Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Jose Castellano -- He Loved Notre Dame...
I saw this tweet (above) a few days ago -- and I reached out to the Son (Joachim Castellano) who wrote this about his Dad, Jose Castellano -- pictured below in his (ever present) Notre Dame hat on a family trip to Yellowstone in 1999.
I learned that one of Jose's sons (Ken Castellano, Class of 1996) attended the University of Notre Dame -- the school their Dad had told them all about as kids. I also learned about a wonderful tribute to Jose -- that I asked for permission to share on the ND GO IRISH BLOG
Joachim, thanks for agreeing to share this with your Notre Dame Family!
A Toast to Lolo and Dad
If you searched Google Maps for our house 10 years ago, you’d actually see my dad, from a bird’s eye view, mowing the lawn. He was wearing jeans, a work shirt, and a well-worn University of Notre Dame hat. I often wondered what was the big deal about ND? I get it, we’re Catholic, but South Bend is far away from New Jersey, and we’re not even Irish! When I asked Dad about it, ND was much more than a football team, it was a beacon of the American Dream that helped inspire him to immigrate to this country.
Growing up in post-war Manila, on Sundays after Mass, he’d listen to ND football games on the U.S. Armed Forces Network radio station. It was here he learned that Notre Dame is an institution of excellence and virtue. The Fighting Irish helped plant a seed of the American Dream in him. After graduating from college and marrying my mom, he chose not to live a comfortable life in the Philippines, and instead go for the risky play, and start a career and family life in America.
Dad was courageous, he was bold. He wanted his children to grow up in the states and compete with the best, because he believed in all of us. Now, listen carefully, Lolo’s grandchildren: education was very important to Lolo. However, unlike a Strict Asian Dad, he never punished me for bad grades (perhaps because I earned straight A+s). I remember on every report card day, he would walk up to me, laughing, firmly shake my hand, pat me on the head, and walk away, laughing.
Dad was generally quiet. He went about life with humility and grace. He never bragged about his own life achievements or dictated what we should do. He led by example. But he did like to talk about his kids and especially his grandkids. Each one of you has Lolo in your blood which manifests through love of music, dance, education, or generosity of spirit.
Speaking of generosity, Dad had plenty to give. When he was courting my mom, I found out that he would never come to my lola’s house empty-handed. He would buy basketball tickets for my tito Boy, a record for my tita Maris, firecrackers on New Years and at the very least, chicken salad prepared by his dearest eldest sister, tita Choeling. He bought Pat his first guitar, Orchid a cat, Gerard, weightlifting equipment, Ken a basketball hoop, and me....a set of encyclopedias and math software.
Dad was a big tipper. Before going to the Philippines, he would bring a huge wad of singles that he would hand out like candy to anybody who helped him, including the Filipino immigration officer. One of my treasured memories is when my mom and dad came to visit me in Osaka. After a lunch of tonkatsu, he left a tip for our waitress, even though I told him that tipping is not customary in Japan. She chased Dad outside the restaurant to return his money, but he wouldn’t accept it back.
Dad was most generous with his cooking. He loved spending time in the kitchen, making food from back home. Photos throughout the years showed many smiling faces gathered around dishes prepared by my dad. He even built his own rotisserie in the backyard to roast lechon.
Dad lost his father because of the World War 2, at age five. So he had no reference, no father figure. I think that’s why he turned to his faith for guidance from our Heavenly Father. And throughout his life he provided us a great example of how to live. You’ve worked so very hard until the very end, you lived like a champion, now let’s toast to your victorious life, Jose Castellano!
Written by son, Joachim Castellano
Glossary
Tagalog is one of the official languages of the Philippines, English is the other.
lolo - Tagalog word for grandfather
lola -Tagalog word for grandmother
tita - Tagalog word for aunt
tito - Tagalog word for uncle
lechon - spit-roasted pig
Joachim, I look forward to meeting you in person along with a number of your family members at the Ball State Game!
Joachim, I look forward to meeting you in person along with a number of your family members at the Ball State Game!
PACKERS: Latest On Equanimeous St. Brown
The folks in Green Bay are starting to notice former Notre Dame wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown...
LINK: THREE THINGS
We Don't Have "a QB Battle" at Notre Dame...
I see the lead to this ESPN.COM story -- so misleading...
Brandon Wimbush is our QB. Period.
LINK: TOP 25 STORYLINES
Monday, August 6, 2018
Notre Dame's "Pure Michigan Defensive Ends"
Kahlid Kareem and Daelin Hayes -- both from the state of Michigan, talk defensive line play today...
ND Fan Patrick Reed's "Green Out Tweet"
Got to love this -- the "ultimate" green piece of clothing if you love the game of golf...
Irish wear GREEN for the Michigan game!
Sunday, August 5, 2018
ESPN’s College GameDay: UM vs. ND
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) August 4, 2018It’s happening!
The Michigan vs. Notre Dame just got a little bigger...
Going to be fun!
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Friday, August 3, 2018
Pro Football Hall of Famers by College...
Not surprised with who leads the pack -- though I am surprised with a few of the schools on this list.
Here's the complete list of former Notre Dame football players and alums in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Notre Dame Ranked #11 in a Couple Polls
The Amway Coaches Poll came out today -- along with the ESPN FPI rankings...
This is also the first year -- in many -- that Notre Dame will go into a season not playing a team ranked higher than them in the Coaches' preseason poll.
LINK: COACHES POLL
LINK: ESPN FPI
Skylar Diggins-Smith's Talks Puma's Return...
The former Notre Dame "All-Everything" -- sat down with a writer from The Undefeated...
LINK: PUMA'S RETURN
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
The National Champs Inside the Colosseum!
Photos taken today of the National Champions (the Fighting Irish) inside the Colosseum in Rome.
Why do I believe this is the first time a NCAA National Championship trophy has been inside this edifice!
It's Finally Happened -- We Wear Green for ND!
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) August 1, 2018
Those who follow this blog know I've been rallying for this -- for years...
I've been frustrated that we've never united as a Notre Dame fan base around wearing one color when we go anywhere (home or away) to root on the Fighting Irish.
That changes the first Saturday in September -- we all WEAR GREEN!
IT'S TIME!
Here's my post from 2015:
LINK: WEARING "FIGHTING IRISH GREEN"
NFL Training Camp Updates: Notre Dame
LINK: QUENTON NELSON -- Colts
LINK: MATHIAS FARLEY -- Colts
LINK: ZACK MARTIN -- Cowboys
LINK: JAYLON SMITH -- Cowboys
LINK: SCOTT DALY -- Cowboys
LINK: RONNIE STANLEY -- Ravens
LINK: BENNETT JACKSON -- Ravens
LINK: HARRISON SMITH -- Vikings
LINK: KYLE RUDOLPH -- Vikings
LINK: JAMES ONWUALU -- Chargers
LINK: ISAAC ROCHELL -- Chargers
LINK: JOHN SULLIVAN -- Rams
LINK: SHELDON DAY -- 49ers
LINK: MIKE MCGLINCHEY -- 49ers
LINK: C. J. PROSISE -- Seahawks
LINK: TYLER EIFERT -- Bengals
LINK: KEIVARAE RUSSELL -- Bengals
LINK: STEPHON TUITT -- Steelers
LINK: GOLDEN TATE -- Lions
LINK: T.J. JONES -- Lions
LINK: THEO RIDDICK -- Lions
LINK: DESHONE KIZER -- Packers
LINK: GREER MARTINI -- Packers
LINK: EQUANIMEOUS ST. BROWN -- Packers
LINK: ANDREW TRUMBETTI -- Bears
LINK: JARRON JONES -- Giants
LINK: ROMEO OKWARA -- Giants
LINK: GEORGE ATKINSON -- Jets
LINK: JOSH ADAMS -- Eagles
LINK: MANTI TE'O -- Saints
LINK: MICHAEL FLOYD -- Saints
LINK: DURHAM SMYTHE -- Dolphins
LINK: SAM YOUNG -- Dolphins
LINK: J.J. JANSEN -- Panthers
LINK: COLE LUKE -- Panthers
LINK: WILL FULLER V -- Texans
LINK: NICK MARTIN -- Texans
LINK: BEN KOYACK -- Jaguars
More From the National Champs' Trip to Rome!
— Notre Dame WBB (@ndwbb) August 1, 2018Part-time basketball players, part-time international singing sensations 🎤🎶#NDWBBabroad ☘️🌍 pic.twitter.com/EncGPFAyEt
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Two Domers Ranked #1 at Their NFL Position!
Two former Notre Dame football stars and "team captains" -- are currently ranked #1 at their position in the National Football League:
Harrison Smith -- with the Minnesota Vikings, is ranked the #1 safety in the NFL.
Zack Martin -- with the Dallas Cowboys, is the highest paid guard in NFL history.
Harrison Smith -- with the Minnesota Vikings, is ranked the #1 safety in the NFL.
Zack Martin -- with the Dallas Cowboys, is the highest paid guard in NFL history.
The National Champs are Headed to Rome!
Monday, July 30, 2018
The Steel Structure and Roof is Complete!
The new Notre Dame Indoor Football Practice Facility now has its "bones" in place...
PHOTO: Kyle Rudolph and Twin Daughters
The former Notre Dame tight end took some time out from the start of the Minnesota Vikings' Training Camp to pose with his twin daughters!
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Domer Mancini Hits 2 Homers on Special Night
Last night, former Notre Dame baseball star Trey Mancini went "four for four" with TWO HOME RUNS on his own Bobblehead Night in Baltimore...
LINK: STORY
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Domer Baldwin Now in 3rd Going Into Sunday!
Mark Baldwin is eighteen holes away of potentially doing something no Notre Dame alum has ever done in history -- winning a PGA Tour sanctioned event.
He's currently all alone in third place at (-18) under par-- after today's 69 at the Web.Com Tour's event in Springfield, MO.
After three rounds, Mark has; 1 eagle, 17 birdies, 35 pars and just one bogey!
Mark -- your Notre Dame family will be rooting you on!!!
LINK: MARK'S SCORECARD
He's currently all alone in third place at (-18) under par-- after today's 69 at the Web.Com Tour's event in Springfield, MO.
After three rounds, Mark has; 1 eagle, 17 birdies, 35 pars and just one bogey!
Mark -- your Notre Dame family will be rooting you on!!!
LINK: MARK'S SCORECARD
Highlights from Domer Mark Baldwin's 64!
The former Notre Dame golf star is riding the greatest two-day run in his professional career!
LINK: STORY ON MARK'S HOT START
LINK: STORY ON MARK'S HOT START
Friday, July 27, 2018
NBA: Pat Connaughton and Demetrius Jackson
Two former Notre Dame hoops stars -- signed contracts with NBA teams today:
Pat Connaughton signed a two-year agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks and Demetrius Jackson signed a "two-way" contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Here's the info:
LINK: CONNAUGHTON
LINK: JACKSON
Domer Leads Web.Com Tour Stop in Missouri!
Notre Dame alum Mark Baldwin is in first place -- all alone -- after two rounds of the Web.Com Tour's Price Cutter Charity Championship in Springfield, MO. Baldwin shot 64 today after shooting a 65 yesterday to stand at -15 under par!
Mark had 8 birdies today to go with 10 pars. His two day total; 1 eagle, 13 birdies and 22 pars -- that's great golf!
Go Mark!
Go Irish!
LINK: LEADERBOARD
Mike McGlinchey -- Being Mike McGlinchey!
The former Fighting Irish Football captain -- is endearing himself to the San Francisco fan base.Mike McGlinchey, #49ers No. 1 pick in the draft and now No. 1 in fans’ hearts at training camp pic.twitter.com/IEzcgFa6xA— Cam Inman (@CamInman) July 27, 2018
Thursday, July 26, 2018
ESPN Ranks Teams Chances to Go Unbeaten
Not bad -- a team with one of the toughest football schedules in America -- is picked to have the fourth highest chance to go undefeated this season!
Go Irish!
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Updated Photos: ND Football Practice Facility
Here's the latest photos -- the final pieces of the steel structure are going up...
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
ESPN Favors Notre Dame in Every Game!
Here's a link to the ESPN FPI (Football Power Index) -- and their look at every Notre Dame Football game this season and the probability of a Fighting Irish VICTORY!
You're going to like what you see!
LINK: ND SCHEDULE -- WIN PROBABILITY
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Notre Dame Football's "Mental Coach"
Here's a link (below) to Dr. Amber Selking (ND alumna) -- Notre Dame Football's Mental Performance Coach -- talking her craft -- along with a link to her company's website:
LINK: SELKING
LINK: COMPANY WEBSITE
Saturday, July 21, 2018
ESPN's FPI Has 8 Teams Favored All Season
The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are one of the eight football teams that ESPN's Football Power Index has favored in every game they play this season...
Here are the eight teams:
- NOTRE DAME
- Alabama
- Washington
- Georgia
- Clemson
- Miami (FL)
- Ohio State
- Oklahoma
Friday, July 20, 2018
Domer Skylar Diggins-Smith Receives Award
The WNBA honored former Notre Dame All-American Skylar Diggins-Smith with their DAWN STALEY AWARD for Community Leadership. Congrats Skylar!"The important part is showing up, but it's to keep showing up."— WNBA (@WNBA) July 20, 2018
Inside the work of @SkyDigg, our @DawnStaley Community Leadership Award winner, with the Boys & Girls Club! pic.twitter.com/pWMPc3vWdA
Domer Samardzija Dealing With "Dead Arm"
The former two-sport star at Notre Dame is dealing with an injury that has him on the Disabled List.
The word is the San Francisco Giants have let the New York Yankees that Samardzija would be available in a trade...
See stories below:
LINK: SAMARDZIJA TREATMENT
LINK: SAMARDZIJA TO NEW YORK?
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Vandy HC & Finebaum: "Notre Dame is Special"
This is an interview that took place back in May...
Move forward in the interview to the 3 minute mark to hear the Notre Dame talk.
At yesterday's SEC MEDIA DAYS -- Vanderbilt's head football coach sang a different tune. See link below:
LINK: VANDY COACH
Know Thy Opponent: Criticism of Harbaugh
Former Michigan Wolverine Armani Toomer takes Harbaugh and his team to task...
Video Replay: Arike Wins an ESPY Last Night!
Notice how Terrell Owens "whiffs" on the pronunciation of OGUNBOWALE...
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Photos: Notre Dame Takes Over the ESPYS
"Come see us on the court."— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) July 19, 2018
Arike Ogunbowale and @ndwbb are bringing another 🏆 back. This time, it's the Best Play award from the @ESPYS!#GoIrishpic.twitter.com/YbMEuVvBI2
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