News Summary

Princeton High School celebrates a historic moment as both the 1979 and 1980 cross country teams are inducted into the Bureau County Sports Hall of Fame. These teams achieved remarkable feats, including state runner-up finishes and an enduring legacy that continues to inspire future athletes. The recognition highlights their outstanding accomplishments and the significant impact they had on the local sports community.

Princeton High School’s Cross Country Teams Make History!

Hey there, sports fans! Exciting news is coming from Princeton, where both the 1979 and 1980 cross country teams are set to be inducted into the Bureau County Sports Hall of Fame! Yes, you read that right—two amazing teams that left a lasting mark on the local sports scene will finally get the recognition they deserve in the class of 2025.

A Glance Back at Glory

Let’s take a quick tour back in time, shall we? The 1979 Tigers made history when they snagged Princeton’s first-ever Class A second-place finish at state. Talk about an accomplishment! The members of this talented team were Tom Caldwell, Dan Darling, Tom Hodge, Jaimie Dow, Pat McConnell, Craig Martin, Dave Larson, Tim Elliott, and Scott Segerstrom. Do those names ring a bell? They should, since these athletes paved the way for future generations.

Jaimie Dow, a standout from the team, credits his success to his junior high track coach, Mike Coates. After being cut from several sports teams, it was Coates who encouraged him to give cross country a shot. What began as a second chance turned into a monumental journey, as Dow played a significant part in the Tigers’ back-to-back state runner-up finishes in 1979 and 1980.

1979: A Year to Remember

The 1979 season was nothing short of spectacular for the Tigers. With a record of 8-2-1 in dual and triangular meets, they clinched victories at both the Princeton and Minooka invitationals, won the District and Sectional meets, and stood strong as runner-ups at the NCIC meet. Their journey peaked at the state meet, where they scored 136 points, finishing just behind Petersburg PORTA, who had 76 points. They also outperformed their rival Hall, who scored 210 points.

Notable finishes at the state meet saw Jaimie Dow claiming sixth place and Tim Elliott coming in fifteenth. The hard work of Craig Martin, Dave Larson, Tom Hodge, Tom Caldwell, and Dan Darling also led them to successful finishes, contributing to that historic moment in Princeton’s athletic history.

1980: The Year of Undefeated Triumph

Fast forward to 1980, and the Tigers took it up a notch! The team went perfectly undefeated in all 12 dual meets, winning the Princeton and Minooka invitationals yet again, along with the District meet at Amboy and the Sectional meet at Woodstock. Notably, Dow repeated his success as the District champion and was the runner-up at sectionals.

At that year’s state meet, the Tigers finished second again, this time scoring 123 points, trailing behind Peoria Bergan, who had 89 points. Jaimie Dow shined brightly, achieving a third-place finish—an all-time best for Princeton High School in cross country! Others like Tom Hodge and Tom Caldwell placed well, keeping up the momentum for their incredible team spirit.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Interestingly, the success of these cross country teams had a ripple effect, boosting the athletes’ performances in track as well. The 4×800-meter relay team even set a Class A state record that lasted a whopping 25 years! Dow credits the 1977 varsity team for being excellent role models, emphasizing the value of camaraderie and support that fostered a strong team spirit.

Finally, let’s not forget about the great coaches who played their part in this success story. Coaches Gary Coates and Bruce Anderson were respected figures who dedicated themselves profoundly to the athletes’ development both on and off the field.

As Princeton gears up to honor these remarkable athletes, it’s a moment not only to celebrate past achievements but also to inspire future generations. Here’s to the Princeton Tigers, whose legs may have sprinted across finish lines years ago, but whose spirit will forever echo in the halls of the Bureau County Sports Hall of Fame!

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