August 30, 2023

Tigers Women’s Soccer Starts Season with 2-0 Weekend As Forward Tordin Ignites Offense with 3 Goals, 2 Assists

TORRID START: Princeton University women’s soccer player Pietra Tordin prepares to unload the ball last Sunday against La Salle. Sophomore forward Tordin tallied a goal and two assists in the contest to help the Tigers win 5-0 and improve to 2-0. Tordin, who scored two goals in a 3-0 win over Monmouth in the season opener on Friday, was later named the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week. In upcoming action, Princeton hosts Rutgers on August 31 and Army West Point on September 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming off a superb debut season for the Princeton University women’s soccer team which saw her win the Ivy League Rookie of the Year, Pietra Tordin is feeling a heightened comfort level on the field this year.

“I already know a lot of the girls very well so I think the chemistry is starting to click in,” said forward Tordin, a 5’6 native of Doral, Fla. “It is just getting to know the personnel of the team and knowing how to work with them and work around their skill sets as much as possible.”

Last weekend, Tordin clicked as Princeton opened its 2023 campaign by topping Monmouth 3-0 last Friday and then defeated La Salle 5-0 on Sunday. Tordin scored two goals in the opener and added a goal and two assists in the win over the Explorers. more

Tiger Men’s Soccer Facing Stern Tests from the Start, Aiming to Steel Itself for the Ivy League Battles Ahead

HARRY SITUATION: Princeton University men’s soccer player Harry Roberts heads upfield in a game last season. Junior Roberts brings versatility to the Tigers as he can play both forward and defender. Princeton opens its 2023 season by hosting Rutgers on September 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University men’s soccer team heads into the 2023 season, it is facing some stern tests from the get-go.

“I think we have the hardest schedule we have ever had — we have six teams in the preseason Top 20 on our schedule,” said Princeton head coach Jim Barlow, whose team hosts Rutgers on September 1 and Duke on September 4 to get the season underway. “We start off with the defending Big 10 champs and the No 4 team in the country on Monday.”

With the Ivy League holding its inaugural postseason tournament this year that will include the top four finishers in the league standings with victor earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, Barlow is hoping that the gauntlet of tough foes will steel his squad for the Ivy League battles ahead. more

PU Field Hockey Featuring a Bevy of New Faces, But Confident it Can Maintain Winning Tradition

AMAZING GRACE: Princeton University field hockey player Grace Schulze, left, controls the ball in a game last fall. Senior forward Schulze, who tallied six goals and 10 assists in 2022, figures to be a key offensive catalyst for the Tigers this fall. Princeton, ranked No. 10 in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) preseason poll, opens its 2023 campaign by facing Louisville on September 1 and the University of North Carolina on September 3, with both games to be played at Ellen Vagelos Field in Philadelphia. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University field hockey team will feature a new look when they take on Louisville on Friday in Philadelphia.

The Tigers have to replace nine starters led by a group of seniors, including 2022 third-leading scorer Sammy Popper (9 goals, 2 assists), that graduated after helping Princeton go 13-5, win the Ivy League and reach the NCAA tournament. Princeton will also be without last year’s top scorer Beth Yeager (12 goals, 8 assists), the 2022 Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-American, who is playing with the United States team that is working toward Olympic qualification.  more

PU Women’s Hockey Star Monihan Skates at U.S. Camp, Plans to Utilize Experience to Help Tigers This Winter

SUMMER CAMP: Princeton University women’s hockey player Kate Monihan controls the puck in a 2022 game. Earlier this month, senior defender and team co-captain Monihan skated at the Team USA camp for the U.S. Collegiate Women’s Select Team at the Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, N.Y., as part of the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Kate Monihan, playing for the U.S. U18 women’s team in the 2019 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s World Championship in Japan was a critical step in her hockey development.

“The things I learned there I came home and immediately brought to my high school team (Lawrenceville School),” said Monihan, who helped the U.S. win a silver medal at the competition. “It was things like moving the puck more quickly in the defensive zone from our defenders to our forwards and different strategies. When you are the U18 team, you are coached by college coaches. I had the opportunity to bring college level knowledge and experience to my high school team and that actually ended up being one of our best seasons at Lawrenceville.” more

With Quarterback Petrone Triggering the Offense, PHS Football Tops Lawrence 20-0 in Season Opener

OPENING STATEMENT: Princeton High quarterback Travis Petrone fires a pass last Friday night as PHS played at Lawrence High in the season opener for both teams. Junior Petrone connected on 4 of 8 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown in the contest to help the Tigers prevail 20-0. PHS will look to keep on the winning track when it hosts Riverside on September 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton High football team knotted in a scoreless tie at Lawrence High midway through the second quarter last Friday night in the season opener, PHS quarterback Travis Petrone lofted a pass that wobbled towards the end zone.

As the duck fluttered down, Tiger receiver Wyatt Arshan swooped in, snatched the ball out of the air and raced in for a 41-yard touchdown to give PHS a 6-0 lead. more

August 23, 2023

Tiger Women’s Soccer Bringing Hunger Into Fall, Motivated to Earn Spot in 1st-Ever Ivy Tournament

ON THE BALL: Princeton University women’s soccer player Jen Estes looks to control the ball in a game last season. Senior midfielder and co-captain Estes is primed for a big final season for the Tigers. Princeton kicks off its 2023 campaign by hosting Monmouth on August 25. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The first-ever Ivy League tournament is a big carrot waiting at the end of the regular season this fall for the Princeton University women’s soccer team.

To get there, the Tigers will have to finish among the top four Ivy teams after they navigate a challenging schedule that begins with the non-conference portion this week. Princeton will get its 2023 campaign underway by hosting Monmouth on August 25 on Myslik Field at Roberts Stadium, one of four straight at home to open the year. They turn around and host La Salle two days later.

“We have a very tough schedule, and it should prepare us for conference play,” said Princeton head coach Sean Driscoll. “We’re putting ourselves in a position to play against teams that are going to challenge us and hopefully prepare us. That’s why it’s considered one of the Top 20 non-conference schedules in the country. We’ll learn a lot about ourselves.” more

Vigilante Taking the Helm of PU Men’s Track Team, Excited to Succeed Legendary Head Coach Samara

SUCCESSION PLAN: Jason Vigilante gives his Princeton University men’s cross country runners some instructions at the Ivy League Heptagonal meet. Vigilante was recently named as the head coach of the Princeton men’s track and field team, succeeding the legendary Fred Samara who retired this spring following a 46-year career guiding the Tigers. Joining the Princeton track program in 2012, Vigilante has served as the head coach of the men’s cross country team and as an assistant with the track and field program where he oversaw the distance runners.  (Photo by Princeton Athletics/Sideline Photos)

By Justin Feil

Jason Vigilante knows that he has enormous shoes to fill.

A Princeton University track and field assistant coach since 2012, Vigilante will take over the head coaching duties after legendary head coach Fred Samara retired following the spring season, his 46th year with the Tiger men.

“It’s really exciting,” said Vigilante, who also has been the PU men’s cross country head coach since his arrival in Princeton. “It’s a huge honor to not only follow Coach Samara but also Coach (Larry) Ellis. It’s the first time they had a head track and field coach search in 50 years. It’s an honor to have gotten it, and I know there were some really fine candidates who were up for the job.” more

Building on Superb Debut Season for PU Men’s Hockey, Gorman Skated in NHL Development Camp with Vegas

VIVA LAS VEGAS: Brendan Gorman streaks up the ice last winter in his freshman season for the Princeton University men’s hockey team. Gorman made an immediate impact in his debut campaign, tallying 20 points on five goals and 15 assists to lead all Tiger freshmen in points and tie Ian Murphy for the team lead in assists. This July, Gorman took part in an NHL Development Camp with the Vegas Golden Knights. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Brendan Gorman, joining the Princeton University men’s hockey team last winter was something he had been looking forward to for years.

“My dad was throwing on the Princeton jersey and stuff when we were younger,” said Gorman, whose father, Sean ’91, was a star and a captain for the Tigers. “Ever since I was like really young it was my dream to go to Princeton. My brother (Liam) committed to BU first but ended up going to Princeton. That kind of sealed the deal, playing with my brother and going to my dream school.”

The younger Gorman showed his stuff last winter, tallying 20 points on five goals and 15 assists to lead all Tiger freshmen in points and tie Ian Murphy for the team lead in assists. more

Taking Its Lumps Last Fall in Youth Movement, Battle-Tested PHS Football Primed for 2023 Season

GOLD RUSH: Princeton High football star Tyler Goldberg looks to elude some tacklers in a game last fall. Senior running back and team captain Goldberg figures to be a key cog in the PHS offense this fall. The Tigers open their 2023 campaign by playing at Lawrence High on August 25. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Undergoing a youth movement by necessity last fall, the Princeton High football team took its lumps as it went 1-9.

Reaping the benefits of getting a slew of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors on the field, PHS enters the 2023 campaign as a battle-tested squad.

“I am seeing somewhat of an experienced team, I do see a big jump,” said Tiger head coach Charlie Gallagher, noting that 67 players showed up for preseason practice this summer, the largest turnout in his tenure guiding the program. “I feel like there are a lot of veterans out there. It is a good thing to have.” more

August 16, 2023

Leaving Home After Playing at PHS, Coaching at PU, Ettin Headed West to Join Staff of UC Santa Barbara

CALIFORNIA DREAMING: Skye Ettin shows his joy after helping to coach the Princeton University men’s basketball team to an upset win in the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament in Sacramento, Calif. Ettin, a former Princeton High and The College of New Jersey hoops standout who was on the coaching staff of the Tigers for eight years starting as the director of operations and getting promoted to assistant coach in 2016, recently left the program to take a similar position at the University of California, Santa Barbara. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Skye Ettin’s basketball life has revolved around the Princeton area.

Growing up in Princeton, Ettin attended Princeton University basketball camps as a kid, honing the skills that would make him a star for the Princeton High boys’ basketball team. After PHS, Ettin played college hoops a few miles from home, enjoying a superb career for The College of New Jersey men’s hoops program.

Upon graduating from TCNJ in 2015, Ettin returned home to join the staff of the Princeton University men’s hoops team as its director of operations. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming an assistant coach a year later. more

After Culminating Stellar Career for Columbia Baseball Former Hun Standout Blake Playing in Angels System

STEPPING UP: Andy Blake makes a play in the infield this past spring for the Columbia University baseball team. Star shortstop Blake, a former Hun School standout, was named the 2023 Ivy League Player of the Year and recently signed a minor deal with the Los Angeles Angels signed as an undrafted free agent. He has started his pro career by playing for the Angels squad in the Arizona Complex League. (Photo by Mike McLaughlin / Columbia University Athletics)

By Justin Feil

Andy Blake has spent his baseball career proving himself, and now he is trying to make the most of his chance at the highest level. Upon graduating from Hopewell Valley High, he took a post-graduate year at the Hun School in 2018-19 that helped him to land at Columbia University. After getting named the Ivy League Player of the Year this past spring at Columbia in his final season with the Lions, Blake had his car packed to head to Duke for his final two years of college eligibility when the Los Angeles Angels signed him away to a minor league deal as an undrafted free agent.

“It’s a total dream come true,” said Blake from the Arizona Complex League, a rookie-level Minor League Baseball league that operates in and around Phoenix. “As a kid growing up, every young kid’s dream is to play pro ball for an MLB organization. So when the Angels gave me a call, I was head-over-heels happy, just so ready to get out here and get to work. It’s been a dream come true. I’m just ready to keep going and keep working hard. Hopefully everything goes well and I play well, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.” more

After Coaching Stops at 4 Division III Programs, Taylor Bringing College Mentality to PDS Boys’ Lax

NICK OF TIME: Nick Taylor makes a point during his tenure as the head coach of the Haverford College men’s lacrosse team. Taylor left Haverford this spring to take the helm of the Princeton Day School boys’ lacrosse program. (Photo by David Sinclair Photography)

By Bill Alden

Upon wrapping up a superb college lacrosse career at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham in 2008, Nick Taylor was planning to leave the game.

“After FDU, I went to American University and earned a master’s degree there,” said Taylor. “I was really intent on taking a stab at the public relations side. I have a degree in public communications.”

But while studying for his master’s degree, Taylor was pulled back into lacrosse, doing some volunteer coaching for the Catholic University men’s program. Realizing that he could make a career out of the game he loves, Taylor ultimately became an assistant coach at Catholic from 2009-12. more

Nassau Swim Club Lemmings Staying Afloat, Enjoying Another Successful PASDA Campaign

IN FORM: Stephen Baytin of the Nassau Swim Club Lemmings displays his freestyle form in a race this summer. In late July, Baytin came up big at the Princeton Area Swimming and Diving Association (PASDA) championship meet, taking first in the 12U boys’ 50-yard freestyle, first in 50 breaststroke, and first in 100 individual medley. Baytin’s heroics helped the Lemmings take seventh overall at the meet and second among Division 2 teams. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While the Princeton Area Swimming and Diving Association (PASDA) has shrunk in recent years with such powerhouse teams as the Cranbury Catfish and West Windsor Whalers having folded, the plucky band of the Nassau Swim Club Lemmings has stayed afloat despite limited numbers.

With a squad of around 50 swimmers, the Lemmings went 4-2 in PASDA Division 2 dual meet action this summer and ended up taking seventh overall and second among Division 2 teams at the PASDA championship meet in late July. more

August 9, 2023

Making Impact for Pistons in NBA Summer League, PU Alum Evbuomwan Utilized his Trademark Versatility

SUMMER JOB: Tosan Evbuomwan heads to the hoop last winter during his senior season with the Princeton University men’s basketball team. Evbuomwan recently competed a NBA Summer League campaign for the Detroit Pistons. Evbuomwan scored 7.0 points per game while shooting 50 percent from the field, averaged 4.0 rebounds per game, and 1.3 assists per game in helping the Pistons go 4-1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

BY Justin Feil

Tosan Evbuomwan stuffed a statistics sheet at Princeton University, but only cared if it led the Tigers to winning.

He is taking that same approach to his professional career.

If his first foray as a part of the Detroit Pistons summer league is any indication, the recent Princeton graduate looks as though he could have the same effect at the pro level. Evbuomwan finished tied for third in the entire NBA Summer League in plus-minus at plus-17, meaning the Pistons were 17 points better with Evbuomwan on the court than when he was off it.  more

CP Bluefish Overcame Early Adversity this Summer On the Way to Winning 8th Straight PASDA Championship

ALEXIS THE GREAT: Community Park Bluefish swim star Alexis Julian displays her breaststroke form in a race this summer. Julian helped the Bluefish place first in the Princeton Area Swimming and Diving Association (PASDA) championship meet in late July. Julian finished first in the girls’ 10U 25-yard freestyle and 100 individual medley and earned the Most Valuable Player award in the age group along with teammate Oceana Hsieh, the first place finisher in the 25 breaststroke and the 25 butterfly. CP rolled to its eighth straight title in the competition, piling up 3,588 points in taking first, more than doubling runner-up Country Pool Club Swim Team (1,485 points). (Photo provided by Mike Uchrin)

By Bill Alden

Things were a little choppy at the beginning of this summer for the Community Park Bluefish swim team.

“We had to overcome some adversity,” said CP Bluefish co-head coach Mike Uchrin. “It was cold at first, and then the sun came out and it was hazy. Then after that we had thunderstorms every day. We had a lot of challenging mental things to overcome at first.” more

Local Referee Glock Reached Officiating Pinnacle, Serving as Crew Chief in World Men’s Lax Final

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Referee Keith Glock giving instructions during the pregame lineup before the gold medal game at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship on July 1 as the U.S. faced Canada. Glock, a resident of Lawrenceville and a guidance counselor at Montgomery High, served as the lead official in the contest that was won 10-7 by the U.S.  (Photo provided by Keith Glock)

By Bill Alden

On the afternoon of July 1, Keith Glock was standing on the field at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, Calif., but felt like he was on the top of the world.

That day, Glock was serving as the lead official of the gold medal game at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship as the U.S. faced Canada. more

Sparked by Clutch Play from Jones Down the Stretch, Princeton Supply Wins Summer Hoops Championship

SUPPLY AND DEMAND: Troy Jones of Princeton Supply puts up a shot in recent action in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Last Wednesday, Jones tallied 20 points with six rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one blocked shot to help Princeton Supply edge LoyalTees 57-54 in game two of the league’s best-of-three championship series to sweep the finals and win the title. Jones, a former Notre Dame High and East Stroudsburg University standout, was named as the Foreal Wooten Playoff MVP. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although Princeton Supply pulled away to a 66-54 win over a short-handed LoyalTees squad in the opener of the best-of-three championship series in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League, Troy Jones knew that earning a title was still going to be a struggle.

“We just knew that we had to play our game,” said Princeton Supply star guard Jones in assessing the team’s mindset as it came into Game 2 last Wednesday night at the Community Park courts. “We knew it was going to be a way different game than the last game. It was a much tougher game.” more

August 2, 2023

Former Tiger Men’s Lax Star Schreiber Fought Through Injury, Earning 2nd Gold Medal as US Repeated as World Champions

REPEAT PERFORMANCE: Team USA star midfielder and co-captain Tom Schreiber, left, races past a Canadian defender in the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in San Diego, Calif. Former Princeton University standout Schreiber ’14 helped the U.S. win its second straight world title as it defeated Canada 10-7 in the gold medal game on July 1. Although Schreiber missed three and a half games in the tournament due to injury, he still tallied five points on three goals and two assists in the competition. (Photo by USA Lacrosse)

By Bill Alden

Coming into the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in late June, Tom Schreiber figured to play a leading role in orchestrating the offense for the U.S. squad.

Former Princeton University standout midfielder Schreiber helped the U.S. win the title in the 2019 World Championship, scoring the winning goal in the waning seconds of a 9-8 win over Canada in the gold medal game. Schreiber’s skill, experience, and leadership led him to be named as one of the captains of the U.S. team for this year’s competition. more

Making Impact in Move to Midfield for National Team, PU Alum Sowers Helped US Take Gold at World Men’s Lax

WORLD CLASS: Team USA midfielder Michael Sowers, left, looks to elude a Haudenosaunee defender in the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in late June. Former Princeton University standout Sowers ’20 starred as the U.S. won its second straight title in the competition, defeating Canada 10-7 in the gold medal game on July 1. Sowers tallied two goals in the final and totaled 17 points on 12 goals and five assists in the tournament, earning All-World honors at midfield. (Photo by USA Lacrosse)

By Justin Feil

Michael Sowers didn’t have a lot of time to celebrate helping the United States reach the pinnacle of the lacrosse world.

After helping Team USA win the gold medal at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship, Princeton University graduate Sowers ’20 returned to helping the Waterdogs remain atop the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and was named captain of the Rising Stars team for the PLL All-Star game that was played Saturday to continue a busy July. more

PHS Alum Mbusa Enjoyed the Experience of a Lifetime, Playing for Uganda in World Lacrosse Men’s Tourney

OUT OF AFRICA: Princeton High alum Paul Mbusa meets up with PHS classmate Emma Rosen in late June at the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in San Diego, Calif. Mbusa, a member of the Tiger boys’ lax program for all four years of high school, went on to play club lacrosse at Vanderbilt University. He played for the Uganda squad in the world tournament, producing a career highlight when he scored a goal in a 13-5 loss to France in Pool B play.

By Bill Alden

After getting injured skateboarding as a middle schooler, Paul Mbusa decided it was time to direct his energy elsewhere.

“I said I don’t want to do this anymore,” said Mbusa. “I am going to pick up lacrosse. I picked it up in the eighth grade. I really enjoyed it and I stuck with it.”

Mbusa went on to play for the PHS boys’ lacrosse program from 2009-13 and then competed for the Vanderbilt University men’s club lax team. Taking a hiatus from the sport after college as he got into yoga in recovering from an injury, Mbusa picked up his stick again to play in a men’s league in New York City. more

Princeton Supply Wins Opener of Summer Hoops Final As Kane Shakes Off Bloody Nose to Star Down the Stretch

RAISING KANE: Michael Kane of Princeton Supply looks to unload the ball in recent action in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Last Monday night, Kane tallied 16 points to help third-seeded Princeton Supply defeat top-seeded LoyalTees 66-54 in game one of the league’s best-of-three championship series. Game two is slated for Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Community Park courts with game three, if necessary, to be played Friday evening at CP. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Michael Kane had a bloody nose with gauze stuffed up his right nostril but was all smiles last Monday night after helping third-seeded Princeton Supply defeat top-seeded LoyalTees 66-54 in game one of the league’s best-of-three championship series at the Community Park courts.

With Princeton Supply coming off a 65-30 rout of second-seeded YSU (Young Sports Unlimited) in the league semis last Friday, Kane and his teammates were looking to build on that performance as they faced LoyalTees. more

July 26, 2023

Making Progress in His 2nd Major League Soccer Season, PU Alum O’Toole Emerging as Key Player for NYCFC

JERSEY GUY: NYCFC’s Kevin O’Toole, right, and Malik Pinto of FC Cincinnati trade jerseys after the two former Princeton University men’s soccer standouts met in the U.S. Open Cup on May 10. O’Toole, a 2022 Princeton grad and Montclair native, has emerged as a key performer for NYCFC in his second Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Justin Feil

Kevin O’Toole served a dangerous ball into the middle of the box in the final minutes of the New York City Football Club’s game at Philadelphia on July 15.

Two teammates had chances to finish it, but the ball didn’t go in as NYCFC lost, 2-1, to conclude the first half of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season.  more

Mastering Change-up After Seeing No Action in Debut Season, PHS Alum Delany Emerged as Key Reliever for Penn Baseball

PROVIDING RELIEF: Tommy Delany fires a pitch this spring in his sophomore season for the University of Pennsylvania baseball team. Former Princeton High standout Delany emerged as a key relief pitcher this spring for the Quakers as they went 34-16, rolling to the Ivy League title and upsets of Auburn and Samford in the NCAA regional before falling twice to Southern Mississippi to get knocked out of the double-elimination competition. Delany went 1-1 with two saves in 18 appearances, striking out 35 in 30 innings with 14 walks and a 5.10 ERA. He is currently pitching for the Pittsfield (Mass.) Suns in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) of New England. (Photo by Mike Nance, provided courtesy of Penn Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Mastering his change-up pitch helped Tommy Delany change his fortunes this spring in his sophomore season for the University of Pennsylvania baseball team.

After not getting into one game as a freshman, Delany, a former Princeton High standout, emerged as a key performer out of the bullpen for the Quakers. They went 34-16, rolling to the Ivy League title and upsets of Auburn and Samford in the NCAA regional before falling twice to Southern Mississippi to get knocked out of the double-elimination competition.

“I found out that my changeup was my best pitch; this year I probably threw it 75 percent of the time,” said the 6’0, 160-pound Delany, who went 1-1 with two saves in 18 appearances, striking out 35 in 30 innings with 14 walks and a 5.10 ERA. “It was crazy — my coach liked it too, obviously. Basically I worked on my changeup as much as I could. This year, the game plan was just get ahead with the changeup and then throw fastballs and sliders whenever I needed to.”

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Getting Off to a Fast Start in its 1st Year of Existence, PHS Triathlon Club Wins NJ High School Championship

CLUB CHAMPIONS: Members of the Princeton High Triathlon Club show off the hardware they earned after winning the high school state championship at the New Jersey State Triathlon earlier this month at Mercer County Park. PHS placed first out 18 teams in the high school competition, compiling a team score of 36 with South Brunswick High coming in second at 63 and Columbia High placing third with 66. (Photo provided courtesy of Shawn Ellwood)

By Bill Alden

It started with a conversation last summer at Mercer County Park and it resulted in a state title earlier this month.

Running into each other at the New Jersey State Triathlon last July at Mercer County Park, Shawn Elwood, who was then entering his freshmen year at Princeton High, and Patrick Remboski, a Princeton Middle School PE/health teacher and assistant PHS soccer and swimming coach, hatched a plan. more

Sparked by Higgins’ Energetic Play, Sharpshooting, YSU Tops SpeedPro in Summer Hoops Quarterfinal

DUNK YOU VERY MUCH: Pat Higgins of YSU (Young Sports Unlimited) dunks the ball in recent action in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Last Monday, Higgins tallied 13 points to help second-seeded YSU defeat seventh-seeded SpeedPro 78-52 in a quarterfinal contest. YSU will face third-seeded Princeton Supply, who topped PATH Academy 53-41 in the other quarterfinal on Monday, in the league semis. The other quarterfinals are slated for Wednesday night and pit top-seeded LoyalTees against eighth-seeded Jefferson Plumbing and fourth-seeded and defending champion Majeski Foundation against fifth-seeded AEI. The semifinals are slated for July 28 at the Community Park Courts with the best-of-three championship series starting on July 31 at CP. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Pat Higgins and his teammates on the YSU (Young Sports Unlimited) squad brought a business-like attitude as they faced SpeedPro last Monday night in the quarterfinals of the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League.

“We have got a really unselfish group, we have jelled really well all season,” said Higgins. “There wasn’t really any change — just treat it like we have been playing all year, like any other game.”

Second-seeded YSU got a good game from seventh-seeded SpeedPro in the early stages of the contest as it led by 24-18. But wearing down a shorthanded SpeedPro team which had only six players on hand, YSU built a 37-24 halftime lead and then pulled away to a 78-52 victory.

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