Football alumni call for new policies

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By Mark F. Bernstein ’83

Published Jan. 21, 2016

1 min read

More than 209 alumni, mostly former football players, have signed a letter to President Tilghman calling on her to “personally act to help restore Princeton’s winning football tradition.” The June letter was written by Eric Dreiband ’86. 

The group wants Tilghman to change several policies that are not in line with other Ivy League schools. The letter asks the admission office to move up the date when it sends “likely” letters indicating an applicant’s chance of admission; ease academic standards for athletes; and start accepting transfer students. It also wants changes to Princeton’s rules on injuries — the University is alone in the league in requiring students with major injuries or medical problems to sit out an entire academic year rather than one semester.

Tilghman said she will address these issues at a meeting this fall with the Princeton Football Association, a group of alumni and friends who support the football program.

2 Responses

John Poole ’69

8 Years Ago

What’s wrong with football?

I would never have guessed that Princeton football would fade into mediocrity for more than 40 years after my class graduated (Sports, Sept. 19). How is it that Harvard and Yale can continue to field such fine teams on a regular basis, while we can’t? Coaching? Lack of administrative support? Meanwhile, the athletics program flourishes as a whole. What’s the matter with football?

George W. Gowen ’52

8 Years Ago

What’s wrong with football?

Over the past five years Princeton football has a record of 1–19 against Harvard, Yale, Penn, and Brown. The 200 alumni who signed the letter to President Tilghman suggest that the football policies of Princeton follow those of Harvard and Yale — to level the playing field. Princeton has a proud tradition of excellence in football that is followed by the distinguished achievements later in life by those who played at Princeton. Let’s restore those proud traditions.

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