Great Story: Daddy / Daughter ND Weekend!

I received a story this past week from a Notre Dame fan who thought I would enjoy the "reflections" of one Sharon Tracy -- who wrote about the ND / USC football weekend she spent this past October with her Dad, Jay Dillon '66.  (photo above of Dad and daughter)

I liked the story so much, I sent a note off to Jay seeking permission to share this story with the entire Notre Dame family.  Jay was kind enough to say "YES."

As you'll learn when reading this story, Sharon did not attend her Dad's alma mater.  She and her two sisters "the Dillon girls" each attended Miami of Ohio.  And, as Sharon readily admits, she was not a Notre Dame fan going into this weekend with her Dad.

Well that changed, as you'll see in this wonderful document that captures a great relationship between a Dad and his daughter and Jay's sharing the "gift" of Notre Dame with one of his girls...

Thanks again to Sharon and Jay for allowing me to share this with all of you.

Enjoy!

LINK:  REFLECTIONS FROM A NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL WEEKEND

Must See Video: Steve Beurlein Talks ND!

One of Notre Dame's all-time great QB's Steve Beurlein is on campus this week working with the 41 "campers" participating in the Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp.  During one of the introduction sessions, Beurlein got up and spoke to the group.  You're going to love his Lou Holtz story and impersonation -- A CLASSIC!

Enjoy!


LINK:  STEVE BEURLEIN

A Domer With Loftier Political Ambitions?

Notre Dame alum, Bob McDonnell '76, the Governor of Virginia -- also doubles as head of the Republican Governnor's Association.

This morning, the news media is putting the spotlight on Governor Scott Walker (Wisconsin) and McDonnell -- in light of Walker's recall election win last night.

Is McDonnell thinking Washington D.C. is his next stop?

Here's a few stories hitting the street late last night and early this morning:

LINK:  WASHINGTON EXAMINER

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST

LINK:  NATIONAL JOURNAL

Reds Draft Notre Dame Catcher in 6th Round!

Looks like Notre Dame junior catcher, Joe Hudson (Tampa, FL) will sign a professional contract with the Cincinnati Reds in the next day or so -- bypassing his senior season for a $178,300 bonus check.

Hudson, was drafted in the 6th Round -- the 202nd overall pick in yesterday's 2012 MLB Draft.

Congratulations Joe!

LINK:  HUDSON TO SIGN WITH REDS

Former Nicaragua Contra Leader & ND Student

Adolfo Calero, the former Nicaragua Contra leader died Sunday at the age of 80 from pneumonia.  Adolfo also led Coca-Cola's bottling operation in Nicaragua during his career.

Calero is best known for his involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal in the 80's with Oliver North.

Calero attended the University of Notre Dame in the 50's.

Here's a link to the New York Times story:


LINK:  ADOLFO CALERO PASSES

Notre Dame Asked to "Correct" Wikipedia

I'll admit I turn to Wikipedia more often that I should for critical information...

Well, the University of Notre Dame was asked to join a few other university's in "cleaning up" the information on WIKIPEDIA.  Sounds like an interesting project to me!

Here's the story:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S ROLE WITH WIKIPEDIA

Notre Dame Lacrosse 2012 Highlight Video

The gang at Fighting Irish Digital Media produced a highlight video of the 2012 season that Notre Dame fans will want to watch.  You'll see former NBA head basketball coach Jeff Van Gundy talking to the team before the NCAA Championships.  Click on the link below:

LINK:  2012 HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

OT: Minor League Manager's Classic Tirade

This is the greatest sports tirade in history.

The minor league manager's name is Phil Wellman and five years ago -- Phil kind of lost it with an argument he had with the home plate umpire...

The topper for me was when he "Army crawled" to the mound and threw the resin bag as a hand grenade towards the umpire (photo above).

This is a must see!

LINK:  A CLASSIC

LINK:  ESPN STORY

Mike Brey's Most Talented Recruiting Class...

Folks, it's going to be fun this next season at Purcell Pavillion.  Mike Brey's returning all five starters from his (22 - 12) NCAA Tournament team, he's adding a big man transfer from Michigan State in Garrick Sherman and he's bringing in three talented "long" freshmen:

LINK:  ZACH AUGUSTE 6'-9"

LINK:  CAMERON BIEDSCHEID 6'-7"

LINK:  AUSTIN BURGETT 6'-8"

LINK:  COACH BREY ON HIS RECRUITING CLASS

Becca Huffer Finishes Second in Pro Debut!

Becca Huffer, playing in her first golf tournament as a professional -- since her graduation last month from the University of Notre Dame -- was tied for the lead of the Colorado Women's Open on the 17th tee...

Unfortunately, a three-putt bogey from 45 feet on 17, and a par on 18, left her two strokes behind the winner.  Still -- it's a great start to a career Notre Dame fans are going to want to follow.

Huffer heads to the Broadmoor tomorrow to attempt to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open Championship -- we'll let you know how she did.

LINK:  HUFFER'S RUNNER-UP FINISH

Harrison Smith Signs Contract With Vikings!

Former Notre Dame football captain Harrison Smith, is the newest member of the MILLIONAIRES CLUB -- signing a four-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings Friday for an expected $7.1 million -- with approximately $6 million guaranteed.  Congratulations!

LINK:  BIG MONEY FOR HARRISON

Kentucky Wildcats to Play Brey's Fightin' Irish!

It was announced today that the defending National Champion Kentucky Wildcats will be coming to Purcell Pavillion on November 29th to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.   It's going to be fun!

LINK:  BIG NOVEMBER HOOPS GAME IN SOUTH BEND!

LINK:  COACH BREY TALKS KENTUCKY GAME

Orlando Woolridge Dead at the Age of 52

Sad, sad news...

Former Notre Dame All-American, Orlando Woolridge -- the 6th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 1981 NBA Draft -- died last night at his parent's home in Louisiana from a chronic heart condition.

Orlando was one of the greatest BIG SKILL ATHLETES to ever wear a Notre Dame uniform -- with one of the greatest smiles ever in South Bend.  He was always fun to watch play...

LINK:  MIKE BREY ON ORLANDO

LINK:  ORLANDO WOOLRIDGE:  1959 - 2012

ND Alum in Second Place at Colorado Open!

Becca Huffer '12, who just graduated two weeks ago from the University of Notre Dame, birdied five of her first six holes in the second round of yesterday's Colorado Women's Open to move into second place!

Becca is making her PRO DEBUT this week!!!  As you'll see in the second link below -- Huffer will attempt to qualify for the LPGA Tour later this year.  They could use a DOMER on the LPGA TOUR!


LINK:  COLORADO WOMEN'S OPEN

LINK:  HUFFER MAKES PRO DEBUT

Vote for Notre Dame's "Cover Girl" Today!

Notre Dame Womens' Soccer player, Lindsay Brown is one of five young women who are involved in a contest to be on the October cover of Seventeen Magazine.  Brown, who has just finished up her junior year at Notre Dame, has quite a story -- which you'll see if you click on the links below.  (Photo above of Lindsay in Nepal last summer).

Let's get Lindsay her cover shot!

LINK:  VOTE HERE FOR LINDSAY

LINK:  LINDSAY BROWN -- WHAT WOULD YOU FIGHT FOR!

Domer Monty Williams Gets NBA's Top Pick!

Big night for the New Orleans Hornets and their head coach Monty Williams (photo above) -- as they won the NBA Draft Lottery and the rights to the first pick in the upcoming 2012 Draft.  Williams, a former Notre Dame hoops star, is expected to be adding Kentucky's freshman sensation Anthony Davis to his roster -- not a bad thing!

Here's a link to the Lottery selection and an interview of Coach Williams:

LINK:  HORNETS GET TOP PICK

Classy Move by Notre Dame Parent Martin Short

Comedian / Actor Martin Short -- who just happens to be the proud parent of two Notre Dame students; Oliver Patrick and Henry '12 -- was a guest this morning on NBC's Today Show with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kolb promoting his new movie Madagascar 3:  Europe's Most Wanted. 

Things were going fine until Kathie-Lee asked Martin why his long-time marriage to Nancy Dolman was so successful -- and, as you'll see, she didn't ask just one question about their relationship.  Unfortunately, Mrs. Gifford was unaware that Nancy died August 21, 2010 from cancer.

As you'll see -- Martin Short handled this in a very classy fashion.

LINK:  GIFFORD PUTS FOOT IN MOUTH -- BIG TIME

Mike Lee's Back in the Ring June 8 on ESPN!

University of Notre Dame alum Mike Lee '09, will be putting his undefeated professional boxing record on the line in a fight in Las Vegas, NV that will be televised on ESPN2 at 10 PM ET on Friday, June 8.  If you can't watch the fight in person (Hard Rock Casino Hotel) -- watch it on TV!

Good Luck Mike!

Working the Plan to a National Championship!

Notre Dame fans will enjoy watching these four Irish student-athletes re-live their 2012 Distance Medley Relay National Championship -- this is good stuff!  (Photo above of Jeremy Rae crossing the finish line!)

LINK:  THE PLAN TO WIN

Samardzija Wins "Bobblehead" Game Today!

You know you've hit the "big time" when your team runs a "bobblehead" promotion like the Chicago Cubs did today for former Notre Dame football All-American Jeff Samardzija (see photo).

Samardzija pitched seven strong innings before turning the ball over to reliever Jeff Camp in the 8th.  Jeff also knocked in a run with a base hit -- as he earned his fifth win of the season.  His ERA now stands at a sterling 3.09!

LINK:  SAMARDZIJA WINS AGAIN!

Toughest Schedule in the Nation -- Notre Dame

CBS college football analyst Bruce Feldman picks Notre Dame's 2012 football schedule as the toughest in the country.  No surprise here.

The IRISH have five potential top 15 programs on their schedule this season; Michigan State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Stanford and that school in "central Los Angeles."

Here's the link:

LINK:  TOUGHEST FOOTBALL SCHEDULE IN AMERICA

The Stanley Cup & the University of Notre Dame

It's the greatest trophy in all of professional sport -- the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup.  Since 1893, only five former Notre Dame students have had their names etched on the Cup:

• 1976, 1977 and 1978:  Bill Nyrop, Montreal Canadiens
• 1984 and 1985:  Don Jackson, Edmonton Oilers
• 2008:  Brett Lebda, Detroit Red Wings
• 2009:  Mark Eaton, Pittsburgh Penguins
• 2010:  Stan Bowman, Chicago Blackhawks

The 2012 Stanley Cup begins tomorrow night as the Los Angeles Kings take on the New Jersey Devils.

God, Country, Notre Dame: Memorial Day 2012

On a day in which we reflect on the great sacrifice millions have made for our FREEDOM -- I share with you this video entitled; GOD, COUNTRY, NOTRE DAME.

Happy Memorial Day!

LINK:  ROCKY BLEIER -- GOD, COUNTRY, NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame Men's Lacrosse -- Next Year!

The Fightin' Irish came up on the short end of a 7 - 5 score in yesterday's NCAA Men's Division I Lacrosse National Semi-Final game with Loyola -- putting an end to another successful season.  Loyola's Eric Lusby scored five goals and Jack Runkel (goalie) made 15 saves, the most in his career in the Greyhounds win. 

The IRISH held Loyola to their lowest goal total of the season and dominated the face-offs 13 - 1 -- we just couldn't score...

LINK:  NATIONAL SEMI-FINAL RECAP

LINK:  ESPN STORY

LINK:  SPORTS ILLUSTRATED STORY

LINK:  DAY 2 AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Are You the Smartest Notre Dame Fan?

Think you know Notre Dame?  Take the test!


LINK:  SMARTEST NOTRE DAME FAN

Notre Dame's Second Coming of Rocket Ismail!

Folks, be sure to watch the video linked below.  In a couple of weeks -- a young man from the Southwest will be arriving on the campus of the University of Notre Dame with the skills of Rocket Ismail. 

Davonte Neal comes to town with 4.37 speed and "back to back" ARIZONA PLAYER OF THE YEAR awards!  He's a huge talent!

Mose pundits believe Davonte will end up in the slot on offense -- and will be running back kick-offs and punts SOON!  After watching the film -- he needs the football in his hands -- often.  This man's a GAME CHANGER!

FYI:  I suspect Coach Kelly "might" require Neal to wear a GOLD HELMET when he's on the field!


LINK:  THE NEXT NOTRE DAME ROCKET!

Must See TV on Saturday -- ESPN2 @ 2:30 PM

Kevin Corrigan's Fighting Irish of Notre Dame left campus yesterday for Foxborough, MA -- home of the New England Patriots and home of the 2012 NCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship.  The #4 seeded IRISH take on #1 seed Loyola -- Saturday at Gillete Stadium -- those of us not able to make it to the game can catch the action LIVE on ESPN2 at 2:30 PM ET.

The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Duke vs. Maryland game -- on Memorial Day!

The folks at Fighting Irish Digital Media are tracking the IRISH all weekend long.  Here's their report filed this morning:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME LACROSSE

"Never An Excuse To Quit" -- Joe Kernan '68

Loyal son of Notre Dame, Mayor of South Bend, Lieutenant Governor and Governor of the State of Indiana, professional baseball team owner and resident of the infamous HANOI HILTON -- Joe Kernan '68, was recently honored by the Notre Dame Monogram Club. 

The video that introduced Joe to the gathering is quite moving -- you'll enjoy watching! 

LINK:  LOYAL SON OF NOTRE DAME

Happy 95th Birthday Fr. Ted Hesburgh!

He turns 95 years YOUNG today! 

Happy Birthday Father Ted!

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY

Notre Dame Student-Athletes Graduate...

Folks, it's a story that you won't find on the ESPN network -- student-athletes graduating.  And, that's a shame.  Here's a link to a feature that our friends at Fighting Irish Digital Media put together that you're going to enjoy.  It's a story you'll only find here...

LINK:  NOTRE DAME GRADUATES IT'S STUDENTS -- ALL OF THEM

Notre Dame's Greg Crawford -- He's At It Again!

For the third consecutive "summer" -- University of Notre Dame's dean of the College of Science, Greg Crawford is on a "cross country" bike ride to raise money and awareness for Niemann-Pick Type C disease.

This year's route will take Greg from Boston (where he left on Monday) to his end destination of Pebble Beach, CA -- where he expects to arrive on June 22nd -- 3,250 miles later!  Here's a look at his RIDE SCHEDULE!

We'll be checking in on his ride every week -- though you can check in on him everyday at his blog -- see the link below:

LINK:  GREG CRAWFORD'S DAILY BLOG

Big East Home Run Derby Champ -- ALL IRISH!

Trey Mancini (Winter Haven, FL), a sophomore Notre Dame first baseman -- won the Big East Home Run Derby in Clearwater, FL on Tuesday night -- marking the second consecutive year a member of the IRISH baseball team won the hitting contest.  The folks at UND.COM were present -- as always -- with their cameras!

LINK:  HOME RUN DERBY CHAMP

ESPN Ranks Notre Dame's Top Ten Players

The good folks at ESPN took time out of their busy schedule to "rank" the top ten players on the Notre Dame football roster.   Surprisingly, our defense -- which is projected to be the strength of the team -- only placed four players in the TOP TEN.  Take a look!

LINK:  ESPN RANKS THE IRISH PLAYERS

Latest Reaction to Notre Dame's HHS Lawsuit

Took a lap around the web this afternoon to see what the media had to say this morning -- the day after the University of Notre Dame (for the first time in its 170 year history) filed a lawsuit against the federal government.  Just click on the links below:

LINK:  NEWSHOUNDS

LINK:  FOX NEWS

LINK:  NATIONAL CATHOLIC REGISTER

LINK:  THE CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT

LINK:  THE BOSTON PILOT

Only Notre Dame: Leprechaun Tryouts!

For the first time in the history of the University of Notre Dame Leprechaun program -- THREE LEPRECHAUNS were selected!  The folks at Fighting Irish Digital Media and some ND students produced this "inside look" at the selection process for one of the most ICONIC figures in college sports.  You'll like this!

LINK:  THE MAKING OF THE LEPRECHAUN

Media Opinions on Notre Dame's Lawsuit

The media pundits are now beginning to weigh in on the University of Notre Dame's decision to file a federal lawsuit this morning in opposition to the HHS mandate.

Here's what's being said this evening at MSNBC and FOX:

LINK:  MSNBC'S ANDREA MITCHELL

LINK:  FOX NEWS' ALL-STAR PANEL

Happy 89th Birthday Coach Ara Parseghian!

Today, Notre Dame all-time great, Ara Parseghian turned 89 years young!  Congratulations Coach!

6,300 YEARS of Great Service to Notre Dame!

Tonight, inside the "north dome" of the Joyce Center -- hundreds (and I mean HUNDREDS) of University of Notre Dame employees were honored for their years of service.  Employees with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 40+ years at Notre Dame were recognized by Fr. Jenkins and his leadership team along with a number of the deans.

It was announced that the employees honored tonight represented 6,300 Years of service to the University of Notre Dame -- think about that!

One of my colleagues, Augie Freda (in photo) received one of the five major awards this evening -- as he was awarded the Presidential Leadership Award for his great work for the University of Notre Dame.  Augie Freda is well deserving of every honor he receives!

In addition, I had the great fortune of sitting next to "Notre Dame royalty" in the form of one Sally Almassy (photo with Augie).  Now, you may not know the name or face -- but, if you've ever called the University of Notre Dame's main phone number you'll know Sally's distinctive voice and delivery of; "THIS, IS THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME."

Sally was honored for her fifteen years of service to Notre Dame.  And, on the other side of me sat another colleague of mine, Jennielea Vidrich -- who was honored for TWENTY years of service to Notre Dame!

Congratulations to Augie, Sally, Jennielea and all of our colleagues at the University of Notre Dame -- you make this institution special!

Early Reaction to Notre Dame's HHS Lawsuit

Here's how the media is reporting the lawsuit Notre Dame filed this morning against the HHS mandate.  The federal lawsuit is believed to be the first complaint ever filed by Notre Dame against the federal government -- in the University's 170 year history.

LINK:  FOX NEWS

LINK:  MSNBC

LINK:  CNN

LINK:  ABC NEWS

LINK:  CBS NEWS

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST

LINK:  WALL STREET JOURNAL

Notre Dame Files Lawsuit Against HHS Mandate

The University of Notre Dame filled a lawsuit this morning in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana regarding the recent mandate from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  This mandate requires Notre Dame and other religious organizations to provide in their insurance plans -- abortion-inducing drugs, contraceptives and sterilization procedures, which are contrary to Catholic teaching.

Notre Dame's lawsuit was one of twelve filed this morning by 43 plaintiffs challenging the constitutionality of the regulation.  In the suit; Kathleen Sebelius (Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) is sued in her official capacity, as is Hilda Solis (Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor) and Timothy Geitner (Secretary of the U.S. Department of Treasury)

Here's a link to Notre Dame's official release along with a link to a copy of the actual complaint:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST HHS MANDATE 

LINK:  COPY OF NOTRE DAME'S COMPLAINT

Notre Dame's Women's Softball on ESPNU!

Irish fans -- please tune-in to ESPNU today at 5:30 PM ET as Notre Dame takes on perennial power Arizona in 100 degree heat in Tucson, AZ!  The IRISH need to beat Arizona twice to move on in the NCAA Tournament!

By the way, "WHEN" the IRISH win -- they will play a second game at 8 PM ET tonight against Arizona.  GO IRISH!

Here's a link to a preview of today's game(s):

LINK:  NOTRE DAME TAKES ON ARIZONA

Father Ted at ND's 167th Commencement!

He sat at "midfield" in the gold seats at Notre Dame Stadium during today's 167th Commencement exercises at the University of Notre Dame. As you can see in the photo above -- Fr. Hesburgh received a well deserved standing ovation from the Class of 2012 and their families.  Fr. Ted turns 95 years young on Friday (May 25th)!  Photo by Matt Cashore

Notre Dame Defeats Defending Nat'l Champs!

Kevin Corrigan's Fighting Irish beat the defending National Champion Virginia Cavaliers 12 - 10 to advance to National Championship Weekend (THE FINAL FOUR) in Boston Saturday.  The IRISH will play the #1 seed Loyola next Saturday for the chance to play for the National Championship on Memorial Day.

Here's a link to the game recap:

LINK:  IRISH BEAT VIRGINIA

Only Notre Dame: LAX Graduation in PA!

The University of Notre Dame's Men's Lacrosse Team held COMMENCEMENT exercises at a Catholic church in Pennsylvania for their 12 graduating seniors (photo above).  Only ND!

Here's a link to the Fighting Irish Digital Media's coverage of the ceremony:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME LACROSSE COMMENCEMENT

Photo of the Day -- ND's Commencement Mass

This beautiful photo was taken by Matt Cashore -- the University of Notre Dame's award-winning photographer -- at yesterday's Commencement Mass inside Purcell Pavillion.  It's a special moment for the Notre Dame graduates and their families.

Watch Notre Dame's Graduation LIVE Today!

The University of Notre Dame will be celebrating its 167th Commencement this morning from the "house that Rock built" -- Notre Dame Stadium.  And, you can watch it LIVE beginning at 9:00 AM ET until 11:30 AM ET -- at the link below!

Notre Dame moved their graduation ceremonies back outside to Notre Dame Stadium in 2010 because of the renovation of Purcell Pavillion -- the first time since 1959 -- and it was awesome!

Folks, if you're up and at 'em this morning you should watch this event -- it's really good.  The Academic Procession will begin at approximately 9:00 PM as the 2,000 graduates of the Class of 2012 will walk "out of the tunnel" into Notre Dame Stadium.  What a way to graduate!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S 167th COMMENCEMENT -- WATCH IT LIVE!

Notre Dame Football Game Replays on NBC!

With only 105 days to kick-off of the 2012 season -- the 125th Anniversary season of Notre Dame football -- here's a link to where you can find a full replay of every game televised by NBC the last few seasons.  Enjoy!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL ON NBC

Watch Notre Dame's Commencent Mass LIVE!

The 167th Commencement exercises at the University of Notre Dame are taking place this weekend.  One of the special moments for Notre Dame students, parents and families is the Commencement Mass which takes place TODAY at 4:30 PM ET.

You can watch it LIVE on the web -- beginning at 4:30 PM ET -- just click on the link below:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S COMMENCEMENT MASS

Notre Dame Lacrosse on ESPNU Sunday!

Kevin Corrigan's #4 Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will be playing #5 Virginia tomorrow afternoon in NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship Quarterfinal action.  The game will be televised on ESPNU beginning at NOON ET SUNDAY.

Here's some information about Sunday's game along with a second link to a video of the IRISH after today's practice!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME  vs. VIRGINIA

LINK:  IRISH SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS AFTER PRACTICE

Senior Week a Wonderful Notre Dame Tradition!

Approximately 2,000 young men and women are about to begin their "LAST" weekend as students at the University of Notre Dame.  If they're like our oldest son Jimmy -- it's a bittersweet time in their lives.  You're excited to move on to that next challenge -- yet, you've just spent the greatest four years of your life in a place you don't want to say good-bye to.

One of the many things that makes the NOTRE DAME EXPERIENCE so special is SENIOR WEEK.  The gang at the OBSERVER caught up with the Class of 2012's president to talk about what they have been doing -- click on the link below:

LINK:  SENIOR WEEK AT NOTRE DAME