Katenda's Story -- One Irish Fans Must Follow

A freak injury that severed his optic nerve, put in jeopardy the basketball career of Notre Dame freshman Eric Katenda...

The word on campus is he's adapting quite well to this challenge and just might be a contributor on this year's Irish team.  The folks at the South Bend Tribune caught up with Eric and Coach Brey to talk about the progress he's making.  I'll be rooting for this young man!!!

LINK:  KATENDA'S COME BACK

Notre Dame Fantasy Campers' Experience

If you've ever dreamed of running out of that TUNNEL wearing a GOLD HELMET -- you're not alone...

A few Irish fans got to do just that a "little late" in life this past month, you'll enjoy this video!  Special thanks to ND GO IRISH BLOG regular Tom Badguy for letting me know about this!
 

LINK:  RUNNING OUT THAT TUNNEL

Irish Duo Lead Women's Golf Tournament!

Notre Dame's Ashley Armstrong (Flossmoor, IL) and Kristina Nhim (Cypress, CA) fired a three-under 69 today in the opening round of the Pure Silk Collegiate Team Championship to lead the tournament!

Today's format was "alternate shot" and the IRISH were the only team under par.  Tomorrow's format is best ball followed by stroke play on Thursday.  There are 54 teams competing. 

GO IRISH!

LINK:  LIVE SCORING

LINK:  NEWS STORY

ND's Jack Swarbrick Meets With Bloggers

University of Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick met with a number of bloggers this past week -- thought you'd enjoy the conversation.

LINK:  SWARBRICK WITH BLOGGERS

Domer Scores Two Goals for Canada Today!

Former Notre Dame soccer star Melissa Tancredi '04, scored both goals today in Canada's 2-2 tie with Sweden today to clinch a spot in the Olympic Quarterfinals!  Way to go Melissa!

LINK:  TANCREDI LEADS CANADA

Hendrix, Golson or Kiel -- Who Starts Sept. 1st?

The University of Notre Dame will have a first time collegiate starter at QB when they kick-off their 2012 season in Ireland. 

Irish head coach Brian Kelly announced today that Tommy Rees and Carlo Calabrese would not be traveling with the team to Dublin.

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY

Golden Tate Turning Heads in Seattle

Former Biletnikoff Award winner and Notre Dame All-American, Golden Tate -- appears to be coming into his own at his third NFL training camp. 

The Seahawks are counting on Golden being a starter this season -- we'll keep an eye on his progress!

LINK:  GOLDEN TATE -- GOLDEN AGAIN

Vikings' QB Enjoys Throwing to Kyle Rudolph

Former Notre Dame star tight end, Kyle Rudolph -- is earning the trust of Minnesota Vikings second year QB Christian Ponder.  Notre Dame fans will not be surprised with this story:

LINK:  RUDOLPH GETTING OPEN

Harrison Smith Wants to Hit Somebody!

Former Notre Dame football captain and NFL First Rounder -- Harrison Smith, was featured in a story today in the Pioneer Press where he stated he was hoping the inability to hit someone in practice would not hurt his progress as a player...

Thought you'd enjoy seeing this story:

LINK:  HARRISON SMITH -- HITMAN

Kyle McCarthy Injures Knee, Out for Season

Not the way you want to start a new season with a new team...

Former Notre Dame safety, Kyle McCarthy hurt his knee -- standing on the sidelines during practice this weekend with the Kansas City Chiefs.  The injury is so severe, Kyle will require season ending surgery. 

The Chiefs "waived" McCarthy this morning -- clearing the way for him to be placed on the injured reserve list for the season.

GET WELL QUICK KYLE!

Just goes to show you how important that Notre Dame degree is as a "back-up" plan.

LINK:  McCARTHY OUT FOR SEASON

Federal Judge Rules Against HHS Mandate

A Federal Judge in Denver ruled on Friday that the Department of Health & Human Services can not fine business owners who object to the mandate on religious grounds. 

It's the first time that a federal court has ruled on the constitutionality, of the mandate, since it was announced last August. 

The University of Notre Dame filed its own lawsuit against the HHS mandate back on May 21st in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

LINK:  FEDERAL JUDGE RULES AGAINST MANDATE

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S LAWSUIT

Notre Dame Pep Rally Locations Announced...

The University of Notre Dame announced the locations for the 2012 Pep Rallies this fall -- and a new location has joined the mix!


The Pep Rally scheduled for Friday, September 21 will be held between Touchdown Jesus (Hesburgh Library) and Notre Dame Stadium -- should be quite the backdrop!!!

The first on-campus Pep Rally will be Friday, September 7th in the South Quad in front of the Rockne Memorial Building -- all other Pep Rally's will be held indoors at the Purcell Pavillion.

LINK:  PEP RALLY LOCATIONS

Follow Notre Dame Athletes @ the Olympics

The gang at UND.COM has created a website that is tracking all of the current and former Notre Dame student-athletes competing in London at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

The big news this morning is incoming Irish freshman fencer Lee Keifer (athlete on left in photo) had advanced to the QUARTERFINALS of the Women's Foil after winning her first two matches -- before losing this morning to the eventual silver medalist from Italy.  Lee is currently ranked #4 in the world!!!

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST STORY

LINK:  NOTRE DAME OLYMPIC CENTRAL

OT: Lochte Can't Wear "Grill" on Medal Stand

Team USA's Ryan Lochte dominated the 400 IM today winning the GOLD MEDAL.  Lochte, who likes to wear one of his "GRILLS" on the medal stand was told by IOC officials he couldn't wear the "bling" if he wanted to receive the medal.  Here's the story:

LINK:  NO BLING ALLOWED IN LONDON

LINK:  RYAN LOCHTE'S GRILL

Charlie Weis Back in South Bend Today

Former Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis '79, was back in South Bend today with his wife Maura and daughter Hannah to visit the community they built for individuals with development issues.

Charlie and Maura have decided that Hannah should live here -- so next June, Hannah will be moving into a third house they will be building at the Hannah & Friends Farm.  Here's the story along with an interview of Charlie by the gang at WNDU-TV.

LINK:  HANNAH'S NEXT HOME

OT: Call Me Maybe Video -- US Swim Team

The 2012 Summer Olympic begin this morning and the GOLD RUSH for the best swim team in the world is soon to commence.  To get ready, TEAM AMERICA had some fun creating this music video.  GO USA!

LINK:  CALL ME MAYBE

Former ND Student-Athlete on Today Show

Mariel Zagunis, a former Notre Dame National Champion, All-American and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist -- spent some time with NBC's Today Show this week in London. 

Catch her "fencing" with Al Roker -- good stuff here!

LINK:  ZAGUNIS TAKES ON ROKER

Ethan Johnson: A Notre Dame Man

He wore #90 for the IRISH these last four years -- starting 37 games for Notre Dame...

Yet, he put the game of football on hold -- to be with his ailing father -- that's Ethan Johnson's story.

The folks at WSBT-TV caught up with Ethan to talk about his Dad's struggles with a neurological disorder and his decision to be by his side, versus pursuing his NFL dream.

LINK:  ETHAN JOHNSON

Sklyar Diggins Interviews ICE CUBE

Skylar Diggins is doing a six-week internship this summer with ESPNW -- and her "JOB" led her to interviewing rapper, movie star, screen writer, producer -- ICE CUBE. 

You'll enjoy seeing the Notre Dame basketball star asking the questions.

LINK:  SKYLAR INTERVIEWS ICE CUBE

Scodro '12 Wins Third Pro Tournament!

This Notre Dame grad is on a roll...

Since Max Scodro's graduation from the University of Notre Dame in mid-May he's won three golf tournaments in his first four starts as a professional!!!

Max won the Arizona Open and Illinois Open in the past few weeks.

This week Max shot rounds of 64, 65 and 67 to win the Shwan Food/MGC Great Plains Open by four shots.  Here's the story:

LINK:  SCODRO WINS THIRD TOURNAMENT!

LINK:  MAX'S BLOG

NexGen Story: Transferring Into Notre Dame

Katie Ferrello is the subject of an article at a site called NEXGEN JOURNAL -- that speaks to the process of transferring from one college to another.

Ms. Ferrello just happens to be transferring into the University of Notre Dame.  Here is Katie's story:

LINK:  FOLLOWING HER HEART

The Top 25 Touchdowns in ND History!

The folks at Yahoo Sports just published this story that looks back at the top 25 touchdowns in the 125 year history of Notre Dame football.  This should start a conversation!

Any guess as to which one is #1?

LINK:  TOP 25 TD'S IN NOTRE DAME HISTORY

Former ND Student-Athlete to Carry U.S. Flag!

Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and former Notre Dame student-athlete Mariel Zagunis -- will carry the flag for the U.S. in Friday's Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games. 

Zagunis became the first American in 100 years to win an Olympic Gold Medal in Fencing when she stood on top of the podium at the 2004 Olympics.  She's favored to win a third Gold this year...

LINK:  ZAGUNIS TO CARRY THE FLAG

ND Compliance: Leave the Recruiting to Us!

The University of Notre Dame just produced this video to warn fans of the IRISH to leave the recruiting to the coaching staff.  A must watch!

LINK:  LEAVE THE RECRUITING TO US!

New Gloves for Notre Dame Football Team

Ryan Grooms -- Equipment Manager for the Notre Dame Fightin' Irish football program tweeted this photo of "one of the new pairs of gloves" the team will be wearing this season...

Incoming Irish Frosh Named World MVP!

Matt Kavanagh led the United States' U-19 Team to the Lacrosse World Championship this Saturday in Turku, Finland -- while capturing the MVP honors!  (Photo above of Matt cutting down the net!)

Here's a great story in Lacrosse Magazine about Matt's exploits in Finland -- along with a video interview.  Sounds like he'll fit right in with the IRISH this fall.  Going to be fun to watch him play.

LINK:  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MVP

Jeff Samardzija Allows One Hit in Eight Innings!

Folks, Jeff Samardzija made a great decision to pick professional baseball.

Last night he threw a ONE-HITTER (an infield hit), blanking the Pittsburgh Pirates over his eight innings stint.  By far his best pitching performance in the major leagues.  The 2 - 0 Cubs win breaks a three game losing streak.

Jeff's ERA his last four starts -- 1.67

Here's a link to the game story and a video interview of Samardzija after the game:

LINK:  SAMARDZIJA'S ONE HITTER

ESPN Story: Justin Tuck Regains Focus

Former Notre Dame All-American and now two-time Super Bowl Champion, Justin Tuck -- apparently feels the need to re-focus his efforts...

Here's the story:

LINK:  JUSTIN TUCK FOCUSES

The NCAA Has Spoken...

The NCAA's Mark Emmert announced this morning that they will be imposing the following sanctions on Penn State University:

• A $60 million fine -- which will be used to establish an Endowment for victims of sexual abuse
• A four-year ban from any post season play for Penn State football
• A reduction of scholarships -- only 15 scholarships per year for the next four years
• All wins have been "vacated" from 1988 through 2011 -- dropping Joe Paterno's all-time wins from 409 to 298, dropping him from the #1 spot on the career all-time wins list to #12
• Six bowl game wins and two Big Ten Conference championships will also be erased from the Penn State record books
• Penn State's Athletic program will be put on NCAA Probation for a period of five years and must work with an "athletic-integrity" monitor of the NCAA's choosing during that period
• All Penn State football players will be able to TRANSFER to a school of their choosing and be eligible to play IMMEDIATELY
• And, the NCAA has reserved the right to conduct their own formal investigation after the legal process has taken its course -- to pursue actions against individuals involved...

The Big Ten Conference will be announcing their sanctions against Penn State University in a press conference slated for 11 AM ET today.


LINK:  VIDEO OF MARK EMMERT'S NEWS CONFERENCE 

LINK:  ESPN STORY

LINK:  LOU HOLTZ'S REACTION

LINK:  MIKE GOLIC AND MIKE GREENBERG REACTION

Joe Montana's Radio Interview With RIVALS

Former Notre Dame All-American and Super Bowl MVP Joe Montana spent eight minutes on the radio recently talking about his game against Houston in the Cotton Bowl and his days in San Francisco and the "WEST COAST OFFENSE."  Here's the link:

LINK:  MONTANA RADIO INTERVIEW

Clausen Changes Uniform Number in Carolina

Will it change his luck?

Former Notre Dame QB, Jimmy Clausen wore uniform #2 his first couple of years in the NFL -- with little to show for it.  So, when uniform #7 became available with the Carolina Panthers -- he jumped at the chance to switch to the number he wore with the IRISH.

Here's hoping SEVEN is a lucky number for Mr. Clausen!

LINK:  CLAUSEN SWITCHES UNIFORM NUMBERS

Theismann, Brown, Bettis, Holtz & Digger...

The Fighting Irish were well represented these past three days on the shores of Lake Tahoe at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship.  Joe Theismann, Tim Brown, Jerome Bettis, Skip Holtz and Digger Phelps were among the 80 players who competed for the championship.  Here's the final results for the former Notre Dame student-athletes and basketball coach:

• 6th Place:  Joe Theismann
• 43rd Place:  Tim Brown
• 44th Place:  Jerome Bettis
• 59th Place:  Skip Holtz
• 74th Place:  Digger Phelps

LINK:  FINAL SCORES

When Will We See This in College Football?

The NBA's David Stern threw out a "trial balloon" this week when he let the media know the "Association" is considering selling advertising on their game uniforms, and the uniforms sold at retail, for the 2013 - 2014 season.  He predicts this move could raise $100 million...


Having had the opportunity to work with David Stern -- I am willing to bet the decision has already been made to do just this.  When they do -- I expect the NHL will be next, followed by Major League Baseball and then the NFL.

I suspect college football won't be too far behind -- since they're already doing it with Adidas, NIKE, Under Armour, Bowl Game sponsors, etc.

I don't think the NBA jerseys will look like NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s -- but, once you open the door, you never know... 

LINK:  NBA CONSIDERING PLACING SPONSOR LOGO'S ON UNIFORMS

Hendrix: Out to Prove He's "That Guy!"

The most scrutinized position in college football is the guy who wears the GOLD HELMET behind center for the University of Notre Dame.  With only 41 DAYS before the IRISH kick-off the 2012 season at 9:30 AM ET in Dublin, Ireland -- the big question is "who's the QB?"

Four scholarship QB's will begin the final battle for the starting QB spot in about ten days.  Andrew Hendrix is one of those four and he's one of two who have live game experience.  The folks at the South Bend Tribune recently caught up with Hendrix -- you'll enjoy the interview:

LINK:  ANDREW HENDRIX

Theismann: 8th Place at Century Championship

Former Notre Dame All-American Joe Theismann is currently in 8th place at the 23rd Annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.  Theismann has 33 points in the "stableford" scoring system -- trailing the leader Mark Rypien, who has 43 points.

The golf tournament is televised on NBC -- so tune in tomorrow to watch the final round LIVE beginning at 3 PM ET.

LINK:  SCOREBOARD

WNBA's Devereaux Peters Talks Notre Dame

Former Notre Dame All-American Devereaux Peters was back in town this week and she took time out for a YOUTUBE interview.  Click on the link below:  (Photo:  That's former Notre Dame great Ruth Riley on the left guarding Devereaux.)

LINK:  DEVEREAUX PETERS BACK IN THE BEND

Domer Wins Second Golf Title as a Pro!

Max Scodro '12, is off to a very good start with his professional golf career since graduating from the University of Notre Dame two months ago. 

He's already won two tournaments as a pro -- winning the Arizona Open last month and this past weekend he won the Illinois Open in a five-hole playoff!

Here are links to stories about Max's first two wins as a professional -- and a link to his blog where you can track his exploits as he tries to earn a PGA Tour Card.

LINK:  SCODRO WINS ILLINOIS OPEN IN PLAYOFF

LINK:  MAX WINS FIRST TOURNAMENT AS A PRO

LINK:  MAX'S BLOG

Choosing Pro Boxing Over Wall Street

Notre Dame alum Mike Lee '09, was a guest on CNBC's Sports Biz yesterday -- talking about why he picked a pro boxing career over a high paying job on Wall Street.  Lee, a three-time Bengal Bouts champion while at Notre Dame is undefeated as a pro.  You'll enjoy this interview.

LINK:  MIKE LEE ON CNBC

Justin Morrow Added to MLS All-Star Roster!

Former Notre Dame soccer star Justin Morrow was added yesterday to the MLS All-Stars roster -- for next Wednesday's matchup against Chelsea (European Champion) at Philadelphia Union's PPL Park.

The game will be televised on ESPN2 beginning at 8:30 PM ET on Wednesday, July 25th.


LINK:  MORROW ADDED TO ALL STAR ROSTER

LINK:  MLS ALL STAR OFFICIAL SITE

ND's Mike Brey Talks Coaches vs. Cancer

Here's a quick interview of Notre Dame men's basketball coach Mike Brey talking about the "Coaches vs. Cancer" initiative, now in its 12th year.  Click on the link below:

LINK:  COACHES VS. CANCER

Notre Dame Research: Why Mosquitoes Bite!

Zainulabeuddin Syed, a mosquito biologist with the University of Notre Dame's Eck Institue for Global Health has been studying why mosquitoes bite humans -- thought you'd find this of interest!

LINK:  WHY MOSQUITOS BITE!

Notre Dame Football Tickets on Sale NOW!

If you're looking to attend a Notre Dame home football game this season -- today's your chance!  Tickets are now on sale for games that have yet to sell out!  CALL TODAY!


LINK:  NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL TICKETS

Yahoo Story: Why I Love Notre Dame Football!

William Porter is an eighth grade social studies teacher who's been a fan of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame since 1988.

Porter recently wrote a story that was published at YAHOO SPORTS -- about the 25 reasons he loves Notre Dame football.  Here's a link:

LINK:  25 REASONS TO LOVE NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL

Mike Anello -- Still Fighting for Something!

Notre Dame fans will remember former IRISH walk-on football special teams star Mike Anello and his exploits on the field.  Well, he's taken on a new challenge - TRIATHLONS!

Recently, he traveled from Boston to San Francisco to compete in the ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ triathlon.  NBC's Keith Arnold caught up with Anello to tell this story.  Enjoy!

Photo:  That's Mike on the right!

LINK:  HE'S A NOTRE DAME MAN

Recognition Well Deserved for Mike Golic Jr.

Notre Dame football player Mike Golic Jr., has been nominated for the All State AFCA Good Works Team -- an award that recognizes the contributions of college football players in their community.

Mike Golic Jr., is well deserving of this honor!

LINK:  GOLIC ON GOOD WORKS LIST!

Spend a Day With Notre Dame's Cierre Wood

The folks at Fighting Irish Digital Media spent a day following Notre Dame running back Cierre Wood around campus.  You'll enjoy this story.


LINK:  A DAY WITH CIERRE

The NBA's Bringing Their Show to Notre Dame!

The Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls have scheduled their last pre-season game this fall for Notre Dame's Purcell Pavillion -- the home of the Fightin' Irish -- on Friday, October 26th.

You can call 574.631.7356 to buy your tickets beginning Tuesday, September 11th.

LINK:  THE NBA AT NOTRE DAME

Former Irish Pitcher Now Workin' the Beach!

Ryan Doherty -- all seven-feet of him -- used to throw a baseball for the University of Notre Dame and later, in the minors, for the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Ryan now plays professional beach volleyball.

And -- he's dominating!!!

In the four pro tournaments he's played in -- Doherty and his partner Casey Patterson have won three!  Their most recent win came yesterday on the Chicago lakeshore.  Here's a link to the Chicago Tribune story:

LINK:  IRISH BASEBALL STAR HITS THE BEACH

The Cross In The Woods -- Indian River, MI

If your travels ever take you through Northern Michigan on I-75 this is a "must see" destination.  The National Shrine of the Cross In The Woods is located outside of a town called Indian River -- has been since August 9, 1959. 

It was designated a national shrine by the U.S. Conference of Bishops in 2006.   The crucifix is 31 feet tall -- the largest crucifix in the world.  


Click on the link below to learn the story of this SHRINE.  I took this photo today on a trip back to South Bend from Mackinac Island.

LINK:  THE CROSS IN THE WOODS