Princeton names endowed men’s lacrosse assistant position for Bryce Chase ’63
The Princeton University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the endowment of the men’s lacrosse team’s offensive coordinator coaching position in honor of Bryce Chase ’63. Few people have devoted more time to a varsity athletics program at Princeton than Chase, whose service to the men’s lacrosse team has spanned over seven decades.
“I continue to be amazed at and appreciative of the unwavering support our alumni have for Princeton Lacrosse,” said head coach Matt Madalon. “No matter the era, they rally together on a consistent basis to make sure the ‘Long Orange Line’ lives on. That passion and commitment to Princeton Lacrosse is because of people like Bryce Chase, who has given over 60 years of his life to this program as a player, coach and alum. He is so giving to our young men of his time, kindness, support and knowledge. Everyone associated with our program is better because of Bryce. I can think of no better honor for him than to have his name forever associated with Princeton Lacrosse.”
Chase has been a fixture with the Princeton men’s lacrosse program for seven decades. The son of a Marine Corps general who was also a Princeton professor, Chase made the short trip from Princeton High School to the University — by way of Parris Island, where he had his own introduction to the Marines before his father would allow him to enroll at Princeton in 1959. The 1960 season saw him play for the freshman team, his first experience ever playing lacrosse, and he’d then earn three varsity letters as a midfielder known for his speed and defensive ability on three Ivy League championship teams.
Chase graduated in 1963 and then attended law school at the University of Minnesota before returning to his alma mater to join the lacrosse coaching staff in 1970 as assistant freshman coach under Art Hyland and then eventually a varsity assistant first under Art Robinson. He was a huge part of the Bill Tierney/David Metzbower coaching staff, contributing to six NCAA championships and 13 Ivy League championships. He then transitioned away from an active role as a coach but remained as an adviser to generations of Tiger men’s lacrosse players.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized in this way by Princeton and the countless men I have had the privilege of sharing a sideline with,” said Chase. “Since 1959, I’ve attended over 500 games and been to more than 5,000 practices and it has been an absolute joy the entire time. I never dreamed of a moment like this; it is humbling and something I cherish greatly.”
Chase and his late wife, Phyllis, the longtime Princeton Athletics travel coordinator, attended countless Princeton Lacrosse weddings, including the many that Chase officiated, and were there with every player whom he coached, through good times and bad. The impact that they had on all of them was literally life-changing.
“We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Lacy Rice ’83 and Rip Wilson ’82, who, along with many teammates from the Classes of 1980 to 1986, came together to make the Bryce Chase ’63 Leadership Fund possible,” said Greg Seaman ’09, co-president of the Friends of Princeton Lacrosse. “For over 60 years, Bryce Chase has dedicated himself to strengthening and elevating the Princeton Lacrosse community. Bryce embodies the ethos of the program, and we are proud to see him honored in this meaningful way.”
“Assistant coach endowments are very impactful for our teams, and we are thrilled that both the men’s and women’s varsity lacrosse programs will benefit in such a meaningful way” said Ford Family Director of Athletics, John Mack ’00. “I want to express our deep gratitude to Greg Seaman ’09 and the many alumni leaders who championed this initiative and whose generosity has made this fitting recognition possible. Bryce Chase ’63 has been a stalwart of Princeton Lacrosse and has had a truly transformational impact on many generations of Princeton Tigers.”
Chase will be honored at halftime of the men’s lacrosse game against Penn on Saturday, April 11 at Sherrerd Field at Class of 1952 Stadium.
To read more about Chase’s impact on Princeton Men’s Lacrosse, read the feature “Marathon Man.”
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For information about supporting Princeton Athletics, contact Kellie Staples, Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Advancement/SWA at kgale@princeton.edu or 609.258.6696.
