Princeton Men's Soccer Alumni Check-In: Donald Dwight '53

Donald Dwight '53 (Right) sits with classmate and roommate John McPhee at their 65th Reunion in 2018.

Name, Class, Current Job, Hometown, Family:
Donald Dwight '53
Retired from a lifetime in newspapers plus a couple of diversions into appointive and elective politics in Massachusetts.
Ed. Note: Don served as Lieutenant Governor in Massachusetts from 1971-75.

After many years in New England (Mass. and N.H.) I am now a full-time resident of Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C. I am married, with two adult children; also five adult children from first marriage. If your math is good, seven grown children.

Position played and major and thesis topic:
Left half-back. I was a history major and my thesis was on The Colonial Newspaper.

Most memorable game at Princeton. Why?
The final one, versus Yale in November 1952, at New Haven. Distinguished for me because my parents were in the stands, the first game they had seen during my Princeton years.

Toughest loss:
This question draws a blank from me. We didn't have many losses over my four years. Rankings were immaterial — no playoffs. no championships for anyone.

Funniest on-field story while at Princeton:
Another tough one... Remember, my last game was played 67 years ago! But I was personally part of a weird if not funny moment in our last game against Yale. Late in the second half, down by one goal, Coach Jimmy Reed had an inspiration: put Dwight in at left wing! My entire soccer career was played at left half-back where the ball handing is quite different from a wing position. I hardly believed my ears, but my parents were in the bleachers and I was delighted that their trip was not in vain. Nothing dramatic occurred and I didn't make a fool of myself I did get a shot at the goal (right to the goalie). The tying goal came later, a few minutes before the end of the game.

Best players on the team during your era:
With several exceptions, I'll limit myself to my '53 classmates. Notably in that group were Dean Pringle, center half and captain, and Wally Krause, center forward and high scorer The strong defense of Jack Robinson and Caleb Gates, backed up by goalie Don "Bones" Connor kept opponents in check. To any youngsters who might be scanning this page and thinking about which position to play, I say defense. All three are living today, 67 years after graduation, while our other stars have joined the stars in the heavens.To my teammates not named, I apologize. My position on the bench was not conducive to critical judgments.

Most underrated player on the team during your era: Why?
The most underrated player on the team was Clark Driemeyer, an easy choice because he is now the Class Secretary and I know he will read this page.

Funniest teammate and any examples of what made him funny:
I can't come up with a name for the funniest so I will offer "loudest" as the choice: Ernie Preston. Also a skilled scrambler on the field and very much the spirit of the team.

Players on the team you still keep in touch with:
You probably guessed — Jack Robinson, Caleb Gates and Bones Connor, along with Clark Driemeyer.

Message/Advice for the current players:
I can't close this review without a salute to the coaches whose leadership made soccer — both the regular fall season and spring season — a totally engaging and enjoyable part of the Princeton experience: Jimmy Reed and Jack Volz.

To the current Princeton soccer players, I hope your experience is as fulfilling and enjoyable as mine was, lo these many years ago. And Coach Barlow, thank you for providing this walk down memory lane. In addition to those mentioned above, I want to add two dear friends whom I met in freshman soccer in September 1949, Jim Magoun and Jim Dana, and who are waiting for me.

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