Princeton University Athletics
Princeton Athletics Mourns The Passing Of Hall Of Famer Bob Callahan '77
January 28, 2015 | Men's Squash
BOB CALLAHAN '77: HALL OF FAME COACH, HALL OF FAME PERSON
TIGERBLOG REMEMBERS BOB CALLAHAN
SITTING ON THE STEPS WITH BOB CALLAHAN
Hall of Famer Bob Callahan '77, a man who laid the foundation for Princeton Squash over four decades with equal parts class, dignity and competitive spirit, passed away Tuesday, January 27, at the age of 59 following a three-year battle with brain cancer.
Callahan, a 2012 inductee into the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame, produced championships as both an undergraduate standout and throughout his 32-year tenure as head coach. He played on three national title teams, including his senior year when he captained the Tigers to an undefeated season in 1976-77.
After four years away from the program, Callahan returned as head coach in 1981 and began a legacy that will live forever; he led Princeton to 314 victories, 11 Ivy League titles, and national championships in 1982, 1993 and 2012. The final title, which came one week before his cancer diagnosis, was among the most historic matches ever played at the collegiate level; Princeton, which started two players on the current squad, ended a 13-year championship run by Trinity during a memorable 5-4 victory in a packed, thrilled Jadwin Squash Courts.
Callahan also coached the individual national champion 10 times, including all four titles for Yasser El-Halaby '06; no other men's player in collegiate squash has ever won four national championships. His final champion, Todd Harrity '13, is currently playing professionally and is ranked among the Top 70.
While he coached some of the all-time greats at the collegiate level, Callahan was thrilled to coach the five sons he raised in Princeton with his wife, Kristen: Greg, Class of 2005; Tim, Class of 2007; Scott, Class of 2009; and twins Peter and Matt, Class of 2011.
This past fall, the University announced that the head coaching position for Princeton will be named for Callahan; The Robert W. Callahan '77 Head Coach of Men's Squash position will be established by a group of Princeton squash alumni and friends whose positive interactions with Callahan have prompted them to honor his legacy.
Please check back with GoPrincetonTigers.com and TigerBlog over the coming days for more reflections on the life of Callahan, whose inspired countless people within a Princeton Athletic department that he dearly treasured.