When Ramaz closed in March of 2020, its student athletes lost the chance to participate in organized sports. Over the last year and a half, their commitment to sports was tested; they were challenged to find opportunities to train and engage in sports outside of school. Since students were not allowed to play in organized sports games at Ramaz, it was really their responsibility to stay in shape and improve their skills. 

Summer camp was a great opportunity to do this, and many students took advantage of camp to keep up their games. Izzie Ottensoser, a senior on the varsity girls basketball team, said that playing sports at Camp Seneca Lake, like tennis, basketball, hockey, and handball, helped her stay in shape. Molly Hiltzik is another basketball player who worked on her skills at summer camp. Jordan Rechtschaffen, the star of the tennis team, played over the last year and a half, and is extremely excited for the Ramaz season. Even students who had not played sports since the start of the pandemic found the time to prepare for the upcoming season. Ben Davidovitch, a sophomore on the baseball team, did not play over the summer but prepared for this year’s season by having catches with his brother and spending a lot of time at the batting cages. Clearly, Ramaz’s student athletes are committed to their sports and their teams. 

All of their hard work is paying off now that leagues are active again. Currently, all of our teams are playing at a very high level and many have championship aspirations. Mr. Ari Witkes has brought a new spirit and seriousness to Ramaz athletics. When asked about the progress of our teams this year, Mr. Witkes said that, “Ramaz sports are back and a force to be reckoned with. School spirit and pride are at the forefront of Ramaz athletics. The teams are doing great, but the energy and enthusiasm at the ‘RAM-DOME’ is what separates Ramaz from all the others. The Rams are on fire and are always ready to RAM IT UP!”