Schools

Lights On At RBR Athletic Fields

Sports teams will now be able to play night games at RBR.

By Christopher Sheldon

Fans of Red Bank Regional sports teams will be able to experience night games at home this school year.

Four large lights were installed at RBR's athletic field on Tuesday, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Buccaneer Athletic Foundation (BAF) and volunteers.

"It's very exciting, who doesn't want to relish in the experience of seeing athletic events at the school at night," RBR Superintendent Jim Stefankiewicz said. "There's a different type of energy during night games. Hopefully the energy on the field will match the energy in the stands."

RBR Athletic Director "Del" Dal Pra said three football games, one boys' soccer game and a girls' soccer game will be played at night this fall. Dal Pra said a boys lacrosse and girls lacrosse game will be played there during the spring.

Dal Pra said the lights are currently running through a generator at the field but that they will be powered by the school's electricity in the future.

BAF member Cathy Reardon said the lights costs about $150,000 and that all the money was raised through donations and fundraising events over the last two years. The BAF sponsored Red Bank's International Flavour Festival and raised between $25,000 and 30,000 from that event alone.

Reardon said the BAF is not done raising funds for school athletic upgrades. She said some other projects the group has on its radar are building a snack shack by the athletic field and replacing the wood of the basketball court.

Stefankiewicz said he and the Red Bank Regional Board of Education support the efforts of the BAF.

"I know the board is extremely appreciative of the efforts of the committee and we are looking forward to working with them on any future projects.


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