asked. When questions got tough, teams resorted to giving a popular answer: Lady Gaga.

“Thatʼs why we have ʻHerstory,ʼ because this stuff usually isnʼt mentioned in history books when it should be.”

-Jill Grimaldi, sophomore and program coordinator for the Womenʼs Center

photo by Amy FezzaS Students gathered to compete for prizes such as condoms, books, and candy.

someone else’s shoes.

“I’m a big supporter of Fem U and I think this is going to be a lot of fun!” Julie Reich, John Lennon team member, said.

Whether people had come with friends or came alone, Steel said that everyone was looking to help each other out with questions.

“I was separated from my friend when the game started so I was assigned to another team. I wasn’t nervous to be without her

The Ramapo News wants your lovin’ and they want your revenge.

You and they could write a bad romance.

Come to our meetings.

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SC-218

was the jeopardy guide board, which allowed contestants to pick their categories.

With three waves and a lightening round, the contestants had the choice of categories such as Herstory, Name That Feminist, Pop Culture and Random, each of which had both easy and challenging questions.

Certain categories required contestants to act out or demonstrate the answers. Though some questions were challenging, they allowed participants to become more

“That’s why we have ‘Herstory,’ because this stuff usually isn’t mentioned in history books when it should be,” Sophomore and Program Coordinator for the Women’s Center Jill Grimaldi said.

The game show ended with three winners who went into sudden death: questions ranged from feminist myths, songs with feminist messages or female political figures. Contestants had to think on their feet, but when it came down to it, everyone was there to have fun and shocked themselves by how much they knew or learned from each other.

In an event such as this, lessons were learned through pure fun. Anyone who came in as strangers left as friends, with a little help from the free prizes and food.

Ramapo Passes 14 Standards of Excellence

Continued from page 1

at the core. “[Mercer] puts student learning at the center of the college. Students are engaged and feel that this institution is focused on what it should be focused on,” Dahl said.

An area of concern, however, was the experiential components of each class.

“The experiential component has a vague definition that may open the college to questions of the integrity of its curriculum,” he said.

Another area of concern is how Ramapo integrates transfer students to the campus.

The number of transfer students accepted is too high, and community college students are not doing well in their first few semesters, according to Dahl.

“There needs to be a longitudinal study with transfers and academic excellence in their first few semesters,” Dahl said.

In terms of fund allocation, Dahl said that Ramapo works well with the limited funding that it has. The college has expanded housing, built the Anisfield School of Business, and the Bradley center over the last few years.

Dahl also complimented the strategic allot-

ment of 2 percent of tuition towards future goals. “[Ramapo did] a good job in this area, maintaining a balanced budget despite national cuts,” he said.

The college has practiced sustainability by reducing energy costs.

“These changes are mundane, but keep us going. Ramapo is a lovely place that people want to visit,” Dahl said.

What students are saying

-“I think Ramapo has done really well with letting the students’ voices be heard and encouraging them to bring up new ideas and changes. No one is ignored just because they are a student, which is a major complaint from my friends at other colleges,” sophomore Vicky Blume said when asked what she felt Ramapo’s strengths were.

-“I have had only great academic experiences here at Ramapo,” said senior Corey O’ Connell when asked by the team about the quality of the classes.

-“There seems to be a lack of school spirit at Ramapo, but I feel that is a problem which is slowly being worked on,” said junior Clifton Shambry when asked about problems on Ramapo’s campus.

VIEWPOINTS

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Is Conservative Coulter Coming to Ramapo a Good Thing?

Christieʼs Cuts Donʼt Sit Well With Students

Campus views are the sole opinion of their respective authors, submitted to The Ramapo News and in no way reflect the views of either The Ramapo News or Ramapo College of New Jersey.

By FEMINISTS UNITED Campus Group

Feminists United recently found out that Ann Coulter, a conservative social and political commentator, author and syndicated columnist, will be coming to speak at Ramapo College in April. Upon hearing this news, we were quite shocked that she would be invited onto our campus. This was not because she is a Republican or a conservative, but because of the hate-filled ways she tends to express many of her views. We fully support speaking your mind, but we feel there is a way to do it without insulting other people.

For example, Coulter wrote in her column on June 28, 2007, when discussing her novels, “So for those of you who haven’t read any of my five best-selling books: liberals are driven

by Satan and lie constantly.” Could it really be possible for her to generalize liberals anymore?

Liberals are not perfect, but neither are conservatives. To say they are “driven by Satan” might be a bit unnecessary.

Coulter does not just attack democrats, however. She also attacks the queer community, the Muslim and Jewish religions and numerous others. No one is safe from her hateful words. She gives her opinion on the Muslim community when she writes in her syndicated column on Sept. 28, 2001, “Not all Muslims may be terrorists, but all terrorists are Muslim.”

Coulter was also quoted in a CNN article on Nov. 27, 2003, saying, “You would think there were ‘straights only’ water fountains the way Democrats carry on so (as if any gay man would drink non-bottled water).”

Liberals are not perfect, but neither are conservatives. To say they are “driven by Satan” might be a bit unnecessary.

Her words truly speak for themselves the way she insults people and their beliefs. It’s okay to have a strong opinion, but it’s not okay to be racist, sexist and homophobic.

It’s also really shocking that Coulter, being quite a prominent female herself, spoke out against women and how they were inferior.

She essentially degrades herself when she says things like, “I think [women] should be armed but should not vote…women have no capacity to understand how money is earned.

They have a lot of ideas how to spend it…it’s

always more money on education, more money on child care, more money on day care.” She spoke these words against women on her appearance on Bill Maher’s political talk show on Feb. 26, 2001. If women have no capacity to understand how money is earned, how does Coulter then justify her own career?

Is she not a woman earning money successfully?

Feminists United is very much a defender of free speech, but we also hope that people will engage in their speech without deliberately utilizing hate speech like Coulter does. In the spirit of free speech, we have decided to provide the readers of the Ramapo News with some choice quotes from Coulter’s repertoire and let you draw your own conclusions about her presence on this campus.

“They're [Democrats] always accusing us of repressing their speech. I say let's do it. Let's repress them. Frankly, I'm not a big fan of the First Amendment.” (Spoken during a speech at University of Florida, Oct. 20, 2005.)

“I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word ‘f****t,’ so I — so kind of an impasse, can't really talk about Edwards.” (Written in her speech at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, Washington, D.C., March 2, 2007.)

“Here at the Spawn of Satan convention [the 2004 Democratic Convention] in Boston, conservatives are deploying a series of covert signals to identify one another, much like gay men do. My allies are the ones wearing crosses or American flags. The people sporting shirts emblazoned with the "F-word" are my opponents. Also, as always, the pretty girls and cops are on my side, most of them barely able to conceal their eye-rolling.” (Appeared in her syndicated column in USA Today on July 26, 2004.)

“We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity. We weren't punctilious about locating and punishing only Hitler and his top officers. We carpet-bombed German cities; we killed civilians. That's war. And this is war.” (Written in her novel, If Democrats had Any Brains, They'd be Republicans p. 77, 2001.)

“God gave us the earth. We have dominion over the plants, the animals, the trees. God said, 'Earth is yours. Take it. Rape it. It's yours.'” (Spoken during an appearance on Hannity & Colmes on June 20, 2001.)

Do we really want to implicitly endorse Ann Coulter’s views by inviting her to come speak at Ramapo College? Is this what Ramapo College stands for? You decide.

By ADAM BIENER SGA Senator

Welcome back from spring break!

Hear the big news? While many of New Jersey’s students were on break last week, New Jersey legislators were listening to Governor Christie announce his budget for the upcoming year. His budget will cut school district fundings across the state by $820 million. Public higher education will be cut by $175 million, pushing public colleges and universities to cut student services and raise tuition.

Releasing the budget while most students are away from the state or their respective colleges and universities has kept them in the dark about the proposed changes, and has deterred them from being immediately responsive.

The governor’s budget speech is a public event, and students have

always taken the opportunity to go to Trenton and give faces to the people whose state aid is being cut.

However, even the most passionate students would find it difficult to encourage their peers to spend a day in Trenton during spring break.

The glaring truth is that students are not seen as a united body that can articulate their concerns to policy makers. If we can’t show our representatives that we are active in the political process, they will continue to not acknowledge us.

The good news is that there are opportunities to get involved.

Ramapo’s Student Government advocates for its students at the state level, and SGA elections are about to start. There is still time to get a petition to run, they are due Tuesday, March 30, and can be picked up in the SGA office.

Through SGA you can also get involved with the Garden State Student Alliance, a body of student representatives advocating for public higher education. I know they are serious because they are students who have broken the mould by spending a few hours of their spring break meeting legislators and reporters in Trenton when the budget was announced, showing state legislators that we care about our education.

But without continued support from the Ramapo community, we will not be able to earn a seat at the table or help preserve our public higher education.

Got an opinion?

Come and be heard.

Monday and Wednesday nights 7:15 p.m., SC 218

ARTS

&

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

The Do’s and Don’ts for Guys Fashion This Spring

Thursday, March 25, 2010

BY TARA LAFEMINA Staff Writer

To guys, being fashionable may seem to be a waste of time. To some, it may not seem macho, thus they let their look be in a shamble. Others may secretly care but not out right admit it.

But secretly everyone wants others to be attracted to them; well try to look your best. You do not want to be the guy that everyone thinks looks goofy. It is not all about impressing people, looking good is a natural confidence booster.

With spring time upon us, this is a time to look good, feel good and impress.

jeans, is that they can be dressed up or dressed down. They match anything, if you must, wear them for a week. No one would ever be able to tell.

part. Dark sneakers match with anything. As long, as the sneakers are not too bulky. Converses are popular, classic and always trendy. Though they are

Luckily, as long as you do not wear polka dots and stripes together will be fine.

Guys have it easy. There is no special trick to looking successfully dressed.

Just looking like you put thought into you’re style is enough to get someone’s attention. Keeping a cohesive look is important.

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Dark and slim jeans have become more of the rage.

Continue with a simple shirt. The overly embodied, busy designs are too much.

They have a stigma attached to them. An overly busy ensemble just looks plain ridiculous.

A little bit of a design is fine, as long as it does not overly attract the eye. If feeling up to it, a jacket adds a nice touch. Neutral colors, such as brown and olive green, will make you look complete.

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Simple and plain shirts are a sure way to look good this Spring.

Luckily, as long as you do not wear polka dots and stripes together you will be fine. We have the generation where shaggy hair is acceptable with a suit.

An easy way to be fashionable is to just keep it simple. To keep from looking like you’re at the rodeo, dark washed jeans are a must.

The perks of investing in a good pair of

not dressy, they go along with most looks. Once again, florescent yellow shoes do not work unless you would like to be mistaken as a road marker.

For the upcoming spring, there are a

Key to Male Spring Fashion Success:

Throw back sneakers are making a comeback.

Original Adidas and other sneakers that startes in Olympic Glory are all the rage.

Ed Hardy is seen on dried up reality TV stars and overrated obnoxious athletes. Is that really someone you want to resemble? You may think it looks trendy, but to others, your shirt is toxicity to the eyes.

The shoes may be the most difficult

of jeans; a good fit will show off a welltoned lower body.

Graphic tees add flair to a spring wardrobe. Most of them keep a simple, clean look while adding something extra to basics. Since they are so popular this spring, it is fine to be picky. Every type from vintage to sporty to abstract is available for every budget.

Throw back sneakers are making a big comeback. Original Adidias and other sneakers that started in Olympic Glory are all the rage. Luckily, this style is retro, funky and super comfortable.

One of the must-have fashion accessories for guys is a belt. A funky design and/or belt buckle adds character. It may seem minor, but a lot of personality could be shown through a belt.

They have ones that are skull and cross bones and pirates. You could show the world you think of yourself as Superman. You could advertise your favorite brand or choice of beverage.

You could be ironic and iconic at the same time.

Hair is another fashion trend that is subconsciously followed. Old hair styles are coming back with modern day flair. It used to be that men would let their hair grow out a little, and then neatly part it into place. Now, the trend is to grow it out a little then let it do what it wants. Men all over have given into the bed head style. If you really want to tap into your old school style, a classic part and slicked back do could easily be pulled off.

These are just a few suggestions to be trendy in the spring and summer. Be sure to check out for spring tips for girls next week.

Keep it simple and donʼt try too hard.

Just like The Ramapo News.

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Just looking like you put thought in your outfit is essential

few must have items that should be in all men’s closets. As said, the basic dark wash, straight leg, non-embellished pair

Come write for us.

Monday & Wednesday 7:15 p.m., SC 218

The Runaways Will Make You Really Want to Rock Page 9 The Ramapo News

By KRYS TA DANIELS Staff Writer

“The Runaways,” based on the book “Neon Angel: The Cherie Currie Story” by Cherie Currie, hit theaters on March 19th. Directed

by Flora Sigismondi, “The Runaways” blew away two of the early 2010 film festivals, Sundance Film Festival and Southwest Film Festival.

Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, who are Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, play guitarist and lead singer for the band this movie is named after. Both actresses embodied the true essences behind the rock stars they played.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

leg, and then unspooling it until it flies into the air for her to catch. Soon, Fanning was so comfortable onstage that she invited her own mother to watch her writhing around to the jailbait anthem “Cherry Bomb,” which includes heavy-breather lyrics like, “I’ll give you something to live for / Have you, grab you ’til you’re sore!”

The movie starts off with Joan Jett, played

by Kristen Stewart, coming to the realization that she wants to start the first all girl rock n’ roll band after her music teacher told her, “Girls cant play the electric guitar.”

Lucky enough for her she sees Kim Fowley,

For the second time in the past 30 years, the Runaways are becoming icons and the film truly makes it easy to fall back in love with rock nʼ roll.

Stewart and Fanning spent devoted time with both Joan Jett and Cherie Currie to learn their mannerisms, mimic their speech, and mirror the ways they rocked out on stage. This movie pulled off establishing a sense of authenticity.

Kristen was lucky enough to get burned albums and live bootlegs from Jett to study.

“Getting her voice down at that age was really important to me,” says Stewart, 19.

“She’s just saying things like ‘I’m eating a microwave pizza now!’ It’s funny that this total rock star was once just like any other lazy teenager.”

For the second time in the past 30 years, the Runaways are becoming icons, and the film truly makes it easy to fall back in love with rock n’ roll. The Runaways were the first acclaimed all-female rock band and the next best thing to that is becoming the first all-female rock band to get their own biopic.

“The Runaways” effectively balanced the less valiant side of rock n’ roll with a nostalgic fierce intensity surrounding the time the band was formed.

Currie taught Fanning her favorite trick: wrapping the microphone chord around her

played by Michael Shannon, one night and approaches him with this new idea.

Women were meant to stay in their place, in the kitchen. Joan aspired to emulate her idols and knock down the barriers that kept long-standing sexism in the music industry.

Joan had no intentions on conforming to social norms, she wanted to rock out like the best of the men out in the industry.

Eventually Cherie was added to the group and Fowley, a promoter, took the girls under his not so chivalrous wing.

Fowley used profanity every chance he got to drill into the girls head that the music industry will try to tear them apart and could possibly eat them alive. What they were try-

ing to do had never been done before and he really wanted them to understand the ramifications if things didn’t end well.

His learning tactics involved, rigorous training regimen in a broken-down trailer where he teaches them to deal with hacklers, how to howl and wail and strut just like their male idols, and preaches a passionate if selfcontradictory brand of macho feminism.

With their big break right around the corner, the band is sent out on a mission to play at as many forums as possible to get a feel of the crowed that’s awaiting them.

At first Cherie is a timid yet dreamy 15 year old girl, but once “Cherry Bomb” was written for her things start to change and she comes into her own. She begins to make an image for herself and allows the world to see the sexier side of her.

As the lead singer, Cherie begins to morph from this shy rocker version of herself into a walking “jailbait kittenish tigress.” This new found part of Cherie is not the type of role model we would want teenagers today to follow.

The underage drinking and drug usage is the next bullet to hit the band hard. With all the fame and stardom, the girls lose a sense of connection to their families and create a bond that unites them and would classify them having their own little family.

They play their instruments and write some of their own material but at the end of the day their deceitful Svengali keeps all the control and most of the money. But hey that’s the music business right?

Ms. Fanning displayed a remarkable performance and pulls off the front woman with the pretty face and coke bottle body. Fowley takes special notice of her and uses her for personal gain. He asks Cherie to pose for a cheesecake magazine spread, and she ends up being caught half naked by her grandmother on her back lawn.

Cherie has this sweet adolescent side to her where she doesn’t want to end up working at a fast food restaurant all her life but she also doesn’t want to be away from her family for too long. She plays on both sides of the fence and clearly has feelings for Joan.

Joan and Cherie have a make out scene which is always a hot topic when both

Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning go on any talk show. Their complicated relationship on screen boarders physical attraction and bitter rivalry.

Joan, the backbone of the band, for all intensive purposes was the leader of the band and was up for the challenge to use Fowley’s words of wisdom to create rock history.

As you watch this amazingly orchestrated movie, you really get a serene feel of what it was like to start the first all-female rock band.

The trials and tribulations the band had to go through to realize their true potential is as equally heart-felt. At times you really don’t know whether the biopic was more about Joan Jett or Cherie Currie but overall the movie highlights both legends account of their work together.

Even though Sandy West and Lita Ford’s story wasn’t told thoroughly because they wouldn’t fully sign onto the project and give over their rights to their part in the band, Flora Sigismondi, was still able to capture their presence.

The entire cast made the movie feel like a back to the future episode right to the stage of The Runaways singing “Queens of Noise.” The essential scenes, energetic sprit, and all the roughness needed around each edge was delivered. The right mix of emotions were manifested through each character.

This movie could make a country singer turn rock star it was so phenomenal. The word tame could never be used in the same sentence with Joan Jett or Cherie Currie ever again. With pure talent, epic directing and screenplay, and the legendary musical brilliance on the part of The Runaways, biopics to come will need to live up to this new exaltation.

OVERALL GRADE: A

Our Family Wedding Falls a Tad Short of Delightful

By MELIS S A VELOZ Staff Writer

Our Family Wedding opened on March 12th, 2010. The film was described as a romantic comedy through the trailers shown on TV but after viewing it many would agree and/or consider it to be more of just a comedic movie with a valuable lesson to be learned towards the end.

Many coincidental events took place throughout the movie that demonstrated how the film was a tad bit exaggerated and unrealistic.

For example: in the beginning of the film, the soon to be newlyweds’ parents meet during an encounter where Marcus’s dad (the groom-to-be’s father) gets his car towed by Lucia’s father (the bride-to-be’s dad).

Little did the two know that they were soon going to be in laws, after the young couple arrive in town and schedule a dinner for their families to meet, both father figures Miguel (Lucia’s father) and Brad (Marcus’s father) miss each other about three times before being introduced while the engaged couple broke the news that they were soon getting married.

Lucia’s character is played by America Fererra, her relation-

ship with her family is tested throughout the film, as soon as they meet Marcus. Her family feels lied to and betrayed, and also shocked that their daughter/family member is dating out of her race.

Through this cultural shock, both families instead of helping the engaged couples wedding plan their wedding by how they would like it, they mention to the couple “your marriage, our wedding” which was basically a quote used through the entire film.

Marcus’s character, who is played by Lance Gross, was raised by a single parent (his father), but overall he turned out quite all right; he never struggled due to his dad’s infamous radio show and celebrity status.

His life gets a little on the difficult side once the cultural shock sets in and he witnesses how much both families are continuously fighting throughout the film.

He also encounters problems with Lucia not being able to confess to her parents what it is she has been really doing and when he notices that Lucia never backed him up on what they’ve originally decided together as well as against her family’s “trash talking.”

This film can be compared to License to Wed (which starred

Mandy Moore) because of the trouble the couple faces before they say their “I do’s.” Our Family Wedding is like the over exaggerated comedic version of License to Wed because although License to Wed was much more romantic and did not involve two different cultures it did have a similar plot.

This film would be great to watch with family and friends.

If your a couple looking for a romantic film to watch don’t go hoping this will be it because you’ll too realize that it is more of a comedic film which may or may not be what you a looking to watch in what is supposed to be a “romantic comedy”.

Overall, this film would be rated a “C” because the story was simple but there were way too many unneeded scenes which made the actors look like they were acting instead of living through their characters this also made the film feel very over exaggerated which in turn made most of the film pretty predictable to its viewers.

OVERALL GRADE: C

Nellie’s is the “Place” For Tasty Thin Crust Pizza Page 10 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 25, 2010

By AMANDA VALENTI Staff Writer

Nellie’s Place is located in Waldwick, N.J. Simply 15 minutes away from campus, it is a great place to stop off and grab a pie of thin sliced pizza.

This pizzeria brings back the 1970s feel with wood beams and cement walls. Though it may seem cold, it can be cozy on a rainy day.

The service is reasonable, though it may take longer than necessary to get a beverage. All different types of drinks are available, including a full bar.

The wait staff should walk by to see if everything is alright, but it is more likely they will leave you on your own. If you need something, be prepared to raise your hand or grab a waiter walking by.

They do not sell pizza by the slice, but for around $10, two people can finish off a pie. The thin crust is baked until crispy with a sweet tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.

The food is decent, though the atmosphere could stand improvement. Instead, order some take-out and eat in a dorm or beautiful park.

The deliciously thin pizza is wildly popular and a favorite among Nellie’s customers. A family of three could easily finish two pies with no leftovers. It is also not uncommon to see someone order a large pie as if it were a personal. The slices are small, so dig in!

Nellie’s offers a wide array of toppings from meats to vegetables. They also have a large menu of other foods such as wings, fries, soups, salad bar and hot and cold sandwiches.

There is something on the menu for every kind of palate.

photo by Amanda Valenti

Going to Nellieʼs? Try the waffle fries! Theyʼre a great side to any dish, including pizza.

The wings are in a buffalo sauce that is more watery than usual. This takes away from the flavor, and they have a tendency to overcook their wings. Nellie’s is not really known for their wings, but if a customer is not a “wing buff,” he or she will not know the difference.

The onion soup is cooked to perfection. The onions are slivered and cooked until caramelized. A large slice of crusty bread floats in the perfectly salted beef broth. The thick layer of gruyere cheese coats the top of the old-style bowl waiting to be eaten.

Waffle fries are a great side to any dish, including pizza.

They are fried until crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Customers can get them with sour cream and bacon or just a little ketchup on the side. Either way, the full flavor and crunch can add some fun to a meal.

The salad bar is also a great addition to any meal. The price varies from main meal to soup and salad combo. Customers will pay a full price of $7.99 for full bar, and less for soup and salad.

Crispy greens and fresh vegetables line the bar with cheese and croutons prepared for adornment. Many dressings are available such as ranch, blue cheese, oil and vinegar and Thousand Island. The healthy variety rests in ice ensuring everything is cold until serving.

Sometimes the bar is not replenished for the next round of consumers, but for the most part it is a great value.

On nicer days, Nellie’s offers outdoor seating. Even on the chillier days they have outdoor heaters to keep customers’ arms toasty. There is not too much to look at outside, but the smell of fresh air can make all the difference. The great outdoors is also a better alternative to the darker inside for those who prefer a bright and airy location.

On the weekends, it has a tendency to get packed. There is an option to sit in the bar area, which is even darker than the main seating room. Many people opt to wait for the main room, but sometimes the bar is the only option.

When this happens, the line can go out the door and cause a long wait. More often than not, customers will find their names on a waiting list. Usually no more than ten to 15 minutes later a table will be free.

All in all it is a nice experience. The food is decent, though the atmosphere could stand improvement. That issue can be easily fixed by calling in some take-out and eating in a dorm or beautiful park.

For a pizzeria, the food is not overly Italian, but good enough to satisfy any hungry stomach. The overall grade would be a B- due to some poor food quality and improvements needed to the wait staff.

OVERALL GRADE: B-

She’s Out of My League is in a League of Its Own

Page 11 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 25, 2010

By MATTHEW THOMPS ON Staff Writer

Before seeing “She’s Out of My League,” the general consensus was that it would just be a typical comedy. There was not a pre-existing urgency to see the film.

However, to the dismay of many, it completely flipped the script. It provided some much-needed spice to the comedy genre.

Despite its strong points, the movie did have its faults.

The crowd was decent at the Garden State Plaza as the theater was almost to capacity. I did not know what the turnout would be beforehand, because movies like this are largely unpredictable.

Their success is based on word of mouth and reviews. My girlfriend and I got the best seats in the house and before I knew it the movie was about to start.

Kirk (Jay Baruchel) is introduced at the beginning of the film. He’s an aspiring pilot, working at the Pittsburgh International Airport as a Transportation Security Administration officer. He’s anything but confident and his main goal is trying to get back with his ex-girlfriend Marnie (Lindsay Sloan from “Bring It On”).

By chance he meets Molly (Alice Eve), a high-end event planner, who is going through security to board a plane.

His group of friends immediately tells him he would never have a chance with her. They introduce “the ranking system,” something never seen in cinema before. Much like young people do in real life, they rate people’s looks from 1-10. They claim she’s a “10” and he’s a “5”.

And here comes one of the ridiculous parts of the movie.

She “conveniently” leaves her phone at the airport, calls it from her friend’s phone and Kirk picks up. She tells him she’ll be back the next day and tells a stranger, Kirk, to meet her at a party to give it to her. This is something that oh, about a 1 percent chance of happening in real life. But love is one in a million.

They bond and go out on a few dates, creating many

amusing moments for the crowd. Tension arises between Kirk and Molly when he fails to get past his own security issues. The moment of the movie that got the most laughs was when Molly and Kirk were about to get down to business and Kirk prematurely wets his pants, only to have Molly’s parents ring the doorbell moments later.

The movie kept the audience’s attention as they were clearly entertained throughout the entire film. Despite this, the ending was a bit silly and I thought they could have done a better job with that. It just didn’t feel like the cor-

rect way to go out.

Jay Baruchel was the right choice for the lead actor. He played the “awkward guy” role with a fine tune, putting his own little spin on it. But he wasn’t the MVP. The MVP of the film had to be Nate Torrence. His role as Kirk’s friend Devon is to catch the eye of others in Hollywood. He plays the only married character of Kirk’s group of friends and he brings a more romantic point of view to Kirk’s situation.

However, there are moments in the movie that makes you question if he’s gay. This question comes to a pinnacle when Devon volunteers to shave Kirk’s pubes.

Despite a largely unknown cast, the movie did fairly well in its first two weekends. It made $20 million in the box office, matching its production budget. It’s not difficult to gauge why the film didn’t do better. For the most part, the reviews were mixed and it didn’t have the star power to get by.

Had the movie had the cast of “Knocked Up,” it may have been a different story. Another factor may have been “Alice in Wonderland” taking a chunk out of its audience. But the missed opportunities didn’t take away from the quality of the movie.

It’s hook, line and sinker. This movie is worth $12 of laughs. Watch out though, as you may fall out of your seat.

OVERALL GRADE: B+

Meyer’s Music Corner: Gaga’s Telephone Disappoints

By S HARON MEYER Staff Writer

Over Spring Break in Acapulco, Mexico, Drake performed “Over,” a single from his upcoming album, Thank Me Later.

Only backed by a live band for this performance, this was the first time he went solo on stage.

Drake sounded extremely similar to his auto-tuned mentor, Lil Wayne, who is officially serving his one year sentence in jail.

The performance overall was like watching those Animatronics characters on stage at a Chuck E Cheese. It lacked energy and excitement. To see the video of his performance, go to MTV.com.

SPOILER ALERT! If you have yet to see Lady Gaga’s

newest catastrophe of a music video “Telephone,” put this paper down, watch the video, and then finish the rest of this article.

Whatever Gaga’s vision was for this theatrical disaster, some may never understand or even care to know. However, her diehard fans seem to be even more “goo-goo for Gaga.”

The video includes an array of people, jail cells, and diet coke cans used as hair rollers.

Also included in the mayhem are dancers who follow Gaga’s android-like dance moves, the diva herself, Beyonce, who drives the souped up truck from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill movies, a honey bun and some confusing dialog exchanged between Gaga and Beyonce about the honey bun.

Apologies, as the list still continues. In the video, there is a diner where Beyonce is meeting her boyfriend played by actor Tyrese Gibson, some poison in a syrup bottle and the kitchen where Gaga conjures up the poison for Beyonce to slip on Tyrese’s breakfast plate.

Are you following so far? Now here comes the finale. The rest of the diner is poisoned along with Tyrese, which somehow sparks a short dance sequence where Beyonce and Gaga “bust a move” around the diner full of dead extra’s before they flee the scene of the crime. They drive out in Tarantino’s fire bright truck while a “To Be Continued” appears across the screen.

What more could someone ask for? Not much since Gaga seemed to include every random Tarantino-like instance she possibly could. Of course, there is probably some underlying meaning that only Gaga fans may understand. But if you are just an innocent bystander on this Gaga-train going full speed ahead, you’re probably just as confused as the rest of us.

Although Lady Gaga has talent and really does have a set of pipes on her, the unusual videos and outrageous outfits stifle her singing ability.

Moving on, it seems lately that many artists are collaborating outside of their chosen musical genre. This in fact is creating a breath of fresh air to the same artists that are consistently embedded in the heads of music listeners everyday via Radio play.

During the Grammies, performances by Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige, Elton John and Lady Gaga, and Beyonce who incorporated Alanis Morissette’s song, “You Ougtha Know” into her own song, “If I Were a Boy,” have brought a small spark back to music. Just to know that these artists even associate with each other is surprising yet refreshing.

These collaborations have been memorable and exciting as these artists step out of their comfort zone and do something other than what is expected.

One day while browsing Billboard’s web site, a headline grabbed my attention. It read “Iyaz Sweetens Up Green Day.” Iyaz, who is best known for his recent song “Replay,” did a cover of Green Days “21 Guns.”

You probably wouldn’t guess it, but Iyaz, who scored his first pop songs No. 1 in January with “Replay,” is a big Green Day fan. “I’ve been listening to them for years... so I said why not do a cover [and] show my appreciation for their music,” Billboards website reports.

The cover itself is nothing like Green Day’s version. Iyaz turned the punk rock song into a soft ballad. This is not what you would expect for a song talking about fighting, politics and war.

Ultimately, it sounds like a really bad YouTube cover. Iyaz deserves kudos for trying but it does not do the song any justice. To check out the video go to Billboard.com, and yes, it is acceptable to laugh out loud when you watch it.

Wrapping up, Paramore just announced their summer tour dates which begin on July 23 on the east coast. Although not stopping by New Jersey, they will be in Philadelphia on August 4.

Page 12 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 25, 2010

RAMAPO SPORTS

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Roadrunners Volleyball Continues Success in Tri-Match

By MICHELE McKENNA Staff Writer

The men’s volleyball season has been a rollercoaster ride this year. After a tough loss to Stevens Institute of Technology, the Roadrunners refocused their efforts on this weekend’s tri-match where they faced the fourth ranked team in the nation, Baruch.

The team saw this as a chance to redeem themselves.

Beating Stevens Institute of Technology was just one of Ramapo’s many goals for this season. When they fell short by just four points in a five set match, the team was disappointed.

“We were upset, the players were upset,” Coach Don Vanderbeck said. “We had opportunities and Stevens just took the momentum.”

Twenty missed serves during the match put a dagger in their efforts to beat Stevens, but this upsetting downturn was not the end for this team.

“On the blogs and forums for our conference people were saying if Ramapo ever realizes how good they are, they are going to be the toughest team to beat,” Vanderbeck said.

“I feel the losses against Vassar and Stevens got us motivated for the Baruch game,” senior defensive player Kurt Backlund said. “We kept coming up short in the prior big matches and we wanted a big win to get us ready for the NECVA tournament.”

With great preparation and a true team effort, the men’s volleyball team upset Baruch in a three set sweep, giving Baruch only their third loss of the season. Ramapo reconstructed the whole defense based on what they scouted on Baruch.

“It wasn’t just a win, it was huge. No one

expected us, as an unranked team, to beat number four in the nation. This was a huge upset,” Coach Don Vanderbeck said.

So huge, that it got senior setter Matt Scott awarded Sports Imports AVCA Men’s Division III National Player of the Week, an honor the team hasn’t seen in almost a decade.

“Good teams have a couple good players, but great teams utilize all six players and that is what we did. We played for every point.”

- Don Vanderbeck, head coach

photo by Stef Mauro

The Roadrunners won both of their matches on Saturday to bring their record to 17-7.

“He did exactly what we asked him to and his hitters hit over .300 because of it,” Vanderbeck said.

Scott averaged 15 assists and 2.3 digs per set and led his team to a .417 hitting percentage.

“This was a big day for us. You don’t always get a chance to play the number four team in the nation, so our team was excited and ready,” senior Kurt Backlund said.

Backlund was also a stand out player in the tri-match with 10 digs in the first match against Stevenson College and 15 digs against Baruch.

“The stats don’t really show what Kurt

does. He was a close second to be nominated for National Player of the Week,” Vanderbeck said, “His passing was virtually perfect. The kid bleeds Ramapo volleyball.”

If Ramapo can beat the number four team in the nation, there is really no limit for their success this season.

“Good teams have a couple good players, but great teams utilize all six players and that is what we did. We played for every point,” Vanderbeck said.

With only three weeks left in the season, things are sure to heat up quickly. There is no room for error if the team wants to excel in the post season.

“Our goal from the beginning of the year was to win the NECVA tournament and it has not changed. After the win against Baruch who was number one in NEVCA, we can make a serious run at the NECVA championship,” Backlund said.

“Right now we are aiming for a higher seed in the NECVAs and every play matters from here on out,” said Vanderbeck.

The Roadrunners are 17-7 and counting.

Their next match is against Philadelphia Biblical University who defeated them earlier in the season. The men’s volleyball team is the team to beat after sweeping Baruch and they are looking forward to facing Princeton University in a few weeks, an Ivy League Division I team.

“I think they realize they’re good and their actions are saying volumes,” Vanderbeck said.

Ramapo Roller Hockey Team Rejuvenated in Breakout Year

By ANDREW GOULD Staff Writer

Ramapo’s roller hockey took a huge leap forward this season, finishing with a 7-5 record.

Following a one-win season in 2008 and a winless 2009, Ramapo quickly gained respectability under new head coach Pat Murray. After earning a spot in the Eastern Collegiate Roller Hockey Association Regional Championships in Pennsylvania on March 6, Ramapo lost to the University of MassachusettsAmherst by a score of 4-2 in the first round of an Olympic-style playoff.

Prior to be eliminated, Ramapo defeated Syracuse 6-3 and lost to Northeastern University, who won the tournament, on the same day. They also tied Scranton the night before. Murray described the loss to UMass a “sour ending” to an otherwise impressive season.

“This is the first time we had a win-

ning year for Ramapo hockey,” Murray said, “so it was a great step.”

Murray attributed part of the team’s success to goalie Al Restaino, who led all Division III goalies with 256 saves.

“A lot of people around the league will say [Restaino] is the best goalie they played,” Murray said.

Captain Joe Venezia also provided a huge spark for Ramapo, leading the team with 20 goals, three of which were game winners. Murray, who played with Venezia while he was a student at Ramapo, credited him as providing key efforts for the time in crunch time.

“Every game he played was unbelievable,” Murray said. “Whenever we needed someone to carry the team, it was him.”

Joining Venezia as a Division III AllStar is forward Stephen Walker, who led the team with nine assists and ranked second behind Venezia with eight goals. With Venezia, Walker, and Restaino all seniors, the younger play-

ers will have to emerge to keep the program going in the right direction.

Junior Daniel Long and freshman Shane Legrand both had promising years. Long scored six goals and passed out three assists, ranking third behind Venezia and Walker in points scored.

“Every game he played was unbelievable. Whenever we needed someone to carry the team, it was him.”

- Pat Murray, coach

He also shined at Regionals, scoring five goals and recording an assist in three games. LeGrand scored seven goals in the regular season along with two goals against Syracuse at Regionals.

Much like the NHL, Ramapo’s hockey team stands as the underappreciated team in the college. Without significant

funding or a page on Ramapo’s athletic web site, the hockey team is not well known around the school community.

Murray feels that the club’s success has led to an increase in attention over the year, and they are in the process of appearing on Ramapo’s athletic page.

The toughest part of building support on campus is the absence of home games for the team, which usually has to travel at least an hour and a half to their games.

Recently graduated from Ramapo, Murray played hockey throughout his collegiate tenure. As a former player and alumni, Murray wanted to do his part in keeping the struggling hockey alive at Ramapo. Teaming up with his old roommate to coach, Murray loved the experience. Hopefully, his enthusiasm for Ramapo’s roller hockey team will spread throughout the school in the future.

Ricciardi’s Passing Shocks Many in the Ramapo Community

Page 14 The Ramapo News

Continued from page 1

During his years at Ramapo, Ricciardi took on many roles that helped pave his way to reach the top.

Joining the Ramapo staff in 1983, Ricciardi held numerous jobs including equipment and business manager, assistant women’s basketball coach, assistant athletics director and associate director.

“His hours were very early in the morning.

He loved coaching and would spend many, many hours just talking about the team,” Finnegan said about the time she remembers when she was Ricciardi’s assistant coach for women’s basketball.

Known by many for doing things the “old fashioned way,” Ricciardi worked his way from the bottom to the top of the Athletics department.

While working as a bread deliveryman and remaining as a part-time coach for Ramapo, Ricciardi put himself through night school at NJIT, where he earned his masters majoring in human resources in order to receive the title as director of athletics.

As official athletic director, he was devoted to ensuring the well-being of the sports department and the Ramapo community over all.

“It is said that we lead by example. The job of director of athletics is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. Mike’s loyalty, dedication, passion, and leadership speak volumes and he has the understanding and patience of a Saint,” tennis coach Nanine Gallo said. “Not only have I lost a colleague too early in life, but I have lost a friend and mentor.”

One of his major accomplishments was when he founded the intramural sports program at Ramapo College.

“The purpose,” as reported on the Ramapo

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Athletics site, “offers all Ramapo College students, faculty and staff the chance to participate together in a wide variety of team sports, individual sports, and special events.”

Ricciardi was known for his many positive characteristics, which seemed to draw people to him. Many colleagues and friends mentioned his loyalty, passion, trustworthiness, fairness and honesty.

“Working with Michael Ricciardi as a faculty athletic representative was a pleasure and I am really going to miss Mike, his smile, energy and excitement about Ramapo College and his deep devotion to Ramapo College and its student athletes,” said Andre Perry, the faculty representative for athletics. “He had a quiet-tough love for his athletes and you could always trust his word and commitment in dealing with issues in fair and honest.”

“Words can not express the gratitude I have for knowing him or the sadness I have for his leaving us too soon,” Gallo said.

Gallo is only one of hundreds that make up the Ramapo Community who adored “Coach” Ricciardi - how many of the students, friends, and staff had come to know him.

Rachel Pinton, director of sports information/marketing and planning, spent over a decade of her career working with Ricciardi.

“He spent 28 years here because he loved Ramapo, the student-athletes, and everything Ramapo had to offer,” Pinton said. “I spent the first 11 years of my career working by his side, and I will always remember everything he did for me, the department, and the college.”

With much of his time was spent on campus, he received much support from his family, wife Anna Marie, and their two chil-

photo courtesy of Kate Levin

Ricciardi was on hand for the 2006 ECAC Championship trophy presentation.

dren Michael Jr. and Christina.

He coached his daughter when she played AAU Basketball.

“He was devoted to the department and was a loving father to his family,” said Ben Allen, assistant athletic director and longtime friend of 30 years to Ricciardi. “I remember carpooling to Ramapo with Mike.”

One of Mark Twain’s famous quotes exemplified Ricciardi’s personal philosophy on living: Work like you don’t need money, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, sing like nobody’s listening and live like heaven’s on earth.

The viewing will be today from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Leber Funeral Home, located at 2000 Kennedy Blvd.,

Union City, N.J. 07087.

On Friday, a mass will be held at Sts. Joseph and Michael Church, located at 1314 Central Ave., Union City, N.J. 07087.

The mass will begin at 11 a.m.

According to Ramapo’s Athletics website, a bus will be leaving the Bradley Center at 1:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. on Thursday.

Anyone wishing to take the bus for either viewing must email: rpinton@ramapo.edu to reserve a seat. Please give your name, phone number and indicate which bus you will be taking.

Counseling will be available to provide support for any students, student athletes, faculty and staff who might be impacted by this loss.

Please contact security at Ext. 6666 for support.

Kansas “Kracks” Brackets Across the Country with Loss to Northern Iowa

By JAKE EDINGER Staff Writer

This year’s NCAA March Madness tournament has been full of upsets, much like the regular season. Last weekend Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Villanova, Wisconsin and

photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Cornellʼs Ryan Wittman (20) hopes to lead his team past Kentucky in tonightʼs Sweet Sixteen match-up.

Kansas all lost to lower ranked teams. All of these are shockers, yet Kansas’ loss to Northern Iowa in the second round has been the most devastating among offices in the United States.

Many people including myself, believed that they had the potential and talent to make it to the Final Four and possibly win the entire thing.

Kansas underestimated Northern Iowa’s three-point shooting. The lack of production

by Kansas standout guard Sherron Collins also greatly affected Kansas’ ability to win.

Collins went 0-6 from three-point range and only accumulated ten points.

Ivy league powerhouse Cornell toppled both fifth-seeded Temple and fourth-seeded Wisconsin. Cornell beat these teams because of their dynamic shooting and ability to score inside the paint when the opportunity arises.

The Big Reds are led by sharp shooter Louis Dale, who has averaged 23.5 points per game so far this tournament and has been a consistent offensive threat.

Cornell has hit their stride in the tournament and can surprise many by making a run reminiscent of George Mason in 2006 and potentially make it to the Final Four.

The only thing standing in their way is No. 1 seed Kentucky, led by superstar freshman John Wall. Look for DeMarcus Cousins to neutralize Cornell’s Jeff Foote who has had success so far for the Big Red. Another surprise in the tournament has been the unbelievable play by Duke. The Blue Devils have always had great success in the tournament, yet haven’t had much success in the past few years.

A huge aspect of this was Duke’s lack of physical play and aggressiveness.

This year Duke has been more physical and they possess much needed size something that they also lacked in past years.

Seven footer Brian Zoubek has been an inside force for the Blue Devils, providing a nice balance to sharp shooter Jon Scheyer.

Forward Kyle Singler has also been a problem for opposing teams, as he is too good a shooter for an opposing big man to cover and yet to physical for a guard to defend.

Singler and Scheyer offer Duke great offensive help. All they have to do to advance in the tournament is play solid defense and keep their composure.

The first two rounds have been exciting to watch and it’s hard to believe that the best has yet to come.

Tiger to Make His Return on Golfʼs Grandest Stage

Page 15 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 25, 2010

By KEVIN JOHNSON Staff Writer

Over the last four months the world has been introduced to the secret life of Tiger Woods, and the speculation has been relentless regarding his response to the scandal.

The questions surrounding Woods and the life that he has been keeping private from the public are finally beginning to be answered.

Since Woods burst onto the scene of professional golf in 1996 with his famous “hello world,” declaration, he has always been a private individual. The world had never seen Woods in a setting other than off of the the golf course until the now infamous Thanksgiving night car crash that led to the whirlwind of media scrutiny he faced.

After nearly four months of living in recluse, Woods is beginning to re-enter society one statement at a time. On Feb. 19, Woods addressed a crowd of nearly 40 friends and media professionals, delivering his first statement since his life began to unravel. In his statement Woods apologized for his behavior and took responsibility for his actions.

Though Woods did answer some of the questions on the mind of the general public, he did not address the one question on every golf fans mind: When will he be back in the game?

The golf community finally got their answer on March 16, when Woods released the statement that he would be making his return to golf at the 2010

photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Tiger Woods hopes to be able to take advantage of the privacy that is afforded to golfers at the Masters at Augusta.

Masters. Augusta National, the course where the Masters is played, has always been a friendly course to Woods. It was Augusta where he became a household name in 1997 when he dominated the tournament with a score of -18, and beat the next best golfer by a Masters record of 12 strokes.

Woods next public statement would come on March 21, when he spoke for five minutes to ESPN reporter Tom Rinaldi and Golf Network reporter Kelly Tilghman.

Woods allowed the two reporters five minutes to ask questions with no restrictions on the nature of the questions. During the interview with Rinaldi, Woods admitted

that he would be nervous for his first round in front of a gallery, an emotion that was never a part of Woods vocabulary before the scandal.

Throughout the process, Woods has been adamant that his actions and his feelings of entitlement do not represent the way he was brought up. It is important to Woods that he reconnects with his Buddhist faith, and he feels it will help him in his recovery and return to golf.

The golf community is anxious for one of the most anticipated returns in sports history, and nobody knows what to expect in his demeanor.

Woods has long been criticized for his incredibly poor etiquette on the course, and his poor relationship with his fans. It is yet to be known if Woods will clean up his act on the course, and if a different persona will translate to sustained dominance.

Many questions about Woods future and his ability to return to glory on the tour are to be answered on the second Thursday of April. Woods will be teeing off for his first round of professional golf since he won the Australian Masters on Nov. 15, 2009.

Woods looks to re-establish himself as the best player in the world by winning his fifth green jacket. The green jacket is given to the winner of the Masters, and is regarded as the most coveted prize in golf.

Woods currently sits at second place all time with 14 major championships behind only Jack Nicklaus with 18.

With the continuation of Woods’ career, fans are eager to see the player who was once on top of the world get back to the game on the biggest stage of them all; the Masters.

Track and Field Looks to Have a Successful Season

By MARISSA TORR Staff Writer

Ramapo track and field looks to maintain the success just like they did last year. Head Coach Mike Jackson expressed his excitement for this upcoming season. He has “super high expectations because I think they’re a talented group of people, better than most teams in their division.”

“Our goal is to leave our mark on every single track meet we go to. Another expectation is that we’re looking for by the end of the year to have several AllAmericans, it’s just a matter of who.”

- Mike Jackson, head coach

The team has already had an outdoor meet Thursday and Friday of last week during spring break in the Walt Disney World Invitational in Kissimmee, Florida.

“We took 23 athletes. The women broke seven school records and the women and men ended with a victory in the 4 x 4. Maura Burke, Kristen Klemic, Alexandra Jacob, and Farleen Darphin were part of the women’s 4 x 4, while Jake Stass, Jermaine Boyd, Kyle Price, Shaquan Brown made up the men’s 4 x 4” Jackson said.

“It’s hard for me to really point out individuals, but sophomore Maura Burke, got three school records in the last meet (in the 100 meter, the 4 x 4 and she broke her own school

record in the heptatholon) and did great indoor as well,” Jackson said. “Lately everything she touches turns to gold.

Freshman Teresa Kirkpatrick won the javelin and placed fifth in the heptathlon. She had NCAA provisional mark in the javelin.”

“On the men’s side, I’m very pleased with Jermaine Boyd who had ACEA qualifying mark in 400 hurdles and 110 hurdles and was also part of the 4 x 4,” Jackson said. “He is also currently the NJAC Athlete of the Week for his efforts. Joe Vargas, a freshman, qualified for ECAC’s in same events except for the 4 x 4.”

Coach Jackson spoke about his goals for the season.

“Our goal is to leave our mark on every single track meet we go to. Another expectation is that we’re looking for by the end of the year to have several All-Americans, it’s just a matter of who,” Jackson said. “We’ve really begun to hit our stride as a program and we’re starting to have a sense of pride in Ramapo college track and field. In addition it’s becoming contagious where mediocrity is becoming unacceptable in competition. This group is truly a joy to coach and work with.”

Coach Jackson was very pleased with last season as a whole. “I thought the last indoor season was good. We had a lot of new people and they were just trying to get adjusted to classes, practice and just being a teammate. We had some very good performances. Two athletes went to NCA championships. I think it’s going to carry momentum into this season.”

There are some changes in the roster this season. “We had some major losses, especially in women’s distance runners with people graduating, but that’s what recruiting is all about, looking to find the next group of people who are going to help you win the championship.”

Coach Jackson shared his thoughts on the passing of Director of Athletics Michael Ricciardi. “We’re really saddened by the passing of our leader. He’ll be greatly missed.

He was a special person to me because I was able to learn so much from him and he had such a vested interest in our success. It’s still something that’s very difficult to cope with but he’s going to remain in our hearts and minds forever. We want to make sure we pay our respects and keep him in mind in all that we do.”

The Roadrunners first meet of the season will be the

“We’ve really begun to hit our stride as a program and we’re starting to have a sense of pride in Ramapo college track and field. In addition it’s becoming contagious where mediocrity is becoming unacceptable in competition..”

- Mike Jackson, head coach

Monmouth Season Opener on Saturday, March 27 in West Long Branch. Also, they will host their first ever track on their new track. The Roadrunner Invitational will be on Saturday, April 3. Coach said, “There will be 15 teams attending our meet. We appreciate them coming and help us make this a great experience and we hope that it’ll be a success.”

RAMAPO SPORTS DOMINATING!

Matt Scott sets up Elvis Cabrera for a point in the Roadrunners match against the Stevenson Mustangs.

photo by Stef Mauro