Notre Dame alumni

Defense, Offense and Dissonance

A look back at Notre Dame’s last four national championships and the last four by any school point to one glaring commonality:  Championship teams have to play great defense. It may sound trite, but that fact gets lost as fans concentrate on the more glamorous side of the ball.  If a team plays great defense…

Full Notre Dame Column

Want to Punch Andy in the Nose Part Deux?

Tragically, once again, I cannot promise that. But again, my nose and I will be out in public in support of the Fighting Irish and other charitable causes, and I welcome my fellow Chicagoans (and anyone else in town for this weekend’s tilt) to join me. As the Shamrock Series matchup with the Miami Hurricanes…

Full Notre Dame Column

Hanging Out with Jack

The Google Hangout with Jack Swarbrick came off well last night, with five participants (including yours truly) providing the conversational fodder for ND’s AD. My questions weren’t as edgy as the last time around, but the purpose is to get good answers, and I think all the panelists accomplished that. You can watch the broadcast…

Full Notre Dame Column

Collecting the Irish

A few weeks ago, we here at NDN were contacted by J. R. Wainwright, long-time sports illustrator and Notre Dame fan. Over the years, Mr. Wainwright has cultivated an extensive collection of Notre Dame-related art and memorabilia, including his own work depicting all our Heisman Trophy winners, all-American players, and famous coaches. The illustrations on…

Full Notre Dame Column