Sports | Town Topics

February 5, 2020

Munford Earns Title in MCT Wrestling Debut, Helping to Spark PHS to Strong 4th Place Finish

FORD TOUGH: Princeton High wrestler Aaron Munford, top, dominates a foe in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore Munford placed first at 138 pounds in the Mercer County Tournament to help PHS place fourth in the team standings at the event. PHS also got titles at the competition from senior Dominic Riendeau-Krause at 145 pounds and junior James Romaine at 152 pounds. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Aaron Munford was one of three champions for Princeton High wrestling at the Mercer County Tournament last weekend, but unlike the other two it was his first time in the varsity spotlight.

Sophomore Munford made the most of the opportunity at his first MCT at Robbinsville High on Saturday. In the quarterfinals at 138 pounds, he pinned Viraj Chandra of WW/P-North and then recorded a 16-6 major decision over Robbinsville’s Isaiah Lederman in the semifinals. In the final, he earned a 16-11 decision over Hopewell Valley’s Alejandro Lopez to uphold his top seeding and win his first county crown.

“I think it’s like the start of the postseason so it boosts my confidence going into districts and maybe regions,” said Munford, who improved to 24-3 this year. “I wasn’t as confident, but being the No. 1 seed definitely helped.”

Munford picked up 27 points for the Little Tigers, who placed fourth in the MCT with Hopewell Valley winning the team title. PHS got titles from senior Dominic Riendeau-Krause at 145 pounds and junior James Romaine at 152 pounds, and also picked up a second-place finish from junior Chris Sockler at 132 pounds. more

Senior Star Trainor Showing Sense of Urgency, Skill As PHS Boys’ Hockey Aiming For Big Stretch Drive

BIG TRAIN: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Aidan Trainor controls the puck in recent action. Last week, senior star and captain Trainor tallied three goals and an assist to help PHS overcome a 3-1 third period deficit to defeat Robbinsville 5-3 and clinch the CVC Colonial Division title. PHS, who edged Jackson Liberty 3-2 last Monday night to improve to 14-2-2, faces Paul VI at Mercer County Park on February 5, plays at Southern Regional on February 7 and then starts play in the Mercer County Tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton High boys’ hockey team trailed Robbinsville 3-1 heading into the third period, Aidan Trainor and his teammates weren’t rattled.

“We just knew that we needed to stay positive, we knew that is literally two shots away from being a tie game,” said PHS senior star and captain Trainor. “As long we kept an even keel and kept working hard, we would get there.”

It didn’t take long for PHS to get in the lead as it scored three goals in a span of 2:13 early in the third period to take a 4-3 lead and never looked back on the way to a 5-3 victory in the January 28 contest, clinching the CVC Colonial Division championship in the process.

“We were electric right there, on the bench and everything,” said Trainor, who scored the first goal of the rally and then assisted on the second. “We were going crazy, we were really hyping each other up.” more

Meekins Enjoys Memorable Senior Night, Starring as PDS Boys’ Hoops Beats Pennsauken

NIGHT TO REMEMBER: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Jomar Meekins enjoys the moment with his parents, Christine and Lawrence Meekins, as he was introduced at the program’s Senior Night pregame celebration last Wednesday evening. Star guard Meekins scored 11 points on the night as PDS defeated Pennsauken Tech 72-32. The Panthers, who fell 65-63 to the Shipley School (Pa.) last Saturday to move to 10-7, will be starting play in the state Prep B tournament where they are seeded second and host seventh-seeded Newark Academy on February 8 in an opening round contest. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While Jomar Meekins beamed during the loud ovation he received when introduced during the Senior Night pregame celebration for the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team last Wednesday, that wasn’t the highlight of the event for him.

Instead, the most meaningful aspect of the night for guard Meekins came in getting joined in the starting lineup by his four classmates, Lucas Green, Jaylin Champion-Adams, Tazee Mahjied, and Alan Norcott as the Panthers hosted Pennsauken Technical School.

“I have been here for four years so I am really glad to finally get to play with my boys, my brothers,” said star guard Meekins. “It was really nice to have all five start, I love them.” more

Melvin Hits 1,000-Point Milestone for Stuart Hoops, Primed to Lead Tartans on Historic Postseason Run

GRAND MOMENT: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Nia Melvin (holding ball) celebrates with her teammates and family after she hit the 1,000-point milestone in a 79-21 win over Immaculate Conception on January 28. Last Thursday, junior guard Melvin added to her total, tallying 26 points as Stuart defeated Moorestown Friends 73-40 to post its 10th straight win and improve to 14-6. Stuart hosts Bound Brook on February 10 before starting play in the state Prep B tournament where it is seeded first and will host a semifinal game on February 16.

By Bill Alden

For Nia Melvin, hitting the 1,000-point milestone last week for the Stuart Country Day basketball team was a goal that had been on her mind for years.

“It is something I have definitely been looking forward to before I even started playing basketball at Stuart,” said junior guard Melvin, who scored 21 points in a 79-21 win over Immaculate Conception on January 28 to pass the 1,000-point mark.

“It is something I wanted to accomplish and I am really proud to have made it.”

Melvin knows that she couldn’t do it alone. “My teammates were definitely helping me get there because they knew how close I was,” said Melvin, who entered the game with 983 points. more

With Senior Star Danko Repeating as IM Champion, Hun Swimming has Solid Performance at Counties

INDIVIDUAL BRILLIANCE: Hun School girls’ swimmer Abbie Danko heads to victory in the 200-meter individual medley at the Mercer County Championships last Saturday. Senior Danko, who also took fourth in the 100 backstroke, helped Hun place sixth in the team standings at the competition. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

When Abbie Danko won the 200-meter individual medley at the Mercer County Championships in 2019, it helped set the tone for the Hun School girls’ swim squad as it went on to win the program’s first-ever team title at the competition.

Danko and her teammates were fired up to defend their title last weekend as they returned to WW/P-North for the 2020 county meet.

“We were so excited, we knew we may not win again, but we were just excited to come and swim,” said senior star and captain Danko. “It is a fast meet always so you can get some of your best times. It was great.” more

January 29, 2020

Malevich Painting on View at Zimmerli

“TWO PEASANT WOMEN”: This c. 1928-1930 oil painting by Kazimir Malevich is on view at the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers in New Brunswick through May 17. On loan from the Moscow-based cultural project Encyclopedia of the Russian Avant-Garde, it supplements the broad collection of Russian art at the museum.

The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers is now exhibiting the oil painting Two Peasant Women (1928-30) by Kazimir Malevich, a loan from the Moscow-based cultural project Encyclopedia of the Russian Avant-Garde, through May 17. The painting welcomes visitors at the entrance of the museum’s George Riabov Gallery, which features Russian art created from the 14th century to the early 1950s.

“We are really honored by this opportunity to supplement the broad Russian art collection of the Zimmerli Art Museum with works of some of the most significant artists of the Russian Avant-Garde,” said Irina Pravkina, founder of the Encyclopedia of the Russian Avant-Garde. “The unflagging international interest to this period in Russian art could be explained by the uniqueness of avant-garde artists and by their huge influence on the development of world art.”

“We are extremely grateful to the Encyclopedia of Russian Avant-Garde for the opportunity to display this late Malevich painting in our galleries,” said Zimmerli Director Thomas Sokolowski. “Even given the richness of our Norton and Nancy Dodge Collection of Nonconformist Art from the Soviet Union, combined with and the Riabov Collection and Claude and Nina Gruen Collection of Contemporary Russian Art, this addition enables our visitors the chance to see a major master of early 20th-century Modernism in Russia.” more

PU Men’s Hoops Tops D-III Foe Rutgers-Camden As Kellman Stars In Tune-Up for 1st Ivy Weekend

BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE: Princeton University men’s basketball player Keeshawn Kellman puts up a shot in a game earlier this season. Last Sunday, freshman forward Kellman scored a career-high 20 points to help Princeton defeat Division III foe Rutgers-Camden 87-41 in its return from the exam break. The Tigers, now 7-8 overall and 2-0 Ivy League, resume league play this weekend when they host Dartmouth on January 31 and Harvard on February 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Keeshawn Kellman has kept his head down and paid his dues in going through his freshman season with the Princeton University men’s basketball team

“Every day, whether it is practice or a game, I just try to contribute to the team and create a positive environment,” said Kellman, a 6’8, 220-pound native of Allentown, Pa. “I work as hard as I can and do everything that is asked of me.”

Last Sunday, that work paid dividends as Kellman scored a career-high 20 points to help Princeton defeat Division III foe Rutgers-Camden 87-41 before 1,576 at Jadwin Gym in its return from the exam break.

“I felt good finishing around the rim,” said Kellman, reflecting on a performance which saw him go 9-of-11 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the foul line as the Tigers improved to 7-8 overall.

“There are some things I need to sharpen up on — as always — my ball screen defense, dealing with fatigue, setting up my teammates better, taking care of the ball. It really felt good.” more

Sophomore Aguayo Shows Improvement As PHS Girls’ Hoops Defeats Nottingham

STEPPING UP: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Sofia Aguayo looks for an opening in recent action. Last Friday, sophomore forward Aguayo tallied a game-high 12 points to help PHS defeat Nottingham 38-10. The Tigers, who moved to 3-9 with a 51-32 loss to South Brunswick on Saturday, play at Robbinsville on January 31 before hosting Princeton Day School on February 1 and Notre Dame on February 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Sofia Aguayo is getting up to speed in making the adjustment to starting for the Princeton High girls’ basketball team.

“It has been a challenge but I have worked very hard and I make a conscious effort,” said sophomore forward Aguayo, who played mainly on the JV as a freshman with a few appearances on varsity. “It is a lot faster and a lot more things to learn.”

Last Friday evening, Aguayo showed how much she has learned, tallying a game-high 12 points with nine rebounds as PHS pulled away to a 38-10 win over Nottingham.

In reflecting on the win, Aguayo acknowledged that it took some time for PHS to get into a rhythm. more

Adjusting to Demands of D-I College Wrestling, PHS Alum Bobchin Learning the Ropes at Rider

ROUGH RIDE: Alec Bobchin, top, dominates a foe on his way to winning the Region 5 title at 138 pounds last February in his senior season at Princeton High. Bobchin went on to place fourth at 138 in the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships. This winter, Bobchin has moved up to the college level at Rider University where he is redshirting, which prohibits him from competing in the Broncs’ dual meets but allows him to wrestle in open tournaments. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Alec Bobchin equaled the best finish by a Princeton High wrestler ever at the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships when he placed fourth at 138 pounds last March.

Six months later Bobchin started over when he joined Rider University’s Division I wrestling program.

“When I came into Rider, I was humbled very fast,” said Bobchin. “Going from the best guy in that practice room to coming into Rider and being like everyone else, it’s really pushed me to try to get back to where I want to be.”

It didn’t take long for Bobchin to figure out how different it would be in college. The challenge was laid out immediately.

“First day of preseason,” said Bobchin. “Our first workout. It was hard.” more

PHS Track Competes Hard at County Meet, Laying Foundation for Success This Spring

SPOILS OF VICTORY: Princeton High girls’ track star Kendall Williamson shows off the medals she earned for winning the 55-meter dash and the 200 at the Mercer County Championships last weekend at the Bennett Center in Toms River. Sophomore Williamson’s heroics helped the PHS girls’ squad take fourth in the team standings at the event won by Lawrenceville.

By Justin Feil

Ben Samara saw championship potential in the Princeton High School girls track and field team four years ago.

Now the Tigers are trying to gear up to make that a possible come spring.

“I like to make bold predictions and way back when this senior class came in as freshmen, I started calling it the ‘2020 Plan,’” said PHS head coach Samara.

“We were going to round this group out and go after a county or sectional title. Over the last few years, we’ve had some heartbreak losing some of our athletes to things outside of track, or unavoidable things, but we’ve managed to loop in some of these freshmen and sophomores that came even after we started talking. That’s kept this 2020 Plan on track. We’re really, really excited for the spring and quietly confident we can make that plan a reality.” more

Passing Test with Victory Over Lawrence, PHS Girls’ Swimmers Primed for Counties

FLYING HIGH: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Cami Davis shows her butterfly form in a meet earlier this season. Last week, Davis won the 50 freestyle and took second in the 100 butterfly to help PHS defeat Lawrence 97-73 and improve to 10-2. In upcoming action, the Tigers will be competing in the Mercer County Championships from January 30-February 1 at WW/P-North. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For the Princeton High girls’ swimming team, its meet at Lawrence High last week was a good test as it girds for the Mercer County Championships.

“We had very similar records going into it; they were 8-2 and we were 9-2,” said PHS head coach Carly Misiewicz reflecting on the January 21 meet.

“I knew they had a really strong team this year; they have a really good group of freshman girls. I knew it was going to be a challenge.”

PHS proved to be up to the challenge, posting a 97-73 win over the Cardinals.

“It was nice to come out on top,” said Misiewicz. “We always had a cushion. Maybe they would take first in an event and we are going two-three-four.” more

Joining PHS Boys’ Swimming for the Homestretch, Gifted Freshman Baytin Making Immediate Impact

By Bill Alden

Daniel Baytin didn’t waste any time making an impact for the Princeton High boys’ swimming team.

Joining the squad in January for the homestretch of the season, freshman Baytin has emerged as a force for PHS.

He won both the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke to help PHS defeat Notre Dame 92-78 on January 17 and then repeated that double win against Lawrence last week to help the Tigers pull away to a 94-76 victory over the Cardinals and improve to 11-1.

Baytin has found a home with the PHS program. “I really like Princeton High in general,” said the 6’4 Baytin, who competes year-round for the X-Cel Swimming club and also stars in summer meets for the Nassau Swim Club Lemmings. more

PDS Boys’ Hockey Tops Lawrenceville 3-2 in OT As Senior Cecila Comes Through with Golden Goal

GOLDEN GOAL: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Chris Cecila controls the puck last Thursday evening as PDS faced Lawrenceville at Hobey Baker Rink. Senior defenseman Cecila scored the winning goal as the Panthers prevailed 3-2 in overtime against the Big Red. PDS, who defeated Malvern Prep (Pa.) 3-2 last Monday to improve to 6-8-1, play at Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) on January 29 and host Seton Hall Prep on January 31. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Chris Cecila hadn’t scored a goal all season as he hit the ice for the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team last Thursday evening when it hosted Lawrenceville at Hobey Baker Rink.

By the end of the night, senior defenseman Cecila was gliding on the ice for a curtain call demanded by the throng of PDS students on hand after he broke through with his first goal to give the Panthers a riveting 3-2 win in overtime against the Panthers.

For Cecila, getting the winning tally in the heated rivalry was a dream come true. “I could not have dreamt what happened here,” said Cecila.

“It was our last opportunity. I just wanted us to get the win for the fans because they are incredible.”

It took an incredible effort for the Panthers to overcome the powerful Big Red as they battled back from deficits of 1-0 and 2-1 to ultimately force overtime in a frenzied atmosphere that saw the student sections from each school standing, cheering, and pounding on the glass throughout the contest. more

With Evaldi Starring at Both Ends of the Ice, Hun Boys’ Hockey Battling Through Injuries

ALL OVER THE ICE: Hun School boys’ hockey player Eddie Evaldi brings the puck up the ice last Wednesday as Hun hosted the Portledge School (N.Y.). Playing both defenseman and center, junior star Evaldi scored two goals in the game but it wasn’t enough as Portledge prevailed 5-3. The Raiders, who defeated Notre Dame 11-3 last Monday to improve to 6-8-2, host St. Joe’s Prep (Pa.) on January 29 and St. Augustine on January 31 before playing at Gloucester Catholic on February 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Eddie Evaldi’s long-sleeve compression T-shirt was sweat-soaked and he was short of breath standing in the lobby of Ice Land Skating Center after the Hun School boys’ hockey team hosted the Portledge School (N.Y.) last Wednesday.

The junior star had reason to be fatigued as he took shifts on both offense and defense and was all over the ice as Hun battled valiantly in falling 5-3 to Portledge.

The versatile Evaldi has been relishing his double duty. “My role is basically just do whatever the coach [Ian McNally] wants me to do; I am out there a lot,” said Evaldi.

“For the first part of the game I was centering the two lines and I was playing some shifts at defense. In the second part of the game I went back to the defense. It is like that every single game; I love it.” more

January 22, 2020

Working Hard to Secure Full-Time Spot in NHL, PU Alum Robinson Making Progress for Columbus

TRUE BLUE: Eric Robinson skates for the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2018 action. This winter, former Princeton University men’s hockey standout Robinson ’18 is working to secure a permanent spot on Columbus, having tallied five goals and four assists in 30 games so far this season. (Photo by John Russell, Courtesy of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

Eric Robinson’s improvement is continuing in the NHL.

The 2018 Princeton University graduate put himself on scouts’ radar over his college career and now is trying to secure a permanent spot on one of the hottest teams in the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets. more

PHS Boys’ Hoops Pulls Away from Steinert As Guy’s Return to Action Makes Difference

TOUGH GUY: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Ethan Guy, center, battles for the ball in recent action. Last Friday, junior forward Guy scored 15 points to help PHS defeat Steinert 65-46. The Tigers, who dropped to 4-7 with a 63-57 loss to North Brunswick last Saturday, play at Nottingham on January 24 before hosting Montgomery on January 25 and Trenton on January 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Things got off to a rough start last week for Ethan Guy.

Princeton High boys’ basketball junior star Guy took a knock to the head as PHS hosted Princeton Day School on January 13 and had to leave the game in the second half, holding an ice pack to his left eye as the Tigers fell 57-43.

A day later as PHS faced WW/P-North, Guy wasn’t cleared to play and the Tigers ended up losing 43-37 to the Northern Knights.

Returning to the court last Friday evening against visiting Steinert, Guy wasted no time getting back into the swing of things, scoring 10 points in the first quarter as PHS jumped out to a 17-3 lead. more

PHS Boys’ Hoops Pulls Away from Steinert As Guy’s Return to Action Makes Difference

By Bill Alden

Things got off to a rough start last week for Ethan Guy.

Samaan Enjoying Return to Ice After Hiatus, Emerging as Scoring Threat for PHS Girls’ Hockey

FRESH START: Princeton High girls’ hockey player Catie Samaan controls the puck last Friday night as PHS hosted Newark East Side at Hobey Baker Rink. Freshman forward Samaan scored two goals in the game to help the Tigers post a 7-2 win and improve to 3-8. PHS hosts Immaculate Heart Academy on January 24 and Princeton Day School on January 28.(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Catie Samaan took a break from hockey three years ago to focus her athletic efforts on soccer and field hockey but decided this winter that it was time to get back on the ice. more

Sparked by Vessey’s Brilliant Outside Shooting, Hun Boys’ Hoops Cruises Past Lawrenceville

DAN THE MAN: Hun School boys’ basketball player Daniel Vessey, right, covers a foe in recent action. Last week, sophomore guard Vessey exploded for 30 points to help Hun defeat Lawrenceville 85-58. The Raiders, who improved to 6-10 with a 57-48 win over Hackensack last Monday in the Public vs. Private School Showcase in Teaneck, play at Peddie on January 22, host the Blue Ridge School (Va.) on January 24, and then play at Marist High on January 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary as Daniel Vessey went through his normal pregame shooting routine before the Hun School boys’ basketball team hosted Lawrenceville last week. more

With Junior Jardine Diversifying Her Game, Hun Girls’ Hoops Gets on Winning Streak

DRIVING AHEAD: Hun School girls’ basketball player Kennedy Jardine heads to the hoop in recent action. Last Saturday, junior guard Jardine tallied 19 points and had six rebounds as Hun defeated Hopewell Valley 50-40. The Raiders, who defeated Nottingham 58-8 last Monday to post their fourth straight win and improve to 9-4, play at Peddie on January 22 and at Lawrenceville on January 25. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Over her first two seasons with the Hun School girls’ basketball team, Kennedy Jardine proved to be a scoring threat from the perimeter with her long-range shooting prowess. more

Freshman Standout Ruf Providing a Spark As PDS Girls’ Hoops Showing Progress

RUF AND TUMBLE: Princeton Day School girls’ basketball player Kirsten Ruf heads to the basket in recent action. Last Thursday, freshman star Ruf scored 12 points in a losing cause as PDS fell 51-16 to visiting Pingry. The Panthers, now 1-12, play at Hamilton on January 22 and at the Solebury School (Pa.) on January 24 before hosting Peddie on January 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Kirsten Ruf wasn’t about to stop hustling even though the Princeton Day School girls’ basketball team trailed visiting Pingry 51-16 in the waning seconds last Thursday. more

January 15, 2020

Tiger Women’s Hoops Tops Penn in Ivy Opener As Meyers Showing Signs of Regaining Form

BACK IN THE GAME: Princeton University women’s basketball player Abby Meyers drives to the basket during her freshman season in 2017-18. Meyers missed all of last season because of an academic violation and her return this season wasdelayed by a knee injury. Last Saturday, sophomore guard Meyers contributed 14 points off the bench as Princeton defeated Penn 75-55 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. The 25th-ranked Tigers, now 13-1 overall and 1-0 Ivy, are on exam break and return to action when they play at Dartmouth on January 31. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Abby Meyers isn’t back where she wants to be yet, but just being back at Princeton University and contributing again to the women’s basketball team is significant.

“It’s going to be a process,” said Meyers. “I’m not going to be the best I can be tomorrow or the week after. It’s a gradual process.”

The process took a big step forward last Saturday when the sophomore guard scored 14 points off the bench — 10 in the fourth quarter — to help the Tigers open Ivy League play with a 75-55 win at Penn. In a season-high 18 minutes, she shot 6-for-10, had four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and no turnovers.

“I haven’t reached my best yet,” said Meyers, a 6’0 native of Potomac, Md.

“I haven’t reached a good consistent feel when I play. That could be reading the defense, knowing what to do. I’m still getting there. In the Penn game, I had a role, and hopefully it’s going to grow as the coaches trust me more, the players trust me more.”

Meyers missed all of last season because of an academic violation, then her return to the court was delayed further after she reinjured a meniscus in her knee that had been partially torn a year ago while working out in her year away. more

Holding Off Furious Comeback by Penn, PU Men’s Hoops Edges Quakers, Now 2-0 Ivy

FLYING HIGH: Princeton University men’s basketball player Jaelin Llewellyn flies to the hoop in a game earlier this season. Last Friday evening at Jadwin Gym, sophomore guard Llewellyn contributed 14 points and four rebounds to help Princeton defeat Penn 63-58 and complete a season sweep of the Quakers. The Tigers, now 6-8 overall and 2-0 Ivy League, are on exam break and will resume action when they host Division III foe Rutgers-Camden on January 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Mitch Henderson knows from hard experience that the heated rivalry between the Princeton University men’s basketball team and Penn involves a unique ferocity.

“I was a freshman at the Palestra and I got the taunting chant,” said Princeton head coach Henderson, a star guard for the Tigers in the late 1990s.

“I like playing Penn, we like playing Penn. They bring out the best in us and that is what rivals should be. I think that is the best thing about sports.”

Last Friday evening as Princeton hosted Penn at Jadwin Gym just six days after beating the Quakers 78-64 in the Ivy League opener for both teams, it was the visitors who brought it in the early going, jumping out to a 10-2 lead. more

Taking the Helm of PHS Wrestling Program, Monzo Emphasizing Basics, Systematic Progress

TAKING HOLD: Princeton High wrestler Chloe Ayres, top, controls a foe in a match last year. Junior Ayres, who placed first at 105 pounds last winter in the first-ever NJSIAA girls’ championships, has emerged as a leader on the mat for the Tigers under new head coach Jess Monzo. PHS, which started 1-8 in dual match competition, has meets at Nottingham on January 15 and at Ewing on January 17 before hosting a quad meet on January 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Jess Monzo, coaching wrestling is a labor of love.

“There is always something that drives you and you want to give back and you want to do exactly what your coaches did for you,” said Monzo, who wrestled for Clifton High and Montclair State before getting into high school coaching with stints at Jefferson Township, David Brearley, Matawan, Freehold, and East Brunswick.

“You want to do that and more for the next crop of kids. Wrestling is in my blood, it is going to be in my blood until I can’t do it any more.”

This winter, Monzo, 39, has brought his passion for the sport to Princeton High where he has taken the helm of the wrestling program, succeeding longtime coach Rashone Johnson, now an assistant principal at the school. more

Junior Star Trainor Following Family Tradition As PHS Boys’ Hockey Produces 10-0-1 Start

OH BROTHER: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Colm Trainor, right, goes after the puck last Monday as PHS defeated Jackson Memorial 5-3. Junior forward Trainor, the youngest of four Trainor brothers to play for the PHS program, had two assists in the win as the Tigers improved to 10-0-1. PHS faces Lakeland Regional on January 17 at the Ice Vault in Wayne and then plays Hunterdon Central on January 21 at the Flemington Ice Arena. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Colm Trainor is savoring his last chance to play with one of his brothers on the Princeton High boys’ hockey team.

The junior forward is the fourth Trainor to play for the program, having been preceded by older siblings Anthony ’17, Robby ’19, and current senior Aidan.

“I have always played with some sort of sibling, first Robby and now Aidan,” said Trainor. “Next year is going to be interesting, I am the last one.”

Last Wednesday against Nottingham, the Trainor connection resulted in a second period goal as PHS prevailed 5-0.

“Whenever Aidan is on the ice, we have the same playing style and we know where each other are going to be,” said Trainor. more