Ramapo College of New Jersey Athletics

The 1978 Football Team was comprised of many talented transfers and high school students from around the New York/New Jersey area. The transfers represented a range of Division I, II, and III, and NAIA players. John Boback, a transfer out of Temple University, Ken Ritoch, a transfer from North Carolina State University, Chris Dahmke, Bob Steiner, Cliff Ostlund, Butch Ballard, John Spears, and Tom Breen, all transfers from Westchester Community College, and high school recruits Glen Burke (Indian Hills), Henry Byrd (Eastside Paterson), and Maynarad Freeman (Eastside Paterson) were the core of the Ramapo team.

The Roadrunners, under the direction of Head Coach Frank Marino, compiled a 9-1 win-loss record in 1978, posting three wins and only one loss against varsity opponents, four wins and zero losses verse members of the Atlantic Conference, and one win and zero losses against club independent teams. The team combined forces to post more than 320 points during the season, averaging 32.7 per game. The defense only gave up 93 points on the year, 9.3 per game and produced two shutouts over one of their varsity opponents, and a club opponent. Five times during the season they allowed less than nine points during the game and their only loss came to Kean College (now University), 24-22. Ramapo faked an extra point to come within two points and with a chance to win with a disputed 35-yard field goal attempt, the Roadrunners kicked just wide-right falling with seconds left to play.

Chris Dahmke, as a guard, John Boback, as a quarterback, received honors as a National Collegiate Football Association All-American for their efforts on offense while Grover Hasford, end, Tom Ebert, safety, and Glen Burek, linebacker, all were awarded 1st Team honors. Ken Ritoch, linebacker, was named to the 2nd Team while Glen Burek was named Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year. It was a team made up of extremely talented individuals who worked together as one to develop an even more successful 1978 FOOTBALL TEAM!