Notre Dame's Defensive Line: Talkin' Army

Three members of the University of Notre Dame's defensive line; Ethan Johnson, Sean Cwynar and Kapron Lewis Moore -- met with UND.COM's Jack Nolan yesterday to talk about Saturday's game against Army's "triple-option."  Here's the link:



LINK:  ND'S FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE!

Notre Dame Takes Over the Big Apple!

Only one school in America could take over Manhattan -- and it's that little school "in the middle of nowhere" -- the University of Notre Dame!  If you're a Notre Dame fan -- and you live in the New York area -- here's a schedule of when and where you can see the Irish in town -- along with a link to Notre Dame's GameDay site:





FRIDAY:

-11:30 AM:  Friday Football Luncheon @ Marriott Marquis, Times Square -- Regis Philbin '53 to host (you need a ticket)

-3:50 PM:  Notre Dame's "ringing of the closing bell" @ NASDAQ in Times Square -- Leprechaun & ND Cheerleaders along with ND administration  (open to the public)

-5:30 PM:  Pep Rally @ Lincoln Center  -- The Band of the Fighting Irish, Coach Kelly, etc. (open to the public)

SATURDAY:

-10:30 AM:  Mass @ St. Patrick's Cathedral  (open to the public)

-12:00 PM to 12:45 PM:  The Band of the Fighting Irish -- "Concert On The Steps"  in Times Square -- they'll be playing from the "steps" in Duffy Square above the TKTS booth  (open to the Public)

-1:30 PM to 6:00 PM:  Game Day in New York -- Tailgate @ Sheraton Hotel & Towers (sold out)

RUMOR HAS IT:  That the Band of the Fighting Irish will be jumping on the Subway to ride "Notre Dame Subway Alumni" designed subway cars -- out to Yankee Stadium.  I'm guessing they'll be doing this from Grand Central -- keep an eye out for this!

-7:00 PM:  Football game vs. Army @ Yankee Stadium -- a few standing room tickets were still available yesterday.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME "GAMEDAY" SITE

Coach Kelly's Press Conference -- Army Week

University of Notre Dame Football Coach, Brian Kelly -- met with the media today to talk about this Saturday's "prime time" game on NBC from Yankee Stadium.  This will be the 50th meeting between Army and Notre Dame, with the Irish holding a 37-8-4 advantage in the series.  Here's a link to the press conference:

LINK:  COACH BRIAN KELLY TALKS ARMY

Squeezing Football Fields Into Landmarks!

This Saturday -- football games will be played inside two of the "landmark" sports stadiums in the world;  Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field.  Football will be played, for the first time ever, this Saturday in the Yankees new $1.5 billion home -- when the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame host the Black Knights of West Point.  And, football returns to Chicago's Wrigley Field, for the first time in 40 years, when Northwestern hosts Illinois.  Here's the latest photos from each venue -- you'll see how "tight" the endzones and sidelines are.  Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly -- commented at today's press conference that they don't have any concerns about the field's proximity to some of Yankee Stadium's walls.  BREAKING NEWS:  The "proximity" of the infamous ivy covered outfield walls of Wrigley Field (see link below to photo) -- has led to a ONE WAY football game between Illinois and Northwestern tomorrow.  This link will take you to the breaking news story:

LINK:  THE END ZONE -- THAT ISN'T

New York Times History Lesson: ND vs. Army

A sports writer at the New York Times wrote a story today about the historical significance of the Notre Dame vs. Army game.  The photo (courtesy of the New York Times) is from the 1944 game at the old Yankee Stadium between Notre Dame and Army.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME vs. ARMY

A Tour of Yankee Stadium - ND's Home Field!

Here's a video done this spring by the YES Network -- on the new $1.5 billion home of the Yankees.  Since the Irish will be calling it "home" this Saturday night -- I thought you would enjoy seeing it.

LINK:  A TOUR OF YANKEE STADIUM

Regis On Notre Dame's Win Saturday

You'll want to click on this quickly -- because I'm sure the video will be gone soon!  Notre Dame alum, Regis Philbin '53 -- spoke yesterday morning about the Irish win over Utah.  Enjoy:

LINK:  REGIS TALKS IRISH!

A Salt Lake City Columnist's ND Experience

A Notre Dame alum sent this to me this morning -- it's a column that ran in yesterday's Deseret News -- a Salt Lake City newspaper.  The columnist, Brad Rock -- tells of his trip to the University of Notre Dame this past weekend -- covering the home team Utah Utes.  As you'll see in Rock's column -- he had a wonderful time visiting (what I like to call Notre Dame) "America's Holy Land."  Enjoy:

LINK:  NOSTALGIA THICK

Notre Dame's "Sleep" Research...

University of Notre Dame Professor, Jessica Payne, Ph.D. -- just finished a research study on the impact of having enough sleep each night.  The key finding:  People who regularly spend quality time with their pillow, around eight hours every night, have better memories than those who do not.  Dr. Payne noted, that by restructuring memories, good sleepers are also better able to come up with new and creative ideas.  "In our fast-paced society, one of the first things to go is our sleep.  I think that's based on a profound misunderstanding that the sleeping brain isn't doing anything." Payne added, "People who say they'll sleep when they're dead are sacrificing their ability to have good thoughts now."  Sounds like our Notre Dame defensive staff should get plenty to sleep this week as they come up with a "creative" approach to stopping Army's triple option!  Here's a link to an interview with Dr. Payne:


LINK:  SLEEP IS IMPORTANT!

Time Lapsed Video: Football @ Yankee Stadium!

The folks at UND.COM will have "un-precedented" coverage this Saturday of the 'first ever' football game inside the new Yankee Stadium -- beginning at 4 PM EST.  The New York Yankees' $1.5 billion home will serve as the "home field" for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame football team in their 7 PM EST game, this Saturday night, against Army.  It's PRIME TIME in the BIG APPLE for the Irish!  Here's a link to a "time-lapsed" UND.COM video of the transformation of Yankee stadium's baseball field into "Notre Dame Stadium EAST."  You'll also find a NY1 news story on what's going on inside Yankee Stadium and a link to the official Notre Dame vs. Army Facebook Page:

LINK:  TIME-LAPSED VIDEO OF YANKEE STADIUM CONVERSION!

LINK:  NY1 NEWS STORY

LINK:  NOTRE DAME vs. ARMY -- FACEBOOK PAGE

Yankee Stadium -- A Few Tickets Remain!

It's a game I've been excited about since it was announced last year -- Notre Dame vs. Army @ Yankee Stadium!  The University of Notre Dame just released a statement that a "very limited" amount of standing room only tickets will be sold beginning tomorrow morning (November 16th) at 8:30 AM EST -- for this Saturday's game.  Just call the Notre Dame Ticket Office at:  574.631.7356

Irish Women's Soccer Crushes USC!

In yesterday's second round game, of the 2010 Women's NCAA Soccer Championships, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rolled over the USC Trojans 4-0!  Coach Waldrum's #7 ranked Irish just dominated the #22 ranked Trojans as they move on to the Round of 16 for the seventh straight year.  Next up for the Irish -- #3rd ranked North Carolina on their home field this Saturday.  Notre Dame is 3-1, all time, in games played against North Carolina on the Tar Heels home field.  Good Luck Irish!

Sorin Wins 2010 Interhall Football Title!

There was a "big game" at Notre Dame Stadium Sunday -- yes, Sunday!  The University of Notre Dame's infamous Interhall Football Championship was held yesterday inside Notre Dame Stadium with the #1 seed Dillon Hall taking on the #2 seed Sorin Hall (College) in the championship game.  The game went into OVERTIME, with Sorin upsetting heavily favored Dillon 7-6 on a 17-yard third-down TD pass!  You'll love the quote from Sorin's QB in the Observer article.  Here's a link to the Observer story along with a link to the Sorin Otters' website:



LINK:  SORIN WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!

LINK:  SORIN HALL'S WEBSITE

Ruth Riley '01 -- Notre Dame's Ring of Honor!

Former Notre Dame All-American, NCAA Champion, WNBA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist -- Ruth Riley -- was inducted into Notre Dame's Ring of Honor this past Friday.  A banner with her "00" was hung from the rafters of Purcell Pavillion -- making her the first member of the Notre Dame's women's team to be so honored.  Riley, left Notre Dame as the first player to score 2,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds in a career.  But, she'll always be remembered for the last two points scored in her college career -- click on the link below!  Congratulations Ruth!

LINK:  RILEY'S LAST TWO POINTS AT NOTRE DAME!

CBS's The Amazing Race: Domer Update

The team of Thomas Wolfard '02 and his girlfriend Jill Haney -- spent this week's globe trotting adventure show in Muscat, Oman.  And, they arrived at the "finish line" in first place - only to learn that they would be penalized for "paying a taxi driver" to show them how to drive their own car to a destination.  Their penalty -- a "30 minute timeout" -- meaning they had to wait another half-hour before their "race" was officially over.  Fortunately only one team reached the finish line while they were waiting -- so TEAM NOTRE DAME finished in 2nd place -- surviving another week!  Only five teams are left in CBS's The Amazing Race!  Here's a link to a replay of last night's episode:

LINK:  SEASON 17 OF CBS'S THE AMAZING RACE

A Sunday Conversation -- Coach Brian Kelly

University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Brian Kelly -- met with UND.COM's Jack Nolan this afternoon for their weekly Sunday chat.  The mood was a little different today -- in the wake of Notre Dame's 28-3 win over Utah.  Here's a link:

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY CONVERSATION

A Utah Grad's First Visit to Notre Dame...

I found this online this morning -- it was a post on a site from a Utah grad who was in town for the game against the University of Notre Dame.  I thought ND fans would enjoy reading this.  The photo above is of the Utah Utes taking pictures of Touchdown Jesus after their Friday "walk through" at Notre Dame Stadium.

Posted by snowbirdute:  Sunday 14 November 2010, at 12:41 am -- Purchased a 45 dollar ND sweat shirt that I thought was really cool yesterday when I first saw it. But at that time I felt like "what was the need to buy another teams apparel? I'm a Ute!"... I gladly paid for it, at the register I took off my Utah shirt and put on the ND sweatshirt. why? I was treated 100 times better by the host school than the sports team of my own school this weekend.


In our tour yesterday the fine...and I mean "FINE" young lady expressed how difficult it was for the senior class to be the losing-est class to attend ND. She gave us detailed history such as steps at ND that no current students walk on until they graduate, because years ago some students were told if they hovered around these very steps they would not graduate. she told us how all the seniors were excited for the Marshmallow Fight at half time, she spoke with great pride on how the school built passage ways through buildings to abide by state laws dictating that "nothing shall impede the marching band". She patiently took pictures of hundreds of Ute fans in front of TD Jesus, cell phone camera shots of red clad fans in the stadium, smiled and pleasantly answered all questions asked. She explained the rivalry within dorms, and traditions surrounding statues, flags, pep rallies. As I put on that sweat shirt this evening I felt great pride in knowing I was wearing the colors of a school I believed in. I had admiration for how the students and fans behaved, I envied their spirit, and drive to achieve what has been, and what may be. I felt the shame of a fellow Utah fan that had been kicked out of the stadium disappear. For several moments I did not know anything about that "crazy lady" who wouldn't stop having voluntary convulsions in front of the band. 


For several rich moments, I didn't care about a drunk shirtless woman, exposing herself for attention at my own stadium during an --- kicking, because at that moment our co-eds were using their good looks, AND brains for attention, not just their breasts. For a few moments My QB dove for first downs not away from hits. I will forever have fond memories of this trip to South Bend Indiana in spite of a few token idiots who attempted to de-rail some amazing Utah fans reputations. 


We as fans are truly infants compared to this group. We have something to aspire too. I graduated from the University of Utah, and I will be a Ute til I die...but tonight its not Go Utes...Its Go Irish!

NBC Replay: Notre Dame vs. Utah

Well, if you missed the game - or, you just want to SEE IT AGAIN!  Here's your link to the replay of Notre Dame's convincing 28-3 victory over the 14th ranked Utah Utes yesterday at Notre Dame Stadium.  Photo courtesy of Marcus Marten/South Bend Tribune

LINK:  NBC REPLAY

Mike Lee -- Wins With First Round TKO!

Notre Dame grad Mike Lee '09 won his third professional fight last night -- in front of a crowd of 41,738 at Cowboys Stadium -- with a first round knock-out of Keith Dabow.  Lee, who was a "three time" Bengal Bouts Champion while a student at Notre Dame -- landed a devastating left hook-overhand right combination into the head of Debow, and the referee prevented the fight from continuing at the 1:33 marker. The bout was part of the undercard of the much anticipated Pacqiuo vs. Margarito fight -- which Pacquio won in an unanimous decision.  Mike Lee is now 3-0 in his pro boxing career with two wins by knock-out!  Congratulations Mike!

The Morning After -- The Media's Take...

It's been a long time since the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame beat an opponent they weren't expected to -- and in such grand fashion.  Notre Dame's 28-3 win yesterday over an 8-1 Utah team who just eight days ago was ranked 5th in the country -- was convincing.  However, that's how us Notre Dame fans saw it -- here's the media's "take" on the Irish victory:

LINK:  NEW YORK TIMES

LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

LINK:  SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

LINK:  DESERET NEWS

LINK:  WNDU-TV

LINK:  WSBT-TV

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

Notre Dame 28 - Utah 3 -- A TEAM VICTORY!

A football season that's been about as difficult as you could imagine for a university, a team, a coach and his staff -- CHANGED TODAY!  Notre Dame's 28-3 victory over the #14th ranked Utes of Utah was so big,  on so many fronts.  And, the Notre Dame Family's reaction at game's end -- ICING ON THE CAKE!

Folks, this was an 8-1 team, that was ranked #5 in the country eight days ago -- and our boys stood "toe to toe" with them -- and WON all three phases of the game;  offense, defense and special teams.

I truly believe this is the moment we'll all look back upon -- when NOTRE DAME became NOTRE DAME -- once again!

Enjoy the links below to -- ALL OF THE FUN -- after today's game:

LINK:  NBC'S POSTGAME

LINK:  NBC'S GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  NBC'S INTERVIEW OF TOMMY REES & GARY GRAY

LINK:  COACH KELLY POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  NOTRE DAME POST GAME & LOCKER ROOM CELEBRATION

LINK:  ROBERT BLANTON INTERVIEW

LINK:  MANTI TEO INTERVIEW

LINK:  BRIAN SMITH INTERVIEW

LINK:  TOMMY REES INTERVIEW

Boy, Did We Need This Win Or WHAT!!!

You've got to hand it to Brian Kelly, his coaching staff and HIS KIDS!  If ever a school, a team and a coach needed a win like this -- IT WAS TODAY!  Notre Dame beats the #14 ranked team (Utah) in the country 28-3 -- impressive!  I am so happy for the Fighting Irish Family.  Isn't this a great photo that was "tweeted" by @fightingirishff !!!

Irish Lead 28-3 in 4th Quarter!

The Irish are on their way to beating #14 ranked Utah today.  Here's another photo "tweeted" by @fightingirishff --  of freshman Prince Shembo and teammates celebrating another defensive stop for Notre Dame.  Utah came into this game averaging 41 points per game -- they have 3 right now!

Michael Floyd's 25th Career TD Catch!

It's halftime at Notre Dame Stadium -- Irish lead the #14 Utah Utes 14-3!  Here's a photo, just tweeted by @fightingirishff -- of Michael Floyd's three-yard TD catch, the 25th of his career, from Tommy Rees.

Lou Holtz on Phone With "Peggy"

Former Notre Dame and College Football Hall of Fame Coach -- Lou Holtz -- is starring in a Discover Card commercial with "Peggy" a call center customer service agent...  Enjoy:

LINK:  CAN LOU INSPIRE PEGGY?

A Good Omen? -- ND Beats Utah Last Night!

The University of Notre Dame Men's & Women's Swimming & Diving Team took on the Utah Utes last night in front of a "standing room" only crowd at the Rolf Aquatic Center -- and the Irish won both meets! The Men won 13 of the 16 events -- scoring a convincing 184 to 116 over Utah.  While the Women won 12 of their 16 events -- in their 185.5 to 112.5 victory.  Congratulations Irish!  Here are links to the results:

LINK: MEN'S RESULTS

LINK:  WOMEN'S RESULTS

Game Day @ Notre Dame!

Today's game is the last home game of the season at Notre Dame and the last home game for 36 seniors on the Notre Dame team.  If you're like me -- and you're not going to the Utah game today -- here's how you can keep occupied leading up to kick-off.  We really need a win today -- GO IRISH!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME GAME DAY RADIO SHOW --  starts at 9 AM EST

LINK:  UND.COM LIVE STADIUM CAM -- watch Notre Dame Stadium fill up, starts at 11 AM EST

LINK:  UND.COM PRE GAME BLOG -- starts at 1:30 PM EST

KICK OFF:  2:41 PM EST

LINK:  NBC.COM SIMULCAST OF GAME

LINK:  UND.COM LIVE POST GAME SHOW -- starts immediately after game's end

Notre Dame Teams Go 6 -1 Last Night!

Seven of the University of Notre Dame's athletic teams -- had a very busy night last night -- and many would say a successful night!

The women's soccer team kicked off their NCAA Championship run with a convincing 3-0 first round victory over New Mexico last night.  The 7th ranked Irish were led by senior co-captain Lauren Fowlkes who scored two goals and by junior Melissa Henderson's 50th career goal.  The Fighting Irish now play USC -- this Sunday -- at Notre Dame's Alumni Stadium, in second round play.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME WOMEN'S SOCCER

The women's basketball team tipped off their regular season last night at home -- with a convincing 99-48 win over New Hampshire.  The 12th ranked Irish were led by senior Devereaux Peters who scored 23 points and had 8 rebounds in only sixteen minutes of play.  All thirteen members of the Fighting Irish scored in last night's game.  The women set a school record 36 steals last night as well.  The Irish play next Monday night, at home, against Morehead State.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

The men's basketball team played their home opener last night as well and they didn't waste any time letting Georgia Southern know they meant business.  Hitting 15 of their first 18 shots -- the Irish rolled out to a 36 point lead less than 13 minutes into the game -- and they cruised to a 98-61 win.  Ben Hasbrough led the Irish with 20 points as every play on the team saw at least five minutes of action.  The Irish are back in action tomorrow when they host Liberty -- for a 2 PM tip-off.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME MEN'S BASKETBALL

The 11th ranked Irish hockey team played the #9 ranked Michigan Wolverines up in Ann Arbor last night and Jeff Jackson's gang won 3-1!  Notre Dame outshot Michigan 33-24 in the victory -- upping their CCHA record to 5-1-1-1 and puts them in first place!  These same two teams meet again tonight at 7:35 PM at Michigan's Yost Arena.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME HOCKEY

The 11th ranked men's soccer team -- took on the #1 ranked team in the country, Louisville, in the Big East Championship Semi-Finals.  Unfortunately, Notre Dame's perfect night ended when Louisville scored the game's only goal early in the second half.  The Fighting Irish now await the seeding for the Men's NCAA Soccer Championship -- which will be announced Monday.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME MEN'S SOCCER

Notre Dame's Men's & Women's Swimming and Diving Teams competed last night against Utah and both were victorious -- see stand alone story on blog, above.

Not a bad night for Notre Dame -- did you notice the national rankings of four of the seven teams!!!

What the Money's Sayin' -- ND vs. Utah

As has become tradition at the ND GO IRISH BLOG -- we turn to the "experts" in Vegas -- to check in on how they're analyzing Notre Dame's game with Utah.  The Utes are ranked #14th in the country -- and bring one of the best offenses and defenses to town.  The Irish are on a two-game losing streak -- WE NEED A WIN!  Here's a few links:

LINK:  CAPPERSPICKS

LINK:  PREDICTEM

LINK:  SPORTSBETTINGWORLD

LINK:  TOUTHOUSE

LINK:  ODDSSHARK

Rocket Ismail's Message to the Irish Nation!

Folks, this might be the best pep rally speech at the University of Notre Dame in some time.  It's an INSTANT CLASSIC -- and it came from none other than Raghib "The Rocket" Ismail.  The Rocket's message -- "UNBELIEF, we don't have time for you!"  SO WELL SAID!  GO IRISH!  Here's a link to the Pep Rally video -- the photo was "tweeted" by Irish LB Carlo Calabrese during the Pep Rally:

LINK:  ROCKET BRINGS DOWN THE HOUSE

Coca-Cola Happiness Machine @ ND Today!

Coca-Cola brought it's  Happiness Machine to the Notre Dame campus today -- and it was quite the attraction!  WNDU brought its news team over to LaFortune today to catch this unique vending machine in action.  Enjoy!

LINK:  NOT YOUR TYPICAL VENDING MACHINE

Coach Kelly @ Friday Football Luncheon

The gang at UND.COM posted this video today of University of Notre Dame Football Coach, Brian Kelly -- and his appearance at the Friday Football Luncheon today at the Joyce Athletic Center.  Here's a link:

LINK:  COACH KELLY'S COMMENTS

Yankee Stadium -- ND's Home Next Saturday!

Here's one of the latest photos -- released by the New York Yankees -- of the transformation of their $1.5 billion stadium into the home of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.  Note, no logos on the field and the vertical stripes in the far end-zone -- being painted -- just like Notre Dame Stadium!  (Click on the photo to enlarge)

Will the Newton Investigation Expose the SEC?

The news surrounding the rumored recruitment of Auburn QB Cam Newton -- isn't getting any better for all those involved.  The latest has a former Mississippi State player,  named Kenny Rogers, who told ESPN that Cam Newton's father (Cecil Newton) told him it's going to take "between $100,000 and $180,000 to deliver Cam." And, that he was present when Cecil Newton asked Mississippi coaches for money to sign his son. (see link below)

It makes you wonder where Mr. Newton came up with the idea that Mississippi State would be willing to pay and pay big to get his son to commit to his school?  Was it because he was paid by the Florida Gators, three years earlier -- to commit to their program -- the same football team where current Mississippi State Head Coach, Dan Mullen, was Cam Newton's Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach at the time?

Do you think ol' Urban Meyer might be squirming a little bit -- especially now that the FBI is involved in the investigation?

I'm guessing "Old Man Newton" is taking calls from "intermediaries representing" a few SEC schools right now, asking him  -- "what's it going to take to keep you quiet...?"

Will this be the case that blows the doors off the illegal recruiting practices and NCAA violations -- that have been long rumored to be rampant in the SEC?

LINK:  THE GOING RATE FOR A STARTING QB IN THE SEC

Coach Kelly After Thursday's Practice

University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Brian Kelly -- met with the media after yesterday's practice -- as the Irish prepare for their last home game at Notre Dame Stadium this Saturday against the #15th ranked Utah Utes.  Here's a link:

LINK:  COACH KELLY AFTER PRACTICE

Football Weekend Weather @ Notre Dame

Looks like today is going to be absolutely glorious!  And, Saturday -- not so good...  Better be prepared for some rain if you're going to the Utah game tomorrow.  Here's a link to WNDU's Storm 16 Interactive Radar:

LINK:  WEATHER RADAR -- NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame's MBA Program -- Top 25!

Bloomberg Businessweek just released their biennial survey of The Best U.S. Business Schools 2010 -- and the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business MBA Program was ranked 24th best in the country.  You'll recall, that earlier this year, Bloomberg Businessweek ranked the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business undergraduate program #1 in America.   Congratulations to Dean Carolyn Woo and her team!  Here's a link to the rankings of MBA programs:

LINK:  ONE OF THE BEST!

A Walk On's Last Home Game...

James "J.T." Redshaw (North Huntington, PA) is a Notre Dame football player.  He's "five foot nuttin' and a hundred and nuttin" -- and he will be wearing the gold helmet this Saturday for the last time inside Notre Dame Stadium.  Redshaw, a walk-on, is a pre-med major and he carries a perfect 4.0 in the classroom!  Maybe we'll hear a "J.T" chant in the stands late in tomorrow's game? Notre Dame's student newspaper (Observer) ran a story on J.T. yesterday that I thought you'd enjoy:

LINK:  HIS LAST HOME GAME

Notre Dame's #1 Fan?

And I thought I was a Notre Dame fan...  The South Bend Tribune profiled -- Glenn Cooper from Groton, South Dakota yesterday.  Glenn's home is 600 miles away from the Notre Dame campus -- yet, he's a season ticket holder for every Notre Dame sports team -- except hockey.  You see, Glenn spends the school year in a home he bought in South Bend -- then he spends the summer back at his home South Dakota.  THIS IS A NOTRE DAME FAN!  Here's a link to the story.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S #1 FAN

Craig Biggio's Son Signs With Notre Dame

Connor Biggio, a second baseman at St. Thomas High School (Houston, TX) and the son of Houston Astros' all-time great Craig Biggio -- signed a National Letter of Intent yesterday --  fulfilling a dream to attend the University of Notre Dame.  Here's a link to the story:


LINK:  BIGGIO SIGNS WITH NOTRE DAME

Veteran's Day Salute: A Second Chance

Gene Dixon, the just elected president of the Notre Dame Club of Detroit, earned a MBA from the University of Notre Dame in 1969.  But, on graduation day -- June 1, 1969 -- Dixon was wearing the uniform of the US Army at Fort Knox, not the cap and gown his classmates were wearing that day in South Bend.  Well, 41 years later (May 21, 2010) -- Dixon received the opportunity to wear that cap & gown as he walked across the stage at Notre Dame's 2010 Commencement and received a standing ovation from the entire crowd.  Congratulations Gene!  Here's a link to Notre Dame's press release:

LINK:  A SECOND CHANCE AT GRADUATION

Veteran's Day Salute: Green & Bleier

Former Notre Dame student athletes; Danielle Green '99 and Rocky Bleier '68 had the distinct honor of wearing the uniform of the Fighting Irish and the uniform of the US Army.  We salute these two and all Veterans today -- for the sacrifices they and their families have made for our country!

Danielle Green-Byrd is a former left-handed shooting guard for Muffet McGraw's Irish in the late 90's -- she graduated as the 17th leading scorer in Notre Dame history.  After graduation she became an assistant coach at Washington High School (Chicago) and then Chicago State University.  In January 2003, she enlisted in the US Army -- a year later, Green-Byrd was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Freedom. On May 24, 2004 -- while on duty on the roof of a Baghdad police station, Green was hit by what she believes was a grenade. She lost her left hand, the shooting hand that helped her score 1,106 points at Notre Dame. She also has significant damage to her left leg, a dislocated left shoulder and shrapnel wounds down the left side of her body.  Danielle was one of the first women, in the US Miltary wounded in Iraq.  Green-Byrd's inspirational story has been told a number of times by ESPN, CBS, etc. -- here's a profile the US Department of Defense did on Danielle:

LINK:  DANIELLE GREEN

Rocky Bleier is a former running back for Ara Pareseghian's teams in the mid-60's.  A member of the 1966 national championship team and captain of the 1967 team -- Bleier left Notre Dame to go to the Pittsburgh Steelers who drafted him on the 16th round of the 1968 NFL Draft.  The 412th overall pick -- Bleier was drafted into the US Army after his rookie season (December 1968) with the Steelers.  He volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War and was sent there in May of 1969.  On August 20th, while on patrol in Heip Duc, Bleier was wounded in the left thigh by a rifle bullet when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy. While down, an enemy grenade landed nearby, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg.  While Rocky was recovering in a Tokyo hospital, doctors told him that he would not play football again. Soon after, he received a postcard from Steelers owner which just read "Rock - the team's not doing well. We need you. Art Rooney".  Well, the rest is history...   A book and movie "Fighting Back" memorialized Bleier's struggles over a two-year period to get back on the football field.  It should be noted that Rocky has four Super Bowl rings for his efforts.  Here's a link to a story that ESPN did on Rocky this past year:

LINK:  ROCKY BLEIER

Coach Kelly After Today's Practice

As is his usual, Coach Kelly met with the media after practice today.  What was not so usual today -- the first questions came from a Utah sportswriter who's already in town for Saturday's game.  Here's a link to Notre Dame Football Coach, Brian Kelly's session with the media this afternoon:

LINK:  COACH KELLY WITH THE MEDIA

Impersonating Lou Holtz -- A Few Laughs...

Notre Dame fans have had little to smile about these days -- let alone laugh -- when it comes to our beloved Fighting Irish.  So, for a little change of pace, I did a YOUTUBE search of people who like to impersonate  one of our favorite Notre Dame football coaches of all time -- Lou Holtz.  Just click on the links below -- ENJOY!

LINK:  AN ALABAMA RADIO SHOW'S IMPERSONATION OF LOU

LINK:  LOU'S RETURN TO THAT SAME ALABAMA RADIO SHOW

LINK:  DAN PATRICK'S IMPERSONATION OF LOU HOLTZ

LINK:  DAN PATRICK'S IMPERSONATION OF SKIP'S DAD

LINK:  FAN #1'S IMPERSONATION OF LOU HOLTZ

LINK:  RADIO STATION'S FAKE LOU HOLTZ

Domer NBA Coach -- Off to a 7-0 Start!

Former Notre Dame basketball star, Monty Williams is still undefeated as a NBA Head Coach!  The youngest head coach in the NBA -- led his New Orleans Hornets past the Los Angeles Clippers last night,  to go 7-0 on the young season.  Here's a link to Monty's post game interview:

LINK:  MONTY WILLIAMS -- UNDEFEATED NBA HEAD COACH