CJS Tribune: Lions Roar Past Princeton

By Pauline Gallon and Monét Guilbeau

Published October 30th, CJS Tribune Fall 2024 print edition

Monét Guilbeau for CJS Tribune

Teammates Jordan Kelly (#19) and Braylon Gardoni (#87) watch the game unfold at Robert K. Kraft Field.

NEW YORK - On a warm and sunny Saturday in October, a sea of supporters dressed in blue erupted in applause in the stands of Lawrence A. Wien Stadium in Upper Manhattan. They watched as sophomore quarterback Chase Goodwin powered through Princeton's defenders and scored a touchdown on the Robert K. Kraft Field, sealing a decisive victory for the Columbia Lions.

In their third game of the season, Columbia's football team secured its first win against the Princeton Tigers since 2017, triumphing 37-14. The Lions now boast two wins - against Princeton and Lafayette - and one loss to Georgetown since the beginning of the Ivy League football season.

The stadium buzzed with excitement as Columbia's supporters chanted "Go Lions" throughout the game and waved to the cheerleading team. Nonsequitur, one of Columbia's acapella groups, sang the national anthem before the game began. Halftime featured performances by Columbia's dance team and pep bands from both schools.

"The energy out there was amazing. We really feed off the crowd," said Hayden McDonald, a senior who plays defensive back. "It's always a pretty big crowd when we play Princeton."

Columbia's win also marks the football team's first home win against Princeton since 2010, demonstrating the team's growing confidence and capability.

"Chase proved us right. The protection proved us right, and the defense finished the job," said Jon Poppe, head coach of the Lions since December 2023, during the postgame press conference on October 5th. "Special teams do their thing when presented with the opportunity."

Associate Atheltics Director of Communication and Public Relations, Mike Kowalsky, confirmed that after several overall unsuccessful seasons, the Lions have "gone to another level this year." He credits this win to the team's commitment. Goodwin, a 20-year-old from Texas, is in his second year as the team's quarterback and relishes the opportunity to play for Columbia. Off the field, Goodwin has his unique game-day rituals. "I take care of the ball the night before, and I sleep with it in my bed," he said, his eyes lighting up.

Before the game, Goodwin listens to a curated playlist to get himself ready. This year, his favorite pump-up jam is "Sweet Escape" by Gwen Stefani. "I think it's important to have a smile on your face, and not have a lot of nerves or tension," he added.

The Lions showed intensity on the field, executing plays with precision and confidence. "I kind of blacked out," Goodwin said, recalling his crowning touchdown. "Our coaches do such a great job preparing us that it becomes second nature and instinct."

With six games left, the team's concentration is on their next game against the Wagner Seahawks on October 12.

"Anyone can beat anybody at any time," Goodwin said. "Don't expect anything to be given to you. Keep pushing, stay humble and execute."

"Coach Poppe has brought a fire and intensity to our team that a lot of the guys can rally around," said Goodwin during an interview on Columbia University's campus a few days after the game. "We always play with a chip on our shoulders and the hunger to execute."

"We always had the talent, but now we are seeing the execution come together," said Kowalsky.

Publication: page 3 www.cjstribune.com

**UPDATE: For the first time in 63 years, the Columbia Lions are Ivy League Football Champions!! This is a massive win. I remember while interviewing Chase how important it was to the team to make it this year, and voila, they did it!! Even the Empire State Building celebrated by lighting up blue the night they won, November 24th.