They say that all good things must come to an end, but the men's indoor track and field team refuses to believe it. Coming off a disappointing Heptagonal Championships loss to Dartmouth in cross country, the Tigers aim to pay back the Big Green and reclaim their seat on the Ivy League's track throne.
The Tigers — who have captured the past three indoor titles and had won nine consecutive Heps crowns before the loss to Dartmouth — are poised to dominate Heps and most of their opponents this indoor season. Ranked as high as No. 8 nationally last year, Princeton returns most of its big names who contributed to that team's success.
And the biggest big name of them all is senior captain and national shot put qualifier Scott Denbo. Denbo, who threw 62-feet, one-half inch last year, will shoot to break 65 feet this season, a mark that would place him among the top shot putters in the nation. Denbo, however, is suffering from a torn pectoral muscle, which he injured while weightlifting. According to head coach Fred Samara, he likely will not compete until the end of January.
"I don't think we'll have any problem," Denbo said of the Tigers' championship prospects. "We have some good strengths and a lot of people returning — except for John Mack ['00]."
In addition to Mack — last year's 400-meter champion — the Tigers also must compensate for the loss of distance aces Mike Spence '00 and Chris Banks '00 and middle distance point-scorers, Christian McFadden '00 and Matt Notary '00. Heps double-winner junior Paul Morrison remains sidelined with a knee injury. Also recovering from injury is junior high jumper Tora Harris, who took last year off to train for the U.S. Olympic Trials. Harris, who placed eighth at the Trials, has battled a stress fracture in his foot the entire fall.
But Princeton's depth likely will offset these setbacks. With so many stars returning from last year's team, the Tigers will remain the favorite at Heps.
Joining Denbo in the throws will be junior Liam Morton, sophomore Jeff Petrulis and freshmen Josh McCaughey, Mark Smith and Rocky Craley. McCaughey, the national high school record holder in the weight throw, is expected to contribute immediately to the team.
Sophomore long jumper and triple jumper David Gary will go the distance in the sandpit for the Tigers, aided by freshman triple jumper Marcus Ford-Bey. With Harris out, the Tigers' top high jumper will be freshman Stephen Wiley.
Reaching new heights in the pole vault will be defending Heps champion and potential national qualifier senior Jonathan Jessup in addition to sophomore Brandon Braunstein, who Samara expects to vault between 16 and 17 feet this season.
Leading the way in the sprints will be sophomores Cameron Atkinson, Paul Simbi and Patrick Schottel, who currently is injured with a sprained ankle. Senior Paul Gallup will be asked to step up to fill the gap left by Mack, and sophomore Javius Wynn will tackle the high hurdles in addition to the pentathlon — two events in which he grabbed third place at last year's Heps.
In the Tigers' perennial strong suit — middle-distance events — Princeton returns Heps 800 runner-up junior Ryan Smith, sophomore finalist David Dean and sophomore Ed Zysik, who narrowly missed the finals behind four Tiger qualifiers in the event. Senior captain Tensai Asfaw returns after placing fourth in the 1000-meters at Heps; junior Seamus Whelton and sophomore Bruce Hancock are also back. Princeton also has added New Jersey state champ freshman Josh Kauke to the roster.
Freshmen Ryan Teising and Tristan Colangelo will be expected to contribute points for the Tigers after competing for the Varsity for most of the cross country season. Providing experience, seniors Pat Anglin and Biren Roy also will be trying to score points for the Tigers this season as Princeton tries to initiate another winning streak.
The Tigers will have to face down a strong Cornell team, but the biggest question surrounding Princeton's indoor prospects this season is whether the team's depth will counterbalance the possible absence of its three injured superstars — Denbo, Harris and Morrison.
"Our goal is always to win Heps," Samara said. "It will be difficult but not impossible if the three top guys that are hurt don't come back, but we will find guys to step up and score points."
Read More
Women’s ice hockey names Courtney Kessel as new head coach
Lily PampolinaFollowing the resignation of Cara Gardner Morey, Princeton appointed Courtney Kessel as head coach.
Following the resignation of Cara Gardner Morey, Princeton appointed Courtney Kessel as head coach.
Former women’s basketball forward Parker Hill ’25 signs professional contract in Switzerland
Doug SchwartzAfter a successful senior season, women's basketball forward Parker Hill signed a contact to play professional basketball in Europe, following in the steps of her past teammates.
After a successful senior season, women's basketball forward Parker Hill signed a contact to play professional basketball in Europe, following in the steps of her past teammates.
No. 7 women’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals against No. 1 UNC
Hayk YengibaryanWith the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
With the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.