Under uncharacteristically cloudy and humid skies, the Princeton football team took on the University of San Diego Toreros, in San Diego on Saturday, September 16. Tiger fans, stoked by an enthusiastic pregame tailgate party, brought much more spirit than the passive Torero fans, seemingly processing their team’s sluggish season start which was compounded by numerous player suspensions for widespread hazing incidents.  A sea of hundreds in orange and black enjoyed the pregame food and beverages, jointly sponsored by the Princeton Football Association and the Princeton Club of San Diego drawing Tigers from throughout California and the West. then filtered past Jenny Craig Basketball Arena to the picturesque, palm-lined football stadium.  They were entertained by a lively contingent of the Tiger Band, which even produced its initial halftime show to a somewhat bewildered audience.

The Tigers’ early-season sloppiness and mistakes kept the Toreros in the game. Princeton superiority in athleticism and execution was evident throughout the game.  At 23-12, a Tiger victory was never in doubt.  The game can be viewed on ESPN+ On Demand.

1971 was well represented by Geoff Smith, Stu Rickerson, Laird Hayes, Bill Kuntz,  and Mark Swanson (L-R below), who enjoyed each other’s company throughout the afternoon, along with several ’71 family members.

Hayes presented Head Football Coach Bob Surace ‘90 and Athletics Director John Mack ‘00 with tee shirts (here modeled by surfer wannabe Rickerson) from the Orange Coast College Surfing & Ocean Safety class which he has taught for over 40 years. Hayes suggested to John Mack that he add surfing to the list of sports offered at Princeton and even offered his coaching services for a nominal stipend!

After the game, a hardy group continued conversations at a local tavern.