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Mahwah, NJ: The Ramapo College Athletic Department inducted six individuals, and the 1986 Men's Tennis Team, into the Ramapo College Athletic Hall of Fame last night  at the Bradley Center.  In front of 220 plus guests, that included members of the campus community, alumni, inductees and their friends and family, James Buntzen, John Carroll, Edward Chapel, Jim Miceli, Rich Mrylak, George Skeens, and the 1986 Men's Tennis team, were inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 14 annual induction ceremony. 

James A. Buntzen - Baseball
James Buntzen was a member of the Roadrunner Baseball Team for the 1982, 1983, and 1984 seasons. During his years with Ramapo, Buntzen saw the most success during the 1984 season. He helped lead the Roadrunners to three post season championships, including the NJSAC, NCAA Mid-Atlantic Region, and the NCAA World Series. The Roadrunners earned the National Championship with a 5-4 victory over Marietta in the Division III College World Series, where they posted five straight wins for the title. That year the team went 35-11 overall, which stills stands today as the most wins in a season. On an individual note, Buntzen recorded an 11-2 win-loss record on the mound that year, recording numerous saves, to receive honors such as First Team All-American, All-NJSAC, and Most Valuable Player in the Eastern Region. After his successful collegiate baseball career, Buntzen signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Royals in 1985.

Buntzen has been a member of Pipefitters Local 274 for 21 years and is currently employed as a Foreman for F & G Mechanical in Secaucus, NJ.

He and his wife Sue, of 18 years, have two children: Carlin (10) and George (8).

John Carroll - Football
John Carroll was heavily recruited by Division I schools after playing four years of varsity football at Fort Lee High School. He made the decision to attend Ball State University after he was offered a scholarship to play ball with the Cardinals. With one year of collegiate football under his belt, Carroll made the decision to transfer to Ramapo College after meeting Head Coach Frank Marino, and teammates Glenn Burek and Chris Dahmke.

In 1977, Carroll helped lead his team to an 8-2 overall record, and a #2 ranking on the National Club poll. That year his team defeated Providence College, 13-7, earning the Heritage Bowl Championship crown. The Roadrunners were named National Club Champions in 1978, defeating Providence for the second straight year. They reached #1 on the National Club poll, and finished the year at 9-1 overall. In his final year at Ramapo, Carroll scored two touch downs in the team's first victory as a varsity program over William Paterson University. Once again they were ranked #2 in the national poll, and wrapped up the season at 8-2.

Carroll is second on the all-time rushing list with 1,280 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He is first for rushing touch downs with 13 and received Honorable Mention All-American honors for his efforts on the field.

After his time playing ball at Ramapo, Carroll went on to play two years of semi-pro football for the Brooklyn Kings with Dahmke.

Carroll currently serves as the varsity coach for running backs at Paramus Catholic.

Edward V. Chapel - Ice Hockey
In four years of playing ice hockey for the Roadrunners, Ed Chapel helped lead his team to two Bi-State Metropolitan Intercollegiate Hockey Championships.  His team compiled an impressive 84-25-9 overall record during the four seasons he competed as a Roadrunner, and for his efforts on the ice, he was named team captain for his senior season.  Chapel, from the 1973-1974 season to the 1976-1977 season, as a defender, recorded 14 goals and 28 assists for 42 total points. 

After graduating from Ramapo College in 1977, Chapel went on to earn a Doctorate in Sociology from New York University.    Chapel took with him from Ramapo, a deep appreciation for higher learning which led him down a career path in higher education that has included seven years as a faculty member at Seton Hall University and various administrative roles. 

Today, Chapel is the Vice President for Information Technology at Montclair State University.  Chapel continues to play ice hockey including attending the annual Ramapo College Alumni Game.

He resides in Westwood with his wife Diane, and their two daughters, Eileen and Claire.

James Miceli - Football Coach
Coach James Miceli jumped into the college ranks as a head coach when he accepted the task of rebuilding the struggling program at Ramapo College. He was named head coach on February 8, 1988, inheriting a team that was caught in a 1-28-1 losing streak.  When only 12 players showed up at his first team meeting, Miceli knew he had to hit the ground recruiting top players from New Jersey, as well as some fine out-of-state talent.

Miceli orchestrated an incredible turnaround, compiling a 33-9 record in four years. His teams were nationally ranked in three of his four years at Ramapo and in 1990, his team won the ECAC South Championship.  He saw three players achieve All-America status, seven earn all-ECAC honors and 18 receive first-team all-conference recognition.  Miceli was named the NJAC coach of the year in 1989.

Miceli is a 1979 graduate from Southern Connecticut State University where he received a degree in physical education, recreation and general science. 

Miceli is in his second season at Georgetown University.  He serves as the Hoyas offensive coordinator and tutors the team's quarterbacks.  In ten years of coaching, Miceli has compiled a 54-37 overall record.

He and his wife Mariann have three daughters: Victoria (21), Alexandra (18) and Elizabeth (12).

Richard M. Myrlak - Service
For 13 years, Rich Myrlak spent time as the Assistant Director of Athletics at Ramapo College, overseeing the men's sport teams and the intramural program.  His dedication to the athletes, on and off the field, and the Ramapo College students as they competed on the intramural level, was immeasurable to the college administrators, coaches, and staff.  He instilled in his students the responsibility to give back.  Whether it was visiting an orphanage or a hospital to play Santa and deliver toys at Christmas, he always made the students realize that it was their responsibility to help others, much the way he helped them!  One of the most important things that Myrlak instilled in his students, was to always try to be a better person and to help those in need.

Myrlak wore many hats in the athletic department serving as the men's basketball coach for two years, and the softball coach for one.  He was an assistant coach with the men's soccer program, while coaching some intramural sports over the years.  He also served as an adjunct professor for five years.

For ten years, Myrlak would put in the ten hour days beside Mike Ricciardi, working the annual carnival to raise money for the Department of Athletics.  There was never a time he would turn someone away that needed his help.  His door was always open to lend a hand, and he touched countless hearts along the way.

Myrlak resides in Rutherford with his wife Ruby, and their two children: Richie and Christine.

George Skeens - Baseball
George Skeens came to Ramapo in 1978 from Indian Hills High School in Oakland, New Jersey.  As a high school baseball player, Skeens was selected to the All-State Second Team, and was named an All-County player as a third baseman.  He was also selected to the 1978 Daily News All-Area Baseball Team.  He recorded 32 hits with seven doubles, four triples, and four home runs, hitting .490 during his senior season.

At Ramapo, Skeens made the move to catcher, under the training of coaches Joe Wladyka and Joe Rigoli.  Skeens made two appearances in the NCAA Division III tournament as a Roadrunner.  He led the nation with 14 doubles and 62 RBI in 1981.  In that same season, Skeens and teammate Frank Eufemia, played in the New York verses New Jersey College All-Star Championship at Yankee Stadium.

In June of 1981, Skeens was drafted, in the 6th round, by the Minnesota Twins.  He was assigned to their AA club in Orlando, Florida, but also saw time in Elizabethtown, Tennessee, and Visalia, California, for the organization.  After his time with the Twins, he played seven years in the Metropolitan League.

Skeens has been employed for a medical company for over 25 years.  He has spent time coaching his 17 year old daughter in competitive travel softball, and currently resides in West Milford with his wife Judy, and their two daughters: Katie (2007 Ramapo Graduate) and Kristy (17).