Saturday, April 12, 2014
ESPN Player Interviews After Blue Gold Game
ESPN's Matt Fortuna caught up with a couple of Notre Dame players after today's Blue Gold Game. Just click on the links below to watch the interviews:
LINK: KEIVARAE RUSSELL
LINK: JOE SCHMIDT
Notre Dame Football Players Back Home...
Notre Dame's Jack Nolan caught up with a number of the former Fighting Irish football players during today's Blue Gold Game:
LINK: BACK HOME
Rockne is SMILING: ND's New Playing Surface
Folks, Notre Dame football (as far back as 80 years ago) was known for winning and for INNOVATION. If synthetic playing surfaces had been around in Rockne's days -- Notre Dame would have been playing on it...
Well, that day has come. After today's Blue Gold Game -- Notre Dame's Athletic Director announced that a synthetic playing surface would be installed in the "House that Rock Built." Here's the announcement:
LINK: NEW PLAYING SURFACE
LINK: NBC'S INTERVIEW
LINK: GOLSON ON FIELD TURF
LINK: ESPN'S FORTUNA
Zaire Throws for 292 -- Offense Beats Defense
On a day when we learned that this was the last game in the 127 year history of Notre Dame football that the Fighting Irish would play on grass in South Bend -- Malik Zaire backed up his talk that he would be the starting QB come August 30th throwing 2 TD's and for almost 300 yards in the 85th Blue Gold Game.
LINK: COACH KELLY POST GAME
LINK: BLUE GOLD GAME HIGHLIGHTS
LINK: OKWARA INTERVIEW
LINK: RUSSELL INTERVIEW
LINK: NBC SPORTS STORY
What to Watch For: ND's 85th Blue Gold Game
Took a lap around the worldwide web this morning to see what the experts are saying about Notre Dame's Blue Gold Game -- here's what I found:
LINK: IRISH CENTRAL -- NBC SPORTS
LINK: SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE
Friday, April 11, 2014
Notre Dame Unveils "THE SHIRT 2014 " Today!
Just got back from the annual unveiling of THE SHIRT 2014 at the University of Notre Dame. The photo above shows The Shirt Committee posing for a photo -- wearing The Shirt -- with the GOLD MEN.
LINK: THE SHIRT PROMO VIDEO
LINK: THE STORY BEHIND "THE SHIRT"
LINK: BUY "THE SHIRT" RIGHT HERE!
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Domer Talks About His Career at NASCAR
Jimmy Small '08, was interviewed by the show "CARS FOR A LIVING" where he was asked how he got his job and how he has moved up inside the NASCAR organization.
If you're looking for a career in sports marketing -- it's a worthwhile listen...
LINK: WORKING AT NASCAR
If you're looking for a career in sports marketing -- it's a worthwhile listen...
LINK: WORKING AT NASCAR
Samardzija Tied for Ninth in NL with 1.29 ERA
Former Notre Dame All-American wide receiver Jeff Samardzija is currently ninth in the National League with an ERA of 1.29 after his first two starts this season for the Chicago Cubs.
LINK: ERA LEADERS
LINK: ERA LEADERS
Cleveland Indians' Domer Leads MLB in Saves
Former Notre Dame pitcher John Axford, who led the National League in saves in 2011 -- is off to a fast start with his new team the Cleveland Indians! Axford is "four for four" in save situations for Cleveland -- leading all of Major League Baseball!
LINK: JOHN AXFORD
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Coach Kelly Talks Saturday's Blue Gold Game
After today's practice OUTSIDE at the Labar Practice Complex -- Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly met with the media to talk about Saturday's game format and today's practice. Enjoy!
LINK: COACH KELLY
Notre Dame Returns Home from Final Four
Muffet's Fighting Irish returned home to the Notre Dame campus during the lunch hour. The welcome included a "water cannon" salute at South Bend Regional Airport and a police escort back to Purcell Pavilion. Here's a couple of short video clips of their return:
LINK: WATER CANNON SALUTE
LINK: POLICE ESCORT TO CAMPUS
Louis Nix -- Latest Video On NFL Draft Prep
Former Notre Dame student-athlete Louis Nix is the subject of this latest video over at CBS SPORTS...
LINK: LOUIS NIX
The Mornin' After a Loss for the National Title...
Well, it doesn't feel any better this morning than it did at approximately 10:30 PM ET last night.
UCONN was the better team last night -- no question. Now, would it have been different with Natalie Achonwa's leadership, size and tenacity along with her 20 points and 10 rebounds a game during the NCAA tournament?
It would have been fun to see their best against our best.
Notre Dame fans, we should be very proud of this team. A season where the pundits barely had us ranked in the pre-season TOP TEN -- ended up with a fourth straight trip to the FINAL FOUR and the most single season wins in Notre Dame basketball history.
I took a lap around the worldwide web this morning to capture some of the post-game reaction from the FIGHTING IRISH's point of view -- just click on the links below:
LINK: WSBT-TV
LINK: WNDU-TV
LINK: POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
ESPN Coverage Begins at 7:30 PM ET Tonight
If you're not in Nashville watching the game in person -- you can begin your TV experience at 7:30 PM ET as ESPN tips off their pre-game coverage at that time. The game should begin shortly after 8:30 PM ET -- also on ESPN.
Here's the latest coverage from Nashville:
LINK: THE GAME IS WHAT MATTERS
How Notre Dame Wins the National Title Tonight
The "undefeated" meet tonight in Nashville for the National Championship. The heavily favored 39 - 0 UCONN Huskies take on our 37 - 0 Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. It's the first time in NCAA history that two undefeated teams have met for a women's basketball National Championship. ESPN is loving this -- they are calling tonight's game "one of the most anticipated moments in women's sports history..."
The oddsmakers in Vegas have UCONN as a 7 point favorite.
Here's how we beat UCONN -- and it starts early -- before the second media timeout (eight minutes into the game);
- Kayla McBride and Jewell Loyd each hit two of the first four shots they take
- Notre Dame has five offensive rebounds leading to a minimum of 6 points -- conversely, UCONN doesn't have any "second chance points"
- One of UCONN's "big-three" of Stewart, Dolson or Mosqueda-Lewis has 2 fouls and sitting on the bench for the rest of the half.
Muffet made a major point at her press conference yesterday about the "lack of fouls called against UCONN this season." Keep an eye out for this in the first half. Notre Dame must get to the "bonus" free throws before UCONN.
LINK: ESPN'S KEYS TO THE GAME
Digger Announces Retirement from ESPN
Richard "Digger" Phelps -- the winningest coach in Notre Dame basketball history -- announced his retirement from ESPN last night prior to the National Championship game. Digger spent 20 years working for ESPN -- here's a link to his announcement and ESPN's tribute video:
LINK: DIGGER'S GOOD-BYE
Monday, April 7, 2014
Geno Auriemma's "Shout Out" to Kayla McBride
UCONN Geno Auriemma brings up Kayla McBride in his post game press conference -- here's the link:
LINK: AURIEMMA
Notre Dame's "Day Before the Final Dance"
The Fighting Irish awoke this morning to the task of defeating "the other" undefeated team in Tuesday's National Championship game. This marks the third time in four years that Notre Dame is playing on the final day of the college basketball season...
THE THIRD TIME WILL BE THE CHARM!
Here's a replay of Notre Dame's media session today in Nashville -- Muffet has her game face on!
LINK: NOTRE DAME
Maryland Coach Talks Loss to Notre Dame
Here's a link to a video from Maryland's post game press conference last night after their loss to Notre Dame in the NCAA Semi-Finals;
LINK: MARYLAND TALKS
Fact: Best Rivalry in all of Women's Sports
It's UCONN vs. Notre Dame in women's basketball.
The two dominant players in their sport right now will make NCAA history tomorrow night when the "undefeated" teams square off for the National Championship. It's the first time ever that two undefeated teams have met in a NCAA Championship basketball game.
What adds to this rivalry -- no love lost between the two coaches and teams...
LINK: NO LOVE LOST
LINK: RIVALRY
ND Football's "Strong & True" Tonight 6:30 PM
Notre Dame football fans -- this is must see TONIGHT at 6:30 PM ET -- on the NBC Sports Network!
LINK: SNEAK PREVIEW
Sneak Preview: Muffet's Pre-Game Speech
After watching the ESPN "experts" not giving Notre Dame any chance at all to win Tuesday night's NCAA National Championship game against UCONN -- I found myself wondering what approach would Muffet take for her pre-game speech tomorrow night in Nashville.
Here's a sneak preview...
LINK: WHAT THOUGH THE ODDS BE GREAT...
Sunday, April 6, 2014
"Achonwa Who?" -- Notre Dame Rolls 87 - 61
The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame played their first game in the FINAL FOUR without their injured senior captain and leading rebounder Natalie Achonwa (I wish we still had her in the line-up!) -- and all they did was OUTREBOUND Maryland by 29 REBOUNDS!
Folks, that's effort and coaching.
Kayla McBride was FANTASTIC scoring 28 points while sitting the last four plus minutes on the bench -- resting for Tuesday night. The "other" All-American Jewell Loyd scored 16 points and was tied for the team lead with 9 rebounds.
Yet, the player of the game for me was MARKISHA WRIGHT -- all "Keesh" did was score 12 points and grab 9 boards in 23 minutes of playing time.
Now, it's on to Tuesday night and the Championship Final -- the third in four years for the Irish. Let's hope THREE IS THE CHARM!
LINK: ESPN COVERAGE
LINK: GAME HIGHLIGHTS
The Latest on Notre Dame From the Final Four!
Here's what I'm finding on Twitter in the last few minutes:
LINK: TEAM LEAVING HOTEL
LINK: BAND / CHEERLEADERS / FANS AT HOTEL
Notre Dame's New Field Will Not Look Like This
The LA KISS kicked off their 2014 Arena Football League home season in front of a crowd of over 12,000 in what can only be characterized as "UNIQUE." A "silver" playing surface combined with a sensory overload fan experience...
You have got to see this!
LINK: ESPN VIDEO STORY
LINK: FOX NEWS STORY
Know Thy Opponent: Michigan's Spring Game
154 days from today -- the Michigan Wolverines will roll into Notre Dame Stadium to take on the Fighting Irish for the last time in the foreseeable future. Yesterday, the Wolverines held their Spring Game in Ann Arbor.
Here's a link to Coach Hoke's post game press conference with some commentary from a Michigan alum, turned sports writer, Drew Sharp:
LINK: MICHIGAN'S SPRING GAME
MUST SEE! Notre Dame vs. FSU Rain Delay
The Notre Dame men's baseball team is in Tallahassee Florida this weekend to take on the #1 Florida State Seminoles. Yesterday's game ended up being rained out -- but the Fighting Irish and Seminoles entertained the crowd while they waited out the rain...
FSU's Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winson (photo above) -- who the IRISH rocked for a couple of runs the night before -- got into the act...
LINK: RAIN DELAY
Domer Dad Gets "SILVER SLUGGER" Award!
Torii Hunter Sr., father of Notre Dame wide receiver Torii Hunter, Jr. -- was given his "second" SILVER SLUGGER award (alongside Miguel Cabrera) before the Tiger's game against the Orioles on Friday. The honor is given to the top three hitting outfielders in the American League from the 2013 season.
Hunter hit .304 with 17 homers and 84 RBI in 2013 at the age of 37!
Torii Sr. -- hit-less the first two games of the season -- has gone 5 for 8 since receiving the award with two home runs, a double and six rbi!
LINK: TORII HUNTER SR. -- FRIDAY'S GAME
LINK: TORII HUNTER SR. -- SATURDAY'S GAME
"Coach" Achonwa WIRED at the FINAL FOUR!
After listening to this -- I won't be surprised if Natalie Achonwa is on Muffet's coaching staff before too long...
Enjoy!
LINK: ACHONWA
Kayla McBride & Jewell Loyd -- All Americans!
It's the first time in school history that Notre Dame has two players voted first team All-American!
Kayla McBride and Jewell Loyd were honored yesterday in Nashville for their selection to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-American first team. Notre Dame's two selections to the team fell one short of UCONN's three...
Congratulations Kayla and Jewell!
LINK: WNDU-TV STORY
Know Thy Opponent: The Fighting Turtles of MD
The Maryland Terrapins gave Notre Dame all they could handle in a game in College Park in late January. In that game the Fighting Irish blew a 22 point first half lead -- hanging on for a four point victory 87 - 83 -- the closest a team has come to beating Notre Dame this season.
In that game, Natalie Achonwa only played 21 minutes, scoring 7 points and grabbing 3 rebounds.
The Terrapins are bigger and probably more athletic than our IRISH -- it's going to be a tough test for Muffet's squad without Achnowa's 20 points and 10 boards per game in the NCAA Tournament. Yet, I still like our chances!
Here's what I could find about Maryland -- just click on the links below:
LINK: THOMAS LEADS TERPS
LINK: PARTY CRASHERS
LINK: FAMILIAR OPPONENTS
LINK: MAJORING IN CHEMISTRY
ESPN Takes On: Who is Muffet McGraw?
"Back to Back" National Coach of the Year honors for Notre Dame's Muffet McGraw -- the third in her 27-year career leading the Fighting Irish -- and ESPN is asking the question; "Who is Muffet McGraw?"
You'll enjoy this!
LINK: MUFFET MCGRAW
Final Four Sunday is Here for the Fighting Irish!
It's less than ten hours to tip-off of Notre Dame's national semi-final game tonight against Maryland -- the game will be televised on ESPN beginning at 6:30 PM ET.
I took a lap around the worldwide-web to get you ready with all of the important "pre-tip" knowledge you'll need for tonight's game. Just click on the links below:
GO IRISH!
LINK: FINAL FOUR PRESSER
LINK: PLAYER INTERVIEWS
LINK: ESPN'S HAYS
LINK: ESPN'S HAYS #2
LINK: ESPN -- NOTRE DAME ADJUSTMENTS
Domer's First 100 Days on the Job in Iowa...
Notre Dame alum Jimmy Small '08, was the subject of this story about his first 100 days on the job at Iowa Speedway. Just click on the link below:
LINK: FIRST 100 DAYS
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Photo: Manti Te'o Back Home at Notre Dame
The ND GO IRISH BLOG was sent this photo by Notre Dame parent Patrick Paige (Ann Arbor, MI) of former Fighting Irish All-American Manti Te'o with some students in the lobby of the Morris Inn Thursday night.
(Photo l to r: Oliver Silva, Meghan Maraghy, Manti Te'o, Katie Paige, Claire O'Neill and Mari Mendoza)
Everett Golson Interview Yesterday at ND
Notre Dame QB Everett Golson, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and linebacker Joe Schmidt met with the media yesterday afternoon -- just click on the link below to watch:
LINK: EVERETT GOLSON
Muffet's Irish Have a Fun Friday at Final Four
It was a day where the Notre Dame Fighting Irish "dressed-up" and enjoyed the spoils of being one of four teams still playing college basketball this weekend in Nashville...
As always, Fighting Irish Digital Media was in attendance -- just click on the link below to enjoy!
LINK: FINAL FOUR SALUTE
ND Alum: McDonald's All American Coach
Notre Dame alum Frank Allocco, the head basketball coach at prep powerhouse De La Salle High School in Concord, CA -- where he's won two state championships -- coached the West Team to a 105 - 102 win this week at the McDonald's All-American game at Chicago's United Center.
Notre Dame football fans may remember Frank's days as a QB for Ara Parseghian -- and a member of the 1973 national championship team. Allocco also played basketball for Digger Phelps while at ND.
Allocco, the National High School Coach of the Year (2000), California State Coach of the Year (2010 and 2011) and the National Catholic High School Coach of the Year (2012) agreed to publish a daily diary of his experience working with the best high school basketball players in America. You'll find the links to the Diary below.
Allocco is the only high school coach in California state history to win a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP at two different schools!
I want to thank one of my colleagues at Notre Dame, Craig Horvath -- for alerting me to this story!
LINK: DAY 2
LINK: DAY 3
LINK: DAY 4
LINK: DAY 5
Friday, April 4, 2014
Coach Kelly's Media Session After Practice
Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly met with the media after today's practice. Here's a link to the media session.
LINK: COACH KELLY
ND's Business School -- FIVE-PEAT as #1 !!!!!
Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business was just named the #1 undergraduate business school in America for the FIFTH STRAIGHT YEAR by BloombergBusinessWeek!
Just read the headline to the article -- linked below...
LINK: FIVE-PEAT!
Friday Morning at the Final Four in Nashville
Took a lap around the worldwide web this morning to see what's being said about our Fighting Irish as they arrived in Nashville last night for their fourth straight FINAL FOUR. Here's what I could find:
LINK: ESPN PRIMER
LINK: "EXPERT" PICKS
LINK: GAME PREVIEW
LINK: PURSUIT OF PROTECTION
LINK: SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE #1
LINK: SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE #2
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Notre Dame Has Arrived at the FINAL FOUR!
The 36 - 0 Notre Dame Fighting Irish have arrived in Nashville this evening for the NCAA Final Four -- their fourth straight year! Here's some photos "tweeted" by the Women's Final Four Twitter account along with a link to WATCHND's coverage of the Fighting Irish in Nashville:
LINK: TEAM'S ARRIVAL
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