Notre Dame Launches New Website

The University of Notre Dame launched a new website late this evening -- and I have to admit, I'm not doing back flips over the new design.  Maybe the final design will be displayed tomorrow?  Here's a link:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S NEW WEBSITE

Notre Dame's David Ruffer Needs Our Votes!

Phil Steele is running a poll on his website today looking for fans to vote for the top place kicker in college football.  Notre Dame's David Ruffer is one of the kickers in the poll -- click here to vote for Ruffer:

LINK:  DAVID RUFFER -- VOTE FOR HIM!

Michael Floyd's Plea Agreement Today

University of Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd pleaded guilty today in St. Joseph County Court to one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.  Floyd was sentenced to one year of administrative probation which will require the following of him:

•  His driver's license will be suspended for 90 days -- meaning he can not drive a car
• After the 90 days are up he will be required to use an ignition interlock device in his car for six months which will monitor if there is alcohol on his breath.  If there is, the car will not start and Floyd will be in violation of his probation -- and I'm quite sure it will also signal the end of his football career at Notre Dame

Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune's story:


LINK:  FLOYD MAKES PLEA TODAY

USA Today Ranks ND #1 in Social Media

The folks at USA Today came out "today" with their ranking of the twenty best colleges in America for social media -- and the school on top....the University of Notre Dame!  Here's a link:

LINK:  TOP TWENTY SCHOOLS IN AMERICA FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

Irish Legends Golf Classic -- Media Coverage

Lou Holtz, Ara Parseghian and Brian Kelly could be found today on the links in southwest Michigan for their annual Irish Legends Golf Classic.  ESPN's Mark May and Reece Davis were the hosts of this event -- here's a link to the media's coverage of the fun today:

LINK:  WNDU-TV STORY #1

LINK:  WNDU-TV STORY #2

T.J. Tynan Drafted by the NHL's Blue Jackets

Three University of Notre Dame hockey players were drafted yesterday in day two of the 2011 NHL Draft.  The first Irish student-athlete to hear his name called was T.J. Tynan in the third round, 66th player overall -- by the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Six picks later, Steven Fogarty was selected by the New York Rangers and in the fourth round the New York Islanders took Robbie Russo with the 95th pick.  Here's a link to the UND.COM story:

LINK:  THREE IRISH ICERS DRAFTED BY NHL TEAMS

Grand Valley Dedicates Building to Kelly Family

Notre Dame Football Coach Brian Kelly was in Allendale, MI yesterday -- the home of his first head football coaching gig -- for the dedication of the Kelly Family Sports Center on the campus of Grand Valley State University.  Here's a link to the news coverage:

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE 

LINK:  WZZM-TV GRAND RAPIDS

LINK:  GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

Irish Hoops Recruit Injured In Plane Crash

This is a sad story.  And, it's also a story you couldn't make up -- if you tried.

A plane crashed last night in northern Michigan -- killing Dr. Stephen Hatch and his wife Kim.  Dr. Hatch's son Austin -- a 6' - 6" basketball star who committed to Michigan over Notre Dame this past week -- was critically injured in the crash.

Here's the part of the story you just can't make up.  Eight years ago, Dr. Stephen Hatch was also flying a plane that crashed -- this crash killed his first wife Julie, daughter Lindsay and son Ian.  Dr. Hatch and Austin survived that crash.

Incredible.

Please say a prayer today for Austin.

Here are links to a few stories:

LINK:  PLANE CRASH

LINK:  AUSTIN HATCH & FAMILY

LINK:  AUSTIN'S HIGH SCHOOL COACH INTERVIEW

LINK:  AUSTIN'S CARING BRIDGE BLOG -- UPDATES

Brian Kelly in Grand Rapids Yesterday

Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly was in Grand Rapids yesterday for the Irish Eyes Golf Outing at Thousand Oaks Golf Club.  While he was there to play some golf and raise some money for the Kelly Cares Foundation -- he also found time to meet with the media.  Here's the coverage:

LINK:  GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

Lemming & Eric Hansen Talk ND Recruiting

The University of Notre Dame football coaching staff is recruiting -- all of the time.  Recruiting expert Tom Lemming and the South Bend Tribune's Eric Hansen give their perspective of Notre Dame football's recruiting prospects in this article.  Here's the link:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL RECRUITING

Woo Leaving Notre Dame's Business School

The University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business is losing its long time leader -- Carolyn Woo.  Woo, who's led Mendoza since 1997 -- will be become CEO of Catholic Relief Services.

Under Woo's leadership - the Mendoza College of Business has become the #1 ranked undergraduate business school in America.  Here's a link to the stories:

LINK:  WOO-ED AWAY!

LINK:  NEW CEO 

The ND Throwback Jersey -- Order Now!

The Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore is now taking orders for the replica "throwback" jersey that the Irish are wearing in the night game September 10th against Michigan.

It's important to note that this is a "REPLICA" -- it is not the authentic game jersey the Irish will wear.  If you see the photo of the actual jersey (link below) -- you'll see the difference. 

Here's a link to order one -- along with a link to the first photo made available of the game jersey Notre Dame will wear:

LINK:  BUY THE ND THROWBACK

LINK:  FIRST PHOTO OF OFFICIAL ND THROWBACK

Vote For ND's Melissa Henderson - ESPY Award

University of Notre Dame "rising" senior -- Melissa Henderson is one of five college athletes nominated for an ESPY Award for Best Female College Athlete.  Henderson and her Irish teammates won the NCAA National Championship this season.  Here's a link to vote for Melissa:

LINK:  MELISSA HENDERSON -- VOTE FOR HER!

Domer Named Head Golf Coach at Michigan

Chris Witten '02, has been named the Head Golf Coach at the University of Michigan.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  WITTEN NAMED THAT SCHOOL IN ANN ARBOR'S GOLF COACH

Cierre Wood -- Training Video

The South Bend Tribune must have a "travel budget" these days as one of their writers traveled to Oxnard, CA to spend the early morning with Notre Dame running back Cierre Wood.  You'll enjoy watching this unique drill:

LINK:  CIERRE WOOD

Notre Dame's "Night Shoes" for Michigan!

This photo was "tweeted" by Notre Dame Football's equipment manager.  Thought you'd enjoy seeing what the Irish will be wearing on their feet -- under the lights for the first time at Michigan Stadium.

Hansbrough & Scott Go Undrafted -- NBA

Notre Dame seniors Ben Hansbrough and Carleton Scott -- learned this evening that their road to playing in the NBA just got a little longer.  Unfortunately, the two were not among the sixty players selected tonight by NBA teams in the 2011 NBA Draft.  Makes you wonder who was advising Carleton Scott to leave early -- with one year of eligibility left at ND!

Here's a link to the NBA Draft Board:

LINK:  2011 NBA DRAFT RESULTS

Rockne's Irish Recruited An OLB Today

I've been avoiding commenting on this story since I learned about it six hours ago...

Former Notre Dame OLB Andre Jones -- who's the father of current Irish WR Tailer "TJ" Jones -- died this morning from a brain aneurysm.  Only 42 years young -- Andre was a member of Notre Dame's 1988 National Championship team. 

I remember feeling so much joy for Andre Jones and his family when word got out that TJ had decided to commit to Dad's school.  For Andre to then see his son run out of that tunnel with the gold helmet on -- and to see him play in his first game as a freshman starter -- wearing "their #7"  --  what a special time for this family.

My prayers and I'm sure the prayers of the entire Notre Dame Family go out to Andre's wife Michelle and their five kids tonight -- what a loss...

LINK:  ANDRE JONES

LINK:  LIKE FATHER -- LIKE SON

Notre Dame Dominates Big Ten Awards Show!

I kid you not!

The Big Ten Network (BTN) held their fourth annual Awards Show last night and of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- yeah, the irrelevant school in the Midwest -- dominated the awards given  in football.

The BTN gave away six awards last night for Big Ten Football -- and three of the awards involved the University of Notre Dame.  It's obvious -- the Big Ten's measuring stick is Notre Dame:

• Most Dominating Performance:  Dennard Robinson against Notre Dame
• Best Finish:  Michigan State's overtime win over Notre Dame
• Most Courageous Performance:  Mark Dantonio -- suffering heart attack after game with Notre Dame

Here's a link to the Big Ten Network story:

LINK:  ND DOMINATES BIG TEN AWARDS!

Notre Dame's Next Big Man on Campus!

Garrick Sherman, the former Michigan State big man -- just completed his transfer to the University of Notre Dame by enrolling into summer session.  The folks at UND.COM caught up with Garrick today -- here's a link to the interview:

LINK:  GARRICK SHERMAN -- NOTRE DAME'S NEXT BIG MAN!

Notre Dame's New Football Gloves for Team!

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are going to love these!  The "Leprechaun" is the design on the palm of the gloves.  These are HOT!

Eilar Hardy -- Committed to Notre Dame!

The good folks at "One Foot Down" a blog about Notre Dame football -- posted two photos today of incoming freshman safety Eilar Hardy out of Ohio.  He is committed!  Here's a link to the blog post -- where you can find the tattoo on the other arm!

LINK:  ONE FOOT DOWN

Photo of the Day! -- ND Throwback Jersey!

Here it is -- the first "official" photo of the Notre Dame throwback jersey for the night game against Michigan on September 10th.  ND head football coach Brian Kelly "tweeted" this photo today!

No "under God" at NBC -- What Will ND Do?

Executives at NBC felt is was "politically correct" to omit the words "...under God.." from the Pledge of Allegiance in a piece they created to start off their telecast yesterday of the final round of the USGA's U.S. Open.

Now some of you may not feel like I do about this subject -- but I find this extremely offensive.

What's next?  Will these same NBC executives decide they can no longer call the mural on the Hesburgh Library "Touchdown Jesus?"  Will they determine it would be politically incorrect to show the statue of Mary Our Mother on top of the Golden Dome on Football Saturday's?

What will Notre Dame do?  Will they issue a statement -- or, will they just hope it will go away?

Here's a link to news coverage:

LINK:  NBC -- AND THEIR AGENDA

Happy Father's Day!

I'm going to be enjoying Father's Day today with my wife Susan and our three kids; Jimmy, Kara and Brady.  Everyone is in town today -- a rarity at our home -- so I'm going to enjoy it!

In honor of this special day for Notre Dame DAD's all over the world -- here's a link to the greatest college fight song in the land!:


LINK:  THE NOTRE DAME VICTORY MARCH!

Notre Dame Fans Will Want One Of These!

The University of Notre Dame acquired four "SMART CARS" for staff to run around campus for meetings.  Here's a link to the story:


LINK:  NOTRE DAME GETTING SMART!

Finally a USC Football Player Who Is Truthful!

USC Trojan QB Matt Barkley was interviewed this past Tuesday by ESPN's Erin Andrews -- and I'm sure Troy fans weren't crazy with Barkley's answer to the question "Where's your favorite place to play a football game?:"

"NOTRE DAME."

Finally, a Trojan who speaks the truth!

Purdue Is Selling Notre Dame Game Tickets

If you're in the mood to make the drive to West Lafayette October 1st to see the Fighting Irish play a night game -- now is your chance.  Purdue's athletic department put tickets to the game on sale today for $65.  Here's a link to their ticket site:

LINK:  SEE THE IRISH PLAY AT PURDUE

Notre Dame to Offer Seat Backs in Stadium

I never thought Notre Dame would allow this inside Notre Dame Stadium.  Here's hoping the ND fans sitting in front, behind or to the left or right of me this season -- don't purchase one.  (Maybe ND got IMG to make a "narrower" seat for the lower bowl of Notre Dame Stadium -- don't hold your breath.)  If you don't know what I'm talking about, click this link below:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME SEAT BACKS

Tony Rice's Son Commits to a College Team

Anthony Rice, son of legendary Notre Dame QB Tony Rice, committed yesterday to play college football for Central Michigan University.  Anthony is a 6'-0" 168 lb. wide receiver at Marian HS in Mishawaka.  Here's a link to his highlight video along with a link to the South Bend Tribune story:

LINK:  ANTHONY RICE -- WIDE RECEIVER

LINK:  RICE COMMITS TO CMU

Beano Picks Notre Dame's 1947 Team...

He's one of the few sportswriters in the country who can go by one name...

Notre Dame fans will recall Beano Cook gave Ron Powlus two Heisman Trophies before he played his first game.  Well, Beano's talkin' Notre Dame again.  Here's the link to the story:



LINK:  BEANO COOK -- YOU GOTTA LOVE HIM!

ND Recruit -- Chevy Athlete of the Year!

His name is Cam McDaniel -- and this morning he and his family left Texas for a two day drive to his new home, the University of Notre Dame.  Cam starts his Notre Dame career tomorrow -- along with the other members of the Irish's highly touted recruiting class. 

McDaniel, a star running back for Coppell High School was just named the Chevy Male Athlete of the Year by the North Texas Chevrolet Dealers.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  CAM McDANIEL -- A NOTRE DAME MAN

Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift and Notre Dame!

This past football season "best friends" Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez made the trek to the University of Notre Dame to spend some time with Taylor's brother Austin, an Irish freshman.  The two college-aged stars thought they could to just "fit in" with the ND student body so they stopped by the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore to buy some gear -- their disquise!  I'll let OK Magazine tell the rest of the story.  Here's the link:

LINK:  TAYLOR SWIFT AND SELENA GOMEZ -- ND VISIT

ND's Boxing Champ -- Press Conference Video

Notre Dame's Mike Lee '09, was in Los Angeles last week promoting his July 9th fight at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.  Lee, who's undefeated as a pro -- also announced that he will be fighting on September 16th "back home" at Notre Dame.  It's the first professional fight on the Notre Dame campus! 

As more details come available -- we'll post it here at ND GO IRISH BLOG.  Here's a link to Mike's press conference video and interview:

LINK:  MIKE LEE -- NOTRE DAME'S OWN!

Notre Dame Football's Top Recruiting Target!

His name is Keith Marshall and he's a running back out of Raleigh, NC - and he's widely considered the top running back in the country and possibly the best player in the country.  Marshall is interested in the Irish and the Irish are definitely interested in him.  Here's a story today at ESPN.COM on Mr. Marshall -- enjoy!

LINK:  THE IRISH NEED THIS YOUNG MAN!

Coach Kelly Talks With the Media

Brian Kelly was in a sea of PINK Tuesday night at the Notre Dame football complex.  It was the second annual FOOTBALL 101 -- and 600 women paid for the opportunity to get on the field and run some of the same drills the Fighting Irish work on every day.  The folks at WNDU-TV caught up with Coach Kelly -- here's a link to their interview:

LINK:  COACH KELLY ON MICHAEL FLOYD

NBC's ND Beat Writer's Preview of the Season

Keith Arnold, NBC Sports' Notre Dame beat writer published a story today about his outlook for the upcoming 2011 season.  Arnold is quite "bullish" on the IRISH.  Here's a link to his opinion piece:

LINK:  2011 COULD BE THE SEASON!

The Top College Football Traditions -- ESPN

The folks at ESPN.COM are running a tournament bracket this week on the top college football traditions.  The #1 seed in the tournament is the Irish touching the Play Like A Champion sign.  If you'd like to participate -- click on the link below:

LINK:  VOTE FOR THE IRISH!

Football 101 -- Notre Dame Style!

Brian and Paqui Kelly held their second annual FOOTBALL 101 yesterday for 600 women on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.  The sold-out event is quite the hit -- as you'll see in these video reports:

LINK:  UND.COM -- VIDEO

LINK:  WNDU-TV REPORT

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY & VIDEO REPORT

He's Only a Week Away From Notre Dame!

Folks his name is Davaris Daniels and he's going to be the guy who will pick up where Michael Floyd leaves off next year.  Daniels has speed (4.3 forty), hops (41 inch vertical) hands and he's 6' 3" -- and he'll be wearing that gold helmet in August!  Earlier this week Davaris was named the "Athlete of the Year" -- for his area, here's a link to the story:

LINK:  ATHLETE OF THE YEAR!

Yastrzemski's Grandson A Star At Vandy!

Notre Dame fans may know that Carl Yastrzemski attended the University of Notre Dame on a basketball scholarship before heading off to a Hall of Fame baseball career with the Boston Red Sox.

Well, Yaz's grandson Mike Yastrzemski is a star outfielder for the Vanderbilt Commodores.  Mike was drafted by the Red Sox after his senior year in high school -- he passed up the opportunity to join his Grandpa's old team to play college baseball.

Mike had a home run and four RBI in Vandy's weekend sweep of Oregon State to move on to the College World Series this weekend in Omaha.  Why couldn't we have gotten Mike to go to ND?  Here's a link to the game story:

LINK:  YAZ DIDN'T FOLLOW GRAMP!

Touchdown Jesus Getting a Makeover!

The University of Notre Dame is currently conducting maintenance on the "WORD OF LIFE" mural on the Hesburgh Library.  It was last done in 1994.  The 6,700 pieces of granite spans 134 feet high and 68 feet wide.  Here's a link to the WNDU-TV news story about the preservation work which should be completed in late September.  I'm betting before the USC game!!!

LINK:  TOUCHDOWN JESUS MAKEOVER

Domer Hannah Storm's Interview of Nowitzki

Notre Dame alum Hannah Storm (who went to the dark side when she took a job at ESPN) was front and center last night landing the interviewing duties right after the Mavericks big win over the "Heatles" to win the NBA Championship.  Here's a link to the interview:

LINK:  HANNAH INTERVIEWS DIRK

Muffet McGraw's Now a Hall of Famer!

This photo was taken Saturday night at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.  Notre Dame's Muffet McGraw was one of the honorees.  Congratulations Muffet!

Off Topic: Detroit Tiger Fans Won't Believe It!

My Dad (Jim Small) had the privilege of wearing the Detroit Tiger "old English D" back in the mid-50's.  Well, as life-long Tiger fan I learned something today that kind of floored me a little...

The "old English D" on the Detroit Tigers baseball cap -- does not match the "old English D" on their home uniform.  Can you believe it!!!

Take a look at the photos above -- you'll note the "old English D" on the Tigers baseball cap has "two bars" while the "old English D" on the uniform has "three bars."

The "old English D" did match until the 60's -- in fact the Detroit Tigers longtime Clubhouse Manager Jim Schmakel admits he was with the Detroit Tigers 15 years before he realized they didn't match.  The Tigers do not know why the two logos don't match.

What's up with that!!!???

Muffet McGraw Enters Hall of Fame Tonight!

Notre Dame women's basketball coach Muffet McGraw will be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame tonight -- congratulations Coach!  Here's a link to a Knoxville newspaper story today about Muffet's honor:

LINK:  ND'S HALL OF FAMER!

Phil Steele's Forecast for the Fighting Irish!

Phil Steele just published his take on the 2011 Fighting Irish -- thought you would enjoy what he had to say.  Here's the link:

LINK:  PHIL STEELE -- BULLISH ON THE IRISH

ND Board of Trustee Forced To Resign

Roxanne Martino, a 1977 graduate of the University of Notre Dame resigned this week from ND's Board of Trustees over a Cardinal Newman Society report that she had made donations to a couple of pro abortion rights groups.

Martino runs Aurora Investment Management -- a hedge fund company based in Chicago.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  ND BOARD OF TRUSTEE RESIGNATION