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Alumni Honored at Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

Eight new members were added to Ranney School’s Athletic Hall of Fame during a recent induction ceremony held Thursday, June 2, 2011 in RSPA Panther Hall. The ceremony was held in conjunction with an Upper School Athletics Convocation, which reminded current students that even alumni can continue to impact the school.

Each year, the Hall of Fame honors former Ranney athletes, past and present coaches and other members of the Ranney community who have played a positive role in the athletic program. This year’s ceremony recognized seven Ranney alumni, along with Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff, for their exceptional contributions to Ranney athletics.

This year’s alumni inductees included:
Doug Borton, Class of 1984
Doug proved himself a passionate swimmer while attending Ranney. A versatile athlete who would compete at the highest level on a daily basis, his Ranney athletic career included qualification in the prestigious Eastern Swim Championships. Doug was a true team player who would do anything to bring his team success, and worked very hard to achieve the success that he did. This positive attitude made him a role model for all younger athletes to emulate. Upon graduating, this Ranney Panther continued his education at Slippery Rock University, where he obtained a B.S. in Public Health and Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. Married with two children, Doug now lives in Hawaii, where he continues to practice Physical Therapy and also owns a small lawn mower repair business.

Chuck Johnson, Class of 1985
Chuck played both soccer and basketball for Ranney School, leaving his mark as one of the most talented and skilled soccer players ever to graduate from the program. Chuck was a role model who set high standards for not only himself, but also for his team. Ready to meet every challenge with the same determination and mind-set, his passion for the game made everyone around him play better. Overall, Chuck represented himself, his team and Ranney School with pride.

Arthur Wu, Class of 1995
Arthur was an outstanding basketball player, who became the fourth member in Ranney’s “1,000 Point Club,” and contributed to the athletic program in many other ways. This well-rounded player not only made a lasting impression on the school’s basketball program, but also on its academic program. His excelling in the classroom and on the court made him the ideal scholar-athlete. Upon graduation, Arthur continued to make marks in the classroom as he received his M.B.A. from New York University’s Stern School of Business in 2005. He now works as the product manager of a family-owned home furnishings manufacturing business.

Charles Kromann, Class of 2001
One of the best golfers Ranney School has ever seen, Charlie was a team leader who led by example. He worked year-round on his game, and did not stop after graduation. His hard work led to an outstanding collegiate golf career at Skidmore College, as well as a professional golf career. The perfect example of what dedication and commitment can accomplish, Charlie worked diligently to meet every challenge.

Lynn Shelton, Class of 2001
A year-round scholar-athlete Lynn participated on Ranney’s soccer, swim and softball teams, confidently dedicating herself to excellence in everything she did. As a senior, Lynn was named “Athlete of the Year” for her motivation to become the elite Ranney athlete. Taking advantage of each and every opportunity thrown her way, she became a champion with a dream, a vision and desire. Lynn temporarily returned to Ranney as assistant softball coach and substitute teacher in the Fine Arts Department after graduating from Colorado College. She now resides in Colorado.

Justin Alpert, Class of 2002
Justin was an outstanding scholar-athlete, who led the tennis program to elite status after capturing the 2000 NJISAA 1st Singles Championship and 2002 Monmouth County Championship at 1st Singles. As a tennis player, he worked hard to reach his skill level, and also participated in soccer and basketball programs during his years at Ranney School. He was an asset to each team, and missed by all as he ventured off to Emory University School of Medicine and later to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). Justin is currently completing his radiology residency at UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Michael Molina, Class of 2003
Michael participated in soccer, swim and lacrosse programs while at Ranney School. A true team leader and hard worker who excelled at everything that he did, Michael was a popular teammate and outstanding individual both on and off the field. This role model to younger athletes always believed in himself and his teammates — no matter what the situation. Following his graduating from Ranney, Michael continued his athletic career playing water polo at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.

Also honored was Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed.D. Since his inauguration as Ranney’s Head of School in 1993, Dr. Sykoff has been a leading force in bringing Ranney School athletics to the forefront of independent competition. Under his leadership, the Panther athletic program has expanded to include new activities, improved facilities and increased participation at all levels. Ranney’s “Head Panther,” his support and dedication to the athletic program is unparalleled as his vision for excellence continues to promote scholarship and character in all scholar-athletes.
This vision has also guided the program’s goal of “good to great.” With an extensive history of athletic accomplishments, Dr. Sykoff has successfully completed four “New York City Marathons” and one “Heart of San Diego Marathon.” Working with Ranney Aquatics Director Emmett Walling as his swim coach, Dr. Sykoff also participated in the “New York City Triathlon.”

In his introductory remarks on Dr. Sykoff, Director of Athletics Thomas Moriau complimented the Head of School on his ability to lead. “For an athletic program to be successful, you need a group of people all working together towards a common goal,” said Mr. Moriau. “Over the past 18 years, Dr. Sykoff has headed this group.” After sharing with the audience ways in which Dr. Sykoff has guided Ranney School and its athletic program to reach new heights, he concluded, “I would personally like to thank Dr. Sykoff for his continued leadership, guidance and support towards athletics.”

Eligibility for nomination to the Panther Hall of Fame begins the fifth year after a nominee graduates from Ranney School. In addition to alumni, former outstanding teams can also be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Coaches and other school community members may also be nominated. While there is no waiting period for these individuals, they must have been involved in Ranney athletics for four years or more. All nominees must demonstrate outstanding character, integrity and good moral fiber while at Ranney School.
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777

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