The news site of Robert Morris University

RMU Sentry Media

The news site of Robert Morris University

RMU Sentry Media

The news site of Robert Morris University

RMU Sentry Media

Zachary Laufer

Zachary Laufer, Digital Content Manager

Zach is a senior at RMU, majoring in sport communication with a minor in sport management. He is a highly motivated worker that will strive for perfection in every task he is given. Zach has a multitude of professional experience working in the industry of journalism and public relations. He has been an editorial intern at the Pittsburgh Sports Report, freelanced with the Beaver County Times and most recently served as a community relations intern for the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. Zach currently works part-time for WPXI-TV Pittsburgh as a digital content producer. He has strong written and verbal communication skills, and his versatility of skills and experience makes him an asset to any employer.

All content by Zach Laufer
RMU extends Banaszak through 2017

RMU extends Banaszak through 2017

Zach Laufer, Assistant Sports Manager October 28, 2016

The Robert Morris football program will continue to be led by head coach John Banaszak, at least through next season. Dr. Craig Coleman, director of athletics, announced today that the university and Banaszak have agreed to extend his contract through...

Smigiera to make season debut against Liberty

Smigiera to make season debut against Liberty

Zach Laufer September 30, 2016

After securing its first win of the season last week against Malone University, 21-19, Robert Morris will be bringing back one of its primary play-makers in the secondary in senior safety Andy Smigiera. The New York native has not played for the Colonials...

Photo credit: Michael Evans

Injuries, turnovers doom Colonials in season opener

Zach Laufer September 2, 2016

On the first play of Robert Morris University's 2016 football season, sophomore running back Dante Satcher received the opening kickoff on the near sideline around the 1-yard line. By simply following the large gaping hole his blockers created...

Pryor in  action against Oakland during the 2015-2016 season

Colonials suffer from mental errors in loss to Saint Francis (Pa.)

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor February 12, 2016

The lack of depth for Robert Morris played a large part in this game, as the Colonials (7-19, 5-8) fell at home to Northeast Conference foe Saint Francis University (13-11, 9-4), 68-57. Pryor has played the past six games after sustaining a concussion...

Life inside the box

Life inside the box

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor February 9, 2016

Character is created during times of hardship and struggle. When everything goes wrong, and you are pushed to the breaking point, it is how you respond that defines a person. Individuals with weak character project outward displays of stress and anxiety,...

[Video] Sports Talk in the Burgh | Episode 1

Sam Anthony, Collin Wilson, and Ian Kist February 3, 2016

Sports Talk in the Burgh broadcast from the RMU-TV Studio on the campus of Robert Morris University in Moon Twp PA. Produced by Zach Laufer.

Isaiah Still helped RMU capture their second straight win of the season after contributing 16 points.

Colonials unable to recover from putrid start, fall to Mount St. Mary’s

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor January 15, 2016

After the way the Robert Morris men's basketball team started its Northeast Conference match-up with Mount St. Mary's, it is more surprising the score was not more lopsided at its conclusion. The Colonials (3-15, 1-4) suffered a 76-52 loss against...

Rodney Pryors late game bucket helped his team defeat the Knights and improve in the NEC standings

Short bench, poor shooting buries Colonials

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor December 6, 2015

The Robert Morris crowd came ready to bring the Charles L. Sewall Center's roof down, and with 3:20 left in the first half, it was looking like it very well could happen -- the Colonials led, 37-30. But by the time 3:20 showed on the clock in the second...

RMU avoids disaster, ends season with Senior Day victory

RMU avoids disaster, ends season with Senior Day victory

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor November 21, 2015

With Cole Blake sprinting off the right tackle into the end zone for a nine-yard score, the Robert Morris Colonials (4-7, 2-4) took a seemingly commanding lead over Bryant (5-6, 3-3) with 6:22 left to play in the game. Seemingly.  The sophomore...

Darrin Hicks in pregame warmups before RMUs match-up with ETSU

Seeking the Divine path

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor November 11, 2015
How RMU's Darrin Hicks tackles everyday life
Five Barr interceptions, explosive second half boosts CCSU over Colonials

Five Barr interceptions, explosive second half boosts CCSU over Colonials

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor October 31, 2015

A game reading 0-0 at halftime usually ends up somewhere in the range of 14-21 points total. And that was the case for this game, indeed. But only for one of the teams competing. The Robert Morris Colonials (2-6, 1-3) were blown away at Central...

Victory slips away from Colonials under the lights

Victory slips away from Colonials under the lights

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor October 25, 2015

For the second time in the first three weeks of Northeast Conference play, the Robert Morris Colonials (2-5, 1-2) failed to score 10 or more points in a game.  And despite the fact that RMU's defense has held its first three NEC opponents to a mere...

Turnovers dig hole too deep for defense to climb out of in loss to Sacred Heart

Turnovers dig hole too deep for defense to climb out of in loss to Sacred Heart

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor October 11, 2015

The day began with a team full of hope, confidence, and with a clean conference record. It concluded with a team with no offensive touchdowns, eight turnovers, and an NEC home opener loss. Along with much to address. The Robert Morris Colonials...

Colonials win behind Shennans leg, strong defense

Colonials win behind Shennan’s leg, strong defense

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor October 4, 2015

The Robert Morris football team (2-3) began conference play by traveling to Staten Island, N.Y. to take on the Wagner Seahawks (0-4), in what could only be described as a defensive struggle. Five field goals covered all of the scoring between both...

McCoy to start NEC opener in Barrs absence, Owens still questionable

McCoy to start NEC opener in Barr’s absence, Owens still questionable

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor October 1, 2015

True freshman quarterback Reid McCoy will get the starting nod in the Colonials' Northeast Conference opening game at Wagner (0-3) on Saturday, stepping in while the starter Matt Barr is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Barr, the fellow true freshman,...

Passing game struggles in road loss to #7 South Dakota St.

Passing game struggles in road loss to #7 South Dakota St.

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor September 27, 2015

After handling the Division II opponent last week in Notre Dame College (Ohio), the Robert Morris Colonials traveled up to the Mount Rushmore state to take on a far more daunting foe. The seventh ranked South Dakota St. Jackrabbits (3-0) played to...

Robinson earns NEC award after win over Notre Dame (Ohio)

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor September 22, 2015

True freshman wideout Warren Robinson was voted the Northeast Conference Special Teams Player of the Week after his stellar showing at home against Notre Dame (Ohio). Robinson saw limited snaps on offense, but that is not where he shined. Hence the...

Next man up mentality pushes Colonials past Notre Dame (Ohio)

‘Next man up’ mentality pushes Colonials past Notre Dame (Ohio)

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor September 20, 2015

Sophomore running back Cole Blake did not start any of Robert Morris' first three games against Dayton, Youngstown St. and Notre Dame (Ohio). In the first two games, Blake carried the ball a total of four times for a total of 19 yards. That is not...

QB Matt Barr was sacked in OT to end the game

Colonials’ valiant effort not enough, fall to #17 YSU in overtime

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor September 12, 2015

Once again, the game ended with a sack of freshman quarterback Matt Barr. But this time was completely different. Unlike the home opener last week, with temperatures floating all afternoon in the mid-to-high-80s, this game cruised in the 50s and featured...

Two interceptions against Dayton earns Richards Jr. NEC honors

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor September 8, 2015

After a stellar game defensively for sophomore safety Ryan Richards Jr. week one versus Dayton, the Northeast Conference took notice, even if his team did not win because of it. Richards was named the NEC Defensive Player of the Week, announced by...

Two seconds made the difference in turnover-infested slugfest

Two seconds made the difference in turnover-infested slugfest

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor September 5, 2015

The much anticipated home opener against the Dayton Flyers proved to be more than anyone could have bargained for. There were blocked punts returned for touchdowns, blocked field goals, interceptions, fumbles and controversy galore. More excitement than...

Head coach John Banaszak looks for improvement in 2015

Football season preview: Experience brings new-found confidence

Zach Laufer, Sports Editor September 3, 2015

Oh, how a new season can change everything. At the end of the 2014 campaign, the Robert Morris Colonials were a defeated football team. Beaten down. Exhausted. Frustrated. Fast forward to now--it is simply a different team. Sure, personnel has pretty...

BREAKING NEWS: Toole announces two-year contract extension

BREAKING NEWS: Toole announces two-year contract extension

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor April 3, 2015

According to multiple reports, including ESPN and the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Robert Morris men's basketball head coach Andy Toole has reached an agreement on an extension of his contract, keeping him in Moon Township, Pa. through the 2019-20 season. After...

Head Coach Sal Buscaglia coached his final game at Robert Morris Saturday against #1 seed UConn in the NCAA Tournament. The Colonials finished the 2015-16 season with a 20-13 record.

Colonial Talk: RMU vs Farleigh Dickinson (WBB NEC quarterfinal)

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor March 8, 2015

Final score: Robert Morris  89  Farleigh Dickinson  61 Top performers: G Rebeca Navarro (RMU) - 23 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds F Erika Livermore (FDU) - 19 points, 5 rebounds G Anna Niki Stamolamprou (RMU) - 13 points, 11 rebounds, 8...

Kavon Stewart performed when it counted, sending RMU to the NEC Championship game.

Colonial Talk: RMU vs Bryant (MBB NEC Semifinal)

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor March 7, 2015

Final score: Robert Morris  66   Bryant  53 Top performers:  G Kavon Stewart (RMU) - 19 points, 8 assists, 7 steals G Dyami Starks (Bryant) - 19 points, 3 rebounds G Rodney Pryor (RMU) - 12 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds Stewart comes...

RMU shot its way to a semifinal berth in the NEC Tournament.

Colonial Talk: RMU vs Wagner (MBB NEC Quarterfinal)

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor March 5, 2015

Final Score:   Robert Morris 91  Wagner 68 Top performers:  F Lucky Jones (RMU) - 27 points, 2 rebounds G Marcquise Reed (RMU) - 22 points, 5 assists, 3 steals C Mike Aaman (Wagner) - 19 points, 8 rebounds Takin' it easy?: As fate...

RMU pulled away late from SFU, winning on Senior Day.

Smith, Colonials right the ship on Senior Day

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor February 28, 2015

Since winning 11 consecutive Northeast Conference games this season, the Robert Morris women's basketball team (15-13, 13-4) had lost two consecutive match-ups, dropping the Colonials out of first place in the conference. Today, as per Senior Day tradition,...

Colonial Talk: RMU vs Central Connecticut State (WBB)

Colonial Talk: RMU vs Central Connecticut State (WBB)

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor February 14, 2015

Final score: Robert Morris 60   Central Connecticut State 48 Top performers:  F Tejahne Malone (CCSU) - 17 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal G Anna Niki Stamolamprou (RMU) - 17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist F Megan Smith (RMU) - 13 points, 5 rebounds,...

Marcquise Reed sparked the Colonials second-half comeback.

Colonial Talk: RMU vs Central Connecticut St (MBB)

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor February 14, 2015

Final score: Robert Morris 53   Central Connecticut State 52 Top performers:  G Matt Mobley (CCSU) - 23 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds G Marcquise Reed (RMU) - 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals G Rodney Pryor (RMU) - 15 points, 9 rebounds,...

Megan Smiths 17 points helped her team take down the Golden Flashes on the road at Kent State.

Colonials survive comeback, win eighth straight

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor February 7, 2015

In a game that featured teams shooting a combined 48.5 percent from the field, the Robert Morris women's basketball team (11-11, 9-2) and the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights (6-15, 3-7) somehow found the score static for the last 97 seconds of the closely...

With the win, RMU moved to 3-2 in NEC play.

Stamolamprou, Colonials hang on at home

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor January 17, 2015

On a record-setting day for individuals and the team alike, the Robert Morris women's basketball team shot their way to another Northeast Conference victory. The Colonials (5-11, 3-2) narrowly defeated the Saint Francis Brooklyn Terriers (4-13, 1-4)...

RMU used energy on both ends to run circles around Wagner in the win.

Colonials’ offense explodes in blowout win over Wagner

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor January 13, 2015

As if to make a statement to the media and the rest of the Northeast Conference, the Robert Morris women's basketball team (4-11, 2-2) scored a season high point total en route to a lopsided victory over Wagner College (4-11, 2-2). By winning 86-47,...

RMU was unable to overcome a first half deficit, losing by double digits.

Offensive drought plagues Colonials in loss

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor January 10, 2015

For the second consecutive game, the Robert Morris Colonials (3-11, 1-2) suffered a Northeast Conference road game defeat. Most recently, RMU fell to the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (7-7, 3-0) by a score of 63-46. Once again, the Colonials...

RMU rallied late, but it was not enough to send the game to OT.

RMU nearly completes comeback, loses at Saint Francis

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor January 6, 2015

In their first road conference game of the season, the Robert Morris Colonials (3-10, 1-1) were edged by the Saint Francis Red Flash (2-11, 1-1), 71-68. Much like many of the Colonials' losses this season, they dug themselves into a large first-half...

Marshall pulled away from RMU in the second half.

Colonials fall away in second half, lose to Marshall

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor December 29, 2014

In the final non-conference match-up in the 2014-2015 season for the Robert Morris Colonials (2-9), they fell on the road to the Marshall Thundering Herd (8-3), 62-46, at the Cam Henderson Center in Huntington, W.Va. Anna Niki Stamolamprou led RMU...

Ravellis leadership helped send the game to OT, but RMU fell short.

Colonials erase large deficit, fall in overtime at Cornell

Zach Laufer, Copy Editor December 20, 2014

For the second game in a row, the Robert Morris Colonials (2-8) lost in overtime, falling to the Cornell Big Red (5-4) by a score of 70-59. The Colonials erased a 15 point Cornell lead in the second half to send the game to overtime tied at 57-57, but...

Colonials lose third straight at Hofstra 71-51

Zach Laufer, Staff Reporter December 6, 2014

The offensive struggles continued for the Robert Morris women's basketball team on Saturday afternoon, only managing to shoot 27 percent from the field in a 71-51 loss at Hofstra. Hofstra jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead in the first two-and-a-half minutes...

Recap: Colonials fall to La Salle in home opener despite late surge

Recap: Colonials fall to La Salle in home opener despite late surge

Zach Laufer, Staff Reporter December 4, 2014

A double-digit lead proved insurmountable; even with a late surge, for the Robert Morris women's basketball team (2-4) against La Salle (5-2) in their 2014-15 home opener Wednesday night at the Charles L. Sewall Center. The Colonials fell 75-61 to...

The Colonials came away with a thirteen point victory Thursday defeating Monmouth on the road 60-47.

Stamolamprou, Colonials roll past Coppin State, 75-58

Zach Laufer, Staff Writer November 26, 2014

Another game in Baltimore, another big win for the Colonials. Robert Morris (2-2) dominated winless Coppin State (0-4) by a score of 75-58. Led by career high scoring performances by Anna Niki Stamolamprou with 22 points and Jolie Olingende with 12,...

Buscaglia, WBB gearing for life after Artemis

Buscaglia, WBB gearing for life after Artemis

Zach Laufer, Staff Reporter November 11, 2014

The Robert Morris women’s basketball program enters the 2014-2015 season as the preseason favorites of the Northeast Conference. However, they will be without Artemis Spanou for the first time in four years. Averaging 19.4 points and 14.5 rebounds...

Colonial women selected first in NEC preseason poll

Colonial women selected first in NEC preseason poll

Zach Laufer, Staff Reporter October 21, 2014

The Robert Morris women's basketball team still has the respect of the Northeast Conference despite losing star forward Artemis Spanou to graduation. The NEC media day, held annually at the Barclays Center in New York City, unveiled the 2014-15 preseason...

Robert Morris struggled against pressure from the Duquesne defense

Brett, Robert Morris stymied at Duquesne

Zach Laufer, Staff Reporter September 26, 2014

Robert Morris men’s soccer traveled into Pittsburgh Thursday for an evening affair with cross-town rival Duquesne. Duquesne came into the match having not lost at home yet this season, and continued that streak as they topped Robert Morris 4-1 at...

Brett, RMU men’s soccer prepped for NEC run

Brett, RMU men’s soccer prepped for NEC run

Zach Laufer, Staff Reporter August 27, 2014

In the Northeast Conference men’s soccer preseason coaches’ poll, the Robert Morris Colonials were picked to finish sixth out of eight clubs. But neither the players nor their coach are even thinking about it. Finishing with a record of 8-8-2 in...

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