NFL life hasn't been easy for former Notre Dame star, Trevor Laws. Trevor is in his third training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles after being drafted by Philadelphia in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Here's a nice story yesterday, about the favorable impression Laws is making early in camp - after "working his butt off" in the off season with the Eagles training staff: 
Here's a link to all of the press conferences (VIDEO) held yesterday at Notre Dame, "kicking-off" the 2010 Football Season. Enjoy!
Former Notre Dame All American and Heisman Trophy winner -- Tim Brown has joined ESPN. Brown will become an analyst for ESPN's "3D" telecasts of 13 football games this season, including the BCS Championship Game. ESPN launched a 3D Network in June -- with coverage of the June 11th World Cup Match between South Africa and Mexico. This network has been in the works for two years now, with the first football game "test" broadcast in 3D being the USC vs. Ohio State game this past season. ESPN has plans to broadcast 85 live sporting events in the next twelve months in 3D. So you'll want to check to see if your TV is 3D ready -- only 4% of the new TV's purchased in America in the past twelve months have this option. If it is, you'll need to buy some 3D glasses (they cost more than $100) and you'll need a 3D ready "top box" -- see link below for how to sign up for this network. If you don't have a 3D TV, ESPN has plans to broadcast some of these games in 3D movie theaters across the country. No word yet, if Notre Dame will be one of the team's on ESPN's schedule this year for 3D -- though I wouldn't be surprised if the USC game ends up in 3D. Brown's first game for ESPN's 3D network will be the September 6th matchup between Boise State and Virginia Tech.
Whenever you see Coach Kelly wearing a sport coat or suit coat -- you'll see him wearing his "official kelly green" Notre Dame lapel pin, made just for him. Now, you can get one too! All you have to do is make a $10, $15, $20 or more donation to the Coach Kelly Challenge. I did just that for several family members -- it's a great Notre Dame gift! Here's a link to how you can get this pin and join Coach Kelly in this challenge:
In case you missed it, here's the replay of Coach Brian Kelly's interview last night with the boys from the WSBT 960 AM's Weekday SportsBeat radio show. One of the callers "Kevin from Holland" asking a question of Coach Kelly, is a regular visitor to the NOTRE DAME GO IRISH BLOG. Just click on the link:
If you're like me -- and I bet you are -- you can't wait for September 4th to get here. But, first things first -- our team needs to practice -- make that, go through MEDIA DAY. Today's annual Notre Dame Football Media Day begins at 11:30 AM EST with LIVE COVERAGE on www.und.com. Be sure to check in on all of the interviews. Here's the link below:
Coach Kelly just finished with the boys at Weekday SportsBeat - here's a few of his comments: "Every single player is healthy and ready to go tomorrow." "We've gone from 1 player to 9 players who can now benchpress 400 lbs." "We've gone from 1 player who could squat 600 lbs. to 9 players." "We showed a highlight video to our team prior to the Spring Game and I was surprised that a few of our players didn't know who Jerome Bettis was." "We're close to the limit of the number of scholarships we have left..." "We'll be announcing a few more exciting opponents in the next few weeks (when asked about the Texas announcement).
Ara Parseghian, Lou Hotlz, Johhny Lattner and Johhny Lujack were in Bridgman, MI for the Irish Legends golf event this week. Thanks to Kevin Sweeney for sending this to me! Here's the link:
University of Notre Dame's Brian Kelly, will be on the WSBT 960 AM Weekly SportsBeat show this afternoon. The show begins at 5:30 PM EST with Coach Kelly expected on the show til' 6:00 PM EST. Just click on the link below -- and then at the top left of their home page -- click on the LISTEN LIVE" button. Here's the link:
The University of Notre Dame just announced the opportunity to "Name Your Moment" at Purcell Pavillion -- the chance to put your name on a seat or on a plaque on the wall. The investment is $1,500 - here's a link to the video and promotion:
Gerald Bradley, University of Notre Dame Law Professor -- wrote an opinion piece yesterday on the Federal Judge in California's ruling on Proposition 8, concerning same-sex marriage. Here's a link to the Notre Dame Prof's opinion piece -- along with his bio on the Notre Dame Law School site:
Former University of Notre Dame safety, Tommy Zbikowski -- showed off his improving speed this morning, intercepting a Flaco pass and going 60 yards for a TD. Zibby worked with a new trainer this off-season and the hard work appears to be paying off. Here's a link to the story:
Former Notre Dame offensive tackle and sixth round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, Sam Young -- is impressing his new coach. Here's an update on the Domer's first camp with the Cowboys:
Here's a story in today's Chicago Tribune concerning Notre Dame football player; Manti Teo. Teo, the highly sought after recruit out of Hawaii, started a number of games for the Irish last season as a freshman. Much has been speculated about when Manti will take his Mormon mission. Here are his thoughts, and his family's -- on this very subject:
Here's a photo of a "mock up" of seating choices for the University of Notre Dame's consideration for its new Hockey Stadium - the architects have called it a "Hockey Cathedral." The $53 million facility will be unmatched on any college campus in America. If you haven't been to campus in a few months you'll be surprised to see what's going up in the Southeast corner of the parking lot south of The Joyce Center!
Former Notre Dame All-American and Biletnikoff Award Winner -- Golden Tate, is putting on a show in Training Camp for his Seattle Seahawks teammates. Tate is "just making plays" as his new QB will attest. I won't be surprised if he's in the discussion, all season, for Rookie Of The Year honors in the NFL. Go Golden! Here's a link to an article from yesterday's practice - and a link to Golden's personal blog:
Dillon Powers (Plano, TX) a rising sophomore at the University of Notre Dame was named MVP of the "Milk Cup" -- an international soccer tournament held in Northern Ireland. Dillon led the United States U-20 national team to the championship with a 3-0 win over the host country, Northern Ireland. The US earlier beat China and Denmark to qualify for the Championship Match. Powers earned Big East All Rookie Team honors this past season for the Irish. Congratulations Dillon!
Bloomberg BusinessWeek just completed a ranking of where the CEO's of the top 100 US financial firms attended college, for their undergraduate education, and the school at the top of the list: The University of Notre Dame! Five "Domers" sit in the top chair at these largest companies; James Rohr of PNC Financial Services Group and Debra Cafaro (photo) of Ventas Inc. (one of only two women in the rankings), James Flaherty, HCP; Paul Reilly, Raymond James Financial; and Terrence Cavanaugh, Erie Indemnity. Tied for second; Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell and Colgate. Further evidence as to why the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business is ranked as the #1 undergraduate Business School in the country!
University of Florida grad, former Cincinnati Bengal, NBC Sports Analyst -- and father of a "freshman" football player at Notre Dame, Chris Collinsworth -- was a guest on Jim Rome's show today. And, Chris wore the cap of his new favorite team! Take a look for yourself:
CBS Sports College Football Recruiting Analyst, Tom Lemming, sat down with the boys at WSBT 960 AM for their Weekly SportsBeat Show. Lemming is considered one of the "deans" of college football recruiting -- having spent many years covering this topic. You'll enjoy his thoughts about Brian Kelly and his staff's recruiting prowess -- and where he would rank this recruiting class nationally. Just click on the link below:
University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Brian Kelly, agreed to sit down with an ESPN reporter yesterday to talk about the state of Notre Dame Football. You'll enjoy the interview. Click on the link below:
I posted a story about Notre Dame Alum (Class of 1979), Bryan Gruley, back on June 8th. At the time I was writing about his first book; Starvation Lake: A Mystery. Well Bryan, who "moonlights" as the Chicago Bureau Chief of the Wall Street Journal, sent me a note this morning announcing the release of his latest book: The Hanging Tree -- which is available today at Barnes & Noble, Borders and Amazon. To see some reviews of The Hanging Tree - click on the link below. I've also attached a link to Bryan's book tour schedule -- which begins today in Petoskey, MI. If you get a chance, please stop in and see Bryan -- and tell him the NOTRE DAME GO IRISH BLOG sent you!
The 2010 Notre Dame Football season "officially" begins this Friday with its annual Media Day. Coaches and players will be made available to the media and you can watch it LIVE on www.und.com. Their live coverage begins at 11:30 AM EST!
Former Notre Dame football player, father of two current ND football players and co-host of ESPN's "Mike & MIKE" -- Mike Golic, took on a unique challenge yesterday. Golic decided to take on the NFL Conditioning Test that the Washington Redskins' Albert Haynesworth continues to fail. Now, it goes without saying that Mike Greenberg (Golic's on air partner) was the impetus of this challenge. He told Golic there was no way a "fat former NFL player" could finish this test. Now mind you, if Haynesworth (29 years-old) doesn't pass this test -- his $115 - $120 million contract can be voided. So, 47 year-old Golic decided to take on the test of running two 300 yard "shuttle runs" in less than 143 seconds -- LIVE on the ESPN show "NFL LIVE." I won't spoil the fun -- when you get to the linked site below, first click on the video of the two of them arguing on the show. Then click on the second video which is Golic taking on the conditioning test:
You're going to love the University of Notre Dame's new "Game Day" website! IT'S A MUST VISIT IF YOU'RE ATTENDING A NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL GAME THIS SEASON! Be sure to "click on" the "WHAT'S NEW FOR 2010" button -- which will take you to the new initiatives planned for Football Weekend's at Notre Dame. I'm very pleased to learn that the University is going to add "complimentary" shuttle service around campus-- a great idea! The first "Pep Rally" is set for South Quad on Friday, September 3rd -- it's the annual Dillon Hall Pep Rally, which was the best PEP RALLY last season! Here's a link to the Game Day site:
His athletic leaping ability is becoming YOUTUBE LEGEND -- we're talking about University of Notre Dame linebacker, Steve Filer. You'll recall he jumped out of a pool on to the pool deck (see below). The latest escapade of the 6'-3" 235 lb. OLB -- has him jumping over the "roped off" Notre Dame Monogram logo in their practice facility lockerroom. Take a look for yourself:
Well, so much for my prediction of Joe Theismann! For what it's worth -- the hiring executive at NBC Sports really must have a desire for selecting graduates from schools who despise Notre Dame! Haden is a USC grad -- and get this, Mayock is a Boston College grad. Mayock is one of the NFL Draft gurus employed by the NFL Network. I'm assuming he'll keep that gig as well. I guess Mayock's replacement will come from the University of Michigan. Oh well...
University of Notre Dame's Dean of the College of Science, Greg Crawford and his wife Renate (pictured) have rolled into Texas -- and they're still smiling! Here's a quick update as to what they've experienced in the Lone Star State so far:
You've undoubtedly seen photos or videos of large fish literally "jumping into boats" in some rivers in the United States. These fish are called Asian Carp and they seek to potentially destroy the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. The invasive Asian Carp species is worrying officials as it is currently flying and leaping its way up the Mississippi River towards the Great Lakes, specifically Lake Michigan. This fish invasion, if it occurs, would devastate the ecosystem of the Great Lakes, the largest body of fresh water in the world, and would destroy the $7 billion sport fishing industry. The Asian Carp is so feared because an invasion of them in other bodies of water have caused the native fish to die as the Asian Carp eats up to 40% of their body weight in a day, and they number in the hundreds of thousands. The fish can grow to about four feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds, and has been moving up the Mississippi River, destroying it for decades. An electrical barrier was set up to stop the Asian Carp entering the Great Lakes ecosystem, but they appear to have breached that fence and are now only kept out due to a lock for ships outside of Lake Michigan. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association recently awarded the University of Notre Dame $2.5 million to go toward finding a new way to keep the Asian Carp out without closing waterways connecting Chicago's canals to Lake Michigan. "This program is positioned to detect what species will next affect the Great Lakes," said Christopher Jerde, a research assistant professor at Notre Dame. "We will study food chains and webs, locations and economic issues." Jerde said despite the fact that Asian carp, which includes the bighead and silver varieties, have been found below the electric barriers designed to keep the fish inside the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and out of Lake Michigan, it's still not too late to prevent them from taking over the Great Lakes. Good Luck!!! Here's a link to a story about a massive Asian Carp just caught in the Chicago River:
Chris Badger (Provo, UT), a member of Coach Kelly's first recruiting class at Notre Dame, has decided to leave school to serve his Mormon mission beginning September 1st. Chris will be serving his two-year mission in Ecuador and will be returning to Notre Dame to enroll in classes in September 2012 - with four years of NCAA eligibility remaining. Badger was admitted to Notre Dame in January -- allowing him to participate in Spring Practice with his Irish teammates. We wish Chris safe travels and a great life experience. Your Notre Dame Family looks forward to your return!
Lou Holtz was quick to sell high school athletes on the idea that choosing Notre Dame was a "forty year decision" -- not a four year decision. Twenty-five years later, Brian Kelly is making the same pitch. Here's why. FACT: The average career for a NFL player is 3 1/2 seasons. By the time they have been retired for two years, 78% of all NFL Football players have either gone bankrupt or are under financial distress because of joblessness or divorce. That means the majority of these "kids" are 28 years old and broke. FACT: The average career of a NBA player is five seasons. Within five years of retirement, an estimated 60% of former NBA players are broke. I found this Sports Illustrated story on this very subject -- and ironically they interviewed former Notre Dame All American Rocket Ismail for the article. Rocket, while not broke, lost several million dollars due to self admitted "ignorance." In the story the writer infers that Ismail is more fortunate than most since "he has his Notre Dame degree..." I believe you'll find this story quite interesting.
No, he didn't win the Indiana Lottery -- but, this Notre Dame professor potentially could save the lives of millions with this money. Marvin Miller, the George and Winifred Clark professor of Chemistry at the University of Notre Dame, has received a $1.9 million research grant from the National Institute of Health to advance tuberculosis research. 14.4 million people are infected by TB every year and 4,500 die each day from this disease. Here's a release from Notre Dame on Miller's planned research - along with a second link to Dr. Miller's biography:
Former Notre Dame star, Brady Quinn, is in his first training camp with the Denver Broncos -- after being traded in the offseason to Denver from Cleveland. One of Brady's fans has put together a nice website that tracks Quinn's progress in the Mile High City. Good Luck Brady! Here's the link:
Jimmy Clausen is getting over the jitters of being in his first NFL Training Camp. The second round draft pick, out of Notre Dame, is currently running as the third string QB for the Carolina Panthers. Here's a link to an ESPN story on Clausen's first day -- as well as a link to a NFL site that's selling Clausen's new jersey:
The incoming freshman class at the University of Notre Dame (the Class of 2014) may well be its most accomplished in the classroom yet. Those who were admitted early were in the top 3.3% of their high school class, scored an average 1460 on the SAT (composite of the Math and Science scores) and had an average ACT score of 33.1. In addition, more than 400 Valedictorians who applied to Notre Dame were not accepted. Better keep studying and getting involved in extracurricular activities at your school and in your community!!! The photo (above) is of Katie Washington, the Valedictorian for Notre Dame's Class of 2010. Here's a link to an Observer article about Notre Dame's Class of 2014 along with a link to a site that claims to track admittance results for all Notre Dame students - including those on athletic scholarships:
It's been a couple of days since the University of Notre Dame's Dean of the College of Science, Greg Crawford and his wife Renate Crawford have posted an update on their blog -- they're probably quite tired! This photo shows the pair climbing a "hill" (in Michigan we call it a mountain), during their ride through New Mexico. A 25 mile climb from 4,600 ft. in elevation to nearly 9,000 ft. above sea level -- on their ride from Tucson, AZ to the Notre Dame campus. The Crawford's are "bringing home" the relationship between the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation and the University of Notre Dame. I believe they're in western Texas by now - here's a link to their blog:
Former University of Notre Dame All-American, Golden Tate, stayed after practice the other day signing autographs for Seahawk fans. One "avid" fan asked Golden to sign his head (see photo).
This photo was taken this morning at the Grotto on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Five days earlier, a fire broke out inside the Grotto. As you can see, the small fire left its mark on the inside of the Grotto and burned away much of the ivy that draped the shrine. The University is still restricting access to the interior of the Grotto until it completes its inspection.
Well, you might want to reconsider after reading this. Notre Dame professor of Mathematics, Sergei Starchenko (pictured) has been asked to speak at the International Congress of Mathematicians. Just like the Olympic Games - this conference is held every four years and next month they will meet in Hyderabad, India -- under the auspices of the International Mathematical Union. Didn't know there was such a group! Starchecnko, along with his colleague Ya′acov Peterzil of the University of Haifa in Israel, will present their research on o-minimality, a model theoretic framework for tame geometry that they use to investigate properties of complex analytic sets. Now, do you think you want to take his math class at Notre Dame? Here's a link to the Conference's website -- just in case you were interested!
James Parsons and Dr. Carrie Quinn, a married couple and Notre Dame graduates -- made a very generous $5 million gift to their alma mater this week. Parsons earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Notre Dame and a master in business administration degree from Harvard University. He has been a portfolio manager for Viking Global Investors in New York since 2003. Quinn is a graduate of both Notre Dame and Tufts University Medical School. She completed her residency at Boston Children’s Hospital and now is a pediatrician in Forest Hills, N.Y. Parsons & Quinn's gift to the University of Notre Dame will endow a directorship in the University's Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases. Notre Dame is committed to finding a cure for rare diseases that typically carry a "death sentence" for those afflicted. A big THANK YOU to this Notre Dame family!!! Here's a link to a video that promotes Notre Dame's efforts in this area:
In six months, I've yet to make a prediction at THE NOTRE DAME GO IRISH BLOG -- but, I'm going to this time. Joe Theismann will replace Pat Haden in the NBC booth this fall for Notre Dame Football. There you go! It makes all of the sense in the world. He's worked the biggest "weekly" professional stage in football television; 'Monday Night Football, he's an accomplished athlete; Super Bowl Champion, NFL MVP and he just happens to be a "DOMER" who had great success at his alma mater; College Football Hall of Famer, All American QB and Heisman Runner-up. I think that just might make him ready for the "biggest weekly stage in college football television; "NOTRE DAME SATURDAY." Notre Dame needs someone in the booth to tell "our story" -- we need an individual who's passionate about the Irish -- yet, is confident enough to call it like it is when things aren't going so well for the blue and gold. Joe Theismann is that guy. NBC are you listening? Here's a link to story this week from USA Today's "media expert" on what he believes NBC should do -- along with a link to Theismann's Wikipedia entry: