Must See TV -- This Saturday on NBC at Noon!

The gang at NBC Sports Network will be televising a TV Special this Saturday at NOON ET -- just prior to their coverage of the 84th Annual BLUE GOLD GAME!  To get you fired up -- watch this!

Folks, I got the opportunity to see a sneak preview of the entire show this morning -- it is FANTASTIC!  If you can't watch it at noon ET tomorrow -- DVR this!!!

LINK:  STRONG AND TRUE -- THE TRAILER

Video of Jack Cooley's Proposal at Banquet

The Notre Dame Men's basketball team held their annual season ending banquet last night and senior power forward Jack Cooley stole the show...

LINK:  COOLEY'S MARRIAGE PROPOSAL

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY

OT: FBI Releases Photos of Bombing Suspects

The FBI just held a news conference where they released the following photos (above) and video of two suspects they believe planted the bomb devices in Boston.

If you know who these individuals are -- you are asked to call the FBI TIPLINE:  1.800.CALL.FBI


LINK:  VIDEO OF BOMBING SUSPECTS

LINK:  MORE PHOTOS OF SUSPECTS 

Notre Dame & NBC -- Deal Extended to 2025!

It was thee "landmark" television deal in college sports history when Notre Dame and NBC began their partnership back in 1991...

Today's announcement -- extends this relationship to 35 years!

There are a number of details in this agreement that I'll leave to the link below -- WOW!


LINK:  NOTRE DAME & NBC -- DEAL EXTENSION

Blue Gold Week: Coach Kelly With Media

It's BLUE GOLD WEEK here at Notre Dame and Coach Kelly met with the media this morning after Wednesday's practice.  Here's the video:

LINK:  COACH KELLY WITH MEDIA

Notre Dame QB Everett Golson at the Piano

Notre Dame fans will enjoy this video today of QB Everett Golson -- at the keys of a piano...


LINK:  GOLSON ON THE PIANO

Zibby is Back Home With the Chicago Bears!

Former Notre Dame All-American safety -- Tommy Zbikowski will be playing for his "home team" this upcoming season and he couldn't be happier...

LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE STORY

The Moment -- A Reality Show at Notre Dame!

The Moment a new reality show on the USA Network will air an episode shot at Notre Dame on May 2nd at 10 PM ET.  In this show -- a young man looks to earn a job on the Notre Dame football staff.  Here's a link to the video:

LINK:  THE MOMENT

Tulsa Shock Fans React to Drafting Skylar!

Thought you would enjoy the stories published today about the WNBA's Tulsa Shock drafting Notre Dame All-American Skylar Diggins third overall last night.  Here are the links!

The Notre Dame Club of Tulsa has to be excited!

LINK:  TULSA WORLD 

LINK:  SKYLAR INTERVIEW 

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

A Notre Dame Family's Inspirational Son...

John Jessup's story is one you typically read in a book or see in a movie.

The son of Scott and Janet Jessup (both Notre Dame grads) and a Marian High School senior -- had to make a decision you'd never wish upon anyone you know...

I'll let the folks at the South Bend Tribune tell John's story.


LINK:  JOHN JESSUP

Skylar Diggins Drafted by the TULSA Shock!

Notre Dame All-American Skylar Diggins was just drafted THIRD OVERALL this evening by the Tulsa Shock in the 2013 WNBA DRAFT!

Congratulations Skylar!

Diggins joins a Shock team that was 9 - 25 last season -- she will make them better!


LINK:  SKYLAR GOES THIRD TO TULSA

Video of Notre Dame "Walk-off" Home Run !!!

The Fighting Irish Women's Softball team scored 7 RUNS in their final at bat on Sunday in their game with Rutgers to win 8 - 6!

The last three runs came with two outs -- as Cassidy Whidden (photo above) hit a three-run walk-off homer!  Whidden hit a 'grand slam' the day before...


LINK:  WALK-OFF HOME RUN!

Dan Hicks Named Next ND TV Voice on NBC!

The husband of Notre Dame alumna Hannah Storm (ESPN anchor) -- Dan Hicks -- was named the VOICE OF NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL today by NBC.  Hicks will be a popular choice among ND football fans.  His first assignment -- Saturday's BLUE GOLD GAME.

You'll enjoy the Sports Illustrated story below:


LINK:  CHICAGO TRIBUNE STORY

LINK:  SPORTS ILLUSTRATED STORY

WNBA Draft Tonight on ESPN2 at 8:00 PM ET

"Former" Notre Dame All-American Skylar Diggins will learn this evening what basketball uniform she'll be wearing next...

Skylar is expected to go third in the WNBA Draft to the Tulsa Shock -- though there are rumblings that the Chicago Sky may decide to pick the "DOMER" with their second pick.

Fans of Skylar will enjoy tonight's DRAFT -- because you know they'll be telling her story often.

Skylar is attending the WNBA DRAFT which is being held in a studio at ESPN's Bristol, CT headquarters (as you can see in the photo above, she's already there).  Here's what the media has to say about Skylar's draft position:


LINK:  ESPN

LINK:  TULSA WORLD

LINK:  SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

LINK:  YAHOO SPORTS

ND Football Spring PractIce #12 Report

Approximately 1,000 football coaches descended on the campus of the University of Notre Dame these past couple of days for a coaching clinic.  They were able to view a couple of practices and hear from a number of NFL and college coaches (photos above) and the Fighting Irish staff about their craft.

Here is a look inside yesterday's scrimmage and Coach Kelly's post game press conference:


LINK:  SCRIMMAGE VIDEO

LINK:  COACH KELLY PRESS CONFERENCE

Father Ted to be Named a Navy Chaplain!

Father Ted Hesburgh will finally receive an appointment he's wanted for a long time...

LINK:  A NAVY CHAPLAIN

Notre Dame's Relay For Life Ends This Hour

More than a thousand Notre Dame students, faculty and staff spent last night inside the Compton Family Ice Arena -- walking to raise money for cancer research.  They started at 6:30 PM ET and they'll end in approximately 20 minutes at 9:00 AM ET.

Here's the media coverage:

LINK:  WNDU-TV

Samardzija's Becoming the Leader of the Cubs

Former Notre Dame football star Jeff Samardzija is quickly becoming the face and voice of the Chicago Cubs.  Just yesterday he was asked to comment about the actions of one of the Cubs' top prospects who was involved in a bench clearing brawl.

His response was that of a leader -- I'm quite sure the Cubs' Theo Epstein was impressed:

LINK:  SAMARDZIJA TELLS IT LIKE IT IS

LINK:  SOLER WIELDS BAT

NBC Notre Dame Football TV Show April 20th

The NBC Sports Network will air a show next Saturday (April 20th) at NOON ET about Notre Dame Football -- just prior to the BLUE GOLD GAME -- to get you fired up -- watch the video linked below:

LINK:  STRONG & TRUE

MUST SEE VIDEO! A Tradition of Excellence...

Notre Dame Women's Basketball -- three straight trips to the FINAL FOUR -- a tradition of excellence.  Lady Irish Hoops fans will enjoy this "inside access" to the program...

LINK:  A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

ND Football: Handing Out the GOLD HELMETS

Notre Dame Football Equipment Manager Ryan Grooms handed out the GOLD HELMETS to the Fightin' Irish this week -- you'll enjoy his interaction with "early enrollee" Steve Elmer...

LINK:  THE GOLD HELMET

Coach Brian Kelly Ranked #4 on Coaches List

Athlon Sports published a ranking of the top COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACHES in America - and Notre Dame's Brian Kelly was ranked #4.  I think you'll be surprised who is #3...

LINK:  TOP COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACHES

A MUST READ by ND Mag Editor Kerry Temple

Every Thursday I have the honor of having lunch with Kerry Temple '74 (photo above), the long-time editor of the finest college magazine on the planet -- NOTRE DAME MAGAZINE.  From a booth in Legend's -- we typically enjoy a conversation about all that is Notre Dame...

A side note -- in my first ever conversation with Kerry I learned that we were born in the same hospital in Shreveport, LA.  He was the first and only human (at the time) that I had ever met from Shreveport.  I've since met another colleague here at Notre Dame (Angie Appleby Purcell) who was also born in that same hospital...

This morning, Michael Rodio (DAILY DOMER) shared with me a story Kerry had just written about Skylar Diggins -- it was so good I had to share it with all of you.

LINK:  THE STORY'S END

Manti Te'o Interview With Steve Mariucci

Former Notre Dame All-American Manti Te'o was recently interviewed for a NFL Network show called NFL Game Changers.  Manti was interviewed by former NFL coach Steve Mariucci.  Here's a link to that interview:

LINK:  MANTI TE'O -- NFL GAME CHANGERS

Brady Quinn Signs Contract With Seahawks

Former Notre Dame All-American QB Brady Quinn -- signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks.  This will be NFL team #4 for Quinn as he's played for Cleveland, Denver, Kansas City and now Seattle.

The move to Seattle means he'll be playing for former USC coach Pete Carroll...

LINK:  QUINN TO SEATTLE

ND -- Last to Beat Both National Champions

The University of Notre Dame's men's and women's basketball teams (respectively) were the last teams to beat the NCAA National Champions from Louisville and UCONN this season...

Unfortunately, that doesn't get you a National Championship ring or banner.

Where Are They Now -- Coley O'Brien

The more "experienced" fans of Notre Dame football will remember a QB by the name of Coley O'Brien.  He was the man behind center in the GAME OF THE CENTURY back in 1966 with Michigan State.

You'll enjoy this interview:

LINK:  COLEY O'BRIEN

Notre Dame Leprechaun Tryouts This Friday

Do you have what it takes to be the "living" mascot here at the University of Notre Dame? 

Well, the annual tryouts for the Notre Dame Leprechaun will take place this Friday.  Here's a clip produced by Fighting Irish Digital Media concerning a Dillon Hall resident who will be one of the ND students trying out:

LINK:  THE NOTRE DAME LEPRECHAUN

First Time Outside for Notre Dame This Spring

The Fightin' Irish took advantage of the improving weather Saturday and they got outside for a portion of practice.  Here's the UND.COM video coverage:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL PRACTICE

Notre Dame Law Wins a National Title!

And, it took place in New Orleans...

A team of eight Notre Dame Law School students won the 2013 Student Trial Advocacy National Competition this weekend in New Orleans!  Team members: Brian Salvi, Shelia Prendergast, Michelle Pope, Kristian Weir, Brian Ellixson, Ted Koroshetz, Andrew Spica and Bryan Pasciak.

The IRISH were "undefeated" -- going 11- 0 in the Regional and National Finals.

Here were the other Law Schools that won their Regional Championship earning a trip to New Orleans for the National Championship:

• Georgetown University
• Washington University (St. Louis)
• University of Texas
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of California (Davis)
• Syracuse University
• Suffolk University
• Georgia State University
• Stetson University
• Loyola University
• William Mitchell College
• Campbell University
• Southwestern University

LINK:  NOTRE DAME WINS A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Thank You Skylar for FOUR GREAT YEARS!

It wasn't the ending she had worked for -- or, the ending we had hoped for...

Yet, I wake up this morning SMILING!  Smiling for the efforts of a TEAM that no one expected could go this far.  Smiling for a "leader" who willed her team to win after win this season and many during her career.  And, smiling for a program that is "excellence" personified.

Thank you Skylar Diggins for sharing your talent with Notre Dame.  You will never be forgotten.


LINK:  POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

Photo of Fighting Irish Leaving Hotel for Arena!

This photo was just "tweeted" by @ndwbb -- shows the Lady Irish leaving their hotel for Final Four game tonight with UCONN.

Photo of the Day! Condoleezza Rice at Masters

It's the greatest week in golf -- played at what I believe to be the greatest golf course in the world.

Notre Dame alum and Augusta National member Condoleezza Rice '75, is seen here in a golf car wearing the famous member's green jacket!

Samardzija Strikes Out Thirteen: Leads MLB!

Former Notre Dame All-American wide receiver Jeff Samardzija made his second start of the season for the Chicago Cubs today and he lasted 5 2/3 innings -- STRIKING OUT THIRTEEN in the process.

After two starts -- Jeff Samardzija leads all of Major League Baseball with 22 strikeouts in 13.2 innings pitched!

Unfortunately, he gave up a run in the fifth and three more in the sixth to the Atlanta Braves before being pulled out of the game.   The Cubs lost the game 5 - 1.

LINK:  BOX SCORE

LINK:  MAJOR LEAGUE STRIKEOUT LEADERS

Skylar Diggins' ESPN Blog -- FINAL FOUR

The University of Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins is authoring a BLOG during the NCAA Tournament for ESPNW.  Here is her latest blog post along with an ESPN interview she gave on stage at the Final Four Salute Dinner:

LINK:  SKYLAR'S BLOG POST

12 Hours to Notre Dame vs. UCONN IV

Will our IRISH beat Notre Dame beat UCONN for the fourth time this season and eighth time in their last nine meetings?  It's going to be fun!

Here's the media coverage this morning -- this will keep you occupied til' game time -- can't wait to watch this game!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S DAY THREE

LINK:  ESPN #1

LINK:  ESPN #2

LINK:  ESPN #3

LINK:  ESPN #4

LINK:  ESPN #5

LINK:  HARTFORD COURANT #1

LINK:  HARTFORD COURANT #2

LINK:  HARTFORD COURANT #3

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE #1

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE #2

LINK:  GAME PREVIEW

LINK:  TIMES PICAYUNE

OT: Brain Cancer Patient Goes 69 Yards for TD!

Jack Hoffman has brain cancer and he's only 7 years-old...

Yet it didn't stop him today from taking a hand-off and racing 69 yards for a TD in Nebraska's Spring Football game.

Hoffman led the Cornhuskers in rushing.


LINK:   A TOUCHDOWN RUN TO REMEMBER

Photo of the Day: Public Practice @ Final Four

This photo was "tweeted" by @ndwbb of the NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH at their public practice this afternoon.

Coach Brian Kelly Post Practice Presser Today

Notre Dame football is two weeks away from the 83rd Annual Blue Gold Game -- and after today's practice, Coach Kelly met with the media:

LINK:  COACH KELLY

Final Four Press Conference For Notre Dame

Notre Dame's Muffet McGraw, Skylar Diggins and Kayla McBride met with the media today -- 30 hours prior to its PRIME TIME matchup with UCONN tomorrow night:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME PRESS CONFERENCE

Vegas Pickin' UCONN Over Our Irish Tomorrow

It's as if Notre Dame's three wins this year over UCONN never happened -- two took place on the road in the State of Connecticut...

Oh well, -- UCONN was favored in the previous three IRISH WINS!

Our Lady Irish spent their first full day in New Orleans yesterday at the FINAL FOUR -- with some practice, some interviews and a dress up "Welcome Party" for all of the teams.  Our friends at Fighting Irish Digital Media were in attendance -- take a look:


LINK:  NOTRE DAME AT FINAL FOUR

A New Access Road to Notre Dame in August

The University of Notre Dame has begun construction this week on a new road -- and the closing of a section of a current road (Douglas Road) -- that will be completed by mid-August.

The new access road to campus will sit right straight across from the intersection of the Indiana Toll Road (Exit 77) entrance/exit and 933 (Michigan Avenue).  The new road will begin here and will wind its way to the western edge of Warren Golf Course - where it will reconnect to Douglas Road.

The South Bend Tribune ran this story today:

LINK:  THE CLOSING OF DOUGLAS ROAD

"The Doubters" -- There Are Many @ Final Four

Seems like every media story I read has UCONN beating our Fightin' Irish on Sunday night in the National Semi-Final game...

They conveniently "throw away" the previous three wins this season by Notre Dame over Geno's team in this manner -- "if only for a missed shot here or...  UCONN would have won these three previous meetings..."

The IRISH, on a 31 game winning streak -- THREE of them against UCONN -- are obviously wearing the Rodney Dangerfield masks on Bourbon Street this week...

I LOVE IT!


LINK:  UCONN TO WIN NATIONAL TITLE

LINK:  ESPNW PODCAST

First Video of Lady Irish Arriving @ Final Four

Here's the Fightin' Irish arriving at the Final Four in New Orleans this evening.  Click on photos to make them larger!


LINK:  VIDEO COVERAGE

LINK:  TIMES PICAYUNE -- NEW ORLEANS

Two National Awards for Lady Irish Hoops!

It was announced today that Muffet McGraw was named National Coach of the Year!  And, Jewell Loyd was named National Freshman of the Year! 

WOW!

The Irish left for New Orleans and the Final Four today at 5 PM ET -- here's a video report:

LINK:  FINAL FOUR BOUND!

Let the Talk Begin: ND vs. UCONN in Final Four

It's unfortunate that this game isn't on Tuesday night for all of the marbles...

It's also a shame that the three wins already against UCONN this season -- don't mean anything if we don't beat them for a FOURTH TIME -- something I'm sure has never happened to a Geno Auriemma team in his tenure in Storrs.

So -- the media's pickin' UCONN over our IRISH -- big surprise.

LINK:  ESPN -- KATE FAGAN

LINK:  ESPN -- EXPERTS PICK THE WINNER

LINK:  ESPN -- MICHELLE SMITH

LINK:  ESPN -- ND vs. UCONN IV

LINK:  HARTFORD COURANT

LINK:  HARTFORD COURANT #2

Notre Dame Football: Back at Practice Today

Here's the video from today's Spring Practice "inside" the Loftus Sports Center at the University of Notre Dame:

LINK:  SPRING PRACTICE VIDEO

The Future of ND Basketball Tonight on ESPN

The future of Notre Dame men's and women's basketball will be on display tonight in Chicago...

At 7 PM ET the McDonald's All-American Girls Game will be televised on ESPNU -- and it will feature two high school stars headed to South Bend to play for Muffet this fall;

• #12 -- Taya Reimer;  6'-3" Forward playing for the East Team
• #15 -- Lindsay Allan;  5'-8" Point Guard playing for the East Team

At 9:30 PM ET the McDonald's All-American Boys Game will be televised on ESPN -- and it will feature a high school star headed to South Bend to play for Mike Brey this fall:

• #11 -- Demetrius Jackson; 6'-1" Point Guard playing for the East Team

That's Demetrius Jackson -- to the far right in the photo above -- holding his Skills Competition trophy.