Irish Recruit MVP of All-American Game Today!

Jewell Loyd, the highest rated incoming recruit to Muffet McGraw's Fighting Irish basketball program was also in Denver today -- playing in the WBCA High School All-American game -- and she didn't disappoint!

Loyd was named the MVP -- leading her team to a 74 - 62 victory, scoring 18 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists!

A good omen for the IRISH!

Congratulations Jewell!

LINK:  LOYD NAMED MVP OF ALL-AMERICAN GAME

LINK:  DENVER POST STORY

LINK:  JEWELL LOYD -- ABC NEWS STORY

Photo of the Day: Final Four Court in Denver

My brother Jay, who resides in the Denver area -- made the trek downtown this afternoon to catch the FINAL FOUR festivities in the Mile High City. 

He took this photo of the court -- which features the snow covered Rockies in the foreground...

Eighty-One Years Ago Today: Rockne's Death

March 31, 1931 -- in a Kansas cornfield, a plane went down killing legendary Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne and seven others.  Rockne, only 43 years old at the time, had just visited his two sons in Kansas and was on his way to the west coast to participate in the production of the movie "The Spirit of Notre Dame."

What's not often discussed is Coach Rockne left the ND Football team in the middle of a nineteen game winning streak -- having gone undefeated his last two seasons as head coach (1929 and 1930) winning "back to back" National Championships.

The season after Coach Rockne's death (1931), the Irish extended the unbeaten streak to 27 straight games before losing the last two games to USC (who was visiting ND for the first time ever) and Army at Yankee Stadium.

LINK:  KNUTE ROCKNE ALL-AMERICAN -- MOVIE TRALER

The "FUN" for the Fighting Irish at Final Four!

Muffet's Fighting Irish spent the last couple of days in Denver preparing for tomorrow's contest with UCONN -- while still finding some time to look great in their dresses at a Final Four event Friday night.  You'll enjoy these stories from the gang at Fighting Irish Digital Media:

LINK:  FRIDAY NIGHT EVENT

LINK:  MUFFET'S PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  IRISH PLAYERS' PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  SATURDAY @ THE FINAL FOUR

Ballroom Dancing Competition @ Notre Dame

This morning at 8:00 AM ET -- on the campus of the University of Notre Dame -- college dance teams from all over the Midwest were competing in a ballroom dancing competition (IRISH DANCESPORT GALA) inside South Dining Hall.

I must admit I did not know ballroom dancing had become a "sport" on college campuses -- so I had to take a little video from my iPhone and do a little research.  Pretty cool!

LINK:  IRISH DANCESPORT

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S COMPETITION TEAM

Notre Dame #4 Dream School for Parents

The Princeton Review released its list of the top ten "dream schools" for PARENTS and the University of Notre Dame was #4 on the list!  Special thanks to Cappy Gagnon '66 for bringing this to my attention.  Here's the top ten:

1. Stanford University
2. Princeton University
3. Harvard University
4. University of Notre Dame
5. Massachusetts of Technology
6. University of Pennsylvania
7. Cornell University
8. Duke University
9. Yale University
10. University of Southern California

LINK:  TOP TEN DREAM SCHOOLS

Notre Dame Arrives in Denver for Final Four!

Muffet's Fightin' Irish arrived in Denver for Sunday afternoon's "re-match" with the UCONN Huskies and the folks at UND.COM were along for the ride.  Enjoy!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME ARRIVES IN DENVER

Jeff Samardzjia Named a Starter for the Cubs!

The Chicago Cubs named their starting rotation this afternoon and former Notre Dame All-American wide receiver Jeff Samardzjia is their #3 starter!

Jeff has had a quality spring training for the Cubbies -- culminating in six scoreless innings yesterday and the news today he's moving from the bullpen to the starting rotation!  Here's a link to the coverage:

LINK:  ESPN BLOG

LINK:  MLB

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

ESPN Hoops Experts Talks Irish vs. UCONN

Here is a podcast of Beth Mowins and Debbie Antonelli who chatted today on ESPN RADIO about the upcoming Women's NCAA Final Four.  Specifically, the IRISH and UCONN meeting for the eighth time in the last sixteen months -- this Sunday afternoon.

LINK:  ESPN FINAL FOUR PREVIEW PODCAST

Muffet's IRISH Leave ND Today for Denver!

They're the best dressed team in women's college basketball -- as you'll see in the video below...

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame departed campus today for their flight today to Denver for the 2012 Women's NCAA Final Four!  The gang at UND.COM caught up with the team as they were leaving town.  GO IRISH!

LINK:  FINAL FOUR BOUND!

LINK:  ESPN PREVIEW OF GAME

A Couple of Domers Getting a New Start!

Charlie Weis '78 and Dayne Crist '12 on the football practice for the first time in Lawrence, KS yesterday.    I will be rooting for both this season!

The Day After a Final Four Performance!

Took a lap around the worldwide web this evening to see what the "experts" are now saying about Muffet's IRISH.  What a difference an 80 - 49 point beat down of Maryland makes...

Here's what I found along with a link to UND.COM's coverage of the IRISH in their post game celebration and media session.

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  POST GAME CELEBRATION

LINK:  POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND NEWSPAPER

LINK:  RALEIGH OBSERVER

LINK:  ESPN COVERAGE

LINK:  WSBT - TV

LINK:  WSBT-TV #2

Practice #5 -- The Notre Dame Quarterbacks!

The Fighting Irish held practice #5 this morning and the folks at UND.COM pointed their cameras at the four competing for the starting QB position...

ENJOY!

LINK:  THE NOTRE DAME QB

Photo of the Day: OFF TO DENVER!

 

This photo says it all...  Kayla McBride with a little souvenir!

A CLINIC -- IRISH WIN by 31 Over Maryland!

Folks, the women's basketball experts at ESPN -- four out of five of them picked Maryland over Notre Dame...

Girl, do I hope they pick UCONN over the IRISH!!!!

Tonight was one of the most dominating performances of all-time in NCAA TOURNAMENT HISTORY of a #2 seed -- as the IRISH win by 31 points over Maryland 80 - 49!

Skylar Diggins -- think she wasn't motivated by the "DOUBTERS" -- led the Irish with a TRIPLE DOUBLE; 22 pts., 10 rebounds, 11 assists and then 5 steals for good measure.  DOMINANCE!

NOTRE DAME OUTSCORED THEIR TWO OPPONENTS IN THE RALEIGH REGIONAL BY A COMBINED 75 POINTS -- think about that...

DENVER -- HERE COME THE IRISH!

The Irish will play Sunday night at 6 PM ET on ESPN against a school from Storrs, CT.  Should be fun!

LINK:  VIDEO OF IRISH DOING THE JIG!

LINK:  GAME BOX SCORE

Photo of the Day: First Photo From Raleigh!

This photo was just "tweeted" by Peter Byrne at WSBT-TV -- of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame huddling up before they begin warm-ups for their Regional Final in Raleigh, NC against Maryland.  Tip-off scheduled for 9:12 PM ET on ESPN.  Looks like an empty building doesn't it...

Walk-Off Three Run Homer: Irish Win Opener!

 

The Notre Dame women's softball team beat the Broncos of Western Michigan University in their home opener this evening with a two-out, WALK-OFF -- THREE RUN HOME RUN by Amy Buntin!

The IRISH trailed WMU 3 - 0 going into their last at bats...

A home run, triple, walk, fielder's choice (which the runner beat out) and another HOME RUN and the IRISH score five in the bottom of the seventh and it's game over!

This was my first-ever women's college softball game.  I walked in during the fifth-inning thinking they played nine innings...  I have to admit I had no idea the three-run homer was a walk-off until I saw the Broncos walk off the field.

I want to give a shout-out to Tom Lux '78 -- who was kind enough to give me some inside scoop on the Irish softball program.  Tom and his wife Anna are the proud parents of former Irish softball star Christine Lux '10 and junior first baseman Kathryn Lux '13.

Notre Dame Plays for Final Four Tonight!

 

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will play for the final spot in the Women's Final Four tonight when they tip-off at 9 PM ET against the Maryland Terrapins on ESPN.  The "experts" are all picking Maryland to beat the IRISH tonight -- I DON'T THINK SO!

Here's a link to UND.COM's preview of tonight's game.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME vs. MARYLAND

LINK:  SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF RALEIGH REGIONAL

Irish Recruits: McDonalds' All-Americans!

Muffet's IRISH are playing in Raleigh, NC tomorrow night...

The future of the IRISH hoops program (Jewell Lloyd & Michaela Mabrey) plays the next night (Wednesday) night in Chicago in the McDonald's All-American game -- 7 PM ET on ESPNU. 

Lloyd is a BIG TIME talent and Mabrey is the perfect compliment -- it's going to be fun seeing these two on the court next year with Diggins, McBride, Achonwa and company!  (Photo:  Jewell Lloyd)

LINK:  JEWELL LLOYD -- McDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN

LINK:  JEWELL LLOYD -- ONE OF THE BEST EVER

LINK:  MICHAELA MABREY -- McDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN

Coach Tony Alford at Practice Today!

The Notre Dame football team held practice #4 this morning in chilly weather conditions -- check that -- normal March weather conditions in the Midwest!

Anyway, what's fun about today's coverage from the Fighting Irish Digital Media team was their "miking" of ND coach Tony Alford during practice.  You'll enjoy this inside access to Notre Dame football.

LINK:  TONY ALFORD

Muffet's IRISH Getting Zero Respect from ESPN

Five of the folks at ESPN who cover women's college basketball have made their selection on who will win the Notre Dame vs. Maryland game tomorrow night...

Four of the five have picked Maryland.

You know what -- I kind of like that...

LINK:  WHO GOES TO THE FINAL FOUR 

LINK:  ELITE EIGHT -- PRESS CONFERENCE

The Irish Roll Over the St. Bonaventure Bonnies

Well, the Small Family Championship ended with Jimmy's school (Notre Dame) beating Kara's school (St. Bonaventure) 79 - 35.

The Bonnies never got into this game and it was over early as Muffet emptied the bench with 11 minutes to go.  Notre Dame moves on to play #2 seed Maryland Tuesday night at 9 PM ET.

GO IRISH!

LINK:  BOX SCORE

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS 

LINK:  ESPN GAME RECAP

LINK:  POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  BUFFALO NEWS #1

LINK:  BUFFALO NEWS #2

OT: Will Hamilton is a NCAA Champion!

A childhood friend, USS teammate and long-time training partner of our kids' (Kara & Brady) -- WILL "CHILL" HAMILTON won the NCAA Championship last night in the 200 Fly!  Hamilton, a freshman -- also clinched the team NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP for the California Bears with his win!

It's pretty cool seeing a kid you've known, since the age of eight, accomplish something like this!

Hamilton's time of 1:40.94 is the SIXTH FASTEST ALL-TIME in the 200 Fly -- think about that.  This time is not far behind Michael Phelps' American record time of 1:39.65

Will will now be a legitimate contender for one of the two spots on the U.S. Olympic Team -- in this event -- at the upcoming Olympic Trials.   

I also want to give a "SHOUT OUT" to John McGuire -- who was Will's only coach for the past ten years and our kids' coach as well at GREAT LAKES AQUATICS.  There's probably a tear or two in his eyes this morning -- seeing one of his kids win an NCAA Championship with such class.

LINK:  INTERVIEW AFTER 200 FLY WIN!

LINK:  COACH INTERVIEW -- FAST FORWARD TO 6:10 MARK OF VIDEO

LINK:  A TRIBUTE FROM A TEAMMATE

Who Will Be the QB for the Fighting Irish?

 

After practice #3 yesterday -- the four student-athletes competing for, I would argue, the most high profile position in college athletics:  THE NOTRE DAME QUARTERBACK -- met with the media for the first time.

Tommy Rees, Andrew Hendrix, Everett Golson and Gunner Kiel will be THE NEWS coming out of South Bend, IN these next 160 days until the Irish play in Dublin, Ireland.  Here's what the media is saying these past 24 hours:

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

LINK:  WNDU-TV

Skylar Diggins -- Her ESPNW Blog...

She truly is the most famous athlete right now at the University of Notre Dame -- Skylar Diggins...

For the second year running -- Skylar agreed to produce a video blog on her tournament experience.  Enjoy!

LINK:  MARCH 24 BLOG

LINK:  MARCH 19 INTERVIEW

LINK:  MARCH 19 BLOG

LINK:  MARCH 16 BLOG

Sixteen Turns to Eight Today -- GO IRISH!

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will tip it off against St. Bonaventure this afternoon at 2:32 PM ET on ESPN2.  The gang at Fighting Irish Digital Media produced a preview of today's game between the IRISH and the BONNIES.  (photo above of Skylar Diggins and Markisha Wright at practice yesterday)

LINK:  GAME PREVIEW

LINK:  PLAYERS' PERSPECTIVE OF BONNIES

ND Football: The Pads Came On Today!

In front of a number of the top junior high school football players in the country -- the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame broke out the "equipment" today and did some bangin'...

The good folks at Fighting Irish Digital Media were the only cameras allowed at practice -- so enjoy the show!

LINK:  PRACTICE #3 -- ND SPRING FOOTBALL

LINK:  COACH KELLY AFTER PRACTICE

Know Thy Opponent: St. Bonaventure Bonnies

Muffet McGraw's Fighting Irish will play St. Bonaventure tomorrow morning at 2:30 PM ET in a Sweet Sixteen match-up in Raleigh, NC.  The Irish will be playing a program (BONAS) that has never been in this position before -- will they be able to handle it?

Yesterday, Coach McGraw met with the media to talk about this game -- see that link below.  Also, I've tracked down some of the local media coverage coming out of western New York for this match-up.

LINK:  MUFFET'S PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  BONA PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  NEW YORK TIMES

LINK:  BUFFALO YNN -- NEWS STORY

LINK:  BONAS vs. NOTRE DAME MATCHUP

LINK:  BUFFALO NEWS

LINK:  BONNIES RETURN TO CAMPUS

LINK:  RISE OF ST. BONAVENTURE BASKETBALL

The Face of Notre Dame Football!

Four years ago this young man from Hawaii shocked the recruiting world when he committed to the University of Notre Dame.  Manti Te'o is the definition of a Notre Dame Man.  Impressive human being.  Here's a link to an interview that took place today at ND:

LINK:  MANTI TE'O

Irish Swimmer Dyer -- 4th in 200 FR @ NCAA

University of Notre Dame swimmer Frank Dyer -- finished fourth this evening in the Men's 200 Freestyle at the NCAA Division I Swimming Championships in Seattle, WA.  Congratulations!

LINK:  RESULTS -- 200 FREE

LINK:  VIDEO INTERVIEW

Spring Practice #2 & Junior Recruiting Weekend

The folks at UND.COM had their cameras at practice today catching the Fighting Irish at work -- specifically the linebackers.  In addition -- the University of Notre Dame is hosting many of the top junior high school football players in the country on campus today and tomorrow.  It's a big recruiting weekend for the IRISH.

LINK:  SPRING FOOTBALL PRACTICE #2

LINK:  STORY ON IRISH VERBAL COMMITMENT

Media Reacts to the Start of ND Spring Football

Took a lap around the worldwide web this morning to see what the media had to say about the start of Spring Football at the University of Notre Dame.  Just click on the links below.  (photo above of Gunner Kiel.)

LINK:  ESPN: SPRING FOOTBALL -- EARLY STORY LINES 

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  WNDU-TV

LINK:  ESPN BLOG

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- ERIC HANSEN

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE -- ERIC HANSEN #2

LINK:  FORT WAYNE JOURNAL GAZETTE

LINK:  FORT WAYNE JOURNAL GAZETTE #2

ND vs. St. Bonaventure -- ESPN's Take

 

The folks in Bristol, CT are never short of opinions...

Today, their experts opined about Sunday's game between the IRISH and the BONNIES in Raleigh, NC.  For St. Bonaventure - it's a first ever trip to the NCAA Tournament and two wins later -- they get to take on "Goliath" in a game few feel they can win.  DANGER!

Here's what ESPN has to say about this Sweet Sixteen match-up:

LINK:  ST. BONAS vs. NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football is BACK!!!

The Notre Dame football team was back on the field today in GOLD HELMETS -- with the first practice of Spring Football at ND!  Practice started at 7 AM and ran until 10 AM.  Here's Coach Kelly's post practice media session along with a look "INSIDE" practice #1:

LINK:  COACH KELLY PRESSER

LINK:  PRACTICE #1 -- VIDEO REPORT

Photo of the Day: The Last Time at Purcell

This is the last time Notre Dame fans will see the backs of these three jerseys at Purcell Pavillion -- as seniors; Devereaux Peters, Natalie Novosel and Brittany Mallory -- along with Fraderica Miller (not pictured) played their last game on the Purcell Pavillion floor.  Photo by Travis Mather

ESPN's Sports Science: Skylar Diggins

 

Special thanks to Travis Mather for alerting me to this Sports Science feature that ESPN ran on the University of Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins -- pretty cool stuff here!

LINK:  SKYLAR DIGGINS -- ESPN SPORTS SCIENCE

Big Win For Muffet's Irish: 73 - 62 Over Cal!

A 31 - 31 dead lock at halftime -- turned around quickly in the second half when the Irish went on a 23 - 6 run to take control of the game.

I just want to know what committee determined CAL was an eight seed?

I truly feel this will be the most difficult test the IRISH will face until they reach Denver and the FINAL FOUR -- Cal is that good.

Up next, St. Bonaventure -- who beat Marist 66 - 63 tonight.   The trip to the Sweet Sixteen will also be known as the SMALL FAMILY CHAMPIONSHIP as our daughter Kara's school (the Bonnies) takes on our oldest son Jimmy's school and Dad's employer (the Irish).

Kara has already started the "text war" with this message:  "God likes St. Bonaventure more than Notre Dame..."

It's going to be fun!

LINK:  NCAA HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  BOX SCORE

A University of Notre Dame THREE-PEAT!!!

The University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business was just named the #1 undergraduate business program in the country for the THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR -- by Bloomberg Businessweek!

Here's the TOP FIVE:

1. THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
2. University of Virginia
3. Cornell University
4. Wharton
5. Emory

CONGRATULATIONS!

LINK:  THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS!

Connaughton -- Impressive Debut for Irish!

Notre Dame student-athlete, Pat Connaughton -- put on his baseball uniform this afternoon and he proceeded to STRIKE OUT FIVE of the seven hitters he faced in his 1 2/3 inning stint for the Irish today against Eastern Michigan University.

On a strict pitch count -- Connaughton faced four hitters in the first inning -- striking out three and walking one.  In the second, he struck out the lead-off hitter then gave up a single to the second EMU hitter before striking out the next -- then he was pulled from the game.

FIVE STRIKE OUTS -- IMPRESSIVE COLLEGE DEBUT -- for the freshman starter on the Irish men's basketball team!

I took some video -- until I was almost hit by a foul ball -- you'll see this in the video.

LINK:  VIDEO OF CONNAUGHTON'S FIRST COLLEGIATE PITCH

Former Irish QB to "Lend" Jersey to Manning

Frank Tripucka -- Irish fans will remember the last name from his son Kelly's basketball days at Notre Dame and the NBA. 

Well, Frank was quite an athlete himself.  He was the starting QB for the IRISH in 1948, leading the team to a 9-0-1 record and a #2 national ranking -- and he earned All-American honors in the process.

What's cool about Frank's story is he went on to play 15 seasons of professional football.  One of the teams he played for -- the Denver Broncos -- retired his #18 jersey.

Well, as some of you may know, Peyton Manning wears #18 -- and Frank made the gracious offer yesterday to "lend" Peyton his uniform number and wear it with the Broncos.  No word yet on what will transpire here.  Fun story...

LINK:  DENVER POST STORY

Coach Kelly's Spring Football Press Conference

Notre Dame head football coach, Brian Kelly -- met with the media today to talk about Spring Practice -- which begins tomorrow at 7 AM!  Here's a link:

LINK:  COACH KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

Notre Dame Releases 125th Anniversary Logo!

This upcoming football season will be the 125th in the storied history of Notre Dame Football.  To commemorate this milestone -- the University of Notre Dame has created this official mark (above) which will appear either on the GOLD HELMET or jersey, or both this fall.

I also suspect we'll see it on a few items in the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore as well... 

I personally love the clean / classy look of this logo -- nice work!

An official website is under construction and will be launched around BLUE GOLD WEEKEND.

LINK:  FUTURE SITE

Huge Test Tonight for Muffet's Fighting Irish

In what can only be described as "HOW CAN CALIFORNIA BE ONLY AN EIGHT SEED?" -- Notre Dame plays what I believe is the toughest opponent of any of the #1 seeds in the Second Round tonight of the Women's NCAA Championship.

I had the good fortune of watching California play on Sunday and I will report that the Lady Golden Bears are bigger and dare I say "more athletic" than our IRISH.

I believe it's going to come down to Skylar's WILL TO WIN and the senior leadership of Devereaux, Natalie and Brittany.  It's going to be a battle!

The game tips off at 7:20 PM ET on ESPN2.

LINK:  NCAA PRESS CONFERENCES ON MONDAY

LINK:  GAME PREVIEW

Notre Dame Spring Football Starts Tomorrow!

It all starts at NOON EST tomorrow when Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly will meet with the media to talk about Spring Practice for his Fighting Irish.  You'll be able to catch Coach Kelly's session -- LIVE -- at UND.COM.  I'll have a link for all of you in the morning.

Here's the Spring Practice Schedule for 2012:
March 21 - Practice 8-10 AM
March 23 - Practice 8-10 AM
March 24 - Practice 10:45 AM -1:00 PM
March 26 - Practice 8-10 AM
March 28 - Practice 8-10 AM
March 30 - Practice 8-10 AM
March 31 - Practice 10:45 AM -1:00 PM
April 2 - Practice 8-10 AM
April 4 - Practice 8-10 AM
April 11 - Practice 8-10 AM
April 13 - Practice 9-11 AM
April 14 - Practice 10:45 AM -1:00 PM
April 16 - Practice 8-10 AM
April 18 - Practice 8-10 AM
April 21 - Blue-Gold Game 1:30 PM

OT: Peyton Manning to Sign with Broncos

I wonder what ESPN will spend their time talkin' about now...

Any guesses?

ESPN:  Where will Tim Tebow be traded to?

That's going to be all we hear about these next few days as it was just announced that Peyton Manning's agent is negotiating what is believed to be a five-year $95 million deal with the Denver Broncos.

Looks like Brady Quinn made a good decision to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.

LINK:  ESPN COVERAGE

Irish Football Players in Their OFF Season...

You're going to enjoy this FIGHTING IRISH DIGITAL MEDIA segment on what a few of our football players are up to in the off-season; Matt Mulvey, Mike Golic, Jr., and Kapron Lewis-Moore intimidating basketball opponents at Purcell Pavillion, Chris Salvi's Bengal Bouts Championship Final fight and the Atkinson brothers and Bennett Jackson running track...

LINK:  IRISH CONNECTION

Charles Sollars' Notre Dame Helmet Designs

 

As an exclusive to the ND GO IRISH BLOG -- Charles Sollars, a Missouri based designer -- has taken the liberty of creating a few helmet designs for the NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH.    

I'll always be partial to the new GOLD HELMET the Irish broke out for the USC game this year -- but, it doesn't hurt to explore new options.

Just click on the photo -- and it will enlarge -- and it will kick you into slideshow mode...

Let me know what you think -- and if you have any new ideas, we'll pass them on to Charles -- use the COMMENTS section below...