RICH AND SUCCESSFUL: Princeton University men’s basketball player Richmond Aririguzoh, right, fields a question at the program’s annual media day last week as teammate Jaelin Llewellyn and head coach Mitch Henderson look on. The Tigers, who went 16-12 last year on the way to the Ivy League postseason tournament with Aririguzoh emerging as a star, are tipping off the 2019-20 season this week with games at Duquesne on November 5 and against the University of San Francisco at the Chase Center in San Francisco on November 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While practice for the Princeton University men’s basketball team typically starts at 4:45 in the afternoon, Richmond Aririguzoh has stuck to a different schedule over the last four years.

“Starting in Richmond’s freshman year, he didn’t want anybody to notice him and he would go into the side court basket and that is where he would get his work done,” said Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson, speaking at the program’s annual media day last week.

“If you show up at 4:15, you could set your watch to precision like work being done on that exact same basket. That story just says that there is a humbleness to Richmond. It is don’t worry about me, I will be in the side court working. It would be easy for him to walk around campus and pat himself on the back and ask others to do the same but that is just not his personality. I ask us to make us him; we will all be better for it.” more

LONDON CALLING: Princeton University field hockey goalie Grace Baylis directs the Tiger defense in recent action. Last Sunday, senior star Baylis, a native of London, England, made two saves as eighth-ranked Princeton defeated Cornell 3-0 to clinch a share of the Ivy League title and the league’s automatic bid for the upcoming NCAA tournament. Baylis was later named the Ivy Defensive Player of the Week. Princeton, now 12-4 overall and 6-0 Ivy, plays at Penn on November 9 to wrap up regular season action. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Grace Baylis, joining the Princeton University field hockey program involved a longer journey than most of her teammates.

Hailing from London, England, star goalie Baylis arrived at Princeton in 2015 confident that she had found a good fit far from home.

“I wanted to play at a really good level and get a really good education and this allowed me to do that,” said senior goalie Baylis.

“That is what is so special about our program – we love field hockey and you can still pursue whatever you want, academically, socially, extracurricular, and still play.”

Baylis and her classmates got some love last Sunday as the program held its annual Senior Day celebration before hosting Cornell in its regular season home finale.  more

GETTING HER FILL: Princeton University women’s hockey player Sarah Fillier heads up ice in recent action. Last week, sophomore star forward Fillier tallied two goals and one assist as Princeton defeated Quinnipiac 4-2 to open ECAC Hockey play. The Tigers, now 4-1 overall and 2-1 ECACH after beating Colgate 1-0 on Friday and losing 3-1 to Cornell the next day, host Harvard on November 8 and Dartmouth on November 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was only the first weekend of the season but Sarah Fillier felt snakebitten when she didn’t score a goal despite firing eight shots as the Princeton University women’s hockey team posted a pair of wins over Syracuse in late October.

So when sixth-ranked Princeton hosted Quinnipiac in its ECAC Hockey opener on October 29, sophomore forward Fillier was ready to break out.

“They have played a few more games than we have so they are more in stride than we are,” said Fillier, a 5’5 native of Georgetown, Ontario who tallied 22 goals and 35 assists for 57 points last winter in getting named as a second-team All-American and the National Rookie of the Year. more

LONE WOLF: Princeton University men’s soccer player Richard Wolf goes after the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, junior defender Wolf helped Princeton battle to a 1-1 tie with Cornell. The Tigers, now 10-3-2 overall and 2-1-2 Ivy League, play at Penn on November 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Richard Wolf earned All-Ivy League honors in his first two seasons for the Princeton University men’s soccer team but he was primed to do more this fall.

“I like to think I have taken a little bit more of a leadership position,” said junior defender Wolf, a 6’0, 190-pound native of Annandale, N.J.

“I got my first goal as well and then I got my second one. That has been a nice change. I haven’t scored in the past three years so it was really nice to get on the score sheet.”

Last Saturday, Wolf displayed his leadership on the back line as Princeton battled Cornell to a 1-1 tie though regulation and 20 minutes of overtime, moving to 10-3-2 overall and 2-1-2 Ivy League. more

TOUCH OF CLASS: Princeton University football player Dylan Classi goes up for a catch in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore receiver Classi made seven catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns to help Princeton defeat Harvard 30-24. The win improved the No. 13 Tigers to 6-0 overall and 3-0 Ivy as they extended their winning streak to 16. Princeton will look to keep on the winning track at it plays at Cornell (2-4 overall, 1-2 Ivy) on November 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

John Orr didn’t play a down, but he helped set the tone for the Princeton University football team as it hosted Harvard last Saturday in an Ivy League showdown.

Having been sidelined when he suffered a leg injury in the preseason, senior linebacker and tri-captain Orr was asked by Princeton head coach Bob Surace to speak to his teammates before Princeton took on the Crimson in battle of rivals that were both 2-0 in Ivy play coming into the game.

“John means so much to this program and he is out; it is a horrible feeling to have a guy out that put so much into it,” recalled Surace.

“I said to him that I would love to have you address the team and he gave this amazing speech last night. It was about the guys being strong and the whole group of 100 guys playing together and showing grit. That was the message. I repeated the message at halftime. We had a little adversity and I said are we going to stay together and are we going to show grit.”

Taking that message to heart, Princeton overcame a 14-10 halftime deficit to pull out a hard-eared 30-24 victory over the Crimson before 9,028 at Princeton Stadium. The triumph improved the 13th-ranked Tigers to 6-0 overall and 3-0 Ivy as they extended their winning streak to 16. more

FACING OFF: Princeton University men’s hockey player Jackson Cressey, right, battles for the puck on a face-off in a game last season. Princeton will be looking to senior forward Cressey to be a key offensive playmaker this winter. The Tigers open their 2019-20 campaign with a two-game set at St. Cloud State on November 1 and 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

The trio of Ryan Kuffner, Max Veronneau, and Josh Teves left an indelible mark on the Princeton University men’s hockey team’s record book before they graduated last June.

Kuffner ended his career as the program’s all-time leading goal scorer with 75 while Veronneau was the fourth leading scorer with 143 points and Teves set a program mark for most assists (69) by a defenseman.

While it would be understandable if Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty lamented the exit of his three blue-chip stars who all went on to see NHL action last spring, he is ready to turn the page. more

SPEED SKATING: Princeton University women’s hockey player Sarah Fillier races up the ice in a game last winter in her freshman season. Star forward Fillier tallied 57 points on 22 goals and 35 assists in 2018-19 on the way to getting named as the national Rookie of the Year and earning All-American honors. Princeton, currently ranked sixth nationally, opens its 2019-20 season by hosting Syracuse for a two-game set on October 25 and 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University women’s hockey team coming off a landmark campaign last winter that saw it produce a program-record 20-game unbeaten streak, win the Ivy League title, and rise to No. 4 in the national rankings, the Tigers are chomping at the bit to get the 2019-20 season underway.

“The preseason is a little longer than last year,”said Princeton head coach Cara Morey, who guided the Tigers to a 20-8-5 record last season and a spot in the NCAA tournament where they fell 5-2 to Minnesota.

“I think the girls are anxious to get started and get into some meaningful games.” more

JACOB’S LADDER: Princeton University football player Jacob Birmelin heads upfield in recent action. Last Saturday at Brown, junior receiver Birmelin produced a career day, making 12 catches for 186 yards and two touchdowns as Princeton pulled away to a 65-22 win over the Bears. The Tigers, who improved to 5-0 overall and 2-0 Ivy League in extending their winning streak to 15, host Harvard (4-1 overall, 2-0 Ivy) on October 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Serving as the offensive coordinator for the Princeton University football program from 2010-16, James Perry played a key role in turning the Tigers into a scoring juggernaut.

Installing a no-huddle, up-tempo system, Perry helped Princeton win the Ivy league title in 2013, averaging a league record 43.7 points. Three years later, the Tigers won another league crown, scoring 34.6 points a contest.

So with Perry taking the helm of his alma mater Brown this season after two years guiding Bryant program, there figured to be some offensive fireworks when Princeton traveled to Providence, R.I. last Saturday to take on the Bears. more

LEADING THE CHARGE: Princeton University football player Jeremiah Tyler blitzes in a game last season. Last Friday evening, junior linebacker Tyler helped lead the defensive charge as Princeton defeated visiting Lafayette 28-3. Tyler had six tackles with 2.5 for a loss. The Tigers, now 4-0 overall and 1-0 Ivy League, play at Brown (1-3 overall, 0-1 Ivy) on October 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Jeremiah Tyler emerged as a defensive force last fall in his sophomore season for the Princeton University football team.

Linebacker Tyler earned second-team All-Ivy League honors, recording 29 tackles, including five for losses, and two interceptions in helping Princeton go 10-0.

But while the 6’2, 225-pound Tyler’s athleticism and knack for making the big play marks him as a standout, he is more focused on helping the squad than individual glory.

“I am trying to lead my guys to a victory each and every week and get better every practice because that is what really matters,” said Tyler, a native of Detroit, Mich. “It is not about my role; it is about all of us playing together because we are a team. There is no me.”

Last Friday evening, Tyler and the Tiger defense played very well, stifling visiting Lafayette in a 28-3 win before 4,521 at Princeton Stadium that improved Princeton to 4-0 and extended its winning streak to 14. more

GETTING THE CALL: Princeton University running back Collin Eaddy heads upfield last Saturday against Columbia. Junior star Eaddy rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown and had 52 yards receiving with a TD catch to help Princeton defeat Columbia 21-10. The 19th-ranked Tigers, now 3-0 and riding a 13-game winning streak, host Lafayette on October 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming into this fall, Collin Eaddy was fully prepared to be the featured running back for the Princeton University football team.

“It has been a cool experience, I got groomed into it playing behind Charlie [Volker], I was able to learn a ton from him and I really appreciate that,” said Eaddy, a 5’11, 210-pound native of Raleigh, N.C., who gained 663 yards last year as an understudy to the now-graduated Volker.

“Quigs [senior Ryan Quigley] is also an older guy so it was learning from those guys and spending a lot of time in the offseason working on various little aspects of my game.” more

BREAKING THROUGH: Princeton University field hockey player Claire Donovan gets ready to hit the ball in recent action. Last Friday, sophomore Donovan notched the first two goals of her college career, helping Princeton rally to a 4-3 win over Yale in overtime. The Tigers, who overcame a 4-1 deficit to defeat No. 2 Duke 5-4 in overtime last Sunday to improve to 7-4, host Columbia on October 12. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Claire Donovan started going to Princeton University field hockey games when she was in elementary school.

With older sisters Kaitlin ’10, Amy ’13, and Annabeth ’19 having all starred for the Tigers, Donovan has been around the program for a long time.

When Donovan emerged as a field hockey standout in her own right for Unionville High (Pa.) a few years ago, she toyed with the idea of playing somewhere else in college but ended up following in the footsteps of her sisters and came to Princeton. more

SEVEN UP: Princeton University quarterback Kevin Davidson directs traffic in recent action. Last Saturday at Bucknell, senior Davidson produced an historic performance, breaking the Princeton single-game record and the Ivy League record with seven touchdown passes as the Tigers rolled to a 56-23 win over the Bison. Princeton, now 2-0, hosts Columbia on October 5 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Bob Surace was looking for his Princeton University football team to make a big jump from its season opener as it played at Bucknell last Saturday in the second game of the season.

But in the early stages of the contest, it looked like Princeton may be taking a step back after its 49-7 win over Butler in its 2019 debut as the Bison jumped out to a 7-0 lead and the teams were tied 14-14 midway through the second quarter.

“From my experiences in the NFL, every year you play teams coming off a bye, that is a huge advantage for them,” said Princeton head coach Surace, who spent 10 years as an assistant coach for the Cincinnati Bengals before taking the helm of his alma mater before the 2010 season. more

BIG BEN: Princeton University men’s soccer player Ben Martin, left, goes after the ball in a 2018 game. Last week, senior midfielder Martin scored a goal to help Princeton defeat Drexel 3-1. The Tigers, who improved to 4-2 with the victory, were slated to play at St. Joseph’s on October 1 before starting their Ivy League campaign with a game at Dartmouth on October 5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It appears that Ben Martin is saving his best for last as he goes through his senior season for the Princeton University men’s soccer team.

The midfielder tallied a goal and an assist to help Princeton defeat Fairleigh Dickinson University 4-0 on September 21.

Three days later as Princeton hosted Drexel, Martin struck again, taking a feed from Kevin O’Toole and heading the ball into the back of the net to put the Tigers up 1-0.

“Whenever you see Kevin with the ball, you have to start running,” said Martin, a 6’2, 184-pound native of Irvine, Calf. “Kevin can put it on a dime.” more

SHOWING HIS WORTH: Princeton University defensive back Delan Stallworth corrals a Butler player last Saturday in the season opener for the Tigers. Junior Stallworth made a team-high eight tackles and had an interception to spearhead a stifling defensive effort as Princeton rolled to a 49-7 win over the Bulldogs. The Tigers, who have posted 11 straight victories, will look to keep on the winning track as they play at Bucknell (0-3) on September 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Last fall as the Princeton University football team rolled to a 10-0 record, the defense flew under the radar, overshadowed by an offensive unit that averaged an Ivy League-record 47 points a game.

Boasting eight returning starters, the Tiger defense was primed to come out flying as Princeton opened its 2019 campaign by hosting Butler University last Saturday evening.

“This camp, we emphasized running to the ball,” said junior defensive back Delan Stallworth. “When we came out here tonight, everybody was excited to play for the first game.” more

GEE WHIZ: Princeton University women’s soccer player Tatum Gee controls the ball in game last year. Last Sunday, junior Gee notched the first goal of her college career, scoring the lone tally of the game as Princeton edged William & Mary 1-0 last Sunday. The Tigers, now 3-3-2 overall, host Yale (6-2) on September 28 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Tatum Gee didn’t score a goal in her first 42 games for the Princeton University women’s soccer team.

The junior picked a good time to break the ice, scoring the lone tally as Princeton edged William & Mary 1-0 last Sunday.

“I was so excited, it was a great pass; Olivia Kane just slipped it through and it wasn’t hard to put it in,” said Gee, a native of Buena Park, Calif. “It is an amazing feeling. I am hoping the team can ride this kind of high and start a winning streak.”

Gee acknowledged that Princeton was primed to resume its winning ways on a day when the program welcomed back its all-time winningest coach, Julie Shackford (203-115-29 in 20 seasons at Princeton, including an NCAA College Cup semifinal appearance in 2004 and eight NCAA tournament bids), who is now guiding William & Mary. more

STARTING POINT: Princeton University football head coach Bob Surace makes a point to reporters at the program’s recently-held media day. Coming off a 10-0 season in 2018, the program’s first perfect campaign since 1964, Surace will be looking for the program to make more history this fall in conjunction with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the sport which started when Princeton played Rutgers in November, 1869. The Tigers kick off their 2019 season by hosting Butler University (1-2) on September 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University football players file into their locker room tucked in the bowels of Princeton Stadium, they pass by a sign that reads “Where Football Began.”

With college football celebrating the 150th anniversary of the sport, which started when Princeton played a game at Rutgers on November 6, 1869, the milestone holds special meaning for the Tigers.

“Players need to understand how important it is to Princeton as a university; those early years really started what we now have in this game,” said Princeton head coach Bob Surace ’91, a star offensive lineman for the Tigers during his college days. more

READY TO BALL: Princeton University football senior tight end Graham Adomitis, center, poses with classmates and fellow team captains, defensive lineman Jake Strain, left, and linebacker John Orr at the program’s recently-held media day. Returning first-team All-Ivy League performer Adomitis will looking to help the Tigers make history this fall as the program celebrates its 150th season. The Tigers kick off their 2019 season by hosting Butler (1-2) on September 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Graham Adomitis was a member of the supporting cast last fall as the Princeton University football team rolled to a 10-0 record, achieving the program’s first perfect season since 1964.

With such heralded stars as quarterback John Lovett along with receivers Jesper Horsted and Stephen Carlson sparking a high-powered offense that set a slew of school and league records, tight end Adomitis quietly went about his business, earning All-Ivy League honors mainly due to his stellar blocking.

Looking back to 2018, Adomitis credited the squad’s seniors with setting a winning tone.

“It was an extremely special group; we just had so much buy in and a lot of great senior leadership that just trickled town all the way to the freshman class,” said Adomitis. more

STICKING WITH IT: Princeton University field hockey player Clara Roth hits the ball against Penn State last Sunday. Junior star striker Roth scored both goals for fifth-ranked Princeton as it rallied for a 2-1 win over the Nittany Lions. The Tigers, now 3-1, host No. 21 Rutgers on September 20 and No. 3 UConn on September 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Clara Roth emerged as a force last fall for the Princeton University field hockey team, scoring 13 goals on the way to being named the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year.

As junior striker Roth started the 2019 season, she had a quiet first weekend, picking up one assist as Princeton fell 4-3 to North Carolina on September 6 before edging Wake Forest 2-1 in double overtime two days later.

With Princeton hosting Albany last Friday and Penn State on Sunday, Roth displayed the form that earned her accolades last year. She had three assists in a 4-3 win over Albany and then scored both goals as Princeton rallied from a 1-0 deficit to edge Penn State 2-1. more

FEELING AT HOME: Princeton University men’s soccer player Walker Gillespie heads the ball last Wednesday evening against Rider University. Freshman forward Gillespie enjoyed a memorable home debut, tallying a goal and an assist to help Princeton edge Rider 2-1. Princeton, which dropped to 1-2 with a 2-0 loss at Loyola last Friday, plays at Monmouth on September 18 and at FDU on September 21 before hosting Drexel on September 24. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Walker Gillespie didn’t see himself being an impact player as he made his home debut for the Princeton University men’s soccer team last Wednesday evening when it hosted Rider.

“I really wasn’t thinking I was going to play that much today,” said freshman forward Gillespie, a 6’3, 185-pound native of Charlotte, N.C. “Once I got in there I just wanted to give 100 percent.”

Gillespie got on the pitch at Roberts Stadium in the first half but didn’t get to play many balls as the Tigers were stymied by the Broncs for much of the first half as the local rivals played to a scoreless draw heading into intermission. more

SPLIT DECISION: Princeton University field hockey player Hannah Davey goes after the ball in a 2018 game. Last Sunday, sophomore star midfielder Davey tallied a goal and an assist to help fifth-ranked Princeton edge No. 10 Wake Forest 2-1 in double overtime to wrap up its opening weekend. The Tigers, who fell 4-3 to No. 1 North Carolina on Friday to begin is campaign, host No. 20 Albany (1-2) on September 13 and No. 17 Penn State (0-3) on September 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Playing in 90 degree heat as it opened its season at top-ranked North Carolina last Friday, the No. 5 Princeton University field hockey team got off to a sizzling start.

Princeton jumped out to a 2-0 lead over the Tar Heels 21:47 into the contest on goals by freshman Sammy Popper and senior Taylor Nolan and built a 3-1 advantage by halftime as Popper added another tally.

“We got off to a great start, we were very productive in the circle and we got a couple on the board,” said Princeton head coach Carla Tagliente. more

HEWING TO THE LINE: Princeton University women’s soccer player Eve Hewins, left, battles a Rutgers player for the ball last Saturday night at Roberts Field. Junior defender Hewins came up big as Princeton battled No. 21 Rutgers to a scoreless draw through regulation and 20 minutes of overtime. The Tigers, now 2-1-1, play at No. 15 Georgetown (3-2-1) on September 12 and at Maryland (3-2-1) on September 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After it was over, Eve Hewins collapsed to the turf at Roberts Field, unable to stand up for several minutes.

Hewins was demonstrating the effects of having played all 110 minutes for the Princeton University women’s soccer team as it battled No. 21 and undefeated Rutgers to a scoreless draw through regulation and 20 minutes of overtime.

Getting tended to by the trainer and gulping some Gatorade, junior defender Hewins finally got to her feet and reflected on the effort as the Tigers moved to 2-1-1. more