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

Nice Story About ND Law School Student

Bryce Rucker played football for four years at Northwood University -- before pursuing a law degree at the University of Notre Dame.  He credits his success to an "after-school" program in the Battle Creek (MI) Public Schools called NEW LEVEL SPORTS.

LINK:  BRYCE RUCKER

Notre Dame's Monogram Club VIP Raffle

The University of Notre Dame's Monogram Club is holding a VIP Raffle for an incredible experience for TWO to the Michigan vs. Notre Dame game September 22nd.  You have to click on this link to see what I'm talking about!

LINK:  VIP RAFFLE

Brady Quinn Could Have Started for Charlie

Former Notre Dame head football coach Charlie Weis '79, let it be known (in a recent interview) that Brady Quinn could have been a starter for him in the NFL.


Weis was asked to weigh in on the Kansas City Chiefs QB situation.  Just click on the link below:

LINK:  CHARLIE TALKS BQ

OT: Made in America -- at the Winter Olympics

The story broke yesterday that the opening and closing ceremony uniforms that the U.S. Olympic Team would be wearing, in this month's Olympics in London -- were made in China.

The reaction in the social media space was so negative -- the U.S. Olympic Committee and Ralph Lauren felt they they had to announce the uniforms our Olympic Team wears at the Winter Olympics will be MADE IN AMERICA.

Something tells me this won't quiet the critics these next few weeks...

I think it would be smart to put the U.S. Olympic Team in t-shirts that say: "I'M MADE IN AMERICA" and ditch the uniforms.

LINK:  AMERICA -- MADE IN AMERICA

Adidas Puts New Shoes on Notre Dame!

Here's a photo of the Notre Dame football shoes that Adidas is providing Notre Dame this season.  Awesome!

Will This Domer be Romney's VP Choice?

The story broke this evening that former Secretary of State Condoleezaa Rice '75,  just might be the front runner to join Mitt Romney, as his running mate, in the upcoming Presidential election.

Condi denied any interest in running for office as recently as June 26th.  Stay tuned.

Condi Rice holds a master's degree in political science from the University of Notre Dame.

LINK:  IS CONDI RICE THE CHOICE?

LINK:  PEGGY NOONAN (WSJ) WEIGHS IN ON CONDI

Coach Jackson Talks Hockey @ Soldier Field

University of Notre Dame hockey coach Jeff Jackson sat down with the media yesterday to discuss what it's going to be like to take his IRISH to play a hockey game outdoors at Soldier Field on Sunday, February 17, 2013!

It's going to be fun!

LINK:  COACH JACKSON

LINK:  NOTRE DAME HOCKEY TO SOLDIER FIELD

OT: US Olympic Team Uniforms Made in China

The United States of America's Olympic Committee has been under fire for the uniform's appearance (mainly the beret) and now their approval of supplier / sponsor Ralph Lauren's decision to make Team USA's opening ceremony uniforms in China.

It's going to be interesting to watch how this story develops.

LINK:  ESPN STORY

Vote for the University of Notre Dame's Website!

The eduStyle Awards is recognizing the top "responsive" designed website in higher education this year for the first time -- and they've nominated five university sites for this honor.  The University of Notre Dame's newly designed website (nd.edu) is up for the award!

To ensure Notre Dame wins the competition -- I'm asking the Notre Dame family to go online today and vote!  The deadline is July 27th.   Here's the link below:

LINK:  VOTE HERE FOR NOTRE DAME

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Harangody Signs Extension with Cavaliers!

Former Notre Dame All-American Luke Harangody, signed a contract extension today with the Cleveland Cavaliers -- details were not disclosed.

Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  GODY STAYS WITH CAVS

The Band of the Fighting Irish -- Recognized!

The folks at the Huffington Post just released their list of the top 11 college marching bands in America and the 400 member Band of the Fighting Irish is on that list!

Click on the link below.

LINK:  ONE OF THE BEST

Nice Story About Flag Football Game @ ND!

This story skipped by me...

On Father's Day, three weeks ago -- a number of Dad's and their Son's played a game of touch football at Arlotta Stadium on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

You'll enjoy ALL THE GOOD this game provided many.

LINK:  FLAG FOOTBALL AT NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame Grad School Alum Writes Book

Gwendolyn Oxenham, who holds a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Notre Dame also holds the distinction of being the youngest Division I athlete in NCAA history when she suited up for the Duke Blue Devils women's soccer team at the age of 16.

Oxenham just authored the book "Finding the Game" -- which details her love for the game of soccer.  If you'd like to buy a copy -- click on the link below

LINK:  BOOK REVIEW

LINK:  AMAZON -- BUY THE BOOK!

Notre Dame's Eifert On Mackey Watch List!

Notre Dame fans should not be surprised with this news -- Irish senior Tyler Eifert is on the Mackey Award Watch List for the top Tight End in the country.

Ironically, there are are also (2) former Notre Dame football players on the Watch List:  Mike Ragone (transferred to Kansas) and Joseph Fauria (transferred to UCLA).

LINK:  MACKEY AWARD WATCH LIST

Coach Kelly Mic'd Up During Spring Practice

Folks, you'll enjoy this video just posted by the gang at Fighting Irish Digital Media.  You'll see Coach Kelly in action -- at practice -- good stuff here.

LINK:  COACH KELLY LIVE

Eight ND Athletes Off to London Olympics!

The University of Notre Dame will be well represented, just 19 days from now, at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England -- with eight (8) current and former IRISH student-athletes competing!

Here's the eight Notre Dame stars with their sports and the countries they will be representing:

United States of America:

• Shannon Box -- Women's Soccer
• Molly Huddle -- Track & Field
• Courtney Hurley -- Fencing
• Lee Kiefer -- Fencing
• Mariel Zagunis -- Fencing

Canada: 

• Natalie Achonwa -- Women's Basketball
• Candace Chapman -- Women's Soccer
• Melissa Tancredi -- Women's Soccer

LINK:  FIGHTING IRISH HEADED TO LONDON

Irish Chocolate Is At It Again -- I'm Glad!

Notre Dame defensive lineman Louis Nix (AKA "IRISH CHOCOLATE") was at it again with his burgeoning media career -- knocking out another video...

You'll laugh out loud watching a few ND football stars with a golf club in their hands -- good stuff here.

LINK:  IRISH CHOCOLATE -- VIDEO

Phil Steele Gives His Bowl Predictions...

Say it ain't so Phil...

Alright, here's a test for all Notre Dame football fans -- where is the BELK BOWL played?

You're going to have to click on the link below for the answer.

LINK:  STEELE'S NOTRE DAME BOWL PICK

Photo of Jimmy Clausen & His USC Girlfriend

Notre Dame fans, Jimmy Clausen is dating a former USC All-American volleyball player (Jess Gysin).  Can't say I blame him!

LINK:  JESS GYSIN VIDEO FOR IPURE

Mike Golic Jr., Talks With Coach Parseghian

Notre Dame football player Mike Golic, Jr spent some time with legendary Irish coach Ara Parseghian recently -- you'll enjoy this!

LINK:  COACH PARSEGHIAN WITH GOLIC JR.

Update: Domers Playing in US Women's Open

There are three golfers with ties to the University of Notre Dame's women's golf team playing this week at the 2012 U.S. Women's Open at Black Wolf Run outside of Kohler, WI.  The three are Becca Huffer '12,  Ashley Armstrong (rising sophomore) and incoming freshman Lindsey Weaver.  Photo above (LtoR) Becca Huffer, Lindsey Weaver and Ashley Armstrong

Yesterday's first round in HOT, HUMID conditions wasn't too kind to the three DOMERS.  Here's their scores:

• Becca Huffer:  79
• Lindsey Weaver:  79
• Ashley Armstrong:  80

Here's some of the key First Round stats for each of the IRISH stars -- you can follow today's rounds, of each of the Domers, by clicking on their name below:

Becca Huffer:

• Driving Distance:  245.5
• Fairways Hit:  13 of 14
• Greens in Regulation:  12 of 18
• Total Putts:  34
• Birdies:  3
• Pars:  7
• Bogeys:  6
• Double Bogeys:  2

Lindsey Weaver:

• Driving Distance:  236.5 yards 
• Fairways Hit:  12 of 14
• Greens in Regulation:  11 of 18
• Total Putts:  33
• Birdies:  3
• Pars:  7
• Bogeys:  6
• Double Bogeys:  2

Ashley Armstrong:

• Driving Distance:  235.5 yards
• Fairways Hit:  10 of 14
• Greens in Regulation:  11 of 18
• Total Putts:  35
• Birdies:  1
• Pars:  10
• Bogeys:  6
• Triple Bogey:  1

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S US OPEN ENTRIES

Incoming ND Frosh in Sports Illustrated!

Her name is Dani Aragon (Billings, MT) and she'll be enrolling at the University of Notre Dame this August as a member of the Fighting Irish Track & Field team.  Aragon will be joining her "big sister" Alexa who will be a "rising junior" on the track team at Notre Dame.

Dani was featured in the July 2nd edition of Sports Illustrated in their FACES IN THE CROWD section after qualifying for the World Junior Championships in Barcelona later this month with her time of 2:05.06 in the 800 meters.

Here's a few links to the story:

LINK:  SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

LINK:  BILLINGS GAZETTE

LINK:  NOTRE DAME INCOMING FRESHMAN

Image of the Day for the Notre Dame Nation!

Thought the Notre Dame Family would enjoy seeing this!  It was posted on Twitter by @TurningP2011

All-Time Record Temperatures @ Notre Dame!

Folks, it was 100 degrees today -- setting an all-time record for heat on July 4th at the University of Notre Dame.  That's ALL-TIME!

And, the tough news to take is this -- it's going to be warmer Thursday (tomorrow) 101 degrees and even warmer on Friday 103 degrees.

WOW!

LINK:  UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME WEATHER FORECAST

Happy Birthday #236 America!

On this July 4th -- our country's 236th birthday -- I encourage all of you to watch this music video (linked below) of the U.S. Army Chorus singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic.  It chokes me up every time!

LINK:  THE BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC

ND Football to Bring $30 Million to Ireland!

The biggest draw in college sports -- has to be Notre Dame football.  What other team can take their show across the Atlantic -- and bring 40,000 fans and $30,000,000 in cash -- to a country that doesn't play the game...

Here's a story on the economic impact the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will have on the Ireland economy.

LINK:  THE IRISH ARE COMING!

Shark Strikes Out a Career High Eleven Tonight!

Former Notre Dame All-American wide receiver Jeff Samardzija, struck out eleven tonight in the Cubs 4 - 1 win over the Atlanta Braves.  The eleven "K's" are a career high for Jeff.  Congratulations! 

Samardzija is now 6 - 7 on the season with a 4.77 ERA.

LINK:  THE SHARK STRIKES OUT ELEVEN

Muffet Signs Ten-Year Contract Extension!

She's not going anywhere else -- not that we ever thought she was...

The University of Notre Dame just announced that our Hall of Fame women's basketball coach, Muffet McGraw has signed a ten-year contract extension -- keeping her on the ND bench through the 2021 - 2022 season.

The contract extension is believe to be one of the longest -- if not the longest -- in the history of women's basketball.  It's well deserved!

LINK:  UND.COM STORY

LINK:  MUFFET IS NEVER LEAVING!

Chris Quinn Back in America from Russia

Former Notre Dame basketball star Chris Quinn just finished up a year playing professional basketball for a team out of Moscow, Russia -- and they won the EUROCUP!

Quinn signed a one-year $1.1 million dollar deal, last year, to play for BC Khimiki.

Here's a link to a story about Quinn's experience in Russia and a link to the post-game celebration of the EUROCUP:

LINK:  BACK IN AMERICA WITH A CHAMPIONSHIP

LINK:  VIDEO OF CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION

Jed York Talks About the 49ers New Home!

Jed York '03, is the youngest CEO / Owner in the National Football League.  The Notre Dame alum has been busy these days building a new stadium in Santa Clara, CA for his San Francisco 49ers.  The $1.2 billion "monument to technology" hopes to bring the Super Bowl to northern California for the first time.

Here's the latest on the stadium's construction -- including the fight over $30 million in funding:


LINK:  GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY

LINK:  LIVE WEBCAM OF STADIUM CONSTRUCTION

LINK:  49ERS SUE SANTA CLARA 

LINK:  SANTA CLARA STADIUM -- OFFICIAL SITE

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)