Former Notre Dame QB Blair Kiel -- RIP

Blair Kiel, who started at QB for the IRISH in 1980 as a freshman -- passed away today at the age of 50.  Kiel, one of the very few to ever be a four-year starter at QB for Notre Dame -- went on to play seven season in the NFL for Tampa Bay, Indianapolis and Green Bay.

Blair's nephew Gunner Kiel, is a member of the ND football program.  A sad day for the Kiel family.  A life lost way too soon.

LINK:  BLAIR KIEL RIP

Jeff Samardzija Pitches Cubs to First Win!

The former two-star IRISH standout started his first game in seventeen months today at Wrigley and Cub fans everywhere are probably wondering WHY!

Samardzija pitched 8 2/3 innings allowing three runs on four hits (with eight strikeouts) -- as the Cubs win their first game of the 2012 season 4 - 3 over the Washington Nationals.

LINK:  FORMER IRISH STAR LEADS CUBS TO FIRST WIN!

Easter Mass -- Live From Notre Dame!

Easter Mass from the University of Notre Dame's Basilica of the Sacred Heart can be seen live this morning at 10:00 AM ET and again at 11:45 AM ET.  Photo courtesy of Matt Cashore and ND Photoshelter.

LINK:  WATCH EASTER MASS -- LIVE AT 10 AM ET

LINK:  WATCH EASTER MASS -- LIVE AT 11:45 AM ET

The Shark Gets His First Start Today for Cubs!

Former Notre Dame All-American football player Jeff Samardzija makes his first start for the Cubs since September 2010 today at Wrigley Field against the Washington Nationals.

The Cubs are 0 - 2 after two games -- one of four teams in the National League who haven't won a game yet this season.

Jeff is coming off a very positive spring earning a spot in the Cubbies starting rotation.  Good luck SHARK!

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

LINK:  ESPN BLOG