December 11, 2024
By Anne Levin
Princeton Council introduced an ordinance at its Monday, December 9 meeting that approves an application for a tax exemption and PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement with the redeveloper of the former Princeton Seminary property on Stockton Street at Hibben Road.
Herring Properties, formally known as HP 108 Stockton Urban Renewal LLC, plans to build a multi-family residential development of 240 units, 48 of which would be designated as affordable housing. The plan, which has been controversial, also includes public open space, 262 parking spots, and the renovation of an existing historic house.
According to a memo by Mayor Mark Freda recommending the agreement to members of Council, the project “will result in significant benefits for the health, welfare, and financial well-being of the municipality and its citizens.” In addition to the 20 percent affordable housing set-aside, Freda notes a $200,000 contribution by the redeveloper to the town’s Sustainable Transportation Fund, the enhancement of the gateway into town, and the creation of jobs during the project. more
By Donald Gilpin
As the season for cold weather, holidays, and respiratory illnesses advances, the Princeton Health Department will be closely monitoring the health of Princeton residents, particularly those most susceptible to serious sickness.
Deputy Administrator/Director of Health Jeff Grosser stated that his department’s “greatest concerns right now are the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses and ensuring that the community remains prepared.”
He continued, “Of course we focus much of our efforts on our most vulnerable, our younger and older population. With respiratory infections rising, particularly flu and RSV, the focus is on vaccination efforts, public education, and maintaining health care capacity.” more
By Donald Gilpin
As the town of Princeton, along with the whole state, prepares to face changing federal priorities from the new Trump administration, a panel of New Jersey leaders will gather on Thursday, December 19 at 6 p.m. in the Nassau Presbyterian Church (Livestream available) to discuss “State of Protection: Strengthening New Jersey’s Rights in Immigration, Healthcare, Environment, and Law.”
NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Princeton University Professor and former New Jersey Commissioner of Health and Senior Services Heather Howard, and ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha will be leading the deliberations, moderated and organized by State Sen. Andrew Zwicker (District 16).
“After the results of the presidential election, I started to think quite a bit about the first Trump administration and what I could do as a member of the N.J. state legislature to protect the people of New Jersey from what we expect will be coming out of Washington, D.C. over the next four years,” Zwicker said in a recent phone conversation. more
“GOD BLESS US EVERYONE”: Vivia Font, in the back row at right, is happy to be back on stage at McCarter Theatre, playing Mrs. Cratchit in “A Christmas Carol.” Also pictured are Andrea Goss (Christmas Present), Kenneth De Abrew (Bob Cratchit), and Joel McKinnon Miller (Ebenezer Scrooge). (Photo by T. Charles Erickson)
By Anne Levin
For Vivia Font, who plays the role of Margaret Cratchit in McCarter Theatre’s current production of A Christmas Carol, the stage and rehearsal rooms of the venue on University Place feel like home.
It was at McCarter that the actor, who has appeared in regional theater, television, and films, found her vocation as a high school-aged participant in McCarter’s Summer Shakespeare program — first as a student, and later as a teacher. She also appeared at McCarter as a soldier in the annual production of The Nutcracker by Princeton Ballet, now known as American Repertory Ballet. more
MARKING A MILESTONE: Enhancing the Health of the Delaware River Watershed was the focus of an awards presentation held by the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed.
The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed is celebrating a significant milestone as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announces 45 Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF) awards, totaling over $17 million. Several grants went to projects in New Jersey.
This funding, which includes supplemental funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is made possible through the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (DRBCA) and is administered by the NFWF in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). more
by Donald Gilpin
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving at a rapid rate, bringing huge advantages along with some significant harms to all areas of society, and Princeton Public Schools (PPS) is looking for the best ways to benefit from AI’s potential to enhance the education of its students.
“We’re approaching the AI frontier together, and we’re all riding that balance of using it but also not abusing it,” said PPS Assistant Superintendent Kimberly Tew in a December 3 webinar, sponsored by PPS in collaboration with Common Sense Media, an organization working with the district to develop plans and policies concerning the use of AI in PPS.
Common Sense reports that 70 percent of teens nationwide have used at least one type of generative AI tool, with 53 percent using generative AI for homework help. Only 37 percent of parents with teens using gen AI, however, know that their children are using these tools. more
By Stuart Mitchner
If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.
—Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
In the opening sentence of Franz Kafka’s unfinished novel Amerika (New Directions), the Statue of Liberty is holding aloft a sword instead of a torch. There are disputes online about whether this was unintended or intentional. Not to worry. With a writer as infinitely suggestive as Kafka, errors can have prophetic consequences, and since he has, in effect, arrived in post-election America for a centenary exhibit at the Morgan Library & Museum, some interesting connections are already in play, notably Barry Blitt’s New Yorker cover depicting a very nervous, verge-of-vertigo Lady Liberty walking a tightrope.
It’s also worth mentioning that the November 11 issue is centered on “The Home Front,” an article subtitled, “Some Americans are preparing for a second civil war.” A few days ago my wife and I watched Alex Garland’s dystopian fantasy Civil War. The week before, we saw London being spectacularly bombed in Steve McQueen’s no less devastating Blitz just as we were also finishing Josh Zetumer’s Say Nothing, a searing miniseries about “the Troubles” in Northern Ireland. more
By Nancy Plum
The Christmas season and choral music are practically synonymous. To many audience members, the only choral concerts attended during the year are annual Messiah performances or carol sings. The Princeton area has always had many high-quality musical Christmas events to choose from, and one of the finest this year took place this past weekend. Chanticleer, a professional men’s vocal ensemble based in San Francisco, brought its special artistry to the Princeton University Chapel on Saturday night as part of the Princeton University Concerts series. The 12-member ensemble’s music director, Tim Keeler, was a 2011 graduate of Princeton, and the chorus has maintained a close association with the community. The nearly-full house in the Chapel on Saturday night was a tribute to both Chanticleer and the region’s appreciation for choral music in the holiday season.
Saturday night’s concert featured more than 20 choral selections grouped in a variety of ways, including works on the same texts by composers of different eras sung in succession. Chanticleer opened the evening with a candlelight procession singing four settings of a ninth-century Christian hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary. Beginning with the stark open chords of early 15th-century composer Guillaume Du Fay and leading to the complex melodic writing of Renaissance master Tomás Luis de Victoria, Chanticleer’s presentation of “Ave maris stella” traced the evolution of music history at the highest level of singing. With six counter-tenors, the upper voices carried well through the expansive Chapel space as the singers made their way down the long Chapel center aisle. As with most of the music within a given “set,” the works were sung one after another without pause, and before the audience knew it, 150 years of music history had passed, and the musicians were in position on the chancel steps. more
On Saturday, December 14 at 11 a.m., wintry children’s classics come to life with “Merry, Merry Mischief,” at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Kirby Theatre, on the campus of Drew University in Madison. The seasonal “Classics for Kids” offering features actors from the company’s family of artists with scripts in hand, presenting selections from L. Frank Baum, Louisa May Alcott, Clement C. Moore, and others. Visit shakespearenj.org for tickets.
Niki Spruill
Capital Harmony Works (CHW) has named Niki Spruill as its new executive director. Spruill has served for the past two years as CHW’s director of development, advancing corporate and community partnerships while also stewarding individual support for programs.
Spruill played a key role in planning and executing last spring’s successful “One Voice” gala, which raised significant funds for the organization.
“We are thrilled to have Niki step into the role of executive director,” said Genevieve Thayer, chair of the board of trustees. “Her deep understanding of the organization, her ability to foster community relationships, and her dedication to creative youth development make her the ideal leader to guide us into the future.” more
Capital Harmony Works has announced holiday concerts taking place in Princeton and Trenton.
On Saturday, December 14 at 4 p.m., the nonprofit’s Trenton Children’s Chorus joins Voices Chorale NJ in “Sing Out, My Soul,” at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street. The program features Vivaldi’s Gloria, performed with chamber orchestra, plus contemporary compositions and arrangements. Tickets can be obtained at VoicesChoraleNJ.org.
Next on Sunday, December 15 at 3 p.m., the Trenton Children’s Chorus joins Passage Theatre Company at Mill Hill Playhouse, 205 East Front Street, Trenton, for “Passage-Harmony Holiday,” including sing-alongs led by Music for the Very Young. Admission is free but donations are accepted. more
Princeton High School’s music department is holding two special events during the holiday season. “Jammin’ With Santa” is Saturday, December 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. The 79th Annual Winter Concert is Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Princeton University Chapel. Both are free.
“Jammin With Santa” features the PHS Studio Band and PHS Jazz Ensemble, and is designed for all ages. In addition to music, there will be crafts, games, face painting, and food. Admission is free but contributions for the PHS Band Students’ Travel Fund will be accepted to benefit band students in financial need. Visit princetonjazz.org for more information.
The Winter Concert includes all orchestras and choirs from the school. Choir alumni will be invited to join the current choirs at the end of the concert, singing the traditional Bach and Handel selections.
ART AT ELLARSLIE: This oil painting by John Gummere is featured in “Mother + Son Continued: Two Generations of Trenton Artists,” on view at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie in Cadwalader Park through January 19. A reception is on Friday, December 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie will host a reception to celebrate the art and artists of the museum’s final new exhibitions of 2024 on Friday, December 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. The two shows in separate galleries throughout the museum’s first floor are “Voices in Color” and “Mother + Son Continued.”
“Voices in Color” features works by artists of the Trenton Community A*Team (TCAT) and curated by Anthony Catanese. The exhibit celebrates the unique voices and styles of TCAT artists in a colorful display of artistry that showcases their talent and creativity. This special event is an opportunity to meet the artists, hear their stories, and honor 25 years of TCAT’s mission to amplify the voices of underrepresented creators in the community. more
Trenton Music Experience (TME), a recently formed nonprofit whose goal is to celebrate the many significant music innovators and influencers who have graced New Jersey’s capital city over the decades, will host its first ever event in January featuring Sarah Dash, one of the city’s best known music influencers.
Dash, a singer with Patti Labelle and the Bluebelles, who also performed with the Rolling Stones and many other music greats, will be the focus of a three-day pop-up gallery exhibit at Mercer County Community College (MCCC) James Kerney Campus, 102 North Broad Street in downtown Trenton from Thursday January 9 to Saturday, January 11.
An opening reception will be held on Friday, January 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. Exhibit hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 12 to 3 p.m. Saturday.
“Sarah Dash served as the city’s music ambassador until her death in 2021, and we believe her renown and popularity will generate interest in Trenton’s musical heritage,” said Paul Zych, founder and president of TME. He noted that the goal of the nonprofit is to manifest pride in Trenton’s musical heritage.
“Through words, music, memorabilia, photos, and video, our event will underscore that while Dash is unique, her story is not. By celebrating Sarah Dash, TME will demonstrate that Trenton is home to many music influencers whose stories deserve to be told,” said Zych.
Dash, who died three years ago, will be remembered by her niece, Danielle Miller-Winrow, headmaster of Sprout U School of the Arts in Trenton, who will share how Sarah’s upbringing in Trenton influenced her career. As a youngster, Dash sang in the Trenton Church of Christ choir, and later launched a girls’ singing group as a young teen with fellow Trentonian Nona Hendryx, and the Bluebelles with Patti Labelle. Her biggest smash single was “Lady Marmalade.”
“My Aunt Sarah Dash was a visionary who believed in the transformative power of the arts and that everyone deserved the opportunity to experience their magic,” said Miller-Winrow.
“This event is a tribute to her legacy and a reflection of her unwavering passion, which inspired me to integrate academia and the arts at Sprout U — creating a space where creativity and education come together to empower lives, just as she empowered mine.”
Miller-Winrow and her husband, the late Joseph Winrow, founded Sprout U School of the Arts at 27 East Paul Street, Trenton, and she remains the school’s headmaster.
“Aunt Sarah was a profound inspiration and an enthusiastic supporter of our vision. She contributed significantly by serving as a private voice instructor, spearheading fundraising efforts, and passionately advocating for the arts within our community,” said Miller-Winrow.
More than a museum or a concert hall, TME hosts events featuring interactive displays that tell the stories of Trenton music influencers through personal memorabilia, career keepsakes, and photographs. For questions, email becky@btaylorpa.com.
“SUNSET BIRD”: This work by Cathy Dailey is featured in “Roots and Radiance,” on view at Princeton Makes in the Princeton Shopping Center December 16 through January 26. An opening reception is on December 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Princeton Makes, the artist cooperative located in the Princeton Shopping Center, has announced the opening of its upcoming basement exhibition, “Roots and Radiance.” This exhibit will run December 16 through January 26, celebrating themes of growth, grounding, and the energy of new beginnings.
An opening reception will be held on Monday, December 16 from 5 to 7 p.m., offering an opportunity for art enthusiasts and community members to meet the artists, explore their work, and engage in conversations about the inspirations behind the exhibit. Light refreshments will be provided. more
“CIRCLE OF LIFE”: This work by Ellen Rebarber is part of “When the Land Calls,” on view at D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Marie L. Matthews Gallery December 15 through February 28. An opening reception is on December 15 from 1 to 5 p.m.
D&R Greenway Land Trust’s new art exhibit, “When the Land Calls,” opens with a reception on December 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Marie L. Matthews Gallery at the Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place. Featured artists Ellen Rebarber and Mike Benevenia will speak at 2 p.m. about their unique sculptural works, fine art paper bowls, handcrafted jewelry, and bold paintings.
The festive holiday opening offers music and refreshments and includes a Legacy Estate Sale of colored glass, crystal, pottery, and landscape art of Lambertville artist Joseph Shannon. All art is for sale and comes with a gift tag to show that purchases support D&R Greenway’s mission to preserve and care for land and inspire a conservation ethic. more
TAKING A BOW: Princeton Pro Musica Artistic Director Ryan James Brandau acknowledges applause from the audience at last year’s December holiday concert, “A Feast of Carols,” at the Princeton University Chapel. “Our annual December ‘A Feast of Carols’ includes the Christmas music of Bach and Handel and a wide variety of carols from across the ages,” says Kenny Litvack, Princeton Pro Musica’s marketing manager. (Photo by Ron Wyatt).
By Jean Stratton
What is your pleasure? Opera, symphony, choral, Broadway musicals, rock, rap, pop, blues, folk, country?
What is wonderful about music is that it is a gift for all of us. We are fortunate in Princeton to have many opportunities to enjoy a wide selection of music in many styles and formats. more
YOUNG GUN: Princeton University men’s hockey player Miles Gunty skates into the crease in recent action. Last Friday, freshman forward Gunty contributed two assists as Princeton defeated Union 2-1. Gunty, who picked up another assist in a 6-2 win over RPI a day later, was later named the ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week. Princeton, now 5-4-1 overall and 3-4-1 ECACH, is next in action when it plays at Army West Point on December 28. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)
By Bill Alden
Miles Gunty sensed a different vibe around the Princeton University men’s hockey team last week in the wake of its two-game sweep of No. 12 Ohio State.
“It was huge, this week at practice you could feel the energy every day,” said Gunty. “We are starting to believe a little bit more and last weekend was huge for that. Hopefully we are going to keep it rolling through the rest of the season.” more
WORKING OVERTIME: Princeton University women’s hockey player Sarah Paul controls the puck in a game last winter. On Saturday, junior forward Paul scored both goals for Princeton as it edged Quinnipiac 2-1 in overtime. The Tigers, who improved to 9-5 overall and 4-5 ECAC Hockey with the win, were slated to host LIU on December 10 before going on an exam/holiday break. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
With the Princeton University women’s hockey team trailing Quinnipiac 1-0 in the third period last Saturday at Hobey Baker Rink, Sarah Paul took matters into her hands.
Junior forward Paul tallied a power play goal with 13:33 left in the third period to knot the game at 1-1 and force overtime. Then at the 2:06 mark of the extra session, Paul slotted a feed from Jane Kuehl into the back of the net to give the Tigers a 2-1 win as they posted their fourth straight win and improved to 9-5 overall and 4-5 ECAC Hockey. more
SERVING UP A WINNER: Princeton High girls’ volleyball player Naomi Lygas blasts a serve in action this fall. Junior outside hitter Lygas starred as PHS went 28-1 and won its second straight New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 state title. Lygas tallied a team-high 318 kills, breaking the program record for career kills in the process. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Naomi Lygas realized that the Princeton High girls’ volleyball team wasn’t going to sneak up on anyone this fall after rolling to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 state title in 2023.
“Last year we were the underdogs, we were coming up putting Princeton on the map and this year we had a lot of pressure coming into it so that was a big thing,” said PHS junior outside hitter Lygas. “We were trying to prove ourselves. People have asked us if it is an option not to repeat and we said not really because of how hard we work.”
It didn’t take long for the Tigers to prove that they were going to be dominant once again as they brought a 19-1 record into the Burlington County Scholastic League (BCSL) tournament. PHS ended up rolling to its third BCSL title, defeating Princeton Day School 2-0 (25-6, 25-10) in the final.
In a win over fellow powerhouse Williamstown in mid-October, Lygas moved her career kills total to 736, breaking the previous program record of 724 set by Gillian Hauschild ’20.
“I think it is so cool, I honestly didn’t know it was coming,” said Lygas “Gillian was amazing. I could not have done without my team and everybody around me. It is such a team effort but to reach it is so cool.”
In reflecting on her record-breaking star, PHS head coach Patty Manhart credited Lygas with displaying versatility and a competitive fire.
“Naomi is clutch 100 percent,” said Manhart. “She is so well-rounded, she can do anything. Other schools know who she is. Even when they try to put the focus on blocking her, she is able to just go right through it. She is fearless being matched up. She knows she has the power to win those points.”
With Lygas continuing her powerful play at the net, the Tigers cruised to the second straight Group 3 state final posting four 2-0 wins as they won the Central Jersey Group 3 sectional title and then topped Moorestown in the Group 3 state semis.
In the final against Ramapo, Lygas led the way with a game-high 11 kills as PHS jumped out to a 15-3 lead in the first set and never looked back on the way to a comprehensive 25-8, 25-11 win as it ended the fall with a 28-1 record and ranked No. 1 in the state by NJ.com.
“We had never played that team before, we watched some film on them,” said Lygas, who ended the fall with a team-high 318 kills to push her program record total to 852. “The biggest thing was
getting out to an early lead. We didn’t really know what they had with them. We know we play the best when we have that confidence going.”
In reflecting on winning a second straight title, Lygas pointed to the squad’s camaraderie and work ethic as keys to its success.
“It is everything about it; we are so connected, we are such a hardworking team,” said Lygas, who has committed to attend Tulane University and play for its women’s beach volleyball program. “If there is something that is not working, we find it and fix it. That is something that is so huge about us. We probably spend the most time together out of a lot of teams. We have lunches, we have after school bonding. That just makes it so easy to play together, it is such a supportive team.”
For producing another huge season in helping PHS continue its Group 3 state dominance, Lygas is the choice as the top girl performer this fall.
Top Boy Performer
Jack Moran soaked up some valuable lessons in his first three seasons with the Hun School football team, biding his time backing up star quarterback Marco Lainez Jr. and then sharing playing time with Myles O’Neill.
“My first couple of years with Marco, it was just kind of absorbing everything that he did to see what it took to be able to play at the level that Hun plays at, especially at the quarterback position,” said senior Moran. “So I definitely looked up to him. And then my junior year with Myles, it was kind of a tough situation because we were both obviously very good quarterbacks splitting reps. But we made the best out of that situation. We both had great seasons. I definitely got better playing with him last year.”
Moran got his season off to a great start, passing for 517 yards and five touchdowns as Hun defeated Mount Carmel (Ill.) 42-38.
“This is all I’ve wanted ever since I got to Hun was to be the starting quarterback,” said Moran, reflecting on the win. “So the excitement was unmatched. I couldn’t wait to lead the guys out the first series we had in Chicago. But there was definitely some nerves too, though. Obviously not having as many reps as most kids would get, there was still some question marks, ‘Can I do this? Can I play four quarters?’ I’d never done it, but as of right now, I think I’m definitely making the best out of it.”
Hun head coach Todd Smith wasn’t surprised to see Moran take advantage of his opportunity to start.
“We wanted him to prepare last year like he was the starter and I think he did that week in and week out,” said Smith. “He is the guy now, so he’s going out there and I think he takes charge of the huddle a little more. But overall there’s really not much of a difference between last year and this year, just other than the amount of attempts he has each game. And he’s responding. He’s got a great arm and he’s got a quick release. He’s not afraid to get rid of the ball and he can put it wherever he wants to throw it and we have the guys who can go catch it.”
Moran’s stunning performance in the opener proved to be a harbinger of things to come as he ended up with astronomical stats, connecting on 203-of-278 passes for 4,513 yards and 47 TDs as Hun went 9-1. Those numbers show that Moran was primed to lead the Hun air attack.
“We’ve definitely been a run heavy team in the past,” said Moran, who has committed to play at Charlotte. “We’ve always been pretty balanced. We’re definitely not afraid to line up in the I-formation and run the ball if we have to, but we have so many weapons. Any kid who’s on the field at any times, I know I could trust them to make a play. So I’m not afraid to put the ball up there for them, make tough throws and just let them go get it.”
Moran’s amazing production in his first year as a starter for Hun earns him the nod as the leading boy performer this fall.
KICKSTARTER: Hun School boys’ soccer player Sasha Mykhalchuk dribbles the ball against Hopewell Valley in September. Junior midfielder Mykhalchuk, a native of Ukraine, joined the Hun squad this fall and made an immediate impact, tying for the team lead in goals with six and tallying a team-best assists with 10. Mykhalchuk helped Hun go 13-4-2 and advance to the Prep A state final. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Top Newcomers
Coming off a 2023 season which saw the Princeton High girls’ tennis team advance to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 3 final, the Tigers brought a battle-tested squad into this fall.
“With six returners and a freshman at the top of the lineup we hope for good things,” said PHS head coach Sarah Hibbert.
That freshman, Kathleen Xu, emerged as a star at first singles.
“Kathleen is a tournament player, she trains a lot, she works very hard,” said Hibbert. “She started off the season really well. She has a good all-around game. She does stay at the baseline a lot but she has a good serve and is willing to move the ball around, move forward, and volley.”
Xu produced a superb debut campaign. She took fourth at first singles at the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) tournament as the Tigers placed second in the team standings.
“Kathleen played great against two really strong opponents,” said Hibbert, reciting on Xu’s permanence at the event. “It’s a lot of tennis.”
Playing some more good tennis, Xu helped the Tigers advance to the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 sectional final and finish with a 12-2 record. Xu, for her part, ended up with an 8-5 record as she faced the best players on PHS’ foes.
Xu’s solid performance at first singles for PHS in her freshman season makes her the pick as the top girl newcomer.
Hun School boys’ soccer head coach Pat Quirk knew he had something special when Kyiv, Ukraine native Sasha Mykhalchuk joined his squad this season.
“Sasha plays out on the wing,” said Quirk. “He is a strong, fast player. There are times when he just puts his head down and wants to dribble.”
Junior midfielder Mykhalchuk was motivated to come to the U.S. for the combination of soccer and academics offered by Hun along with the opportunity to be reunited with his older brother.
“American can provide soccer and an education, that is why I came here,” said Mykhalchuk. “My brother is here, that is a big reason as well. I didn’t see him for three years. Being with family is very important for me as well.”
Joining the Raider team this summer for preseason training, Mykhalchuk fit right in.
“It was like a family since the first day, it was not hard to settle,” said Mykhalchuk. “I found friends, the guys are like my brothers now. It is very easy.”
Settling in with his new friends, Mykhalchuk developed into an offensive catalyst for the Raiders.
“I thought I would score more goals at the start of the season,” said Mykhalchuk. “I feel like I pass more. I feel like I can pass and shoot. I am trying to provide for my teammates as well as trying to score myself. I don’t care whether I score or whether my teammates score as long as we win the game.”
Quirk credited Mykhalchuk with stepping up in big way this fall as Hun went 13-4-2 and advanced to the Prep A state final.
“Sasha has been great, he has the most assists,” said Quirk of Mykhalchuk, who tied for the team lead in goals with six and had the most assists with 10. “I think in the preseason we might have expected him to score a little more. Now that he is getting a little more assists, it frees him up a little more to be a little more creative. He is physical, he can hold on to the ball. He can battle shoulder to shoulder with any of them.”
Mykhalchuk’s immediate impact as he helped Hun produce a memorable campaign earns him the selection as the leading boy newcomer.
RYAN’S HOPE: Princeton High boys’ soccer head coach Ryan Walsh, right, makes a point to his players during a game this fall. Walsh guided the Tigers to a superb campaign as they went 18-3-4, winning the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) tournament and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 sectional title. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Top Coaches
In early October, the Princeton High girls’ cross country team served notice that despite a lineup featuring only one senior, it’s lack of experience wasn’t going to keep it from being a powerhouse.
In early October, the Tigers won the Girls Varsity B race at the Shore Coaches Invitational at Holmdel Park in dominant fashion as their top five all placed in the top 20.
That victory set the tone as PHS produced a historic campaign, taking first in Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) championship meet, winning the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 sectional meet, finishing first in the Group 4 state meet for the first time in program history and then coming in second in the NJSIAA Meet of Champions, the highest-ever finish for the program at that competition.
“A big part of our success is we’re really deep and we’ve got a lot of a lot of girls who are hungry to get race opportunities,” said PHS head coach Jim Smirk in assessing his squad’s superb campaign. “So there’s a lot driving that team component and everybody looking to contribute.”
For Smirk, winning the Group 4 title was a product of the group’s hunger to excel.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team,” said Smirk. “They’ve grown tremendously in the year. I think if anybody coming out of the fall last year pegged us to be Group 4 champions this year, they have a better crystal ball than I do. But the girls put in a ton of work. They’ve set their goals. They stuck to it. They committed to doing the work. And I think more importantly, they committed to each other.”
That commitment was further demonstrated by the second-place finish at the MOC.
“It proves that if you commit to the people you’ve got and you give them opportunity to find success, that there’s a lot of opportunity there,” said Smirk. “And I think that’s what we showed. We have some new bodies on the team, and some new athletes on the team with Phoenix coming over from track and a couple of freshmen. But the reality is these are people who are involved in our program and we invested in them and they invested in each other. And this is kind of the end result.”
With so many young runners in its lineup, the future looks bright for the Tigers.
“The big thing is, can we take the lessons we learned this year about caring about each other, finding joy in hard work and commitment and seeing ourselves through the entire season,” said Smirk, whose team took fourth at the Nike Cross Nationals Northeast Regional meet on November 23 to cap its stellar season. “If we can take those lessons and build on them, then I think we’ll be where we are now and have a shot at maybe the next step, which would be challenging for that top spot at Meet of Champions.”
For guiding his squad to new heights, Smirk is the choice as the top coach of a girls’ team this fall.
Coming off a historic 2023 campaign that saw it go 22-2 on the way to winning the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 state title, the Princeton High boys’ soccer team knew that it had a big target on its back this fall.
Despite losing nine seniors to graduation from last year’s squad and with two other stars not coming back this year to play academy instead, PHS head coach Ryan Walsh believed his players wouldn’t be fazed by wearing that bull’s eye.
“The guys know that every team is going to bring their best against us but they are really excited,” said Walsh, who was in his second year at the helm of the program. “These guys love the competition and they love the challenge.”
The Tigers got off to a bit of a shaky start, going 3-1-1 and scoring only six goals in these first five games. With senior stars Azariah Bretiman and Archie Smith leading the way, the Tigers caught fire as they went on a 7-1-2 run heading into the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) tournament.
PHS outscored its first three foes 15-2 in the CVC competition on the way to a title game clash against Notre Dame. The Tigers ended up edging the Irish 1-0 on a second half goal by Chase Hamerschlag.
“We are really happy to bring this trophy back to PHS,” said Walsh, reflecting on the title “Pennington has won it a lot recently; it is different without them but we are still excited to win.”
Continuing the postseason run, the Tigers won their second straight NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 4 sectional crown, nipping Monroe 1-0 in the final
“It has been great, this team is so different from last year,” said Walsh after the win over Monroe. “There is great leadership and togetherness on this team, that is a similar feel from last year. You can tell all of these guys just want to win so bad. They do all of the dirty work to win games 1-0, 2-1. That is what it takes to win a tournament.”
Although the Tigers came up short against Southern in the Group 4 states semis as they suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss, that setback didn’t dim what PHS achieved this fall as it went 18-3-4.
“The message to the team was how proud I was of them this year, the seniors especially,” said Walsh. “They have won everything that they could win in the last two years. To have so much success they should be proud of what they accomplished at Princeton High School.”
For Walsh, helping the squad achieve that success required some creativity and flexibility.
“Early on after losing so many important players from last year, we had to fill this team in,” said Walsh. “I thought that after about five or six games, we really started to catch our stride. There was so much growth from August 19th all the way until the end. It was great to see. There was a lot of mixing and matching, we tried some things out. Some things didn’t work but we figured it out.”
In figuring things out and leading PHS to another superb postseason run, Walsh gets the nod as the top coach of a boys’ team.
FREE AND CLEAR: Princeton High boys’ swimmer David Brophy competes in a freestyle race last winter. Senior star and Colgate University-bound Brophy has helped PHS get off to a 2-0 start this season. In upcoming action, the Tigers have meets at Hightstown on December 13 and at Robbinsville on December 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
In its first three seasons with the Princeton High boys’ swim team, the squad’s Class of 2025 has helped the program produce a dominant run.
The Tigers have gone 40-3 in dual meets over that span, winning three county titles, making one New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group B state final and two North 2 Group B sectional finals. more
IN THE FAST LANE: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Sabine Ristad displays her freestyle form in a race last season. Senior Ristad will be playing a key role for PHS this winter as she looks to produce another stellar campaign. The Tigers, who have a new head coach in Patrick Remboski, started the season by defeating Lawrence High 94-61 last Thursday. PHS, which improved to 2-0 with a 93-64 win over Steinert last Monday, has meets at Hightstown on December 13 and at Robbinsville on December 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Although Patrick Remboski has taken the helm of the Princeton High girls’ swim team, it should be business as usual for the squad.
Having served as an assistant coach for the PHS boys’ and girls’ programs for the last six seasons under head coach Carly Fackler, who is now just coaching the boys, Remboski has enjoyed a smooth transition in leading the squad. more
By Bill Alden
Having said goodbye to a stellar group of 10 seniors from last year’s squad, the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team will be featuring new faces in new places on the ice this winter.
“There is a lot of opportunity available, we are just trying to feel it out,” said PDS head coach Jamie Davis, who guided PDS to a 12-6 record and a spot in the semifinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state tournament last winter. “It is going to take a little bit of learning for everyone because we have some players who aren’t used to the ice time and have the opportunity to step up. We also have our players who have been contributors for us.”
With two of the Panthers’ top returning forwards, senior Eibhleann Knox (9 goals and 12 assists in 2023-24) and junior Brynn Dandy (4 goals, 5 assists), currently sidelined by injury, others will have opportunity to step up. more
A-GAME: Hun School boys’ basketball player AJ Mickens dribbles past a foe in a game last winter. Last Thursday, senior guard Mickens scored 23 points but it wasn’t enough as Hun lost 70-61 to the Haverford School (Pa.). Hun, which fell 86-83 to Northfield Mount Herman (Mass.) last Sunday to move to 3-2, plays at the George School (Pa.) on December 11 and then competes in the 2024 Scholar Roundball Classic at the College of Holy Cross from December 14-15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
AJ Mickens went scoreless for the Hun School boys’ basketball team in the first half as it hosted Haverford School (Pa.) last Thursday evening.
With Hun down 35-22 at halftime, senior guard Mickens acknowledged that it was a tough 18 minutes for the Raiders collectively. more