Sprint football looks to end streak

In the face of continued adversity and disappointment, "maybe this year" becomes a perennial invocation for the members of the sprint football team while preparing for the fall season.

Consistently outmatched by the five other schools that compete in the Collegiate Sprint Football League, the Tigers (0-6 in 2003) have the daunting task of rebuilding a program that has endured 31 straight losses over the past five years. Still, buoyed by the presence of veteran player leadership, rare coaching stability and the influx of a large group of new teammates, this team hopes to earn that elusive breakthrough victory.

"We're optimistic in terms of having a successful season because we're a very experienced team," senior middle linebacker Taylor Bright said. "We only lost four seniors; we have a lot of guys who are coming back; and we're expecting big things from our new players."

When competing against schools that have much larger undergraduate populations from which to recruit, the numerically-limited Princeton team is handicapped. Former Tiger players have had to display impressive athletic skills and endurance by playing two-way football. Still, it is hard to win that way. This year, however, Princeton expects to start the season with approximately 50 players, a significant improvement over past years. Such growth allows players to focus on mastering specific offensive or defensive responsibilities.

The addition of two new coaches, one who will instruct the wide receivers and another who will work with the defensive backs, should also improve Tiger performance in this aerial-prone league. If the new recruits can quickly learn the plays and adjust to weight-cutting demands, the combination should be advantageous.

Bright anchors the defensive corps. Co-captain for the second consecutive year, Bright will need to provide strength on the line. Last season, Princeton was plagued by an inability to prevent long runs up the middle of the field. In the team's 44-7 loss to Army, the Tigers were outrushed by the Cadets 412 yards to 49. The loss of first-team All-CFSL defensive back Ned Bartlett to graduation leaves a gaping hole that Princeton will need to fill. Additionally, a key objective is to meld a cohesive defense that can react appropriately to multiple offenses and present complete field coverage.

For the offense, senior quarterback and co-captain Dennis Bakke's success resides in the ability of the offensive line to provide time for the play to develop. Led by first-team All-CSFL sophomore Bennett Graham, the line understands that its performance is critical.

The Tigers' running game is its cornerstone and sets up the passing game. If the line is outplayed, the season will be grim. Senior running back and co-captain Matt Worley, who was the third Tiger named to the first-team All-CSFL, led the league in rushing last season with 468 yards, but he cannot be the sole weapon in Princeton's arsenal.

This season's outlook is as optimistic as it has been in years for sprint football at Princeton. Early season practices have demonstrated the players' drive and commitment.

"Essentially, our preseason is really short," Bright said, "but practice is going extremely well for how much we have to put in during such a short time."

For the Tigers, a successful season does not necessarily have to entail an overall winning record. In fact, their benchmark for success may not even require a win. Instead, merely demonstrating to league opponents that the Princeton squad is competitive and steadily improving will be an achievement.