Hannah & Friends -- Celebrates 10 Years!

The head football coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, Charlie Weis '78 -- was in Kansas City this past week with a number of his former Notre Dame players to raise money for his Hannah & Friends charity. 

You'll want to read this story.

LINK:  HANNAH & FRIENDS

Zeke Motta -- Carving Out a Spot in Atlanta

Former Notre Dame safety, Zeke Motta -- is the feature of a story yesterday from USA Today's Dale Zanine...

Looks like Zeke is holding his own with the Atlanta Falcons!

LINK:  MOTTA AND THE FALCONS

Only Three Weeks to "Summer in the City"

The Notre Dame Alumni Association will be hosting their "second annual" SUMMER IN THE CITY the weekend of July 12 - 14 in the city of Chicago.  Those who attended last year -- HAD A BLAST!

This is something all Notre Dame alumni, parents and friends should attend!

Here's the schedule:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S SUMMER IN THE CITY

Notre Dame's Louis Nix Celebration Dance!

One of the Miami Heat's biggest fans (literally) wears a GOLD HELMET and now the #1...

Louis Nix, as only he can, broke out a victory dance the other night to celebrate the Miami Heat's NBA Championship.  Once again -- an Irish Chocolate classic:

LINK:  LOUIS NIX VICTORY DANCE

Coach Kelly "Cookin" at Meijer's Yesterday!

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly was at Meijer's in Mishawaka (Grape Road) last night to talk about nutrition -- and he brought the team's Nutritionist with him -- watch the video below:

LINK:  COACH KELLY COOKIN'

"The Picture of Purpose" -- 49 Years Ago...

On June 21, 1964 -- the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, CSC, drove to Chicago's Soldier Field -- from his office at the University of Notre Dame -- to take part in a civil rights rally that day.  This famous photo was taken of "Father Ted" and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Soon You May Smell Like Notre Dame ???

Word on the street (no mention of this in South Bend, yet) is that Notre Dame will be partnering with The Cloudbreak Group to create a PERFUME (no cologne?) for the Fightin' Irish!

The New York Yankees launched a branded Perfume this past year (see photo above) -- with the same company -- STAY TUNED!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME PERFUME

Coach Elliott -- The Fighting Irish Spirit!

University of Notre Dame football coach Bob Elliott has had quite a battle on his hands -- off the football field -- these past few years.  The South Bend Tribune's Al Lesar caught up with Coach Elliott -- you'll enjoy this story!

LINK:  COACH ELLIOTT

Former ND Football Player's Apparel Line

Chris Yura, a former Notre Dame student-athlete (fullback on the football team) -- has designed a "sustainable" line of clothing licensed by the University of Notre Dame.  Yura's company name is SUSTAIN U -- here's a link to their website:

LINK:  OFFICIAL WEBSITE 

LINK:  CHRIS' BIO

Michael Gets His Rose -- Bachelorette 2013

Notre Dame alum Michael Garofola '02, received a ROSE this evening on ABC's hit show The Bachelorette. 

He's now one of 12 left on the show -- and they're heading to Germany next week.

LINK:  THE BACHELORETTE

Justin Tuck's 2nd Son Born on Father's Day!

Jonah Frederick Tuck entered the world yesterday -- tipping the scales at 7.86 lbs.!

So -- if my math is correct, Jonah should become a member of Notre Dame's Class of 2035 -- about eighteen years from now!   

That's a photo above of Justin and his wife Lauren -- CONGRATULATIONS!

LINK:  PHOTO OF JONAH TUCK

LINK:  SPORTING NEWS STORY

Tyler Eifert Interviewed by NFL NETWORK

This is a MUST SEE video -- as Tyler Eifert -- was interviewed by the NFL NETWORK...

LINK:  TYLER EIFERT

Two Domers Picked as Standout Performers

I don't think Notre Dame fans will be surprised as to two of the players selected as OFFSEASON STANDOUTS in the NFL...

LINK:  NFL STANDOUTS

ND Glee Club -- Notre Dame Victory March

No one sings the greatest fight song in the land -- better than the Notre Dame Glee Club!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME VICTORY MARCH

Happy Father's Day From Notre Dame !!!

I'd like to wish my Dad a Happy Father's Day and all of the other dads who frequent this blog.

To get you in the mood -- our team here Notre Dame took photos of a little more than 500 students who wanted to send their dads a message this day.  Just click on the link below.

You'll also have the bonus of seeing the Notre Dame Glee Club singing the VICTORY MARCH!

LINK:  HAPPY FATHER'S DAY FROM NOTRE DAME!

LINK:  GLEE CLUB -- NOTRE DAME VICTORY MARCH

The Making of Rudy -- 20 Years Later...

The two guys most involved with the making of RUDY -- the director and writer -- were back on the Notre Dame campus for Alumni Reunion Weekend.  Here's the story:

LINK:  RUDY -- 20 YEARS LATER

Annual "OLD2GOLD" Sale at Notre Dame!

Tomorrow morning -- as early as 4:30 AM -- bargain hunters will be lined up outside of Notre Dame Stadium awaiting the doors to open for Notre Dame's annual "OLD2GOLD" sale...

Each year Notre Dame students -- DONATE -- their bikes, dorm refrigerators, computers, etc., to the OLD2GOLD sale which raises money for area charities.

More than 600 Bicycles going for $5, $20 and $40 -- will be on sale along with many other items.  The doors open at 7 AM and will remain open until 10 AM.  Tickets ($5 admission) go on sale at 5 AM ET!

LINK:  OLD2GOLD WEBSITE

Football 101 -- Kelly Cares Foundation

More than 650 female fans of the Fightin' Irish were inside Notre Dame Stadium this week to hang with the Notre Dame football team -- in an event organized by the Kelly Cares Foundation.

The gang at Fighting Irish Digital Media were on hand to capture all the action -- take a look!

LINK:  FOOTBALL 101 -- NOTRE DAME STYLE

The SEC Having Trouble Selling Bowl Tickets

The Florida Gators were asked to sell 17,500 tickets to their Sugar Bowl game in New Orleans this past January -- well, a ticket sales shortfall is being blamed on their $840,000 financial loss on the game.

And, apparently Florida was not the only school in the SEC that couldn't sell bowl tickets.  The problem is so concerning that the SEC's Commissioner is going to ask the BOWLS to reduce the number of tickets they have to buy.

Now you know why NOTRE DAME is such a valued a commodity with ALL of the Bowl Games!

LINK:  SEC CAN'T SELL BOWL TICKETS

Photo of the Day: The "New" Morris Inn

The folks at The Daily Domer -- just "tweeted" this photo of the exterior of the Morris Inn on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.  What a change from the photo below!

The "new" Morris Inn is scheduled to open on August 29, 2013 -- in time for Notre Dame's opening home game against Temple on August 31st.

LINK:  LIVE WEBCAM OF MORRIS INN CONSTRUCTION

Got to Love ESPN's Mark May's Auction Item

ESPN's "Dr. Lou" and Mark May were together yesterday at the IRISH LEGENDS golf event at Lost Dunes Golf Club in Bridgman, MI. 

Notre Dame fans will get a kick out of one of the AUCTION ITEMS -- displayed in this Fighting Irish Digital Media report:

LINK:  MARK MAY'S AUCTION ITEM

OT: US Open's "Back 8" Starts at Hole #11

Yes, the US Open is being played with a "front ten" and a "back eight" this year at Merion Golf Club outside of Philadelphia.  That's not the only "unique" thing about this year's championship -- click on the link below:

LINK:  MERION STANDS ALONE

Irish Legends Golf Tourney -- Video Story

Coach Parseghian, Coach Holtz and Coach Kelly were at Lost Dunes Golf Club (Bridgman, MI) yesterday to host their annual IRISH LEGENDS golf event.  Looks like they had great fun again this year!  Here's the WNDU-TV story:

LINK:  IRISH LEGENDS

Potential Dangerous Weather for Notre Dame

The National Weather Service just issued a Tornado Warning for a couple of counties about 25 miles south of the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

TORNADO WARNING SIRENS FOR ST. JOSEPH COUNTY at 8:08 PM ET

If you'd like to keep track of the weather at Notre Dame -- click on the two links below.  The first link is to a LIVE WEBCAM on the MAIN BUILDING (Golden Dome) and then a second link to LIVE RADAR from one of the local TV stations in South Bend.

Keep an eye on the weather tonight!

LINK:  LIVE WEBCAM OF GOLDEN DOME

LINK:  LIVE WEATHER RADAR FOR SOUTH BEND AREA

Domer Gets $1.8 Million Bonus from Yankees

Notre Dame student-athlete Eric Jagielo -- a third baseman -- agreed to terms today with the New York Yankees.  The contract included a "signing bonus" of $1,839,000...

Congratulations Eric!

LINK:  JAGIELO AGREES TO TERMS WITH YANKEES

Floyd Running With the "ONES" in Arizona!

Never thought I'd have to write a headline like this...

Former Notre Dame All-American Michael Floyd. who didn't have the greatest of rookie seasons -- appears to be turning the corner on his NFL career.

Here's the story!

LINK:  MICHAEL FLOYD TURNING IT AROUND

Manti Te'o Meets With the NFL Media Today

He's been shielded from the media for a few weeks now -- but, they got their ACCESS today as the San Diego Chargers' Manti Te'o held a press conference.

LINK:  MANTI TE'O PRESS CONFERENCE

Vegas Has Notre Dame Favored in 10 of 12

One game is a "pick-em" -- that's Notre Dame's game at Michigan and the only team favored over the IRISH this season is Stanford and they're a 5.5 pt. favorite.  Here are the Vegas point spreads for Notre Dame Football:

• Temple at NOTRE DAME -- Irish are a 24 pt. favorite
• NOTRE DAME at Michigan -- Pick-em -- no favorite
• NOTRE DAME at Purdue -- Irish are a 14 pt. favorite
• Michigan State at NOTRE DAME -- Irish are a 6 pt. favorite
• Oklahoma at NOTRE DAME -- Irish are a 2 pt. favorite
• Arizona at NOTRE DAME (Cowboys Stadium) -- Irish are a 4 pt. favorite
• USC at NOTRE DAME -- Irish are a 5 pt. favorite
• NOTRE DAME at Air Force -- Irish are a 18 pt. favorite
• Navy at NOTRE DAME -- Irish are a 18 pt. favorite
• NOTRE DAME at Pittsburgh -- Irish are a 10.5 pt. favorite
• BYU at NOTRE DAME -- Irish are a 11 pt. favorite
• NOTRE DAME at Stanford -- Stanford is a 5.5 pt. favorite

Coach Kelly @ Patriots Mini-Camp Today

Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly struck up a relationship with New England Patriots' Bill Belichick this past February at the AT&T National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach -- they had never met before playing golf together for three days...

Well, that relationship led to Coach Belichick speaking at the Notre Dame Football Coaches Clinic in April and Coach Kelly visiting the Patriot's Mini-Camp today in Foxboro, MA.  Here's the story:

LINK:  COACH KELLY AT PATRIOTS' MINI-CAMP

Domer "Michael G" Survives Another Week!

Notre Dame alum Michael Garafolo '02 just received "A ROSE" this evening on ABC's hit show The Bachelorette.  Garafolo is an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the South Florida District.

Congratulations Michael G.!

LINK:  HE GOT A ROSE!

Rocket Ismail Back Home @ Notre Dame!

You've got to love Rocket's fire...  Notre Dame fans will enjoy this video -- especially our 330 lb. nose tackle playing defensive back and wide receiver!

LINK:  ROCKET TO IRISH CHOCOLATE

Jon Bon Jovi -- Representin' Notre Dame!

Rock-n-Roll star Jon Bon Jovi is now sporting a Notre Dame Leprechaun on his guitar at concerts -- see photo above.  His son will be attending the University of Notre Dame this next school year -- he's walking on to the football team. 

Here's a photo taken at a recent concert in Manchester, England.

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