The Sussex County Community College held its 2012 Softball and Baseball Skylander Awards to recognize its players, in the Student Center Theater at 6 pm on Tuesday May 8. The evening started with light refreshments and finished with a heat warming ceremony, especially for those who were graduating this year.

Mr. John Kuntz, Director of the Athletic Department started off the ceremony by welcoming everyone for those who attended this year’s ceremony along with thanking everyone for attending this important event.  He stressed about the athletes dedication, not only playing their sport but also for continuing to keep up with their schoolwork, which is important. Mr. Kuntz made a “Special Thank You” to the entire faculty at Sussex County College for what it means to the students here, to play sports and for supporting them.

President Dr. Paul Mazur of the college was unable to attend therefore Mr. Harry Damato, the Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs filled in for him. Mr. Damato discussed about not to remember the teams wins or losses but emphasized the importance of a team and to value the moments of being on one. As he stated, “Remember your teammates, for they are precious.”

This was the first season for both Head Coaches, Stephanie Romano for softball and Rick Roder for baseball. Miss Romano’s softball assistant was Stacy Kerstner. Rick Roder’s baseball assistants were Ramadan Mehmedi and Ken Witte.

Head Coach Stacy Romano started off the awards. She stated in the fall it was insure if there would be a team since they only had five players. During some games due to injuries, the team only was able to play with nine team members. Ramano was honored to work with the team stating they worked hard everyday plus was put in different positions in the field. They finished the season 5-21.

Special Awards were given to the following:

Coaches Award: Jamie Woods – Was very versatile. Led the team in stolen bases plus had 16 hits and 14 RBI’s. Also played great in every position where she was needed.

Most Valuable Player: Jordan Ray – One of the Team Captains plus one of the top players on the team. Played mostly first base. She tied the college record in homeruns, which was 7 and beat the schools batting average – She had a .614 for the season. Jordan Ray is 17 years old.

All GSA Team – Div.III: Jordan Ray

Softball First Team – ALL REGION XIX: Jordan Ray

Softball Third Team – ALL REGION XIX: Abby Stecher

The players of the 2012 Sussex County Skylanders Softball Team were:

1. Maggie Davenport – who was an athlete that never played softball before. She had a wonderful attitude and was a great asset, plus brought laughter to the team.
2. Kristen Crottell – a person with great athletic ability who never really played softball and was an important asset to the team.
3. Suzanne Growchski – assisted with pitching with 38.2 innings and had a record of 3-5. Also played as one of the top outfielders plus was the #2 hitter and had 10 RBI’s.
4. Courtney Stillwell – started off as the third baseman but converted to the teams leading pitcher by pitching 17 games. She batted a .302 with 16 hits and 8 RBI’s.
5. Abby Stecher – played outfield in high school but moved to the infield to help out the team. Had the second highest batting average on the team with a .391 with 27 hits and 13 RBI’s. Was named to the Region Third Team.
6. Sarah Hendershot – was the teams primary catcher playing 22 out of the 26 games played – including the doubleheaders. Was one of the most consistent hitters by batting a .291 by collecting 16 hits and 8 RBI’s.
7. Riz Arezon- helped out in tight situations when we needed players. Joined the team with about 2 weeks left of the season. A player that we wish could have been part of the program from the beginning. She was a good defensive player, which helped us out as a short stop.
8. Kelly Walsh- was the main player for second base. She finished the season with the third highest batting average at .311, collecting 19 hits and 12 RBI’s.
9. Jamie Woods – a player with great speed and athletic ability who helped the team out no matter where she was put to play. Led the team in stolen bases, had 16 hits and 14 RBI’s. Did a great job on the left side of the plate, as the teams only slap hitter.
10. Jordan Ray – one of the top players on our team at the age of 17 who is also one of our captains. Played mostly first base. Jordan tied the College’s record for the most homeruns with 7 and beat the schools batting average at .614.
11. Mary Hocking – was the only returning player who is a sophomore and a captain. Started every game in the outfield and had 23 hits. The only left-hander on the team. A great player who brought laughter and spunk to the team. She will be greatly missed.

Head Coach Rick Roder prior to giving out the baseball awards first thanked everyone for being here for this special occasion. Then gave special recognition to John Kuntz, the Athletic Director plus his staff, Justin Christian and Tracy Smith, the student workers, Mike Rath, the Athletic Trainer, his interns, plus all the other coaches from the other programs. He stated,  “It was the first year in a while that I felt the coaches tried to help each other and look out for the greater good, not just their program.” Special Thanks were given to his Coaching Staff Ramadan Mehmedi and Ken Witte for their time, integrity, honesty and dedication. Roder felt in order to have a successful program it was important to encourage certain “family type” values including loyalty, dedication, honesty, sincerity and love. This was attempted by parental/family involvement, having the annual Family Day and the need for a Team Mom. Mrs. Donna Berger was recognized for being the Team Mother for the last two years and was given a bouquet of flowers before the awards were given out.

Special Awards were given to the following:

Coaches Award: Eddie Colon – He had 16 runs scored and 10 RBI’s with a batting average of .260. He threw out 36% of the runners attempting to steal. However it was his willingness to improve, how he taught the younger guys with his words and actions that made him a leader and contributed ways to team’s success.

Most Valuable Player: Kyle Tomkins- After limited action as a freshman he worked hard during the off-season to improve – getting faster and stronger. He carried the team on several occasions, ranked 2^nd all time with 39 double plays, led the team in .376 batting average, led the team with 50 hits, ranked 2^nd on the team with 25 runs scored, tied the lead in extra base hits with 10, recorded over 150 putouts/assists, earned All Region 2^nd team honors as an infielder.

Baseball Second Team-ALL REGION: KYLE TOMKINS

Team Mother: Donna Berger – Team Mother for 2 years

Head Coach Rick Roder said, “Baseball is filled with peaks and valleys, ups and downs, failure and success.” We had our lows but we need to remember the high points like beating our rival County College of Morris in our stadium, plus put up 6 runs in the last inning to beat the number 2 team in our Region, Mercer County. We didn’t make the playoffs but we all learned lessons in baseball and in life by overcoming obstacle after obstacle and still found ways to compete with the best.

Rick Roder plus his Assistants, Ramadan Mehmedi and Ken Witte then proceeded to give out the awards to the following players of the 2012 Sussex County Skylanders Baseball Team:

1. Andres Flores – consistent on and off the field early in the year. Had multiple hits off of a top pitcher. We expect him to compete for the 2^nd base position next season.
2. Kendall Cundiff – does a great job in running the bases and is shard to stop. We expect him to compete for a starting spot in the outfield next year.
3. Robert Flynn – this guy used a new style this year to find success. He is ready to give it his all whenever called upon and is a great teammate – we expect him to expand his role next year.
4. Alex Villon – he showed how good he could be in a big relief appearance. We expect him to work hard during the off-season and fight for the starting rotation next year.
5. Sal Pagan – another teammate who proved himself on a few occasions. Had a complete game win, plus struck out 7 batters when we played Middlesex. Another player we expect to move into rotation next year.
6. Miguel Aviles – a player that runs well and hits with power. Batting average was just below .300 and had 19 RBI’s. We expect next year he will be a stat “monster”.
7. Daniel La Valley – came from home state, Massachusetts with a quality arm and one of the top pitchers. He had a great freshman year. Record 4-2. Lowest WHIP on the staff at 1.33.
8. Tyler Grabkowski – he gave it all every day and took advantage of opportunities. Raised his batting average 75 points in the last 20 days of the season. Has a work ethic that coach’s wish every player had.
9. Brandon Torres – this player has been moved all around in various positions, which sometimes affect them negatively, but not him. Turned out to be one of the top 3 defensive players plus the best 3^rd baseman I’ve seen in 10 years. He eats, sleeps and dreams baseball. It’s a pleasure to coach a kid with a great attitude according to Roder.
10. Mark Feci – he had a batting average of almost .250 while being thrown into the lineup as a freshman. Made 30 hits including a game with two triples near the end of the season.
11. Jose Toribio – last of our 1^st year guys who has a baseball addiction. With 61 innings – 5^th all time for the season, 46Ks is 8^th all time for a season, 2.51 Era is 11^th all time and he’ll be back next season to lead the pitching staff.
12. Ian Campbell – first sophomore who really understands what it means to play within yourself. He really improved over the last two years here through hard work. Only 11 BBs on the year, only 1 wild pitch and his record was 4-1 with a save. He has a good heart and a clear head.
13. John Paragallo – he always listened, learned, worked hard and was ready when called upon. Got his first win college win this year, he had a 3.18 ERA and a 1.5 WHIP.
14. Alfredo Baez – another player who has come a long way on and off the field. Goes to school, works part time and performed well on the mound. Had 4 wins with a heavy workload of 49 innings, 2.57 ERA and ranks 12^th all time for the season.
15. Rueben Vaquiro – missed most of the year due to an injury of a torn hamstring. Still had almost 10 RBI’s after coming back, playing hurt to help out his team. He came back late this year to have a 4 RBI including the game winner while we were fighting to make the play-offs. Always played the game with a fighting spirit and the heart of a lion.
16. Brandon Berger – another core member of the team who is blessed with a ton of ability including a real strong-arm and he has not yet reached his potential. He hit 50 points higher then his freshman year, batting a .310. He had 6 doubles, 3 triples, and a homerun as a lead off batter. Tied the team with 10 extra base hits, tied the team with 12 SB’s, finished 2^nd on the team with a .436 OBP plus his 36 runs ranks him 6^th all time for the season. Another good player that will be missed.
17. Jeff Hillbert – another player with an impressive work ethic. Handles duties as a student, a player while running his own landscaping business. Had an the most impressive ½ of the season Coach Roder has ever seen – hitting over .400 with 8 extra base hits. Led the team with 27 RBI’s and 2^nd on the team with a .346 batting average and played a great Centerfield.
18. Frank Green – one of the most impressive careers in history of our program. While a freshman he hit a .430 and shattered our doubles record with 21. He was an All Region First Team member as a freshman. Came back this season after a broken wrist and had 95 hits with a .375 batting average, 27 doubles and 6 homeruns. He leaves here as one of the best hitters to ever play here at SCCC and has grown into a grown into a solid young man who balances school, baseball while working to help pay his way. Roder feels he will do great things in his life and he will miss arguing with him.
19. Kyle Tomkins – saw limited action as a freshman and worked hard during the off season to improve himself getting bigger, faster and stronger. He got off to a quick start and never looked back carrying the team on several occasions. He anchored the infield unit that ranks 2^nd all time with 39 double plays and recorded over 150 putouts/assists. Led the team with an average of .376, tied for the lead in SB at 12, tied for the lead in extra base hits with 10, led the team with 50 hits, and 2^nd on the team with 25 runs scored. He earned All Region 2^nd Team Honors as an Infielder and the 2012 Most Valuable Player Award. He will be missed and hard to be replaced, according to Head Coach Rick Roder.
20. Eddie Colon – he hit a .260 with a .372 OBP, including scoring 16 runs and 10 RBI’s. He was a wiz behind the plate and threw out 36% of the runners attempting to steal. He had a willingness to improve and a knack to for finding a way to contribute to the team’s success that were his most impressive accomplishments. He was a leader and taught the younger freshman with his words and actions. Head Coach Rick Roder said it is an honor to give Eddie Colon, the 2012 Coaches Award.

John Kuntz then thanked his staff along with the various other coaches that gave each other support and who were unselfish because of coaching other sports. The coaches here are now acting as a family here at SCCC, which is great to see them do that on their own.

For photos go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sussexnj/sets/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sussex County Skylanders lost there last two games on Thursday against Brookdale Jersey Blues, 1-11 in game one and 1 – 16 in game two on April 26, at home however they still held a celebration. Both games ended after five innings due to the Mercy Rule. In between breaks of the two games the Sussex County Skylanders had a ceremony for senior Captain Mary Hocking.

 

In game one Jamie Woods was able to get a triple and Suzanne Grochowski was able to knock her in for the only run of the game. The final score was SCCC Skylanders 1 and Brookdale Jersey Blues 11.

 

After game one was over, a small award ceremony was held for Captain Mary Hocking who is the only senior on the team. Hocking who usually plays left field, was also the only returning player on the team. Head Coach Stephanie Romano and her Assistant, Stacy Kerstner presented Miss Hocking with a bouquet of beautiful flowers and a framed team photo signed by everyone as a remembrance gift. Photos were then taken of Mary and her family as well as the team.

 

At the end of the first inning of game two, SCCC was winning 1-0 with Jamie Woods scoring the run. Brookdale came back in the second inning, bringing in two runs leaving the score SCCC 1 and Brookadale 2.

 

In the third, Brookdale scored four runs before SCCC was able to get the first out by a pop up fly. With the score now 6-1, the second out came by stopping another run at home plate.  With a man on first the next batter hit a double which brought in another run making it 7-1. The next batter hit a home run over the fence which now made it 9-1. Then it was 10-1. With bases loaded and two outs, Skylanders pitcher Courney Stillwell was able to strike out the batter for the third out. The Jersey Blues were able to score eight runs in the third inning, some because of errors. The Skylanders were unable to score in the third.

 

During the forth inning, Brookdale first batter was out from a pop up fly ball. They then scored a run before getting the second out by Stillwell striking  out the next batter. However, another run scored making it now Brookdale 12, SCCC 1. Bases were loaded with two outs when Courtney Stillwell came through again by striking out the batter for the third and final out in the forth.

 

In the top of the fifth, Brookdale was able to score four more runs. At the bottom of the fifth SCCC Courney Stillwell cracked out a double but was unable to score. Final score SCCC 1 and Brookdale 16.

 

The Sussex County Skylanders would like to give a “Special Thank You” to Bill McNair for announcing all their home games for the season.

 

Records: SCCC Skylanders 5-21    Brookdale Jersey Blues 45-5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Donna Fitzpatrick

 

The Sussex County Community College Skylanders softball team lost against the Cumberland Dukes in a doubleheader, 5-6 and 3-10 on Saturday, April 14 at home.

 

At the end of the first inning, SCCC led 2-0 with Jamie Woods and Sarah Hendershot scoring the first two runs. In the top of the second, the Dukes had the bases loaded with two outs. The next out came when the ball was hit to Courtney Stillwell, the pitcher who threw it to first for the third out to hold the Dukes.

 

In the bottom of the forth, the Skylanders were able to score two more runs making it now 4-0. Kristen Crottrell and Amanda Horuzy both scored by walking to home plate. During the fifth Cumberland started to come back by scoring two runs, making it 4-2 but SCCC was up at bat. Courtney Stillwell cracked out a double, knocking in Jordan Ray making it a final 5-2 at the bottom of the fifth.

 

During the top of the sixth, the Dukes took charge and rallied back taking advantage of the Skylanders walks and wild throws. At the end of the top of sixth, the score was now Cumberland 6 and SCCC 5. The Skylanders were unable to make a comeback and lost. Final score was SCCC 5 and Cumberland 6.

 

In game two the Dukes started off in the first inning leading 2-0. During the second inning they added three more runs from over-throws and stealing bases making the score 5-0.

 

At the top of the third inning Cumberland added another run to make it 6-0. SCCC at the bottom of the third came back with two runs from Sarah Hendershot and Mary Hocking scoring when Jordan Ray smashed out a double. The score is now SCCC 2 and Cumberland 6.

 

During the bottom of the fifth SCCC was able to score another run making it now 3 to Cumberland’s 6. In the top of the sixth Cumberland was able to score three more runs making it now 9 – 3.  Then in the seventh, the Cumberland Dukes scored one more run to make the final score Cumberland 10 and SCCC 3.

 

After the game, SCCC Head Coach Steph Romano stated, “ We will never win games if we can’t produce hits.”

 

Game 1 – Cumberland Dukes 6    SCCC Skylanders 5

2B – SCCC Courtney Stillwell

WP – K. Burlingame;     LP – SCCC Courtney Stillwell

 

Game 2 – Cumberland Dukes 10    SCCC Skylanders 3

2 B – CC Kaitlin Smaniotto; SCCC Jordan Ray

WP – K. Burlingame;    LP – SCCC Amanda Horouzy

 

Team Record: SCCCC 1-17     Cumberland 6-10

 

For photos go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sussexnj/sets/

 

Donna Fitzpatrick

 

The Sussex County Skylanders lost a doubleheader to Raritan Valley Community College 5-10 in the first game and 0 – 11 in game two on Thursday April 12 at home.

 

In the first game, Raritan Valley was leading 6-0 in the top of the forth inning.  Jordan Ray cracked a homer over the fence, also knocking in a run making the score 6-2.

 

During the fifth, the first batter of Raritan smacked a fly ball, which was caught by left fielder, Mary Hocking. Next batter hit a grounder to short-stop, Jamie Woods who threw it to first for the second out. The third batter popped a small fly to Courtney Stillwell, the pitcher for the last out.  In the bottom of the fifth, with Abby Stecher on third and Jamie Woods on second, Jordan Ray knocked out her second home run over the fence, knocking in two runs making the score now 6-5.

 

Raritan Valley came back in the sixth with two runs but the Skylanders left them with bases loaded on the third out. The score is now 8-5. The Skylanders were not able to get on base in the sixth. During the seventh, Raritan scored another two more runs. SCCC was able to make a double play by catching a pop fly and then throwing it to first to get the runner out. The Sussex Skylanders were unable to score in the seventh. Final score Raritan Valley 10, Sussex Skylanders 5.

 

In game two, Raritan took the lead in the second inning 1-0. During the third they scored three more runs making it 4-0. In the forth inning Raritan Valley gained two more runs making it 6-0. Raritan took off in the fifth scoring five runs, making it now 11-0. The Skylanders were unable to make a comeback at the bottom of the fifth. Raritan Valley won 11-0 at the top of the sixth inning by the Mercy Rule.

 

SCCC Head Coach Stephanie Romano stated, “We’ve played much better today, especially in game one. I’m pleased with today’s performance compared to our past games.”

 

Game 1 – Raritan Valley CC 10 SCCC 5

HR: SC- Jordan Ray 2

WP: RV – Amy Bedo;  LP: SCCC- Courtny Stillwell

 

Game 2 Raritan Valley CC 11 SCCC 0 (5 innings)

HR: RV- Rebecca Gannon

WP: RV- Amy Bedo, LP: SCCC- Amanda Horuzy

 

Team Record: SCCC 1-15

 

For photos go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sussexnj/sets/

 

 

 

By: Donna Fitzpatrick

 

The Sussex County Skylanders lost against the Ocean County Vikings 14-6 and 19-1 at home on Saturday, April 7. Both games were stopped prior to top of the sixth inning due to the Mercy Rule.

 

Even though the Skylanders had a total of 16 errors and 20 walks between the two games they still played with heart. Keep in mind, everyone on the team is new, except for one returning member plus they have a new head coach and assistant.

 

At the bottom of the forth inning of the first game the Skylanders were able to knock in three runs with Jordan Ray scoring the first run, then Suzanne Grochowski, followed up by Amanda Horuzy. This made the score 3- 10.

 

The last three runs of the game were made in the bottom of the fifth. Courtney Stillwell scored the first, followed by Mary Hocking and then Jordan Ray.

 

Abby Stecher went 2 for 3 with two RBI, Sarah Hendershot went 2 for 3 with one RBI and Suzanne Grochowski had one RBI all in the first game. During the second game Kristen Cottrell went 2 for 3 and Jordan Ray was able to knock in Abby Stecher for the single run in the third inning.

 

Head Coach Stephanie Romano had no comment at the end of the game.

 

Team Records are now: SCCC 0-12            Ocean CC 10-8

 

 

For photos go to: For photos go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sussexnj/sets/

 

By: Donna Fitzpatrick

 

The Sussex County Skylanders were shut out in their first home game against the defending NJCAA champion’s, the Gloucester County Road Runners, 11-0 on Saturday, March 24. The game was stopped after the bottom of the fifth inning due to the Mercy Rule – if after five complete innings and a team is ahead by least eight runs the game is ended.

 

In the second game, the Lady Skylanders led 3-2 at the end of the second inning. Gloucester came back top of the third with two runs making it 4-3, due to two errors. With SCCC up at the plate, Jordan Ray cracked a solo home run over the fence to tie it up 4 all. In the fourth, Gloucester scored three runs on three errors making it 7-4 and scored another in the fifth making it 8-4. The Skylanders were unable to make a comeback but held them at eight runs. Final score SCCC 4 and Gloucester 8.

 

SCCC Head Coach Stephanie Romano stated, “In the second game our team gave heart and soul since Gloucester are the National Champs.”

 

Suzanne Grochowski took the loss in game one while Courtney Stillwaell took the defeat in game two for the SCCC Skylanders.

 

Team Record: SCCC 0-6

For photos go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sussexnj/sets/

 

The new Head Coach, Stephanie Romano and her Assistant Stacey Kerstner are ready to start off their first season with the SCCC Skylanders Softball Team.

 

Stephanie Romano and Stacey Kerstner have played softball together all through high school but this is there first time coaching. Romano used to pitch while Kerstner was the catcher. She claims they communicate very well, even back then. Both of them played softball while they were at their community college. Stephanie Romano graduated from County College of Morris in 2011 and is now attending William Paterson for Physical Education. Stacey Kerstner graduated Sussex County Community College in 2009 and is now going to East Stroudsburg, Pa for Rehabilitation Services. Romano has thought about coaching but never had the chance. When Romano received word about having the opportunity to work with the Syklanders she was thrilled.

 

Romano admitted in the beginning of the season, the team was pretty shaky but the girls have been working very well together and progressing every day now. She feels Brookdale and Gloucester will be the two toughest challenges this season.

 

Mary Hocking and Jordan Ray are the Captains of the team. Miss Hocking is the only returning player.

 

The team consists of:

 

Suzanne Grochowski
•       Outfield
•       Stanhope
•       Lenape Valley Regional High School

 
Abigail Stecher
•       Outfield/infield
•       Franklin
•       Wallkill Valley Regional High School

 
Amanda Horuzy
•       Pitcher/first base
•       Ogdensburg
•       Wallkill Valley Regional High School

 

Courtney Stillwell
•       Pitcher/ 3rd base
•       Hopatcong
•       Hopatcong High School

 

Sarah Hendershot
•       Catcher
•       Franklin
•       Wallkill Valley Regional High School

 
Jamie Woods
•       Outfield
•       Vernon
•       Vernon Township High School

 

Kelly Walsh

•       Middle infield

•       Andover School

•       Newton High School

 

Mary Hocking (Captain)

•       Outfield

•       Franklin

•       Wallkill Valley Regional High School

 

Cheyenne Joseph

•       Outfield

•       Sussex Wantage

•       Warwick Valley Regional High School

 

Jordan Ray (Captain)

•       Corner infield

•       Venice Florida

•       Venice High School

 

Maggie Davenport

•       Utility player

•       Hopatcong

•       Sussex Tech

 

Kristen Crottrell

•       Utility player

•       Vernon

•       Veritas Christian High School

 

 

The Skyalnders Home Games are as follows:

 

1.March 24 – Gloucester 12pm

2. April 7 – Ocean County 12 pm

3. April 12 – Raritan Valley 3:30 pm

4. April 15 – Montgomery County 12 pm

5. April 22 – Brookdale Community 12 pm

 

We wish Head Coach Stephanie Ramano, her Assistant Stacy Kerstner along with the Sussex County Skylanders Team the best in their upcoming season.

 

The Student Government Association and Clubs at SCCC on Friday night hosted a scary haunted hayride and Halloween Party for the community on October 28. The hayride started at 6 pm and went until 10 while the party was from 6 pm to 9 pm.

 

According to Heidi Gregg, Associate Director of Student Services, the turn out at the college was wonderful and the weather helped out a lot. “I feel we had over 500 people attend the event this evening. All the students did a terrific job.”

 

Inside the cafeteria and corridor was a variety of games plus activities, along with a Bounce House for the children’s party including a pumpkin patch with hay. Kids could go into the pumpkin patch, pick out there own pumpkin and color it at a table to take it home. Games included beanbag toss, pin the tail on the human body, along with face painting, tattoos, coloring and more.

Refreshments included candy, popcorn, cookies, cupcakes, soda, juice, hot chocolate and don’t forget the coffee for the parents chasing after the youngsters.

 

The Haunted Hayride was based on a first come-first serve basis, with colored tickets leaving every ½ hour starting at 6 pm and the last ride leaving at 9:30 pm. The tickets went fast and by 8 pm they were all gone for the night since there is only a limited number of seats per ride.  People of all ages went on the ride as students from the Business Club, Anime Club, Gamers Chalice, Performing Arts Club and other Volunteers acted out a horror story along the rides route around the campus, especially up through the dark and creepy woods.

 

According the Mr. Jerry Smith of Newton, he didn’t know the college did anything like this until he read it in the NJ Herald. His eight-year-old son Austin had a terrific time and can’t wait to come back here next year. “Not only is it free but it’s safe for the kids and such a variety of things for them to do inside and now a days safety is my wife’s and mine main concern.”

 

Congratulations to all that helped make this an enjoyable night for the kids to remember who came.

 

Link for photos of the Halloween Party and Hayride go to:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sussexnj/sets/

 

 

 

The SCCC Mens Skylanders shut out the Montgomery Mustangs at home on Saturday, October 22 with a score of 2 – 0.  This was the first round (preliminary round) of the Region 19 Tournament. SCCC was ranked 6^th and Montgomery was ranked 11^th in the standings.

 

Mustafa Adiguzelli made the first goal10 minutes into the game. Within 2 minutes to play before the end of the first period, Tyler Conrads headed the ball into the net, making the score 2 to 0. SCCC dominated the field in both offense and defense. During the second period Montgomery was unable to score. Goalie Casey Campbell made 7 saves to complete the shutout.

 

Head Coach Eric Ford stated, “We came out as we have all year and did what it took to get the victory. It was a nice team effort and an outstanding defensive effort.”

Final Score: SCCC 2              Montgomery 0

Goals: Mustafa Adiguzelli 1, Tyler Conrads 1

Assists: Ramulo Juninho 1, Mycheal Jensen 1

Saves: Casey Campbell 7

Team Record: 13 – 6

 

Additional Information:

 

On Monday October 24 the SCCC played Morris County College away at 3 pm in the quarterfinals. Morris County was ranked 4^th in the standings. SCCC won and advanced to the semi-finals. On Wednesday SCCC lost in the semi-finals against Union 5-2.

 

Would like to Congratulate Head Coach Mr. Eric Ford and the SCCC Men’s Soccer Team for giving it their best and for going as far as they did this season in the playoffs. The team finished the season with a record of 14-7. Hooray!!!

 

Link for more photos of the game go to:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sussexnj/sets/

 

By Donna Fitzpatrick  10/23/11

 

With Halloween just around the corner along with the ghost and goblins I thought I would share some of the Legends of the road called Shades of Death. Yes, there is a real road by that name located out in Warren County, NJ. It’s a 2 lane county road that runs 7 miles through Liberty and Independence Townships in a north – south direction and then turns somewhat east-west in Allamuchy alongside Jump Jenny Jump State Forest, next to Ghost Lake and under Route 80.

If you dare go, the southern location is at County Route 611 or Hope Road in Liberty Township, about 2 miles north of where Hope splits off from Route 46 at Marble Hill just west of Great Meadows. From there it weaves it way past the low-lying flat lands of the Peaquest Valley and the base ridge of Jump Jenny Jump Forrest alongside of Ghost Lake. Then it continues to make its way through some sharp turns until it reaches its northern point ending at Long Bride Road.

There are many legends for this road, the most common being is that during the 1800’s the trees were growing over it causing them to be so dense, you could not see much day light coming through them to see the road. It was said that bandits would hid in the trees or shadows and wait for there victims to ride by, cut their throats and take what they had which sometimes, included their women. It’s been said that the local people would take revenge, hang the bandits and leave their bodies to rot, dangling from low – hanging tree branches as a warning to for other outlaws who may be inclined to rob or kill anyone who traveled the road.

Next is when the British gave the Lene Lenapie Indians (of the Delaware Nation) the flu by giving them contaminated blankets. Around 600 people in the tribe were killed off and they were all buried in one spot alongside the road.

Another legend is about a ghost who is a 9 year old girl walking up and down the side of the road at night. Rumor has it if you should stop your car and she sees you, she will come up to your car and ask you one question, which is where her parents are. If you do not say anything or if you drive away, you will die in 40 days. You must give her an answer even if you do not know – just point off in some direction and she will be on her way. No one knows what happened to her but it is suspected that she was kidnapped from her parents and killed there.

One thing is true, is that back in the 1850’s, the Peaquest lowlands and Bear Swamp, which is nearby and today is used for sod farming, was found to have malaria- carrying insects nesting in the cliffs along side the road. Annual outbreaks of malaria occurred with very high mortality rates. Rumors said that the death rate was so enormous that when people were near death, they just laid the bodies along side the road hoping for a traveling Dr to come threw to cure them. In fact the problem was so widespread that in 1884, the state funded a project to have the swamps drained, to end the threat and the problem.

In the 1920s and 1930s there were three brutal killings along this road. One, which was a robbery, where a man was, hit over the head with tire jack for his gold coins. The next was when a woman beheaded her husband then buried the head and body on different sides of the road. The third was when a local resident, Bill Cummins was shot and buried in a mud pile, which was never solved.

There are a few local legends surrounding the mystery of Ghost Lake next to Shades of Death Road, with the most famous one being that it was once an Indian burial ground. When the settlers came into the area, they built a man made lake over the Indians final resting place. Rumors have it that sometimes at night the mists of the lake take shapes to look like the spirits of the Indians walking around in an angry fashion.

Traveling the road during the day, you see the trees have been cut back, old stone pillars, a single old grain cement silo next to the road but no barn in sight and houses are sporadically alongside the road.  Ghost Lake looks beautiful in the fall to take a walk around, until a local fisherman explained to me he was more afraid of the increased bear population then the spooky legends of the lake. However, I myself would not want to live or ride on the road at night called, Shades of Death.

 

Link for more photos go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sussexnj/sets/