A three-time Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year, the 5-foot-11, 140-pound senior won the 800-meter run, the 1,500-meter run and the 3,000-meter run at the state meet this past season, leading the Rams to a third-place finish as a team. Principe's top time in the 3000 of 8:16.60 is a state record and ranked as the nation's No. 1 clocking among prep competitors this spring at the time of his selection. He also set a state record in the mile with a time of 4:00.73, which ranked No. 4 in the nation. His best mark in the 1500 of 3:54.70 ranked No. 13.
Principe has maintained an A average in the classroom. He has signed a national letter of intent to compete on an athletic scholarship at Stanford University beginning this fall.
Principe has volunteered locally on behalf of his church as part of food drives for the needy and he has donated his time as a mentor to prospective La Salle students. "D.J. Principe is not only Rhode Island's best track athlete this year, he is also the greatest track athlete ever to come out of Rhode Island," said Jim Doyle, head coach of Bishop Hendricken High.
