CELEBRATING CHASE: Bryce Chase surveys the action on Saturday as the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team hosted Penn. Last week, Chase’s unique contributions to the program over the last 60-plus years were recognized when Princeton Athletics announced the endowment of the men’s lacrosse team’s offensive coordinator coaching position in his honor. Chase, a 1963 Princeton alum who has served the program as a player, coach, and alum, was celebrated at a halftime ceremony during the Penn game. The Tigers capped Chase’s special day by topping the Quakers 20-8. (Photo by Camryn Ley, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

When Bryce Chase took up lacrosse during his freshman year at Princeton University in 1959-60, he could never have imagined how that decision would change his life.

Chase, who had played baseball at Princeton High before coming across town for college, developed into a star midfielder for the Tigers, earning three varsity letters as a midfielder known for his speed and defensive ability on three Ivy League championship teams.

After graduating from Princeton in 1963, Chase attended law school at the University of Minnesota before returning to his alma mater to join the lacrosse coaching staff in 1970 as assistant freshman coach under Art Hyland and then eventually as a varsity assistant first under Art Robinson.

He served under legendary Tiger head coach Bill Tierney, contributing to six NCAA championships and 13 Ivy League championships while also practicing law. He then transitioned away from an active role as a coach but remained as an advisor to generations of Tiger men’s lacrosse players.

Last week, Chase’s unique contributions to the program over the last 60-plus years were recognized when Princeton Athletics announced the endowment of the men’s lacrosse team’s offensive coordinator coaching position in his honor.

On Saturday, Chase was celebrated during a halftime ceremony as the Princeton men’s lacrosse team hosted Penn at Class of 1952 Stadium. With family, friends, and former Tiger players joining him on the field, Chase’s long association with the program were detailed by PA announcer as alums on hand were chanting “Brycie, Brycie.”

In reflecting on the endowed position, Chase expressed his appreciation and love for the program.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized in this way by Princeton and the countless men I have had the privilege of sharing a sideline with,” said Chase as quoted on the Princeton Athletics website. “Since 1959, I’ve attended over 500 games and been to more than 5,000 practices and it has been an absolute joy the entire time. I never dreamed of a moment like this; it is humbling and something I cherish greatly.”

After Princeton defeated Penn 20-8, Princeton head coach Matt Madalon captured the spirit of the afternoon.

“This day was about Bryce Chase, this honor puts him forever on the sideline,” said Madalon. “I am under the Willam G. Tierney title which is an honor, he brought the tradition to this place. So for someone to wear Bryce’s name forever is cool. He means to world to me. He has been coaching here since like 1969. He has coached fathers and sons through this program. As much as coach T, coach [Chris] Bates and I have been here for a while, he has been here the whole time. He is truly a foundational piece of this whole thing.”

And what a time it has been for Chase since he made that decision to try lacrosse some seven decades ago.