As spring approaches, the Ramapo College men's lacrosse club is getting ready for its first season. While the new club is not yet eligible for NCAA competition, the 2013 season will be the first step.
For now, the Roadrunners will play in the National College Lacrosse League in the New York Metro second division along with Seton Hall, Monmouth University, Columbia University, Fordham University, the State University of New Paltz, Hofstra University and Stony Brook University.
The club will kick off its season on March 10 at Stony Brook and will conclude regular season play on April 27 at Ramapo College against Seton Hall.
"I am most excited for the game against Seton Hall," said co-captain Cameron Baher. The game on April 27 is the club's only home match this season.
"They also have a newer program," Baher said. "This is their second year, and it should be a great game."
The club's opening weekend will feature two games at Stony Brook University. After the Roadrunners face Stony Brook, they have an unconfirmed game scheduled against Hofstra.
Baher and co-captain and president of the club, Dean Mitchell, started running preseason practices in November. Both are excited to kick off their first men's lacrosse season at Ramapo.
"We've got a great group of kids with a good mix of experience and new guys," said Baher. "I'd say we're about 70 percent experience, 30 percent new guys, so it will make for good completion and we'll have room to improve."
Other than Baher and Mitchell, the team will also look to the leadership and experience of Tom Boswick, who Baher described as the team's offensive coordinator.
"I run most of the defense while Tom is more in charge of running our offensive plays," Baher said.
Baher also said that as of now, the team does not have a designated goaltender. He said that the role will likely fall on Mitchell's shoulders.
"Obviously goalie is a tough position in any sport, especially lacrosse. I would guess that Dean will end up suiting up for goalie; he would do anything for this team," Baher said.
Word about the team has gotten around campus, and students are anxious to support their school's new club team.
"I wish there were more home games," said sophomore Greg Mascola. "I would go to every home game to support my friends and my school."
Since arriving at Ramapo as a transfer for the spring 2012 semester, Baher was eager to form this team. Baher said he knew coming to Ramapo that there was no men's lacrosse team and that he wanted to get involved with starting one.
Baher feels that team bonding will be essential to the team's success this season, which is why they have been practicing months ahead of time. He said that the best way to play well together is to get to know each other better on and off the field.
Baher has high hopes for the team and one day wants the program to be admitted into the NCAA.
"I want to be the backbone of the team for the next two years, until I graduate," he said.
mmontal1@ramapo.edu
