Good Morning fans—
It is a gorgeous day in South Bend. The forecast at kick-off is for 80 degrees and sun. Just 7 hours till the new Irish era begin. The tailgate at Joyce Lamp Post #3 was set up at 6:32am. We are ready for the 2009 Irish. The buzz began at the Pep Rally last night.
Dillon Hall hosted a huge Pep Rally on the South Quad with the stately dorm as the backdrop. Perhaps a new attire statement or a large contribution from Adidas, the players did not wear coats and ties last night—just Adidas warm-ups. Coach CW looked almost svelte at about 330 pounds. I’d say that he has lost about 100 pounds on his new diet. CW was insistent that the season really began last year vs. Hawaii. If so, then we are already 1-0.
Mike Golic is here, and actually has a townhouse directly across from me. Gentleman Chris Zorich is also on campus doing some radio work. I plan to meet up later with “Big Red” Ernie Hughes (#65)—Joe Montana’s left guard on the ’77 National Championship team. Brother Dickie may still have “banned status” on ND’s campus issued by Dean Roemer—even though he is now dead.
There are just 3 recruits visiting campus this game, Apparently, USC is the showcase recruit weekend.
Some ND insiders were quite pleased that current H.S> junior Kenny Hilliard was given a formal offer letter and appears headed to ND. He is rated as in of the best running backs in the country.
I visited with Armando. But I do not need a haircut until MSU. These things need to be well-coordinated. While he had ND Ticket Manager Josh Berlo in the chair, I held him hostage for Irish ”scoop”. Josh states that practices have been intense and focused. The team has a different confidence and swagger. Hope he is right.
The CW billboard above The Linebacker proclaiming “Good Luck on your 5th year internship” was replaced after just 3 days. While representatives at Burkhardt Outdoor are quoted as saying that no one from University applied pressure to remove it, my sources say this just ain’t the case. Armando also cuts Tom Reynold’s hair, who paid for the billboard as disgruntled ND alum. Armando states that with razor in his hand, he told Reynolds the billboard was his to buy (free speech), but it was not a good idea.
Armando also cut Lou’s hair before his induction into the College Hall of Fame on July 19. He says that Lou is serious that the Irish will be very good this year.
The new Lacrosse and Soccer stadiums are impressive, though there is controversy for the latter.
About 1/3 of the raised bleacher seat on the North end have a totally clear unobstructed view into LeBar Field—where the football team practices. I have it from a Varsity player on the soccer team that CW went ballistic Tuesday night of the Men’s soccer game because early arriving fans were watching his practice. Shortly, ND Security relocated those fans to the South section of the bleachers so that no one could view CW’s practice. This was practical if Nevada coaches were there Tuesday night scouting.
As an aside, a Dillon Dirtball was an anonymous donor to the new soccer stadium to the tune of $10 million. And to think, back when I was his R.A. I almost threw him out of the dorm for excessive excessiveness. Maybe my stern leadership and mentoring saved the lad.
#2 ranked ND Women Soccer hosted UNC last night in a re-match of the National Championship from last season. ND went down in flames 6-0.
It seems to me that we must have a stronger home opener today than vs. SDSU last year. But Nevada is an explosive team which averaged more than 500 yards of offense last year producing over 30 points per game. fortunately, their defense sucked and I hope it still does. I bet CW will be throwing frequently to our elite corp of receivers. Hopefully we can run, too, with Armando (no relation to the barber) Allen and sophomore Jonas Gray. Hard top believe James Aldridge is now a senior.
This 5th year is now CW’s team entirely. We will know by halftime how hard the team worked on the off-season and what kind of talent we have.
GO IRISH!
Abe