ND Students & Staff okay in Chile

Its' been reported that anywhere from 24 to 32 Notre Dame students and staff members have been in Santiago, Chile for three weeks now getting acclimated to the country -- and they experienced yesterday's 8.8 magnitude earth quake. Thankfully all are safe -- in what was the fifth highest recorded earth quake of all time. Santiago is approximately 200 miles south of the quake's epicenter. Classes were scheduled to start this week for Notre Dame's International Studies Abroad program in Chile (March 3rd) -- at present, know one knows where or when these classes will begin.

Sunday Mass at Notre Dame on TV an on the web

CatholicTV broadcasts Notre Dame's 10 AM Mass from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart LIVE every Sunday. Check with your local cable operator to see if they have the Catholic TV Chanel. Here's a link to CatholicTV.com -- where you can also watch the Mass from Notre Dame live online:

CATHOLICTV.COM - NOTRE DAME MASS

Can the Irish Basketball Team make the NCAA?

With wins over 12th ranked Pitt on Wednesday night at home and 11th ranked Georgetown today, on the road, the Irish have had one of their best weeks as a basketball program in a long time. And, they've done this with All American Luke Harangody on the sidelines with a bruised knee. Games with Connecticut and Marquette remain -- before the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. The Irish are going to need to win one of the two remaining games and probably two games in the Big East Tournament to make the NCAA Tournament. Go IRISH!

Irish Footballers in Indy at NFL Combine

Five members of the Fighting Irish Football Team are in Indianapolis this weekend at the NFL Combine -- the NFL's version of "show and tell." Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate, Kyle McCarthy, Sam Young and Eric Olsen received invites to interview and workout in front of all of the NFL teams. Olsen finished tied for 3rd amongst Offensive Linemen in the bench press of 225 lbs. -- lifting it 35 times. Sam Young finished tenth -- with 29 lifts. Young was a little quicker in the 40 yard dash going 5.19 to Olsen's 5.22. Clausen is just in town meeting with teams while recovering from his off season toe surgery. Here's a link to the NFL's coverage of the Combine as well as links to each of the profiles of the ND players along with how they are performing:

NFL COMBINE WEBSITE

SAM YOUNG NFL PROFILE

ERIC OLSEN NFL PROFILE

KYLE MCCARTHY NFL PROFILE

JIMMY CLAUSEN NFL PROFILE

GOLDEN TATE NFL PROFILE

Notre Dame's Liturgical Choir -- a must hear...

The University of Notre Dame has a number of talented musical groups on campus. One that doesn't get the publicity I think they should is the Liturgical Choir. They are fantastic. You can hear them at 10 AM Mass on Sunday's at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. They're made up of 65 to 70 students. Every year, the choir will take their show on the road -- performing to audiences around the country. And, every four years, they'll take an international trip -- with recent performances in France, Italy and Spain. Here are some links to a concert on campus and a link to their website and how you can purchase their music.

NOTRE DAME OUR MOTHER

CONCERT IN THE BASILICA OF THE SACRED HEART

NOTRE DAME LITURGICAL CHOIR WEBSITE

Irish IDOL -- three new contestants

Every week at NOTRE DAME GO IRISH we search the world wide web for talented singers, of every age, and ask them to perform the Notre Dame Victory March. Here are our three latest contestants on Irish IDOL -- just click on the links below and enjoy!

ALICE

GRACIE

BRYNN

Fight Cards set for Bengal Bouts Finals

The 80th Annual Bengal Bouts finished up their Semi-Final Rounds last night at the Joyce Center -- leaving two fighters in each of the weight classes to go at it this Saturday night at 7 PM in the Finals. In the Heavyweight Final Will "At the Edge of Darkness" Burroughs will take on Kevin "The Long Beach Lumberjack" Crepeau. You've got to love the nicknames! Tickets are on sale at the University of Notre Dame's Ticket Office at the Joyce Center.

BENGAL BOUTS WEBSITE

The Undertones -- a cappella at Notre Dame!

In 1996 a few Notre Dame students got together and created an a cappella singing group -- and named themselves the Undertones. Since then, this group has recorded six albums, most recently in May of 2009 they released "12 Items or Less." The 2009 - 2010 edition of the Undertones is comprised of 12 Notre Dame students. NBC (the home of Notre Dame football) produced a show this past season called "The Sing Off" in which they brought in eight a cappella groups to compete for a grand prize of cash and a recording contract. One of the college groups -- from Tufts University -- made the Finals. Maybe we'll see the Undertones on NBC next year! The links below are to their website -- where you can buy their music and the second link is to a youtube video of their reunion concert this past year at Notre Dame. Enjoy!

UNDERTONES WEBSITE

UNDERTONES IN CONCERT

The Holy Cross Congregation has first Saint!

Blessed Brother Andre Bessette, of the Holy Cross Congregation - the founders of the University of Notre Dame -- was approved for sainthood, this past Friday, with formal canonization scheduled for Sunday, October 17th, 2010. Brother Andre, a Holy Cross Brother, is credited with thousands of miraculous healings. Born in Quebec, Blessed Brother Andre lived and worked in Canada (though he did spend some time in America) until his death in 1937. He is the first member of the Holy Cross Congregation to be approved for sainthood. The link below is a tribute to Brother Andre.

BLESSED BROTHER ANDRE

Al Haig - a Notre Dame student...

Alexander Haig, former Secretary of State and U.S. Army General -- died yesterday of complications from a staphylococcal infection while at John Hopkins Hospital. Haig graduated from West Point, but prior to his time as a Cadet, he attended the University of Notre Dame for two years. He's best known for his comment "I am in charge here" -- after the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan -- even though he was at best -- fifth in line to run the country.

Irish Lacrosse stuns #2 Duke!

The #9 ranked Fighting Irish opened their 2010 Lacrosse season on the road against #2 ranked Duke -- and upset the Blue Devils 11 - 7. It's the first time a ND Lacrosse squad has defeated a team ranked in the top 2 in the country. Not a bad way to start a season!

Irish Swimmer - fastest time in the country!

Samantha Maxwell, a Notre Dame junior from Chandler, AZ -- recorded the fastest time in the country yesterday in the 100 Breaststroke at the Big East Swimming & Diving Championship. Maxwell, an All American -- touched the wall in a time of 59.64 shattering the Big East record in this event. The Irish Women's and Men's teams are in first place - going into today's final sessions.

BIG EAST SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPIONSHIP

Ross Browner voted Favorite Irish DE of All Time!

Former Notre Dame All-American, Ross Browner was voted the Favorite Irish Defensive End of All Time in a vote of NOTRE DAME GO IRISH blog visitors. Browner received 26% of the vote -- Alan Page finished second and current New York Giant DE Justin Tuck finished third. Browner was a force at Defensive End for the Irish in the mid 70's -- teaming with Willie Fry to form the most famous duo at this position in Notre Dame Football history. He was a four year starter -- and a unanimous All American choice his junior and senior seasons for the Irish. He won the Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award and won the Maxwell Award as the nation's best player -- the only lineman to win this award. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting his senior year. And, he was a member of two National Championship teams at Notre Dame. Browner was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. A first round draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals -- he was voted the team's MVP in 1978 and set a Super Bowl record for tackles by a defensive lineman in Super Bowl XVI. A true Notre Dame legend.

ROSS BROWNER HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrating 60 Years of African American Student Athletes at Notre Dame

This past November, the University of Notre Dame celebrated 60 years of African American student athletes -- with a tribute at a football game and a video to commemorate this occasion. Ironically, this year's Notre Dame's football recruiting class features a running back from California named Cameron Roberson -- who's Grandfather, Thomas Murray Turner, was one of the first African American's to graduate from Notre Dame in 1959. February is Black History Month in America -- please watch this wonderful video:

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS AT NOTRE DAME

Bengal Bouts start 80th year at Notre Dame

Preliminary rounds started this weekend for the 80th annual Bengal Bouts at the University of Notre Dame. 186 boxers faced off in 93 fights Saturday, with the winners heading to the Quarter Finals this Tuesday. This event annually raises tens of thousands of dollars for the Holy Cross Missions in Bangladesh.

THE BENGAL BOUTS

THE 2010 PRELIMINARY ROUNDS

Dave Casper voted favorite Irish TE of all time!

He's one of the best to ever play his position in college or the NFL. He's in the College Football Hall of Fame and the NFL Hall of Fame as well -- and, he was just voted the favorite Irish TE of all time in a vote here at NOTRE DAME GO IRISH. Casper won by five votes over former Notre Dame TE and NFL All Pro, Mark Bavaro. Casper garnered 21% of the 349 votes cast, Bavaro had 20%, Ken MacAfee was third with 17% and Anthony Fasano had one more vote than John Carlson finishing fourth with 10%. Former Heisman Trophy winner Leon Hart finished sixth - even though the position he played in college "END" -- wasn't called a TE back then.

Happy Valentine's Day - Notre Dame style!

Notre Dame is in the hearts of many. And, we're not afraid to flaunt it on special occasions -- especially at weddings. Watch this video of 75 year-old Anne Hunter -- her passion for the Irish should be an inspiration to us all. Happy Valentine's Day!

ANNE HUNTER

ND Bengal Bouts Champ turns Pro!

Mike Lee, a 2009 Notre Dame graduate -- and three time Bengal Bouts Champion turned pro today, after a successful Golden Gloves run since graduation. The light heavyweight was to make his announcement this morning at ND and then later at Harry Caray's in Chicago. He has signed with Bob Arum of Top Rank Boxing. Good Luck Mike! Here's a link to a news story about Mike earlier this year.

MIKE LEE TURNS PRO

BOB ARUM TALKS ABOUT LEE

Kelly to honor coaching legend Eddie Robinson

Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Brian Kelly, will be the keynote speaker tomorrow at the grand opening of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum in Grambling, La. Robinson is one of the all-time coaching greats winning a record 407 games in his 57 year coaching career at Grambling.

COACH KELLY KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Irish IDOL -- three more contestants...

Every week NOTRE DAME GO IRISH searches the world wide web for the best singers (or dancers) of the VICTORY MARCH. This week's show will not disappoint. It just goes to show you the passion for the FIGHTING IRISH is alive and well. Links below. Go Irish!


KATIE

NOTRE DAME BABIES

DUNCAN

3rd Ranked Irish to wear Pink Sunday!

Muffet McGraw's third ranked Fighting Irish Women's Basketball team will be donning their pink jerseys Sunday in their home game against DePaul. In what's called the "PINK ZONE" -- the Irish will be promoting breast cancer research and awareness. The Irish are undefeated at home this season -- sporting a 22 - 1 overall record. Tip off is at 3:00 PM at the Purcell Pavillion.

IRISH IN PINK

Tony Rice voted Favorite Irish QB of All Time!

When the poll was first published, his name was left off the ballot. A major oversight by this Blogger! His fans, quickly pointed this out and Rice was rightly placed amongst the list of all time great QB's at Notre Dame. A list of QB's that no other school in America can match. It contains Heisman Trophy Winners, All Americans, National Champions, Super Bowl Champions, College Hall of Famer's, Super Bowl MVP's, NFL All Pro's, NFL Hall of Famer's, etc. And, Tony Rice -- who led the Irish to their last National Championship -- was voted the Favorite Irish QB of All Time (QUITE AN HONOR) by the visitors to the NOTRE DAME GO IRISH Blog with 29% of the vote. Joe Montana finished second with 25%, Brady Quinn was third with 13%, Terry Hanratty finished fourth and Jimmy Clausen fifth. Rice adorned the cover of Sports Illustrated four times during the 1988 and 1989 seasons -- and was voted one of the top athletes of all time in his home state of South Carolina. Tony was also named MVP in ND's Fiesta Bowl win over WVU -- the win that clinched the National Championship. A Notre Dame Man -- Rice now resides in the South Bend area. Congratulations Tony!

HIGHLIGHTS OF RICE'S 1988 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON

What Notre Dame is FIGHTING for...

The University of Notre Dame has been airing a number of TV spots the past few years under the banner of "What would fight for?" You'll see them every time the Irish play football or basketball on television. It's been a very unique way of "selling Notre Dame" to the world. Over the past year I've noticed a few more colleges attempting to follow Notre Dame's lead when producing their own TV spots. Here's a few of the ND commercials.

ADVANCEMENT OF MEDICINE

FOR SAFETY

AGAINST THE ODDS

The #3 favorite number on an Irish uniform!

It wasn't even close. Notre Dame's #3 earned 41% of the vote of the visitors to the NOTRE DAME GO IRISH BLOG. It's one of the most famous uniform numbers in sports. It's been worn by ND QB's; Guglielmi, Hargrave, Lamonica, Montana, O'Brien, Battle, Mirer and Powlus. It's also been worn by a kicker; Harry Oliver a RB named Darius and it's currently being worn by All-American candidate Michael Floyd. Troy Murphy wore the #3 for the Irish Basketball team as Tory Jackson does right now. Finishing second was the uniform #7 -- with 13% of the vote. And the #10 finished third with 12%.

Catherine Soler named ND Student Body President!

For the first time in school history, two sophomores have been elected as student body president and vice president for the 2010 - 2011 school year, in a vote Monday at Notre Dame. Catherine Soler and Andrew Bell garnered 54.6% of the vote. Soler become Notre Dame's fifth female student body president.

SOLER & BELL WIN ELECTION

Notre Dame Fencing Teams - Both Undefeated!

The Fighting Irish Men's & Women's Fencing Teams finished their regular seasons undefeated. This is the fourth time in the program's history that both teams were undefeated. The Irish Men's & Women's teams are currently ranked #2 in the country.

TWO IRISH PERFECT SEASONS

The Organ - DeBartolo Performing Arts Center

While this story is not just about the Fritts organ in the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame -- it does showcase this beautiful instrument. If you ever get the chance to take a tour of this facility -- please be sure to see the Chris and Anne Reyes Organ and Choral Hall. The organ took fifteen months and 18,000 hours to build. Click on the link below:

THE FRITTS ORGAN AT NOTRE DAME

Super Bowl TD's by Former Notre Dame Players

Notre Dame has had six of its former players score a Touchdown in the Super Bowl game. Which is second amongst all college football programs. Ricky Watters and Joe Montana lead the Irish TD parade, in the Super Bowl, with two each. Ironically, the two schools in this year's BCS National Championship game; Alabama and Texas -- haven't had a TD scorer in the big game. Here's the link to the list:

SUPER BOWL TD'S BY ND PLAYERS

Notre Dame Super Bowl Trivia

Did you know that 37 former Notre Dame Football Players have won a Super Bowl ring? Did you know that 29 of the 43 Super Bowl winning rosters have had a Notre Dame alum on its roster? Did you know the first tackle ever made in a Super Bowl was by a former Notre Dame running back? Here's a link to this article:

NOTRE DAME SUPER BOWL TRIVIA

Coach Kelly on ESPN talking about recruits

Here's a clip of Brian Kelly speaking with ESPN and talking about the Irish recruiting class.

COACH KELLY INTERVIEW

The "Who Dat" Dog -- a little off topic...

Thought you might enjoy a "four legged" fan of the New Orleans Saints, doing their "WHO DAT" cheer. This is a classic video -- must see.

WHO DAT DOG

Here Come The Irish Wins!

In a shocker, the song Here Come The Irish wins the poll of favorite Notre Dame song -- edging out the Victory March (the #1 College Fight Song in the world) by one vote -- in a vote amongst visitors to ND GO IRISH blog. Somewhere former ND All American John Scully (the writer of this song) has to be smiling. Here's a link to Scully, on the piano, performing his song -- the singer of Here Come the Irish is Cathy Richardson (that's her in the picture).

NOTRE DAME FAN'S #1 FAVORITE SONG

The Fighting Irish Spirt...

Teddy Hodges, a former member of the Notre Dame Fencing program is making a remarkable comeback from a stroke and subsequent heart transplant. He's targeting a return to ND this fall. Here's a link to the story.

FIGHTING IRISH'S TEDDY HODGES

Irish Sign Top Twenty Ranked Recruiting Class

Twenty-three young men signed a National Letter of Intent yesterday to attend the University of Notre Dame on a football scholarship. The class has student athletes from as far away as Hawaii, California and Florida. The Recruiting Rankings have the Irish class anywhere from 13th to 21st. The most highly acclaimed of the bunch are Louis Nix a 315 lb. DT from Miami and Matt James a 6'-7" 290 lb. offensive tackle from Cincinnati. James is a First Team USA Today All American.

Watch Coach Kelly Live @ 4 PM EST Today!

Notre Dame's Head Football Coach will be holding a National Signing Day Press Conference today at 4 PM EST. You can watch this event live on Notre Dame's Official Athletic website; www.und.com. But don't wait until 4 PM to go to this site! Notre Dame will be providing coverage all day long -- beginning at 7 AM EST this morning. You'll see interviews with coaches, video of the players that commit to the Irish and other news.

NOTRE DAME'S NATIONAL SIGNING DAY LIVE COVERAGE

National Signing Day!

It's become a big business and it's one of the favorite days of the year for college football fans across the country. The Irish are doing surprisingly well -- despite our recent play on the field and only having a staff in place for a few weeks. Coach Kelly and staff are sitting in the conference room at the GUG, awaiting the signed National Letters of Intent from some of the top student athletes in the country. ESPN took a look at ND's recruiting class a couple of days ago -- here's a link to that report:

NOTRE DAME'S RECRUITING CLASS

It's National Signing Day -- EVE

Tomorrow's the day that every Notre Dame Football fan looks forward to -- it's National Signing Day. The first day members of the Class of 2010 can sign a National Letter of Intent. Coach Kelly has had about seven weeks to sign his first recruiting class at Notre Dame. Last year we had a big "Signing Day" surprise when Manti Teo picked the Irish. Will we have some similar surprises tomorrow?

ND Fans Vote to wear GREEN at games

In the largest voter turn out yet (234 voters) at ND GO IRISH BLOG -- the fans of Notre Dame have spoken and it is GREEN. 77% chose green as the color Notre Dame fans should wear inside Notre Dame Stadium on a football Saturday. The color blue finished a distant second garnering 15% of the fan vote and gold was third with 2%. Let's hope THE SHIRT Committee and the Hammes Bookstore staff are listening.

ND Band stars in music video

One hundred and twenty members of The Band of the Fighting Irish appeared in a music video for the band OK Go - performing their hit song; This Too Shall Pass. The music video was shot last fall in an area close to the Notre Dame campus. OK Go got its start as a band in Chicago, before moving to the Los Angeles area. OK Go's music video for "Here It Goes Again" won a Grammy Award for "Best Short-Form Music Video" in 2007 -- maybe a Grammy is in the future for The Band of the Fighting Irish! Here's a link to the video.

ND BAND IN MUSIC VIDEO

Father Ted -- one of a kind...

Father Theodore Hesburgh - AKA; "Father Ted" - ran Our Lady's University from 1952 to 1987. The longest tenure as President in Notre Dame's history. He holds the Guinness Book of World Records record for "Most Honorary Degrees" with 150. He's been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal and United States Military Academy's Sylvanus Thayer Award. He speaks five languages and even found time to appear in the movie Rudy. Father Ted will turn 92 years young in May. Here's a link to a video tribute of this Notre Dame icon.

NOTRE DAME'S FATHER TED