NOVEMBER THAT YEAR
PRINCETON STAR TRIBUNE
Our Own “Battle” Football Star?
Could Princeton University have its resident Battle become a football star, like his NFL-playing brothers?
Sophomore Connor Battle, a standout center midfielder on the soccer team, was a surprise substitution yesterday on our football team.
According to Head Coach Perry Hodgson, starting placekicker, senior Stu Sanders, had a case of the flu and the usual backup, punter Mark Danotte, was out of town for a family matter.
“There are a couple other emergency options, but I wanted to give Connor a chance,” explained Hodgson. “He first approached me about his place kicking training in July, and has worked with Stu on several occasions.”
Battle made all three of his attempts, including two extra-point kicks and one field goal. Princeton won the game by four points, making his performance key to the victory.
Apparently, the coaching staff had quietly included Battle on the roster submitted to the NCAA earlier this fall, so he would be eligible as a backup.
“It was a last-minute decision, but he was the best option, and [soccer] Coach Roberts gave his blessing. You never expect to call on a backup at kicker, but all of us are impressed by his talent and his poise under pressure.”
Does that mean Battle will be back on the football field? “We expect Stu to return for the next game, and Connor to finish the soccer season,” Hodgson shared.
Still, with Battle only in his second year, who can tell what the future holds?