Sometimes life is about a Journey. A Journey to overcome odds to FIGHT for what you believe in and to remember to put things in its proper place. I made a journey to Notre Dame Stadium this weekend to watch Notre Dame play Football. I realized though I was interested in the game and how a first time starting quarterback would play, new defense and offense etc. that's not what moved me the most.

 

I sat in awe below the Word of Life Mural commonly called Touchdown Jesus with my nephew, then went and donated five dollars for me and 5 for my nephew to take a baseball bat to a car that said "Cancer". Students were raising money to fight childhood Cancer. Music played, Notre Dame Day was in full swing.

 

I guess I say all that to say this. The Spirit of the place is amazing. All the results on the football field will come and go,. Coaches will, everybody will. but that spirit transcends time and is everlasting.

 

Riding 500 miles plus each way Friday and Sunday was totally worth it. Whenever I get upset about a loss I'm going think about how small I was when I looked up at that mural. I'll never forget our Journey this weekend. Feel free to share yours!

 

Go Irish!

This is a wonderful reflection on your Notre Dame experience, Faith. Having graduated from this special place, I will always root for Our Lady's University and, no matter how great the odds, believe there is a chance for a national championship if everything falls in place.

 

I wish I could have traveled to see the campus this past weekend; however, the trip from Oklahoma would not have been financially possible for me right now.

 

I sincerely hope the 2017 football season sees a rejuvenation in fan spirit, because after last year's unfortunate turn of events fans have soured on Notre Dame. I completely understand why fans, like me, are frustrated with the lack of consistency in the program the past 20+ seasons.

 

I heard Lou Holtz speak three weeks ago at a financial talk in Oklahoma City. Just listening to Lou gave me chills thinking what if he had never been told to resign. What if the University of Notre Dame had treated Holtz fairly and Michael Wadsworth (the AD at that time) had decided to find a way to make things work in his relationship with Coach Holtz? I guess we will never know for sure, but we have seen tumultuous times since the 1994 Cotton Bowl win against Texas A&M.

 

Here's to hoping for a successful 2017 season. Thank you for sharing your thrilling pilgrimage to Notre Dame for the spring game, Faith, and go Irish!

Sometimes life is about a Journey. A Journey to overcome odds to FIGHT for what you believe in and to remember to put things in its proper place. I made a journey to Notre Dame Stadium this weekend to watch Notre Dame play Football. I realized though I was interested in the game and how a first time starting quarterback would play, new defense and offense etc. that's not what moved me the most.

 

I sat in awe below the Word of Life Mural commonly called Touchdown Jesus with my nephew, then went and donated five dollars for me and 5 for my nephew to take a baseball bat to a car that said "Cancer". Students were raising money to fight childhood Cancer. Music played, Notre Dame Day was in full swing.

 

I guess I say all that to say this. The Spirit of the place is amazing. All the results on the football field will come and go,. Coaches will, everybody will. but that spirit transcends time and is everlasting.

 

Riding 500 miles plus each way Friday and Sunday was totally worth it. Whenever I get upset about a loss I'm going think about how small I was when I looked up at that mural. I'll never forget our Journey this weekend. Feel free to share yours!

 

Go Irish!

 

How did a PA. guy like yourself become a ND fan?

 

I'm gonna make that trek someday. I may have anephew going there in a few years. Fingers crossed.

Ron Powlus is from Berwick Pennsylvania which is about 40 minutes from my hometown. They did a few stories about Ron on our local news and newspapers then I didn't know it but Ron got hurt. So I turned on the 93 team with McDougal and Becton, Watched them win all the way until Boston College. Cried my eyes out when they lost.

 

At the Same time I met a physical therapist who was a Notre Dame fan. If I did my time standing in parallel bars(a walkway with bars on each side, he would let me learn how to draw football plays. 7 players on the line 4 off i believe! So we would would draw plays some were really nonsensical and some actually turned out to be quite modern. I always thought that some day the play action pass would be an option play, now it can be. The late physical therapist gathered the plays, sent them To Lou Holtz and I got an autographed football of Mcdougal, Becton, and Holtz in the mail.

 

Back to the story. The lady that oversaw intregrated education at the time(I was one of the first in my school district to have a full time personal care aide to go into classes for people without disabilities. Anyway the lady was from Berwick and used to Babysit Ron as a child apparently. So he sent a sweatshirt with the whole team I think in 95 or 96. Whenever she saw Ron he signed things for all of us at school.

 

So Ron got me started, the 93 team, Lou and my physical therapist helped an administrator from school helped. The love of football plays helped(screenshots).

 

Then DomerDomain gave me a reason to take the next step. You guys and girls are the best and are stuck with me.

Edited April 24, 20178 yr by FaithInIrishForever

Ron Powlus is from Berwick Pennsylvania which is about 40 minutes from my hometown. They did a few stories about Ron on our local news and newspapers then I didn't know it but Ron got hurt. So I turned on the 93 team with McDougal and Becton, Watched them win all the way until Boston College. Cried my eyes out when they lost.

 

At the Same time I met a physical therapist who was a Notre Dame fan. If I did my time standing in parallel bars(a walkway with bars on each side, he would let me learn how to draw football plays. 7 players on the line 4 off i believe! So we would would draw plays some were really nonsensical and some actually turned out to be quite modern. I always thought that some day the play action pass would be an option play, now it can be. The late physical therapist gathered the plays, sent them To Lou Holtz and I got an autographed football of Mcdougal, Becton, and Holtz in the mail.

 

Back to the story. The lady that oversaw intregrated education at the time(I was one of the first in my school district to have a full time personal care aide to go into classes for people without disabilities. Anyway the lady was from Berwick and used to Babysit Ron as a child apparently. So he sent a sweatshirt with the whole team I think in 95 or 96. Whenever she saw Ron he signed things for all of us at school.

 

So Ron got me started, Lou and my physical therapist helped an administrator from school helped. The love of football plays helped(screenshots).

 

Then DomerDomain gave me a reason to take the next step. You guys and girls are the best and are stuck with me.

 

Great story. Was it tough for you when Holtz left?

 

I feel i can speak for the entire when i say we are grateful to have you here. I speak for myself when i say thank you for always being there to answer questions that i have. I love the screenshots and breakdowns. Also can't forget the videos.

 

And just so you can get it out of the way, I'd like for you to ban me for a week or so this summer.

Great story. Was it tough for you when Holtz left?

 

I feel i can speak for the entire when i say we are grateful to have you here. I speak for myself when i say thank you for always being there to answer questions that i have. I love the screenshots and breakdowns. Also can't forget the videos.

 

And just so you can get it out of the way, I'd like for you to ban me for a week or so this summer.

 

Lou will always be part of my memories. I prefer football to be focused alot in the middle of the field like Lou Did. I like offensive line, running backs and tight ends as my favorite offensive positions.

 

I think running backs and tight ends are able to take advantage of mismatches with line backers alot, Running backs are quicker, tight ends are usually taller and possibly quicker.

 

This team meets my 93 criteria quite well.

 

Wimbush can probably outrun Mcdougal but they're not that different

Good Running Backs

Good Tight Ends

 

 

Bend but don't break defense.

 

Who knows but I have an opinion on what in the modern era makes a good ND team 93, 2012 and this team as a lot of the parts.

Edited April 24, 20178 yr by FaithInIrishForever

Lou will always be part of my memories. I prefer football to be focused alot in the middle of the field like Lou Did. I like offensive line, running backs and tight ends as my favorite offensive positions.

 

I think running backs and tight ends are able to take advantage of mismatches with line backers alot, Running backs are quicker, tight ends are usually taller and possibly quicker.

 

This team meets my 93 criteria quite well.

 

Wimbush can probably outrun Mcdougal but they're not that different

Good Running Backs

Good Tight Ends

 

 

Bend but don't break defense.

 

Who knows but I have an opinion on what in the modern era makes a good ND team 93, 2012 and this team as a lot of the parts.

 

Sorry, but what you're saying is complete nonsense.

 

That 1993 defense had the following players drafted following spring. And look at how dispersed it is across the defense:

 

DT- Bryant Young

DT: Jim Flanagan

LB: Tony Perterson

LB : Pete Bercich

DB: Jeff Burris

DB: John Covington

CB: Willie Clark

 

There is no way in hell our 2017 defense has anywhere near the talent of the 1993 team, or will be near as good. For example, the 1993 defense held Florida State- the National Champion- to 24 points , 19 points below their season average of 43. You think this 2017 defense is going to hold the best offense in the country to 19 points below their average?

 

Comparing 2017 to 1993 is pure fantasy. I have no idea where you guys come up with this kind of fiction.

Edited April 24, 20178 yr by Frankus

My first game was that BC game. Talk about emotional roller coaster. My last game was the 2005 USC game so I've seen some heartache. Still a special place though and as Lou says, "those who walk onto ND's campus, know." (and I'm paraphrasing here because I've had 5 Oberons lol)

Sorry, but what you're saying is complete nonsense.

 

That 1993 defense had the following players drafted following spring. And look at how dispersed it is across the defense:

 

DT- Bryant Young

DT: Jim Flanagan

LB: Tony Perterson

LB : Pete Bercich

DB: Jeff Burris

DB: John Covington

CB: Willie Clark

 

There is no way in hell our 2017 defense has anywhere near the talent of the 1993 team, or will be near as good. For example, the 1993 defense held Florida State- the National Champion- to 24 points , 19 points below their season average of 43. You think this 2017 defense is going to hold the best offense in the country to 19 points below their average?

 

Comparing 2017 to 1993 is pure fantasy. I have no idea where you guys come up with this kind of fiction.

 

Ok. Fair enough. What was your favorite ND Football experience?

My first game was that BC game. Talk about emotional roller coaster. My last game was the 2005 USC game so I've seen some heartache. Still a special place though and as Lou says, "those who walk onto ND's campus, know." (and I'm paraphrasing here because I've had 5 Oberons lol)

 

2005???? Shameful... shameful...

Ok. Fair enough. What was your favorite ND Football experience?

 

I'll just give you the live experiences. The 1973 Sugar Bowl and 1977 Cotton Bowl were amazing, but I watched them on TV

 

1. Hanratty to Seymour vs Purdue 1966. People don't realize how good Purdue was and what a rivalry it was back then. I had watched ND's offense run by Bill Zloch the year before and it was a dull, grind em out offense. To see the timing between Hanratty/Seymour was a beautiful thing for my 9 year old eyes.

 

2. Eric Pennick's breakaway run vs USC in 1973. It is still the loudest moment I have ever witnessed at the stadium. It was down the student body sideline and the roar as he broke free was amazing. USC had had our number for awhile and this win was amazing, opening the gate for our NC.

 

 

4. Joe Montana's comeback win at Purdue. We were about to lose to Purdue after Devine insisted in using Lisch, Forystek and then Lisch before finally giving Montana a chance. Immediately, the offense rolled like clockwork in a comeback win which would end in another NC. That's three NC's in 11 years where I saw every home game live. We were the Gold Standard.

 

5. The 1988 Miami game. My Dad being a Monogram winner gave me and my friend 50 yard line seats behind Miami's bench. I saw the intensity of Miami's players first hand up close as we beat them in probably the most epic game of the modern era. The entire game was an edge of your seat experience. Probably my most amazing ND football experience ever.

 

6. 1993 FSU. After FSU easily scored their first TD, an FSU fan in our section rose and said loudly "We're going to give you the worst beatings of your life". I'd been in the stadium for 28 years by then and had heard other obnoxious fans, but nothing like this. ND had a lot of pride back then and we had the better friggin team. As we pounded their weak a$$ and completely physically whipped them, every time we scored and/or stopped them the entire section heckled that a$$h0le.

 

There are many, many more......................

 

My worst away game was 1989 at Miami. The fans were rude and we did not play well. On a beautiful night our dreams for back to back NC's were shattered. I saw the players going to the bus after the game. There was a look of astonished disappointment on everybody's face.

Edited April 25, 20178 yr by Frankus

Frankus - great post - I was a Junior in the stands for that Purdue (1966) game & you are dead on. I agree with your other picks as well - would add some of the Sunday morning re runs from the 50s - B&W TV - "Nick Pe-Et-Tro-Santi", with the aroma of Frank Leahy still redolent... guess that fully qualifies me as an old fart!

Sometimes life is about a Journey. A Journey to overcome odds to FIGHT for what you believe in and to remember to put things in its proper place. I made a journey to Notre Dame Stadium this weekend to watch Notre Dame play Football. I realized though I was interested in the game and how a first time starting quarterback would play, new defense and offense etc. that's not what moved me the most.

 

I sat in awe below the Word of Life Mural commonly called Touchdown Jesus with my nephew, then went and donated five dollars for me and 5 for my nephew to take a baseball bat to a car that said "Cancer". Students were raising money to fight childhood Cancer. Music played, Notre Dame Day was in full swing.

 

I guess I say all that to say this. The Spirit of the place is amazing. All the results on the football field will come and go,. Coaches will, everybody will. but that spirit transcends time and is everlasting.

 

Riding 500 miles plus each way Friday and Sunday was totally worth it. Whenever I get upset about a loss I'm going think about how small I was when I looked up at that mural. I'll never forget our Journey this weekend. Feel free to share yours!

 

Go Irish!

 

As an old fart, I spend too much time focused on the antics of candle light vigils to help the snowflakes get over their angst at the election results, and too little time remembering the comaraderie, mass in the chapel below the cathedral, and finally passing Thermo II. (as well as drinking beer in the cemetery - I went to confession for that). Thank you for devining the spirituality of the place that those too close to it sometimes miss.

 

4 years and degree don't necessarily define a Notre Dame Man - In certain cases, the reverse is also true. I second Davis' gratitude, and add that for my money you are a true Notre Dame Man, in the best sense of the phrase.

Frankus - great post - I was a Junior in the stands for that Purdue (1966) game & you are dead on. I agree with your other picks as well - would add some of the Sunday morning re runs from the 50s - B&W TV - "Nick Pe-Et-Tro-Santi", with the aroma of Frank Leahy still redolent... guess that fully qualifies me as an old fart!

 

So, you got to see the 1964 team. Lucky you!

 

I was too young for Pietrosante, but I knew some of Leahy's players from the 1949 NC team. So, I was aware of the pride and the heritage of ND football.

 

You must be the elder statesman for the board. Congrats!

Edited April 26, 20178 yr by Frankus

My first game was that BC game. Talk about emotional roller coaster. My last game was the 2005 USC game so I've seen some heartache. Still a special place though and as Lou says, "those who walk onto ND's campus, know." (and I'm paraphrasing here because I've had 5 Oberons lol)

 

DOnt go to another game that means so much.

So, you got to see the 1964 team. Lucky you!

As a freshman, I remember walking into The Hammes thinking that Wisconsin (1st game) would win & hearing the score (it was away & not on TV) - that was the start...ND 31 - Badgers 7.

http://www.ndinsider.com/football/throwback-thursday-sept-era-of-ara-begins/article_7627a2b2-7da3-11e5-a687-7bf70f7abb7d.html

 

I was too young for Pietrosante, but I knew some of Leahy's players from the 1949 NC team. So, I was aware of the pride and the heritage of ND football.

I love how Coach used his service to line up the Connors and Martins - that and his exit from backup college - he was great.

 

You must be the elder statesman for the board. Congrats!

Maybe one of them - old fart is probably more accurate, but we try to live up to the logo on the t-shirt "Old Guys Rule".

On nostalgia - does anyone remember when we used to hurl rolls of TP from the stands for a touchdown? (and then pray that we didn't have beans for dinner). Actually a cool visual.

Maybe one of them - old fart is probably more accurate, but we try to live up to the logo on the t-shirt "Old Guys Rule".

On nostalgia - does anyone remember when we used to hurl rolls of TP from the stands for a touchdown? (and then pray that we didn't have beans for dinner). Actually a cool visual.

 

Unbelievably cool visual seeing dozens of unfolding TP rolls unfolding across the student body. The student body back then- being mostly male and used to winning- was quite different than today. Today, the highlight is throwing marshmallows on Senior Day.

So, you got to see the 1964 team. Lucky you!

 

I was too young for Pietrosante, but I knew some of Leahy's players from the 1949 NC team. So, I was aware of the pride and the heritage of ND football.

 

You must be the elder statesman for the board. Congrats!

 

Unbelievably cool visual seeing dozens of unfolding TP rolls unfolding across the student body. The student body back then- being mostly male and used to winning- was quite different than today. Today, the highlight is throwing marshmallows on Senior Day.

 

Marshmallows? Were we allowed to have sugar back then? No, I remember scooping an extra cake into my dining hall jacket (had to be worn at dinner & Sundays as I remember it). DHJs were handed down or sold down - mine was a green corduroy without pocket flaps, to enable scooping of cookies & cake, and usually came with rock hard crumbs from prior years thefts.

Unbelievably cool visual seeing dozens of unfolding TP rolls unfolding across the student body. The student body back then- being mostly male and used to winning- was quite different than today. Today, the highlight is throwing marshmallows on Senior Day.

 

Or the odd octopus. Wish I could remember what year that was...

 

4. Joe Montana's comeback win at Purdue. We were about to lose to Purdue after Devine insisted in using Lisch, Forystek and then Lisch before finally giving Montana a chance. Immediately, the offense rolled like clockwork in a comeback win which would end in another NC. That's three NC's in 11 years where I saw every home game live. We were the Gold Standard.

 

 

This was my very first game. My mom took me because her friend was a Purdue fan and got tickets.

Or the odd octopus. Wish I could remember what year that was...

 

I think in 2007 they also threw snowballs at the players. A new low.