Abe’s Blog #1—Pre-Season 2010
Disclaimers:
1. As I have clearly stated before—all of my stories and experiences are true. I just can’t help that they get better with time and repetition.
2. Private for my friends, and to the best of my recollections for a long weekend!
Where, where, oh where do I begin?
This was a truly excellent adventure at Notre Dame this weekend for friends, family and ND camaraderie.
Two vocabulary words for this blog:
“Opportunist”—n .One who takes advantage of any opportunity to achieve an end. (Opposite of: “stalker”)
“Antithesis”—n. The direct or exact opposite; in sharp contrast.
Arriving on campus last Wednesday after a 10-hour drive from Philadelphia, it was refreshing to throw on the running shoes for a late afternoon jog across a beautiful ND campus on a perfect Spring day. The Women’s Tennis team was preparing for the Big East Championships (which they would win handily). With six courts of balls smashing, rackets crashing and co-eds grunting—this was still no distraction for the finely focused ND Football team just across the way. There were just two final days of Spring practice before the 81st Annual Blue-Gold game. There was definitely a “buzz” in the air for the anticipation of the new version of ND football with Coach Brian Kelly at the helm.
On Thursday, I wanted to stop-in to see Father Ted Hesburgh to offer him a pre-93rd birthday wish (May 25). I also wanted to ask that he might sign a picture from our “Ron Dallas Memorial Bench” dedication at the Law School last September. As I entered the lobby of the towering Hesburgh Memorial Library, a small dwarfish man in black slacks, black jacket and with a black Captain’s cap and a shiny black cane over his wrist was waiting at the elevator.
Abe: “Hello Father Ted. Jeff Kohler from Philadelphia.”
Fr. Ted: “Well..well. Nice to see you again, Jeff” (what a diplomat!)
I then asked if I might drop a picture at his office to be signed. He stated that I should come up with him right then and he’d sign it on the spot. Fr. Ted’s eyesight is very poor these days, but his health is excellent. In fact, he shared that he was just returning from his regular 6-month physical. He joked his doctors don’t believe in annual visits.
Fr. Ted asked if I could push Floor #13. Once in his office, we chatted for more than 5 minutes (but probably less than 10 minutes). Others were waiting to see him. He asked what he should write on the picture (and I resisted, “Yo Dawg. Keep it real. Word. Ted”). He also asked if I could guide his hand to the open spot of the picture to sign it. This was my second private meeting in Fr. Ted’s office and I am still in amazement. In my book, Fr. Ted, is the closest we have to the American Pope.
Any visit to ND could be complete with an audience with Fr. Ted Hesburgh. But an opportunist is always alert and prepared. Sometimes advance intelligence is a good thing, too.
Thursday was completed with the obligatory trip for the finest pizza in South Bend (or just about anywhere)—Rocco’s Pizza with our long-time friends and hosts–owners Warren and Linda. As usual, we also try to bring Fr. “Broadway” Joe Carey as our guest. The long-time Assistant and then Rector of Dillon Hall presided over a generation of Dirtballs—many of who became more successful than any of us could have predicted.
“Broadway” Joe may have officiated more weddings and baptisms than almost any ND priest (100’s…if anyone is counting). He is revered among the students, especially for his Retreats and Pre Cana work. And one day, I predict, “Broadway” will be honored with Senior Class “Fellow Award”. It was quiet at Rocco’s…no Bishop Dan Jenky (who was just a regular black frock priest when we propelled his career from Dillon), nor Regis Philbin or Dickie V that night.
Back to advance intelligence…
Last week, I called Armando from Philadelphia to make a haircut appointment for Thursday.
He said, “Chaafe… (Jeff)—That would be fine, but how about Friday instead? Maybe sometime between 9-9:30am?”
Sure; that would be fine. So that morning, I rounded up daughter Katie (SMC ’09 in f rom D.C. and her ND ‘09 grad boyfriend John Dalhoff from Chicago) to take a run over to Armando’s.
Armando has been cutting many of our heads since we were freshmen in 1975. His tradition has continued with his regulars today, such as Ara, Lou and Digger. You never know who you may encounter in his chair. And as we entered the shop at 9:15am….it was a scene right out of “Hoosiers”!
Just like Coach Norman Dale, ND Head Football Coach Brian Kelly was holding court at Armando’s last Friday morning entertaining about 10 of us (I suspect Armando called a few other pals, too). The Coach began:
BK: “Any questions, gents? Just ask. I know you are the faithful and the experts, so what do you want to know about Notre Dame football? I’ll do my best to answer. And also, what do you want to see on Saturday? Offense? Defense? You call the game.”
For the next 20 minutes, we had our own exclusive press conference. BK was extremely thoughtful, pleasant, cheerful and outgoing. (Can you say, “antithesis”?) BK was very comfortable and patient with no appearances of wanting or needing to leave. He was highly informative. Among the many observations Coach Kelly made:
“we are weak at Right Tackle…but we will fix that
sophomore Zach Martin from Indianapolis (Bishop Chatard H.S.–alma mater of Maureen “Mo” O’Brien Kohler) is looking very good and is heading toward a starting job (over off-season favorite Sr. Matt Romine)
O-Lineman Andrew Nuss is really looking good and he will be a player
Dane Crist’s knee is doing just fine and he has taken every snap this Spring
we will continue to slot our athletes at their best natural positions
the best players will play”
I asked BK how the ND facilities compared to Cincinnati. He stared, smiled and laughed, “You’re kidding, right? We did not have a practice field at Cincy and practiced in the stadium. This is bigger and better than anything I have ever had.”
After BK paid for his haircut (he insisted), he walked around the room and shook hands with everyone. Looking each person straight in the eye, he thanked each person for supporting ND football (see: “antithesis”).
As he left, I followed him out the door alone (see: “opportunist”) to personally re-introduce myself. We spoke for maybe three minutes 1:1. He asked when I attended ND and I informed him that 1975-79 were some glory years with Bowl victories and a National Championship. BK said it was his job and responsibility to restore ND to that place of prominence and it was his goal to make us all proud again of a winning football program.
I asked BK what would bring him satisfaction and he stated,
“At the end of the day, if the person sitting in the stands sees their team or their buddy or their dorm mate go out and play his heart out for Our Lady, then I know I have done my job.” (Can you hear the “Rudy” music in the background?)
I then asked him if I could take a quick picture of my Katie and John and I motioned them to come outside. BK was extremely gracious and he also asked each about themselves. He seemed genuine and he cared in asking.
Now of course, you certainly know that I could never let Coach Kelly get away without a quick picture of me for my own collection. He insisted and said to snap away. But I just needed one picture in this inaugural encounter. And I will probably make an extra copy for BK so that he can also have his own memory here of our first meeting:
Of particular noteworthiness is how great both of our hair looks. And the Blue and Green shirts were just coincidental.
As Katie was snapping my picture, all of a sudden, everyone came spilling out of the barber shop with their cameras and cell phone cameras asking the Coach for pictures. I shrieked and apologized and said, “Coach…I apologize. I never expected to create this scene.”
BK: “Jeff…don’t worry. This is my job. And I am happy to oblige”
He then remained for at least another five minutes satisfying all. What a great gesture. (You understand the word “antithesis” now, right?)
Young John Dalhoff finally sat for his first Armando haircut (my treat). He did not need a booster seat and he did get a lollipop afterwards for not squirming. When he returned to work at Price Waterhouse on Monday, several colleagues noted his indescribable “new look” and a “special air of confidence”.
Well…things settled back down inside Armando’s and most of the BK gawkers left. I stayed to catch-up with Armando and stylist son Chris and to talk some football. Then, not five minutes later, Coach Chuck Martin came in for a haircut. He is the Head of Recruiting for the entire team and also coaches the D-backs. At Grand Valley State in six seasons, Martin was the winningest D-II coach in the country with a record of 74-7. This included winning two National Championships and a runners-up finish. As you know, he coached under Brian Kelly, who hopes for the same type of success at ND.
I introduced myself to Coach Martin (“call me Chuck”) and he asked where I was from. When I said Philadelphia now, but I grew up in the Chicago suburb of Wheeling, he immediately recounted how he had played in the Wheeling High School Hardwood Christmas Basketball Tournament in H.S. I stated that I was there every year, too—but not necessarily inferring that I was a player. Chuck is an Irish Catholic (42 years old) and grew up in Park Forest, IL (south suburbs) and went to Rich East H.S. He said that he and his brother were devout ND football and basketball fans and always liked players such Bob Golic and Bob Crable and Adrian Dantley and Orlando Woolridge.
Chuck is a very confident (not cocky) individual. He has a very strong and winning presence.
Second disclosure. Just to be certain—I had also invoked Tim Rooney’s name with Chuck.
As the key recruiter for Illinois, Chuck has already spent a lot of time in his home state and time with Tim. Attending ND closed practices and having dinner together, Tim has apparently found a new friend (and perhaps a tickets and parking pass contact when ND starts winning again and demand soars—see opportunist.) And coaches on the previous ND staff were likely not as outgoing and approachable (see antithesis.)
Either Chuck mimics BK or he also thinks well of Tim—with one slight distinction. BK said that Tim was a really good guy. Chuck stated, “For sure…Tim is a really cool guy.”
He asked each of us who we thought was the best ND defensive player and he “horned” us with every “wrong” answer. We named good players, but not the best in his opinion—Te’o (my guess), Smith, Walls, Williams…
A laughing Coach Martin said: “I am giving you all an ‘Armando’s Special’…ESPN doesn’t even have this. Write this down now and see me at the end of the season. I am telling you that the very best defensive athlete and player on the field will be DARIUS FLEMING (OLB). Take that to the bank.”
Of lesser “star power”, next through the door was Marybeth Warinner with her 12-year old son Eddie– also for his first Armando haircut. Husband Ed, Sr. is the new Offensive Line Coach after three of the most successful years ever for Kansas Jayhawk football where he was the O.C. and his offenses averaged almost 450 yards/game. He also had great success at Air Force. And when I asked Marybeth how Ed and BK were acquainted (where had they coached together?), she stated that they had never met prior to the Air Force A.D. (a mutual friend) contacting someone in ND Athletics on Ed’s behalf to make the introduction. So if anyone suggests that BK brought all of his own cronies with him to coach at ND—not so.
Well, after an hour and one-half at Armando’s, I was totally exhausted. I needed a break. Phew!
We later watched the Mexican National (Olympic) Women’s Soccer team play the ND Women (Final Four the past four years) with my niece junior starter Julie Scheidler, former Indiana H.S. “Gatorade Player of the Year”. The Mexicans were Speedy Gonzalez fast with Muhammad Ali magical footwork.
Saturday finally brought the Blue-Gold game. But before kick-off, Bruce & Cathy Flowers, my Maureen, and brother and sister-in-laws Bill & Cokie Scheidler toured the newly remodeled Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. As we entered the building, maybe 15 yards ahead and coming toward us, was Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick (see: “opportunist”).
At first, I was a little apprehensive in approaching Jack. I was hoping that he was not offended from last March at the Adrian Dantley College Hall of Fame recognition reception in the Monogram Room when I asked Jack to please step out of my picture with A.D. and Fr. “Broadway” Joe Carey. (Note Jack in the foreground slinking away)
But Jack seemed just fine. He was very gracious to spend time with us. His Indianapolis law firm has done work for Maureen’s family and she also sat with him last year at the ND Women’s National Championship game in Charlotte (he is a soccer fan; his daughter has played against Julie in H.S. in Indy). He has also become friendly with the Bill & Cokie through ND Soccer (perhaps the most successful ND sports program on campus). I believe Jack may have also recalled our brief conversation at halftime in Madison Square Garden last year at the N.I.T. where ND got pummeled. I never saw anyone chomp down on a dog with such clenched ferocity.
In any event, Jack was a lot calmer and relaxed. He has a very difficult job…but a great job in so many ways. Jack carries himself as a true ND man and a professional with a lot of credibility.
I introduced Bruce and Cathy Flowers to Jack. Interestingly, Jack seemed to already know who Bruce was. Perhaps his 6’9” frame was the tip-off. I commented to Jack that the new photo gallery of great basketball moments included many games during our era—memorable big victories over teams like Marquette, UCLA, DePaul, San Francisco and Virginia. Jack added that he was also fond of that era and also saw some pretty good players and hoops just before us (he is ND ’76). He also recalled Bruce’s career in Europe after the Cavaliers and ND.
We all shook hands. I thanked Jack and reiterated that we all appreciated his hard work.
Onward to the ND Men’s Basketball offices where Bruce wanted to see friend Coach Mike Brey. He was behind closed doors with a recruit, but we spent a bit of time with recently promoted Assistant Coach Martin Inglesby—a Philadelphia schoolboy star at Archbishop Carroll H.S. who had a fine career as the Irish point guard (’97-’01)
Martin’s wife Colleen was also there with their new twin babies born in January—and no bigger than two loaves of Wonder Bread. Martin is a winner. We will read about him becoming a Head Coach someday soon.
The skies were threatening and it did rain during the Blue-Gold game. They crowd was announced at about 27,000 enthusiastic fans anxious to see the new edition of the Fightin’ Irish.
Coach Kelly sprinted to lead the team from the North tunnel onto the field. Although he wore an ND visor, it was still obvious that his hair was perfect. At Aramando’s we asked him to see offense, and there was plenty of it.
First impressions:
- lots of speed—during and between plays…all players running all the time
- multiple plays called; often “No huddle”; 88 total offensive plays in the first half!
- the 40-second Play clock NEVER got close to winding out
- versatile running backs
- likes to throw to the TE (Kyle Rudolph will get many balls this year)
- lots of misdirection and neat little plays (ex: shovel passes)
Dane Crist (#10) started for the 1st “Blue” team and did fine. While he was wearing a brace, he did not look hampered. He was a respectable 20-31-171 with 1 TD and 2 INT’s. On the other hand, I really liked Nate Montana—who has returned to ND—running the “Gold” team.
Wearing #16 (Daddy Joe was on the sideline), Nate was very cool and had a fine game with 18-30-223 with 3 TD’s and just 1 INT. His footwork was tangled on a few plays, but he probably just needs more snaps.
We look to have plenty of Running back options with familiar names like Jonas Gray (54 yds), Armando Allen (41) and Robert Hughes (35)…but how about Cierre Wood (10 rushes 111 yds) and Pat Coughlin (11-80)? These are a couple of new names to watch.
I think we will see plenty of passing, too. Coaches Kelly and Warinner have a history of throwing. Are there enough balls for Ragone, Evans, Kamara, Riddick, Jones, Rudolph and Floyd?
Sure it was a Spring game, but there was 744 yards of offense, 35 first downs and 36 points scored! We asked for offense and we got it.
The Defense did not have an opportunity to showcase much. But I am definitely concerned that each placekicker (sophomore Nick Tausch and senior David Ruffer) each missed a FG and a PAT…with no rush.
Following the game, we relaxed before heading out to Parisi’s (on Ironwood) for dinner. As you may know, Parisi’s is the Armando’s of dining just as Armando’s is the Parisi’s of hair styling. Armando and Roberto are pals and they seem to share the same celebrity clientele—coaches, former athletes, administrators, Board members and other distinguished alumni.
Roberto immediately recognized Bruce and informed him that their mutual pal Digger Phelps was in California for a charity gold outing. Roberto whipped-out his cell phone and got Digger on speed-dial. When Bruce mentioned to Digger that Nate Montana had a good game, Digger quickly and loudly recounted how he “saved” Joe Montana from transferring from ND after his freshman year. Since he was no better than the 3rd string QB, apparently, Joe wanted to play basketball and football. ND would not allow that so Digger and SID Roger Valdiserri intervened to persuade Joe to stay. And as Digger concluded (loudly), “And the rest is history!”
A few minutes later, Roberto came back to inform us that Mike Brey was in the bar and hoped we would stop by on our way out.
We did stop in…but at first there confusion for the camouflage. No…not a fake nose and glasses…
and not Mike Brey in his regular uniform…
When is the last time you saw Coach Brey in public without a MOCK TURTLE?!?
Mike was wearing a sports coat, khaki pants and an oxford shirt. I swear…we almost walked right by him!
Bruce worked at a couple of Brey’s summer camps and they have many contemporaries in common. I previously knew Mike only casually. Bruce introduced me as “Jeff Kohler from Philadelphia”. He instantly replied, “Oh sure. I see Jeff at a lot of events. He’s a real Philly guy!”
So my new pal Mike and I stood at Parisi’s bar and spoke of friends in common, like former Big East ref Mike Brophy (same church, country club here in Philly). Somehow, Uncle Jerry Castellini and 16-year old son Matthew wrangled a private 45-minute audience with Mike the day before. (I think Jerry gives lots of $$$). And we talked about the season. He was very proud of the finish. He also hopes that people remember Luke Hargoody for a stellar 4-year career and his “body of work.”
Mike is very approachable, friendly and genuine. People like being around him. And he loves talking hoops.
Speaking of “body of work”…
It was a very rich and full weekend at Notre Dame. While I have not checked to see if the others named here have blogs, at least many notables made mine. Thanks for the memories Fathers Ted and “Broadway” Joe, Coaches Kelly, Martin, Brey and Inglesby, my paisanos Armando and Roberto, and great friends and family.
This is what I do. And for now… my work is done.
Abe
a.k.a. Jeff