40 Years of Verbs: Memories
9/5/2025
In celebration of his 40th year at Princeton, former players share some of their thoughts and favorite memories of Steve Verbit.
Princeton has changed my life…and all of our lives. Thank you for being a big part of it!
Ken Barrett '80
I never had the "pleasure" of being coached by Verbs, other than having him manage me as an alum for 40 years. It has been a total joy to work with and for him on behalf of Princeton and Princeton Football. His sincere commitment to the players in this program is unsurpassed. It is truly a life's work and he has the legacy of friendships, mentorships and "family" to prove it. We are so grateful for his service to all of us and to Princeton.
Favorite Memory: There are too many to count, and too many to mention. I appreciate so much his ability to bring people together. For many years he and Nick Donatiello hosted dinners in San Francisco for local alums. I was not able to attend very often -- I was an east coast interloper -- but those nights were so special in their shared camaraderie and love for each other and common experiences. That is Steve -- he always makes the effort to bring people together. He has done that for 40 years and we are the beneficiaries. Godspeed, Coach Verbit!
Kevin Guthrie '84
It’s clear the man bleeds orange and black. He’s largely responsible for the excellence in the program the past 40 years. Here’s to the next 40.
Mark Berggren '85
I have very distinct memories of the coaching staff under Ron Rogerson. They were such a sharp contrast to the prior group, young, focused, capable, and clearly team-focused. Very quickly, the team regained a sense of focus and confidence.
Then there was Verbit and the D-Backs. From the beginning, he seemed perpetually cranky.
From the D-Line group, I would look over at the D-Backs and hear angry yelling and wonder what was going on over there. My teammates groused and complained. Let's just say he was not the most loved guy. Which is ironic, because nearly 40 years later, I can't think of a more beloved and important member of the Princeton Football family.
The brotherhood takes work to maintain and Verbs is one of the main reasons it has grown the way it has. I can't count the number of times something has gone on in my life and the first text I get is from Verbs. I know I am one of many and that is why he is the connective tissue for us all. His enthusiasm, energy and passion of Princeton football and all the players is superhuman. The cranky guy I used to avoid in 1986 is now someone I consider a brother. Congrats Verbs.
Ned Elton '87
Verbs, you are truly one of the most remarkable people I know. Your enthusiasm, your attention-to-detail, your support and commitment to so many, your thoughtfulness, and your kindness combine to make you one of the great ones. Most of all, though, your tireless energy knows no bounds.
You’re always there for all of us. The answer from you is always “YES!”. And then, I think you go figure out how! We really appreciate you and are so grateful for your most special friendship. We love you very much.
Brill Garrett '88
Coach Verbs is the glue that brings all of the different Princeton Football generations together. He has played a huge role in laying the groundwork that has led to all of the success that the program has experienced in recent years. We are incredibly grateful for everything he has done for the program and for us individually.
Doug Struckman '88
Coach Verbit has always been real life.
No sugar coating it. Direct. Passionate.
For Princeton Football players, who have had a life so far of being "special," Verbs has always been a great teacher and bringer of reality. Verbs has been a great friend for many years who has kept me and many others connected to the program.
Favorite Memory: As a struggling player, I never would have stayed in the program without the words of encouragement that Verbs gave to me in a speech to the defensive backs sophomore year. As a converted linebacker trying to play defensive back, the only skill I had was hitting, and Verbs admired this about me and said so publicly, something about if he was ever in a fight, he would want me in his back pocket. He even got me on the kickoff team.
A little juice when I needed it most. Thanks Verbs.
Michael Engels '88
40 years - wow - he was tougher then - honestly I tried not get in his line of fire! I had no idea as an undergrad what a wonderful human Verbs is and I’d be in touch with him all these years later!
Verbs has been there, always keeping in touch and updated on the guys, the season ahead and the program - and helped us immensely with our interns. We love you Verbs!
Rusty Warren '89
Verbs always brought maximum energy and enthusiasm every day. He was central to my Princeton football experience and is a Princeton Football Hall of Famer.
Rich Moore '95
Coach Verbit was as tough as he was fair and that meant the world to me. After graduating, he became a close friend and confidant. Through many different tough times, coach was never anything but positive energy.
Chuck Hastings '00
Can still hear him shouting "You gotta bring the juice!" Even if you didn't play defense, he still called you out if you weren't giving 100%, and was certainly not afraid to let you hear it. His contributions to the program over the years, whether through making sure that alumni stay in touch, getting guys to the golf outing or planning other events around the country, it's all been critical to the success of the program. He's also been instrumental in helping with career placement, including my own.
Joel Mancl '05
Coach Verbit was clear on his expectations for me as a player and as a unit. It was the first time in my life that I really understood and appreciated the importance of accountability. No one was off limits in film review, both good and bad. In the work place, it's the same. Do your responsibility to the best you can and be accountable to the result. Thank you Coach!
Favorite Memory: “Bring the JUICE!!!" My welcome to college football moment was his speech to the defense before playing at Lehigh my freshman year. Playing a very athletic and fast team, we had a detailed scouting report.
All of that was out of the window.
He yelled BRING THE JUICE and had us all fired up. Regardless of the outcome, I knew I was in the right program with the right coaching staff.
Jay McCareins '06
