Greetings Friends and Fans-
The previously reported second-hand Kyle Rudolph surgery update (via Armando) was corroborated by ND Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick. Daughter Emily and I met him in the parking lot behind the JACC (white Cadillac STS) after the Friday Gridiron Football Luncheon.
After introducing Emily, I told Jack that it was my understanding from my morning at Armando’s that the surgery was successful. Jack confirmed and added that this sort of surgery is pretty straight-forward and it is actually the 6-month rehab that is of principal concern.
“Murf the Bartender” at The Morris Inn had informed me minutes earlier that ND recruit Aaron Lynch had de-committed, but I did not ask Jack to comment on that.
The luncheon opened by introducing Paqui Kelly and her story about battling two separate bouts of breast cancer and the “Kelly’s Care” foundation for breast cancer awareness and support. She spoke of the health challenges and raising family of three children (13, 10, 9)—which includes 3rd grader Kenzel whose Student Teacher at St. Pius is my niece Kristen. She states that at recent Parent-Teacher conferences there was an (understandable) school policy of “no football talk”.
Safety Harrison Smith was the featured player speaker. He did a nice job. If you refer back to my Blue-Gold weekend blog in April, it was then that Defensive Coach Chuck Martin quizzed the Peanut Gallery sitting at Armando’s as to who would be the biggest surprise on defense for the Irish. Everyone flubbed the question and Martin proclaimed Smith as his prediction and choice.
Coach Kelly was very good, as usual, with a mike. He was pleased that he is seeing weekly improvement and cited the Defense for allowing just 7 TD’s when the opponents have made it to the Red Zone 20 times this season. His theme was “limiting your opponents.”
Afterwards, walking past the Basilica, we encountered the Western Michigan football team (in black athletic warm-up suits) and their coaching staff (coats and ties) with many regular and video cameras. Several were debating whether the Golden Dome was made of solid gold. I felt compelled to intervene and explained that they were viewing real gold leaf which is replaced and re-gilded periodically. They thought that was pretty cool.
Next, another player asked if the “Rudy” movie was fake. Horrified, I explained that I know Dan Ruettiger—Rudy—and I asked if they were interested (or had time) to learn more. The group nodded in simultaneous anticipation.
I set the context as attending ND as a freshman when Rudy was a senior. I was in attendance at the “Rudy game” vs. Georgia Tech and I knew a number of players (in addition to Rudy) on that team who have since confirmed most of the details. Subsequently, I placed the movie version at about 90% accurate. I explained for instance, that the players never filed-into Dan Devine’s office laying their jerseys on his desk and offering their playing spots for Rudy instead. But Hollywood needed this. Rudy had explained to me (in Martin’s Supermarket in South Bend one morning with Rick and Mary Behler) that he had asked Devine for permission to paint him as a “bad guy.”
I also added a Rudy post-script for his undistinguished but valiant Bengal Bouts career in the Heavyweight Division (populated by fighters like Ross Browner and Ken McAfee). One lad stated that he never knew Rudy was a boxer and I replied, “Most people do not…so now you have that going for you—which is nice,”
Lastly, a player asked if my ring was an ND ring. I stated, “Yes…an ND class ring, but not a National Championship ring—of which ND has 11.” A couple of Western Michigan players took pictures of me…which I presumed was a compliment. One of the coaches shook my hand and I wished them all a “Welcome to Notre Dame and good luck.”
It was onward to a Development Department function at Eddy Street Commons overlooking the Irish Village and Pep Rally… There, we had the opportunity to meet one of ND’s finest. You will recall the firey red-headed Rocky Boiman—a defensive stalwart 1997-2001. He also attended the function with his ND grad fiancée from Indianapolis (Roncali H.S.)
Boiman (please call me “Rocky”) was a 4th round pick (#133) in the 2002 draft by the Tennessee Titans where he played for four years. But our NFL points of conversation were his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts (2006-07) and the Super Bowl ring he was wearing. I informed him I was at that Bears-Colts Super Bowl in Miami and the Bears did not look like the 1985 juggernaut I so fondly recalled. Rocky next also played with K.C. and the Steelers in 2009. He was cut by the Lions this September and is a free agent.
But he seems most focused upon three ventures: The Rocky Boiman Athletic Performance Academy in Cincinnati, the local broadcasting career he has begun, and impressively—he has formed the “LEAD” political action committee with a mission of supporting Ohio political candidates who show leadership in fighting for individuals’ rights with special attention for conservative values and issues.
We also met another interesting retired couple with homes in Spring Lake, NJ, Chicago and a seasonal home here in South Bend. From what I could determine, Mr. F was a successful investment banker with 1st Boston. His daughter graduated from ND (2007) and he and his son from Georgetown. He always wanted to live the “ND dream.” So last football season, the couple inquired about how to become ND Football Gameday Ushers. They were instructed that new usher auditions were held for the Blue-Gold game in April. They attended, impressed and were added as ushers for this football season. Jim is now a ticket-taker at Gate A and Chris is a bag-checker at Gate B. He said he would provide me contact information for the Usher Chief-in-Charge whenever I might be interested.
It was a busy Friday night on campus. Men’s Hoops “Midnight Madness” kicked-off at 10:00pm and was open to the public. ND Men’s hockey defeated Lake Superior State again. And on the road, ND Women’s Soccer tied UCONN 1-1 to keep intact the longest conference unbeaten streak in the NCAA ND (70-0-4). The Women (and my niece starting on defense—Julie Scheidler) are ranked #4 in the country (13-1).
The forecast is for a beautiful Fall day here at Notre Dame. The start time has been advanced to 2:30pm EST.
GO IRISH!
Abe