Princeton sports provide memories that will endure

Beep, Beep, Beep.

The alarm blared loudly in my ear as I rolled over and groaned. My roommate threw a pillow down at me from the bunk above and mumbled, "What the hell are you doing getting up at eight o'clock on Saturday morning?"

"Good question," I responded while turning off the alarm and slowly crawling out of bed. About 30 minutes later, I found myself riding down to Lake Carnegie on my friend's rickety bike and wishing I were still tucked away under my warm comforter.

All this to cover a crew regatta?

As I reached the boathouse, I soon realized that I was one of only about five people up early enough to take in the event. Fighting back the sleepers in my eyes, I watched intently as the Princeton wo-men fell to Brown in the opening race of their 1998 spring season. After conducting a few interviews and collecting all the information I needed, I hopped back on my bike and began the long ride back up to Mathey.

When I got back to the room, my roommate had only one question — "Was it worth it?"

Three years have passed since that morning jaunt down to Lake Carnegie, but the effects of it on my time here at Princeton are unmistakable. Because of that ride, I decided to give sports reporting a try. Because of that ride, the 'Prince' has become such a big part of my life.

Since then, I've spent a lot of time at 48 University Place writing about Princeton athletics. I've covered a number of different sports and seen a plethora of great performances. More importantly, however, I've seen how important athletics is to life here at Princeton.

Looking back on my many memories of Princeton sports, a select few tell the story:

1) Men's basketball vs. Penn, Feb. 17, 1998:

The night Princeton fans finally realize that the men's basketball team is worth cheering for. During a home drubbing of the Quakers, the Tiger faithful shake Jadwin with incessant jumping, almost drawing a technical foul for their efforts. The bouncing not only destroys the floor's support system, but also gives the Ivy League a taste of what real college basketball is all about.

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2) Men's basketball vs. UNLV in the first round of the 1998 NCAA tournament, March 12, 1998:

Trapped in a MAT 104 midterm during the basketball team's opening-round matchup with the Running Rebels, hundreds of students rush through the exam with their minds on the exploits of Steve Goodrich '98 and company. Luckily, however, a kind group of TAs decides to post a running game score on the chalkboard of McCosh 10. The room erupts each time the Tigers score, but it does not stop people from rushing through the test just for the chance to watch the action on CBS.

3) Men's lacrosse vs. Maryland in the 1998 NCAA Championship Game:

The Princeton faithful enter Rutgers Stadium to the sound of Terrapin fans jeering, "We're going to kick some Ivy League ***." All the Maryland supporters see, however, is a dominating performance by the men's lacrosse team en route to its third straight national title. The trio of John Hess '98, Jesse Hubbard '98 and Chris Massey '98 combine for nine goals and then lead thousands of Tiger supporters in the singing of Old Nassau. The Terrapin fans have no response.

4) Football vs. Cornell, Sept. 19, 1999:

After an almost two-year absence, home football makes its triumphant return to campus in Princeton Stadium's inaugural game. The Tigers outlast Cornell for a 6-0 victory, but it is more the ceremony and emotion that make the day special. Fans can be seen tailgating in the parking lots just after sunrise. A procession of football heroes files across the field prior to kickoff, reminding many of the glory days of Princeton football. A sea of orange fills the stands, providing roaring cheers after every big play. For one afternoon, life stops at Princeton and sport is the only thing that matters.

5) Field hockey vs. Old Dominion in the 1998 NCAA Championship Game:

The field hockey team — battling against both the weather and injuries — keeps a talented Old Dominion squad under control for much of the 70-minute final. Hundreds of Tiger fans can be heard banging on the bleachers of Franklin Field as the underdog makes a furious comeback attempt in the closing minutes. Even though the effort falls short, Princeton earns a standing ovation from fans on both sides of the stadium.

6) Men's soccer vs. Yale, Nov. 13, 1999:

In perhaps the most intense sporting event of the past four years, the men's soccer team clinches the Ivy League title and a trip to the NCAA College Cup with a scoreless draw against Yale. On a night when no one should have been outside, thousands stand around Lourie-Love Field and watch the Tigers battle the Elis through two overtime periods. Fans for both teams bicker on the sidelines. Players challenge fans with words and gestures. The crowd swells beyond capacity, almost spilling onto the field. In the end, however, the Tigers hold on and the celebration commences.

I've undoubtedly left out a number of great moments from the past three years, but these are just a few that I think best symbolize the meaning of sports here at Princeton. It is events such as these that reveal just how important athletics are to life at Old Nassau. No matter what our interests are, I think we all know that it just wouldn't be the same place without memories like these.

As I leave the 'Prince' behind, I know that I'll certainly miss covering all the great moments. Luckily, however, I won't have to stop being a fan. I'll get to set the alarm clock back a little later and watch the Tigers without the sleepers in my eyes. It will be a welcome change.

Hopefully the next four years will bring even better moments for Princeton. Only time will tell. Looking back on the things I've seen during the past three years of working at the 'Prince,' however, I think I can finally answer my roommate's question — it was worth it.