Brady's Girlfriend Competing @ Olympic Trials

Alicia Sacramone -- who has been dating former Notre Dame All-American Brady Quinn since 2009 -- is competing tonight and tomorrow in San Jose, CA at the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Trials.

Sacramone, a former World Champion in the Vault -- is attempting to make the U.S. Team after tearing an achilles tendon less than eight months ago.  The U.S. Team will be announced on Sunday.

Here's a link to a recent story about Alicia's return to the sport and an interview of her talking about her beau Brady.

LINK:  BRADY QUINN'S GIRL

First Notre Dame Female U.S. Track Olympian!

Molly Huddle '06, became the first Notre Dame female athlete to make the United States Track & Field Olympic Team in history last night, as she finished 2nd in the 5,000 meter run!!!

Congratulations Molly!

LINK:  SHE'S GOING TO THE OLYMPICS!

Answering The Call to Priesthood at ND!

Daniel Passon, a St. Mary Catholic Central High School (Monroe, MI) grad, will be entering the University of Notre Dame this August on a full scholarship....

Yet his "commitment" to Notre Dame won't be cheered on websites, blogs, message boards, etc.

Daniel is one of two incoming freshmen who have been accepted into the University of Notre Dame's Old College -- the undergraduate seminary for the United States Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross.  This nine-year program will lead Daniel to the priesthood.

See the story below:


LINK:  HE'S ANSWERING THE CALL

Domer to Coach NBA's Top Draft Pick!

Former Notre Dame basketball star Monty Williams just "officially" learned he will be coaching the NBA's top draft pick Anthony Davis -- as the New Orleans Hornets just made their first pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

YOU'D BE SMILING TOO!

Williams will be entering his third season at the helm of the Hornets.

LINK:  MONTY WILLIAMS GETS SOME TALENT TO COACH

Jack Swarbrick Talks With ND's Jack Nolan

Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick talks about the recent news that the BCS will launch a four-team playoff the next season.  He also address football independence and a few other issues.  You'll enjoy the frank conversation:

LINK:  JACK SWARBRICK TALKS

My Mom Left For Heaven This Morning...

It's with a heavy heart that I share with all of you the news that my Mom, Joan Barbara Small -- died unexpectedly this morning at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, MI.

Mom has been suffering with CREST SYNDROME, a blood disorder that slowly takes your life away -- we just didn't believe today was that day.

She arrives at Heaven's gates looking for a front row seat to every Notre Dame athletic contest -- you won't find a more devoted fan of the FIGHTING IRISH than my Mom.


Today is one of the few times I'm at a loss for words. 

My Mom was always there for me -- every day of my life -- I could always find my Mom when I needed her.  And, yet I wasn't there this morning when she passed away -- a time when she needed me.  How do you ever get over that?

I'm going to be heading "back home" to Mecosta County tomorrow to plan my Mom's funeral and to celebrate her life these next few days with family and friends.
 
I won't be posting on this blog again until Thursday.

Tony Rice Picks Notre Dame's Starting QB

Former Notre Dame football star Tony Rice made it very clear who he believes should be "in the shotgun" this September for the Fighting Irish.  I'm sure Coach Kelly appreciates this!

LINK:  HE'S BETTER THAN ME

Lou Holtz's Commencement Address

Former Notre Dame all-time great football coach Lou Holtz -- was the Commencement speaker at the University of Portland this past month.  Many of you may not know that the Holy Cross Congregation (the founders of the University of Notre Dame) also founded the University of Portland.

Coach Holtz was at his best -- you'll enjoy.

LINK:  COACH HOLTZ AT UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND

Irish Chocolate Interviews Coach Kelly

Folks, he's becoming one of my all-time favorite football players...

Louis Nix is a big-time personality who is going to be a big-time football player this fall for the IRISH.  When Mr. Nix -- AKA "IRISH CHOCOLATE'S" -- playing days are over, I can see him with a network gig doing sports or his own talk show...

This week he caught up with Coach Kelly outside the Guglielmino Athletics Complex -- you'll enjoy this.

LINK:  IRISH CHOCOLATE INTERVIEWS COACH KELLY

Look Who Was Out Front Talking to the Media

The meetings that have been taking place in Chicago to discuss a four-team playoff for the BCS -- just wrapped up with a press conference.

And, wouldn't you know -- the man out front talking to the group was Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick -- with the Commissioners of each of the BCS Conferences standing behind him.  I find it quite interesting that the only school represented at the meetings -- the University of Notre Dame -- had its representative standing at the microphone, speaking for the group...

This must be upsetting for the folks in Ann Arbor, Los Angeles, Tuscaloosa, Columbus, Austin, Norman, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Happy Valley and Lincoln...

I trust they get the message.


LINK:  SWARBRICK OUT FRONT

LINK:  A CONSENSUS

ND Launches Initiative for Global Development

The University of Notre Dame's Initiative for Global Development held its first day-long Forum on Global Development in Washington D.C. this past November.  U.S. Senators, Congressmen and other leaders met to talk about global issues in what turned out to be a lively exchange of ideas.

Here's a couple of links to check out -- the first a video on what the Initiative for Global Development is all about -- and a second link to a video from the Forum:

LINK:  GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

LINK:  FORUM ON GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT

IMG Agency to Launch HS Football Team in FL

IMG Sports will be launching a high school football program at its Academy in Bradenton, FL -- and I can't think the high school football coaches in Florida and around the country can't be too excited about this.

IMG already has a tennis academy and golf academy at this location -- which attracts some of the top young talent in both sports from around the world.  What will it do for football?

Will these athletes be "one and done" in football -- since they will have spent four years working with "sports agents?"

This will be interesting.

LINK:  IMG TO LAUNCH A FOOTBALL FACTORY

LINK:  IMG NEWS RELEASE

Urban Meyer Can Walk if NCAA Violations...

Only at the Ohio State University...

The details were released today on the big contract the one-time Notre Dame football assistant signed with tOSU earlier this year.  One of the key points in Urban Meyer's contract was this -- "If further NCAA violations were to come to light in Buckeye land, Coach Meyer could walk away from the deal and Ohio State would still have to pay him $1.5 million for each year left in his contract..."

I wonder what happens if further NCAA violations come to light at the University of Florida?

LINK:  URBAN'S CONTRACT DETAILS

The Original Fighting Irish -- The Inspiration...

I met Revere La Noue two years ago while working on a project for the University of Notre Dame.  Revere, a former Notre Dame student-athlete, has taken his many talents and channeled them into a burgeoning art career from his Durham, NC gallery.

His work called "The Original Fighting Irish" -- is truly magical.  The folks at NBC captured the inspiration behind this work in the the video linked below.  If you're a fan of the FIGHTING IRISH this is a MUST SEE story!

In addition, I've added a link to Revere's Mascot Gallery -- where you can peruse his entire collection of work.  Enjoy!

LINK:  THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE ORIGINAL FIGHTING IRISH

LINK:  THE MASCOT GALLERY

Two Notre Dame Priests in Paris -- Michigan!

This morning at 8 AM ET -- two University of Notre Dame priests; Rev. Ralph Haag, C.S.C. and Rev. Bill Dailey, C.S.C. celebrated Father's Day Mass at St. Anne's in Paris, Michigan with our close family friend Rev. Loc Trinh.  (Top Photo L to R:  Fr. Loc, Fr. Ralph and Fr. Bill)

Domer to Domer: Bertrand Interviews Davonte

Former Notre Dame football player (and NFL star) Bertrand Berry interviewed Davonte Neal last night about his move to South Bend this weekend to start his IRISH career!

You'll love Bertrand's singing of the Victory March and this interview -- GOOD STUFF!  (That's Bertrand getting his biceps measured).

LINK:  SCROLL DOWN TO DAVONTE NEAL INTERVIEW

OT: Wallenda's Walk Across Niagara Falls

Nick Wallenda's 26 minute walk over Niagara Falls took place last night in front of a LIVE TV audience -- and I missed it!!!

I'm up at The Resorts of Tullymore spending time with my Dad for Father's Day and I brought a couple associates of mine along from the University of Notre Dame.  Our dinner conversation was so "engaging" last night we all completely forgot about Wallenda's walk...  Oh well, thanks for YOUTUBE!

Our youngest son Brady '14, attends Niagara University and our daughter Kara '10, attended St. Bonaventure University -- so our trips to see them in college have taken us to Niagara Falls many, many times these past six years or so.

If you haven't had the opportunity to see Niagara Falls -- it should be on your "bucket list."


LINK:  NICK WALLENDA'S WALK

Football 101: Notre Dame "Style"

More that 600 women participated in Notre Dame Football 101 this past Tuesday evening -- and as you'll see in the video there were thousands of smiles, laughs and dances...

Be sure to click on the photo of all of this fun!

LINK:  ONLY NOTRE DAME

Keeping Up With the Competition -- Big Money!

Don't look now but there's a new athletic facility coming to a town near you...

The folks at ESPN.COM just profiled 24 significant building projects taking place on college campuses that involve new and expanding athletic facilities.  Many of these projects involve Notre Dame opponents.

As they say -- college sports appears to be recession proof -- let's sure hope so!

Photo above is of that "school in southern California" who's getting a $110 million football facility...

LINK:  THE ARMS RACE IN COLLEGE ATHLETICS

National Champs in the Classroom -- Again!

The University of Notre Dame's student-athletes once again were named NATIONAL CHAMPIONS in the classroom -- with SEVENTEEN sports teams receiving 2012 Academic Progress Rate public recognition from the NCAA!  Here's the top five:

#1:  University of Notre Dame  (17)
#2:  Duke  (13)
#3:  Boston College  (10)
#3:  Northwestern  (10)
#3:  Stanford  (10)

LINK:  NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
 

Beth Cunningham, Back Home @ Notre Dame

Notre Dame women's hoop legend Beth Cunningham has come back home...

Cunningham, Notre Dame's all-time leading scorer and two time All American was the head women's coach at Virginia Commonwealth University the past nine seasons.  She's joining Muffet's staff as Associate Coach, working with wing players, conducting game strategy and scouting reports.

The gang at Fighting Irish Digital Media caught up with Beth -- here's the link:

LINK:  CUNNINGHAM'S BACK HOME

Notre Dame's at the BCS Table in Chicago!

Notre Dame Athletic Director, Jack Swarbrick was in Chicago today meeting with his peers in the BCS to talk about a Playoff system for college football.  Speculation has run rampant that the IRISH might be forced to give up its independence to ensure it could play for a national championship...

After today's meeting, Swarbrick was interviewed by the Chicago Tribune -- and the tone was quite positive as you'll see in the story linked below:

LINK:  WILL INDEPENDENCE BE AN OPTION!

Domer Vaulting for U.S. Olympic Team Spot!

Mary Saxer, a 2009 graduate of the University of Notre Dame will be competing at the U.S. Olympic Trials later this month for a spot on the 2012 United States Olympic Team -- and she's got a great shot!

Saxer's a pole vaulter and she's just "inches" away from a height that has MEDALED at the last Olympic games.

Keep an eye out for Mary's name when NBC broadcasts their coverage of the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials between June 22 and July 1.

LINK:  SHE COULD BE AN OLYMPIAN

Tuck's Latest Facemask Fashion Statement!

Former Notre Dame All-American Justin Tuck will be wearing a new facemask this upcoming NFL season (see photo above) with the New York Giants.  Tuck is trying to avoid offensive lineman grabbing his mask and twisting it - causing injury to his neck.  It's pretty cool!

LINK:  TUCK'S NEW FACEMASK

"Irish Chocolate" Goes Grocery Shopping...

Notre Dame's Louis Nix "Irish Chocolate," Sheldon Day and Kendall Moore went shopping for groceries and surprise, surprise -- a video was shot of this experience...

I will admit right now -- I want Louis Nix to make it big in LIFE!

Enjoy this video -- you will smile, I promise!

LINK:  SHOPPING WITH BIG LOU

Vegas Favors the Irish in All But Three Games!

The Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas unveiled its 111 Games of the Year in College Football in 2012 and ten of the games included our Fighting Irish.  Here's a list of the games and the opening point spreads -- see below.  

Based on this, the "Vegas Gang" has ND going 9 - 3 this season against the toughest schedule in college football.

GAMES THE IRISH ARE FAVORED:

• Navy -- Irish a 13.5 point favorite
• Michigan -- Irish a 1 point favorite
• Miami --  Irish a 9.5 point favorite
• Stanford -- Irish a 5 point favorite
• Boston College -- Irish a 12 point favorite
• BYU -- Irish are a 9 point favorite
• Pitt -- Irish are a 12.5 point favorite

GAMES THE IRISH ARE NOT FAVORED:

• Michigan State -- Irish are a 3.5 point underdog
• Oklahoma -- Irish are a 12.5 point underdog
• USC -- Irish are a 13 point underdog

GAMES WITH POINT SPREADS NOT RELEASED YET:

• Purdue
• Wake Forest

LINK:  GOLDEN NUGGET'S GAMES OF THE YEAR

OT: Proof You Don't Mess With Mother Nature!

Folks, four days ago THREE FEET OF HAIL fell in Denver the other day on a 90 degree day (top photo).  In the past 24 hours TWENTY INCHES OF RAIN fell in the Florida Panhandle area -- and currently in the Fort Collins, CO area -- 22 SQUARE MILES OF FIRE...

Notre Dame's Connection to the Triple Crown

The news the past 36 hours centered on "I'll Have Another" and his retirement from the sport, quelling his quest to win horse racing's TRIPLE CROWN at Belmont Park yesterday afternoon.

The University of Notre Dame has a connection to the TRIPLE CROWN as well -- the triple crown in baseball that is.

Forty-five years ago, Carl Yastrezmski (who before signing with the Boston Red Sox was a student-athlete at the University of Notre Dame) won the triple crown in baseball!  Yaz led the American League in 1967 in home runs (44), runs batted in (121) and batting average (.326) -- the last time it's been done MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL!

FACT:  There have been FIFTEEN TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS in the 143 years of Major League Baseball -- and there have been ELEVEN TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS in the 137 years of horse racing in America. (Cover on right of Affirmed winning the last Triple Crown in horse racing in 1978)

LINK:  YAZ TRIBUTE VIDEO


LINK:  AFFIRMED TRIBUTE VIDEO

Fake Classes for North Carolina Athletes!

It's going to be interesting to see how the NCAA responds to the latest news out of North Carolina...

It's now being reported by The News Observer that academic advisors assigned to the  University of North Carolina's athletic department are under criminal investigation for enrolling athletes into classes that did not exist.   

The four-year investigation has led so far to the resignation of the Tar Heels football coach (Butch Davis) and retirement of athletic director Dick Baddour.

"Double Domer" Bubba Cunningham '84 and '88 (pictured above), who accepted the Athletic Director's job at North Carolina this past October, has walked into a mess...

Here's a link to the story:

LINK;  TAR HEEL TROUBLE

Update: Day 18 of Dean Crawford's Bike Ride!

Notre Dame's dean of the College of Science -- Greg Crawford is pedaling through the state of Nebraska today on his bike ride from Boston, MA to Pebble Beach, CA.  The purpose of Greg's journey is to raise awareness for Niemann-Pick Type C disease.

As you'll see in his blog entries from the past couple of days he's run into some bike trouble.

LINK:  DAY 18 OF THE ROAD TO DISCOVERY

Must Watch: "Mike & Mike" -- Notre Dame Style

Notre Dame fans will enjoy this video clip of ESPN's Mike Golic and his son Mike Golic, Jr. -- talking Notre Dame Youth Sports Camps.


I can see Mike Jr. with a microphone in his hands after his playing days are over.


LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S "MIKE & MIKE"

Notre Dame Football Back In South Bend!

As you'll see in this report from Fighting Irish Digital Media, the Notre Dame football team is back on campus "going to class" and serving the South Bend community.  Enjoy!

LINK:  BACK AT SCHOOL

Mike Lee Remains Undefeated as Pro Boxer!

University of Notre Dame alum Mike Lee '09, was back in the ring last night at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas -- winning a six-round unanimous decision over Eliseo Durazo.  Lee, the three-time Notre Dame Bengal Bouts Champion -- is now 9 - 0 a a professional!

Congratulations Mike!

LINK:  NEWS STORY

LINK:  WEIGH-IN

Coach Kelly Recovering From Back Surgery

University of Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly is recovering from back surgery yesterday to repair a herniated disc.  He's expected to leave the Philadelphia area hospital this weekend.

Good Luck Coach Kelly!

LINK:  COACH KELLY'S BACK SURGERY

OT MUST SEE: "Uncle Drew" Puts On a Show!

The folks at Pepsi Max just produced a video where NBA rookie sensation Kyrie Irving is made up to look like an 80 year-old man...  And, he shows up to play at a neighborhood pick-up game in New Jersey.  Special thank to ND GO IRISH BLOG regular contributor Ken Devine for alerting me to this story!

This you have to see!!!!

LINK:  UNCLE DREW

The IRISH Heading Back to Yankee Stadium?

United States Military Academy Athletic Director Boo Corrigan '90, let the word out yesterday that Army and Notre Dame are in talks about scheduling a number of games against each other...

Corrigan, a 1990 graduate of the University of Notre Dame is a brother of current Notre Dame Lacrosse coach Kevin Corrigan and son of Gene Corrigan -- a former Athletic Director at ND.

There's plenty of buzz on the web, in the last 18 hours or so, that a game in Yankee Stadium in 2013 could be announced soon.  Stay tuned!

Here's a link to what it was like the last time these two teams hooked up in the "HOUSE THAT RUTH DIDN'T BUILD" during the 2010 season.


LINK:  NOTRE DAME AT YANKEE STADIUM

LINK:  ND AND ARMY TALKING

Two Domers Qualify for Women's US OPEN

 

Becca Huffer '12, who was just coming off of her pro debut in Denver -- won the U.S. Open qualifier at the Broadmoor with scores of 70 & 75.  And, incoming Notre Dame freshman Lindsey Weaver won the qualifier at Terravita Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ with rounds of 71 & 69 (four-under par).  (that's Becca in the photo in the ND green!)

Congratulations ladies!

LINK:  HUFFER WINS US OPEN QUALIFIER

Future Domer: Only the Second 59 in History!

Her name is Lindsey Weaver and she just might be the NEXT BIG THING to hit women's golf -- and she'll be calling Notre Dame home this fall.

Lindsey shot a 59 earlier this year in a tournament -- the second 59 ever shot by a woman in the history of the game of golf!  Think about that!!!  She joins LPGA all-time great Annika Sorenstam in that elite club!

Lindsey is currently the 19th ranked junior golfer in the world!

LINK:  LINDSEY WEAVER SHOOTS A 59

LINK:  SECOND WOMAN IN THE HISTORY OF GOLF! 

LINK:  GOLFWEEK JUNIOR WORLD RANKINGS

Great Story: Daddy / Daughter ND Weekend!

I received a story this past week from a Notre Dame fan who thought I would enjoy the "reflections" of one Sharon Tracy -- who wrote about the ND / USC football weekend she spent this past October with her Dad, Jay Dillon '66.  (photo above of Dad and daughter)

I liked the story so much, I sent a note off to Jay seeking permission to share this story with the entire Notre Dame family.  Jay was kind enough to say "YES."

As you'll learn when reading this story, Sharon did not attend her Dad's alma mater.  She and her two sisters "the Dillon girls" each attended Miami of Ohio.  And, as Sharon readily admits, she was not a Notre Dame fan going into this weekend with her Dad.

Well that changed, as you'll see in this wonderful document that captures a great relationship between a Dad and his daughter and Jay's sharing the "gift" of Notre Dame with one of his girls...

Thanks again to Sharon and Jay for allowing me to share this with all of you.

Enjoy!

LINK:  REFLECTIONS FROM A NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL WEEKEND

Must See Video: Steve Beurlein Talks ND!

One of Notre Dame's all-time great QB's Steve Beurlein is on campus this week working with the 41 "campers" participating in the Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp.  During one of the introduction sessions, Beurlein got up and spoke to the group.  You're going to love his Lou Holtz story and impersonation -- A CLASSIC!

Enjoy!


LINK:  STEVE BEURLEIN

A Domer With Loftier Political Ambitions?

Notre Dame alum, Bob McDonnell '76, the Governor of Virginia -- also doubles as head of the Republican Governnor's Association.

This morning, the news media is putting the spotlight on Governor Scott Walker (Wisconsin) and McDonnell -- in light of Walker's recall election win last night.

Is McDonnell thinking Washington D.C. is his next stop?

Here's a few stories hitting the street late last night and early this morning:

LINK:  WASHINGTON EXAMINER

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST

LINK:  NATIONAL JOURNAL

Reds Draft Notre Dame Catcher in 6th Round!

Looks like Notre Dame junior catcher, Joe Hudson (Tampa, FL) will sign a professional contract with the Cincinnati Reds in the next day or so -- bypassing his senior season for a $178,300 bonus check.

Hudson, was drafted in the 6th Round -- the 202nd overall pick in yesterday's 2012 MLB Draft.

Congratulations Joe!

LINK:  HUDSON TO SIGN WITH REDS

Former Nicaragua Contra Leader & ND Student

Adolfo Calero, the former Nicaragua Contra leader died Sunday at the age of 80 from pneumonia.  Adolfo also led Coca-Cola's bottling operation in Nicaragua during his career.

Calero is best known for his involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal in the 80's with Oliver North.

Calero attended the University of Notre Dame in the 50's.

Here's a link to the New York Times story:


LINK:  ADOLFO CALERO PASSES

Notre Dame Asked to "Correct" Wikipedia

I'll admit I turn to Wikipedia more often that I should for critical information...

Well, the University of Notre Dame was asked to join a few other university's in "cleaning up" the information on WIKIPEDIA.  Sounds like an interesting project to me!

Here's the story:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S ROLE WITH WIKIPEDIA

Notre Dame Lacrosse 2012 Highlight Video

The gang at Fighting Irish Digital Media produced a highlight video of the 2012 season that Notre Dame fans will want to watch.  You'll see former NBA head basketball coach Jeff Van Gundy talking to the team before the NCAA Championships.  Click on the link below:

LINK:  2012 HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

OT: Minor League Manager's Classic Tirade

This is the greatest sports tirade in history.

The minor league manager's name is Phil Wellman and five years ago -- Phil kind of lost it with an argument he had with the home plate umpire...

The topper for me was when he "Army crawled" to the mound and threw the resin bag as a hand grenade towards the umpire (photo above).

This is a must see!

LINK:  A CLASSIC

LINK:  ESPN STORY