Rainbow Over Notre Dame This Evening!!!

Just took these photos from our home in the "Triangle" area just a couple of blocks south of the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

OT: Catholic Identity in Question...

More than 1,200 Georgetown alumni, parents, faculty, etc., signed a petition to have "Catholic" removed from all references referring to the University in protest to "abuses of Catholic identity."

LINK:  A PETITION TO REMOVE CATHOLIC

LINK:  CANON LAW CASE AGAINST GEORGETOWN

Is Malik Zaire "The Guy" at QB for the IRISH

He's been on campus since January -- having enrolled at Notre Dame after graduating early from his high school in Ohio...

Malik Zaire is one of three scholarship QB's on the roster at the University of Notre Dame -- so, oddsmakers would say he has, at best, a "1 in 3" chance to be the replacement for Everett Golson come this September.

Here's a story that ran in today's South Bend Tribune on Malik and his chances to be THE GUY:

LINK:  MALIK ZAIRE

Notre Dame Parent Named Phoenix Coach

Jeff Hornacek, the proud parent of a Notre Dame grad (Ryan Hornacek '10) -- was named the 16th head coach in the history of the Phoenix Suns.  Hornacek played 14 years (his first six for Phoenix) in the NBA.

LINK:  HORNACEK NAMED SUNS HEAD COACH

Fr. Jenkins Accepts OSU President's Apology

An audio tape of Ohio State University president Gordon Gee's inflammatory comments pertaining to Notre Dame and Catholics was released today -- it's linked below.

The University of Notre Dame released a statement this afternoon that Fr. Jenkins has accepted Gordon Gee's apology (linked in Columbus Dispatch story below) for his remarks.


LINK:  OHIO STATE PRESIDENT'S COMMENTS

LINK:  COLUMBUS DISPATCH STORY

Former Notre Dame Spokesman Passes

I never had the honor of meeting Dick Conklin...  Yet, I stare everyday at this quote that hangs in my office at Notre Dame:

"Notre Dame is a place nurtured by myth.  It really cannot be encompassed by the mind alone; much of its meaning is intuited.  It is a place sustained by taking seriously the impoderables.  And at the core of its culture is a belief in the transcendent, that the ultimate meaning of life is found just beyond where reason can take us.

But when Notre Dame people gather, they do not talk about their alma mater's transcendency any more than swimmers converse about water's buoyancy.  Notre Dame people tell stories."

-Dick Conklin '59, Associate Vice President for University Relations

The long-time spokesman for the University of Notre Dame, died yesterday at the age of 77.


LINK:  DICK CONKLIN

Skylar Diggins Rated #17 on "Hottest" List

Complex Magazine (never heard of it) just ranked "The 100 Hottest Women Right Now" in the world and former Notre Dame All-American Skylar Diggins is 17th on that list!  Here's their rankings:


LINK:  SKYLAR RANKED #17

Manti Te'o Earning Respect From Veterans

Can't say this story surprises me...

LINK:  VETERAN PLAYERS RESPECT TE'O

A Full-Ride Scholarship to Notre Dame...

...and, it wasn't from Notre Dame's Athletic Department!

Hillsdale Academy's (Hillsdale, MI)  Shaley Albaugh will be a freshman this fall at the University of Notre Dame.  Shaley's the recipient of the QuestBridge Scholarship -- which will cover all of her college costs!

Here's her story:

LINK:  A FULL-RIDE TO NOTRE DAME

Coach Kelly Talks With ESPN About Golson

ESPN's Tom Rinaldi was on campus this afternoon to interview Coach Kelly about Everett Golson's dismissal from Notre Dame -- here's the interview.

LINK:  COACH KELLY WITH RINALDI

Coach Kelly Talks With Media About Golson

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly met with the media, this afternoon, via a teleconference to discuss Everett Golson's dismissal from the university and what that means for the upcoming football season.

Here's the South Bend Tribune's recap of the conversation:

LINK:  COACH KELLY WITH MEDIA

Jeff Samardzija Two Hits White Sox Today

Former Notre Dame All-American wide receiver Jeff Samardzija threw a two-hit shutout today against the cross-town Chicago White Sox -- for his third win of the season.

Samardzija struck out eight (8) while taking his ERA down to 2.85 on the season!

Jeff is now ranked second in the National League with 80 strikeouts! 

His ERA is 15th!

LINK:  SAMARDZIJA SHUTS OUT THE WHITE SOX!

More Notre Dame "High Heels" for Her!

I received an email from Tim Warth this weekend with a link to a photo of another pair of high heels designed for Notre Dame fans...  Thanks Tim!

Memorial Day -- God Country Notre Dame

Please take time today to watch this video of The Army Chorus singing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" -- we have MANY to thank for the opportunity to live in the United States of America. 

LINK:  MEMORIAL DAY 2013

Everett Golson's Statement to ND Family

The former Notre Dame student-athlete released an apology today to the Notre Dame family -- here's what he had to say:

Dear Notre Dame Community,

I have been informed by the University of Notre Dame that due to my poor academic judgment that I have been suspended from the University for the 2013 Fall Term.  I take full responsibility for my poor choices and will do all that is asked of me to regain the trust of my family, friends, teammates, coaches and the entire Notre Dame community.

I chose to attend Notre Dame because of its mission to develop me both on and off the football field.

My parents and the community I grew up in have instilled values in me that have and will continue to allow me to be successful in the future.  There have been many lessons learned as I worked to become the starting quarterback at Notre Dame and each was a result of Coach Kelly's belief in me as an athlete and a person.

At this point, I understand how my integrity could be in question but I want to reassure my supporters that through this experience I will return a better student athlete as well as a better individual.

Lastly, I want to thank the University of Notre Dame for the opportunity already granted and also the opportunity going forth to regain my eligibility in the winter of 2014.

Thanks,


Everett Golson

Detroit Lions Beat Writers Talk Theo Riddick

Former Notre Dame running back Theo Riddick, a seventh round draft pick of Detroit Lions, has made a positive impression in their practices to date. 

Be sure to watch the video.

LINK:  BEAT WRITERS TALK RIDDICK

"Next Man In" @ QB for Notre Dame in 2013

I will not turn on ESPN's Sports Center for the next week -- that's a promise.

The breaking news last night that Everett Golson was no longer a student at the University of Notre Dame -- reverberated around the college football world...

Notre Dame fans are understandably in shock, disbelief -- and just maybe a little concerned (an understatement) about their Fighting Irish this morning.

NEWS FLASH:  We're going to be okay!

Coach Kelly and his staff have 98 DAYS to figure out how we WILL WIN this season with Tommy Rees at QB.  Don't forget -- Tommy Rees is 14 - 4 as a starter...  And, 2 - 0 as a reliever!

It's going to be an interesting few months -- isn't it!

LINK:  SPORTING NEWS

LINK:  NBC'S NOTRE DAME CENTRAL

LINK:  IF YOU MUST -- ESPN'S REPORT

Everett Golson No Longer at Notre Dame

The story just broke here in South Bend in the past few minutes.  It was confirmed by the University's spokesman Dennis Brown.

Brutal news for our football program.

LINK:  WNDU-TV STORY 

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE STORY

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY

Irish Baseball Plays for Big East Title Sunday

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish beat the Pitt Panthers in the bottom of the 10th in "walk-off" fashion 3 - 2, earning a spot in the Big East Championship game!  Win tomorrow and the IRISH are off to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006.

Tomorrow's BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP game against UCONN will be televised LIVE on ESPNU -- beginning at NOON ET.   

Here's a link to a video of today's game highlights and interviews:

LINK:  OFF TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP!

Skylar Scores 15 in WNBA Opener for Shock

The Tulsa Shock kicked off the 2013 season this evening on the road in Atlanta where they lost to the Dream 98 - 81.

Former Notre Dame All-American Skylar Diggins scored 15 points in her first regular season game in the WNBA.  However, she struggled with her shot going 4 for 13 -- and she had more turnovers (5) than assists (3).

You can catch Skylar on ESPN2 -- live on Memorial Day -- at 3:00 PM ET.


LINK:  GAME STORY

Notre Dame Volleyball's "European Vacation"

What a trip...

The photo above is of the "John Lennon Wall" in Prague -- one of the sites the IRISH have taken in when they're not beating their opponents on the court!  Notre Dame is 2-0 so far, on their European Tour.  Here's a link to their blog -- you'll enjoy keeping up with their travels:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

Must See Photo -- Notre Dame's New Holder

Found this photo on  Irish Sports Daily -- a site I've subscribed to for a few years now...

It's being attributed to Michael Deeb -- an incoming freshman linebacker for the Fightin' Irish!  Got to love it!

Fr. Ted Hesburgh -- 96 Years Young Today!

Fr. Ted Hesburgh, C.S.C., President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame -- was born 96 years ago today.  Happy Birthday Fr. Ted!

The video below was shot last year of Fr. Ted giving a tour of his office atop the Hesburgh Library.  Enjoy!

LINK:  FR. TED HESBURGH

The Notre Dame Victory March in Spain!

The "world-famous" Notre Dame Glee Club is on tour this week in Spain (and wouldn't you know it) they found time to sing the greatest of all fight songs -- the NOTRE DAME VICTORY MARCH on the streets of Toledo, Spain -- as caught by a Notre Dame alum who just happened to be walking by... 

Only Notre Dame!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME VICTORY MARCH

A New "Awareness" for ND Teams and Fans

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted today an "above normal Atlantic hurricane season this June - November...

Notre Dame's move to the Atlantic Coast Conference will bring weather forecasts like this -- more into play for our teams and fans.

LINK:  ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON

Must Have: High Heels for Notre Dame Fans

If you're looking for a gift idea for your favorite IRISH FAN -- this might be an option...

Golden Tate's Going Into a "Contract Year"

Former Notre Dame All-American wide receiver Golden Tate will be entering his third NFL season with a big "life decision" hanging over his head...

It's called a CONTRACT YEAR -- the last year of a current contract and the last year you can SHOW OFF to other NFL Teams who might want to sign you as a free agent.  Tate, a second round pick of the Seattle Seahawks, may be faced with the decision to sign an extension with the home team early -- or, wait and play out the season and test the free agent waters...

What should he do?

LINK:  IS FREE AGENCY IN THE CARDS?

Skylar Talks Life "On an Off" the Court

It appears the Tulsa media might be just as excited as the Shock fans that Notre Dame All-American Skylar Diggins moved to their town...

You'll want to check out this TULSA WORLD story on Skylar.

LINK:  SKYLAR ON AND OFF

Two Time National Player of the Year ALL IRISH

Morgan Andrews (Milford, NH) -- an incoming member of the University of Notre Dame's Class of 2017, was just named the Gatorade National High School Girls Soccer Player of the Year -- for the second year in a row!

Andrews is the FIRST soccer player EVER to be named the PLAYER OF THE YEAR two times in the 28 year history of the award!  Morgan becomes the eighth Notre Dame student-athlete to be named a Gatorade National Player of the Year -- the first ever two-time winner:

• Ron Powlus -- football, 1993
• Denise Boylan -- volleyball, 1997
• Greg Dalby -- soccer, 2003
• Melissa Henderson -- soccer, 2007
• Skylar Diggins -- basketball, 2009
• Dillon Powers -- soccer, 2009
• Molly Seidel -- cross country, 2011
• Morgan Andrews -- soccer, 2012 & 2013

LINK:  ANDREWS NAMED PLAYER OF THE YEAR -- AGAIN!

The Media is Not Happy with the Chargers

The San Diego Chargers have kept former Notre Dame All-American Manti Te'o "off limits" to the media since his opening press conference -- and that has media reacting all over the place.  Here's what's being said:

LINK:  UT-SAN DIEGO

LINK:  DENVER POST

LINK:  NFL NEWS

LINK:  NFL NEWS #2

LINK:  ESPN

Preparing For a Moment We Never Want...

The University of Notre Dame is running its "annual" disaster training drills on campus this week.  It's very realistic -- as you'll see in the news report below from WSBT-TV...

LINK:  PREPARING FOR THE WORST

2013 Commencement Highlights -- Notre Dame

Folks, if you have a few minutes to spare today -- you'll want to watch this.  It's a recap of the 168th Commencement at the University of Notre Dame.  ENJOY!

LINK:  2013 COMMENCEMENT

Notre Dame's Davaris Daniels Interview

This young man will be counted on big time this upcoming season for the Fightin' Irish.  Notre Dame fans will be encouraged after watching this video...

LINK:  DAVARIS DANIELS

Cardinal Dolan's Commencement Speech

Cardinal Timothy Dolan delivered the Commencement Address yesterday at the University of Notre Dame.

The Notre Dame family will enjoy what he said and how he said it...

LINK:  THE SECRET OF NOTRE DAME

Highest Priced Tickets in College Football

Three of the four highest priced football tickets in the upcoming college football season involve the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.  Call me "not surprised."  You'll have to click on the link below to see the lsit:

The best brand in college sports.


LINK:  HIGHEST PRICED COLLEGE FOOTBALL TICKETS

Skylar Diggins' Graduation Present From Jay-Z

Look what Skylar Diggins found in the parking lot just south of Notre Dame Stadium after the 168th Commencement at the University of Notre Dame today...

The second link shows Skylar crossing the stage and receiving her diploma.


LINK:  THE STORY 

LINK:  GETTING HER DIPLOMA

Notre Dame Volleyball -- European Tour Blog

The University of Notre Dame's women's Volleyball team embarks this evening from Chicago's O'Hare Airport on an eleven day tour of Europe.  The trip begins in Prague where the IRISH will play the best club team in the Czech Republic Olymp Praha...

The ND GO IRISH BLOG will be following the team and will be posting photos, etc., from their trip.  GO IRISH!

LINK:  TEAM'S OFFICIAL BLOG

Notre Dame Seniors' Last Visit to the Grotto...

Folks, this is a MUST SEE VIDEO produced by my colleagues in University Communications...


LINK:  LAST VISIT TO GROTTO

The "TENTH FOR LAST" -- Big East Champs!

The #11 ranked University of Notre Dame Women's Rowing team won their TENTH CONSECUTIVE BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP today -- and their last...

As the IRISH move on to take on the best the ACC has to offer next season.  The Big East Championship gives Notre Dame an automatic birth in the 16 team NCAA Championship -- the fifth in the sixteen year history of the program.

CONGRATULATIONS!

LINK:  BIG EAST CHAMPS

University of Notre Dame's Commencement

Today is the day 35,000 people will pile into historic Notre Dame Stadium to watch a family member of friend become an ALUMNUS of the UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME.  A pretty cool club to belong to for the rest of your life...

I'm leaving in three minutes to head over to the STADIUM to begin film work on a documentary for the University -- should be fun. 

If you'd like to watch the COMMENCEMENT LIVE -- you can -- here at the link below.  The schedule says 9 AM ET -- be sure to check it then.


LINK:  WATCH IT LIVE

ND Women's Rowing Goes for 10 Straight!

The University of Notre Dame's Women's Rowing Team is competing tomorrow (SUNDAY) for their TENTH STRAIGHT BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP!  The #11 ranked Fighting Irish will be competing at Lake Mercer, West Windsor (NJ) -- for the very last time in the Big East -- and you can watch it LIVE on the internet!

LINK:  LIVE WEB STREAMING

LINK:  PREPARING FOR THE FINAL TIME

Father Ted Hesburgh -- A Week to Remember

In just eight days -- Fr. Ted Hesburgh, C.S.C., will celebrate his 96th birthday (May 26th).

To celebrate this occasion Hesburgh will be honored by Speaker of the House Boehner and a number of other politicians on Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol.  Here's the story:

LINK:  FATHER TED'S WEEK

Coach Ara Parsegian's 90th Birthday Party

On May 21st former Notre Dame coaching great -- Ara Parseghian, will turn 90 years young...

This past month -- more than 100 of Coach Parseghian's former players gathered on campus to celebrate his life.  You'll enjoy Ara's talk at the video's end.

Quite a man.

LINK:  COACH PARSEGHIAN

Manti Te'o and the Chargers a "Perfect Match"

This is the headline of a NFL NEWS story that broke yesterday about the former Notre Dame All-American linebacker who was selected #38 overall by the San Diego Chargers...

The writer even goes on to say that Manti will make the most impact on defense of any rookie in the NFL.

LINK:  A PERFECT MATCH

Graduation Weekend for Skylar Diggins...

Over the next 40 hours or so, a little more than 2,500 young men and women will leave the title "Notre Dame student" behind in South Bend, IN...

One of those individuals is Skylar Diggins -- who will be "featured" in a story in Sunday's Tulsa World Scene.  Here's a link to a sneak preview of the story -- along with a link to where you can find the feature -- TOMORROW.

LINK:  TULSA'S NEW DARLING -- SKYLAR DIGGINS

LINK:  SUNDAY'S TULSA WORLD STORY ON SKYLAR

Watch the ND Glee Club Tonight LIVE at 8 PM

The Notre Dame Glee Club will be performing their Spring Concert tonight at 8 PM ET from Leighton Hall in the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center -- and it will be streamed LIVE ON THE WEB!

To watch the concert LIVE -- just click on the link below.  And, as a bonus -- there's a second link to the Notre Dame Glee Club performing "Here Come The Irish."  Enjoy!

LINK:  LIVE BROADCAST OF GLEE CLUB CONCERT

LINK:  ND GLEE CLUB -- HERE COME THE IRISH

BCS Bowl or Bust in 2013 for the Fightin' Irish

Notre Dame goes into the 2013 college football season with only one BOWL DEAL in place and that's a BCS Bowl...  So, here's the drill:

• Finish with 9 wins or more and in the top 14 final rankings and Notre Dame is BCS Bowl bound
• Finish with 8 wins or less and Notre Dame will have to sit back and watch a number of BOWLS -- make some deals to grab the IRISH
• In 2014 -- Notre Dame will be part of the ACC Bowl deal

LINK:  BCS OR BUST

Hoke on "Mike & MIKE Radio" Show This AM

Michigan football coach Brady Hoke appeared on ESPN's Mike & MIKE Show to clarify his comments made this past week at an ALUMNI/FAN event about Notre Dame "chickening out..."

Michigan's Athletic Department might just be worried about selling all of their seats on years when Ohio State doesn't come to Ann Arbor...


LINK:  HOKE ON MIKE & MIKE

The "Graduation Gift" to South Bend Business

This weekend more than 2,500 individuals will receive a diploma from the University of Notre Dame.  A special moment for them and their families...

What often goes unnoticed is the impact a COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND at Notre Dame means for area businesses.  Here's a story published today where the Executive Director of Visit South Bend Mishawaka speaks to the volume of visitors who come to town for weekends, like the one ahead...

LINK:  THE GRADUATION GIFT