A memorial service has been scheduled at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Princeton University Chapel for Bob Callahan.
Callahan, a member of the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame honored for his contributions to the game as a Princeton player and as the University's men's squash coach for 32 years, died Tuesday, Jan. 27, after a three-year battle with brain cancer. He was 59.
Callahan played on three Princeton 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 building a championships legacy. 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 he was diagnosed with cancer, was among the most historic matches ever played at the collegiate level. Princeton ended a 13-year championship run by Trinity College during a 5-4 victory at Jadwin Gymnasium.
Callahan coached individual national champions 10 times, including all four titles for Yasser El-Halaby of the Class of 2006. Callahan's final champion, Todd Harrity of the Class of 2013, plays professionally.
Callahan was particularly proud to have coached the five sons he raised in Princeton with his wife, Kristen. They are Greg, Class of 2005; Tim, Class of 2007; Scott, Class of 2009; and twins Peter and Matt, Class of 2011.
A group of Princeton squash alumni and friends established The Robert W. Callahan '77 Head Coach of Men's Squash position in his honor after he retired in 2013.
"It has been a great ride over the last 32 years, and I have so many people to thank who have supported me along the way," Callahan said at the time. "Princeton squash means so much to me."
The Callahan family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Brain Cancer Research at Memorial Sloan Kettering or to the Callahan Endowment for Squash at Princeton Athletics (select Callahan Endowment under Varsity Sports).
