OT: "Arms Race" in High School Football

A $60 million "tax funded" high school football stadium.

Only the State of Texas...

LINK:  RELIGION IN TEXAS

Cullen Finnerty Story: Coach Chuck Martin

This is a MUST READ story.

Cullen Finnerty, the star QB at Grand Valley State University left this world too soon...

I would have loved to have seen this young man in a GOLD HELMET.

LINK:  CULLEN FINNERTY

Detroit Tigers Draft Incoming ND FB Recruit

Torii Hunter Jr., was drafted today in the 38th round of the MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers.  Hunter Jr., is expected to be in South Bend in a few days to start his "football" career with the Fighting Irish.  Pretty cool story...

LINK:  HUNTER JR. DRAFTED

Yankess Draft a Domer #26 in MLB Draft

Notre Dame student-athlete Eric Jagielo, the reigning Big East Player of the Year, was drafted #26 overall last night in the MLB Draft by the New York Yankees. 

Jagielo, a third baseman -- may have become a priority for the PINSTRIPES after the latest scandal involving Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez...

Congratulations Eric!

LINK:  JAGIELO DRAFTED BY THE YANKEES

ND Alum Named New Jersey Interim Senator

Jeff Chiesa '87, was just named as the "interim" Senator for the State of New Jersey today by Governor Christie.  Chiesa, the state's Attorney General, will replace long-time Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg who died this past week.

LINK:  DOMER SELECTED TO U.S. SENATE

Coach Kelly Says Tommy Rees is the Starter

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly and his wife Paqui were honored last night at a dinner at Grand Valley State University.  As most of you know, Brian Kelly's coaching career began at this school 25 years ago...

During his talk he mentioned -- and this should come as no surprise -- that Tommy Rees would be the starting QB going into fall camp.

Here's the story:

LINK:  COACH KELLY HONORED

Chris Watt vs. Grant Irons -- Who Wins?

The folks at the Monogram Club produced this video of current Notre Dame offensive lineman Chris Watt '13 and former Notre Dame linebacker Grant Irons -- talking about how they might handle each other in a one-on-one battle in the trenches...

My money is on Chris Watt -- it has to be, Chris sits in with my team most every Thursday to talk about BEST PRACTICES in marketing...

LINK:  WATT  vs.  IRONS

Two Domers on ABC's The Bachelorette !!!

I posted a story earlier in the week about a Notre Dame alum (Michael Garafolo '02) who is a contestant on ABC's hit series The Bachelorette -- well, there were TWO!

Larry Burchett '01, (photo above) is a Notre Dame alum from Overland Park, KS -- who is an ER Doctor at Sonoma Valley Hospital (CA).  Unfortunately, Larry didn't get a rose this past week and he's been eliminated from the show.  Sorry Larry!

Notre Dame fans will now have to root for Michael...


LINK:  LARRY BURCHETT

The Third "Jim Small" With a Hole-In-One!

I just learned my dad, former Detroit Tiger outfielder Jim Small -- got his first hole-in-one this afternoon at Tullymore Resort (Stanwood, MI) at the age of 76.  He did this on hole #5 a 127 yard par three.   I'm not going to embarrass him with with what club he used -- but I'm sure he's telling everyone it was "into a stiff wind..."

Now, today's hole-in-one completes a unique golf "HAT TRICK" for the Small family:

• Our oldest son Jimmy '08 -- got a hole-in-one October 2011 at Verdict Ridge Golf Club -- a course north of Charlotte, NC -- click here for the story
• And, I've been fortunate to have two holes-in-one in my golf career.  One at Treetops Resort on the Rick Smith Course (Gaylord, MI) and the other at Walnut Creek Country Club (Wixom, MI)

Not sure how many family's have "three generations" of holes-in-one -- all, with the same first and last name!   Maybe we'll have to send this story on to the Golf Channel!

What I failed to point out is my brother Jay Small -- also has a hole-in-one -- making it FIVE HOLES-IN-ONE FOR OUR FAMILY!


LINK:  TULLYMORE RESORT

OT: Please Look for "The Outdoor Option"

The TV show "The Outdoor Option" is produced by my cousin Pat Doyle -- a huge Notre Dame fan -- and will air on The Sportsman Channel in Q1 or Q2 in 2014.

Here's a sneak peak at the show -- starring the Reaser family!

LINK:  THE OUTDOOR OPTION

LINK:  OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The Yankees' "Domer" One Hits Cleveland!

David Phelps, a former Notre Dame baseball star, one hit the Cleveland Indians tonight in his six "shut-out" inning start for the New York Yankees!  Phelps left the game after six innings -- striking out seven Indians.

LINK:  PHELPS' ONE HITS THE TRIBE

Former ND Linebacker Injures Knee Again

This is disappointing news for former Notre Dame linebacker Darius Fleming -- apparently he injured the same knee TODAY that kept him out of action all of last season for the San Francisco 49ers.  Sad...

LINK:  DARIUS FLEMING KNEE INJURY

Chuck Martin Speaks at GVSU QB's Funeral

An emotional Chuck Martin (Notre Dame's offensive coordinator) spoke today at the funeral of Cullen Finnerty who was found dead this past week in the woods of northern Michigan.

Finnerty, led the Grand Valley State Lakers to THREE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS during his four-year college career.  The first national championship was with Coach Brian Kelly at the helm (Finnerty's freshman season) -- the next two came with Coach Martin leading the Lakers (Finnerty's junior and senior seasons).  Here's the story:

LINK:  CULLEN FINNERTY LAID TO REST

Ohio State's Prez Announces Retirement

Ohio State University president Gordon Gee -- announced his retirement today, effective July 1st -- just a week after controversial comments from an OSU Athletics Council meeting (this past December) were made public.

He also announced that he would be backing out of a commitment to speak at the graduation of St. Francis DeSales -- a Catholic high school located on the north side of Columbus -- which was scheduled for this Saturday.

The University of Notre Dame and Catholics were a couple of the targets of Gee's comments that led to today's retirement announcement.

LINK:  GORDON GEE TO RETIRE

LINK:  COLUMBUS DISPATCH STORY

I Missed This: Mike & MIKE Reaction to...

A few weeks back, former Notre Dame offensive lineman Mike Golic Jr., signed a free-agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.  What I missed was the reaction to the signing by his dad Mike Golic Sr. -- here's the link:

LINK:  GOLIC'S REACTION

Brady Quinn Gets a New Start in Seattle

The number will look familiar to Notre Dame football fans...

Former Irish All-American QB Brady Quinn is in Seattle these days working with the Seahawks and old nemesis Pete Carroll.  It's the fourth NFL team for Brady -- and I'm rooting this will the team that Quinn will finally show the football world his skills...

A reporter from the Seattle Times caught up with Quinn after the Seahawks' OTA's yesterday -- here's the story:

LINK:  BRADY QUINN

12 Bus Loads of Fans Drive to See Skylar

12 bus loads of Notre Dame women's basketball fans made the trek to Chicago yesterday afternoon to see one of its own play her first professional game this close to campus...

Then to top it all off -- Skylar holds a Q&A with the fans "after the game" in a road arena -- think about that!  You've got to wonder what the Chicago Sky marketing team must be thinking.

(The photo above is of Skylar's Q&A session after the game...)

Only Notre Dame!

LINK:  SKYLAR TURNS THEM OUT!

Notre Dame Alum a Bachelorette Contestant

Michael Garofola '02, is currently a contestant on the ABC hit show The Bachelorette.  Garofola, an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Florida -- is one of the contestants who "got a rose" in the opening show...

If you want to get a look at Mike -- click on the bottom link below:


LINK:  DOMER ON THE BACHELORETTE

LINK:  REPLAY OF PREMIER EPISODE -- LAST WEEK'S SHOW

Former ND Player Named "10 Best in NFL"

Curly Lambeau -- who played football for the IRISH back in the days of Knute Rockne -- was just named the 10th BEST NFL COACH OF ALL-TIME!

The "founder" of the Green Bay Packers led his team to six Championships as its coach -- earning him this recognition:

LINK:  GREATEST NFL COACHES OF ALL-TIME

Missed This: Bettis' Grille 36 Harlem Shake

There is a sports bar in downtown Pittsburgh that bears the name of former Notre Dame football star Jerome Bettis -- it's called Jerome Bettis' Grille 36.  Well, the staff decided to join in the Harlem Shake craze -- see link below:

LINK:  BETTIS HARLEM SHAKE

Further Proof Chicago Missed Not Drafting...

...Skylar Diggins

"FIVE BUSES" of Notre Dame fans are heading to Chicago tomorrow to watch former IRISH star Skylar Diggins and her Tulsa Shock teammates play a WNBA game in the Windy City...

Last season the Chicago Sky finished 10th out of 12 teams in attendance -- selling 5,573 tickets per game. Note:  The Tulsa Shock sold 7,381 tickets in their home opener this season -- compared to Chicago who sold 6,607 in their home opener.  Can't wait to see how many seats Chicago sells tomorrow!

Here's a story in the Chicago Tribune about Skylar and what her life is like these days.

(Photo above -- that's Jay-Z and his star client Skylar)


LINK:  THE LIFE OF SKYLAR

Eifert Earning HIGH PRAISE from Bengals!

Former Notre Dame All-American tight end Tyler Eifert is proving to his veteran teammates that he belongs...

Notre Dame fans will enjoy this story!

LINK:  EIFERT EARNING RESPECT

A Look Back @ 2012 Football Season

ESPN created this video -- recapping the "IMAGES" of the 2012 college football season -- they treated our Fightin' Irish with respect.  Thank you!

LINK:  2012 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON

Golson Looking at JUCO Ball in California?

The internet was wild with speculation, the past 24 hours, that Everett Golson was visiting Riverside City College (CA) this week -- looking to play for their football team this fall.

Well, about 3:00 AM ET this morning the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reported that a writer from the local paper in Riverside, CA spoke with Tom Craft, head football coach of the Riverside City College Tigers and he shot down those rumors.  Here's the story:

LINK:  GOLSON NOT GOING TO RIVERSIDE

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