Inside the Legends: The 2009 Notre Dame Japan Bowl by Momentummedia

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INSIDE THE LEGENDS

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes DVD included

photo by Andrew T. Malana/JAFA

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INSIDE THE LEGENDS: THE 2009 NOTRE DAME JAPAN BOWL

Published by myTEAMBOOK, a division of MomentumMedia/MAG, Inc., in conjunction with Global Football, a division of Global Sports Group, Inc. All rights reserved ÂŠ2009 by myTEAMBOOK/MAG, Inc. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without the permission in writing from the publisher. For information, address: myTEAMBOOK, a division of MAG, Inc. 31 DutchMill Road Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 257-6970 www.myTEAMBOOK.net www.MomentumMedia.com

NOTRE DAME JAPAN BOWL

The Game Story......................................... 2-5

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The Statistics............................................. 6-7

Table of CONTENTS

Finishing the Job.. ...................................... 8-9 Last-Second Switch Proves Successful....... 10-11 A Playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Point of View.......................... 12-13

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Player Biographies.................................. 14-33 Legends Team Head Coach Lou Holtz...... 34-37

Japan Roster............................................... 44 About the JAFA.. ......................................... 45

Reflections on Leading the Irish.. ............. 46-49 Legends On and Off the Field................. 50-53 Oldest Players Make Big Impact.. ............. 54-55 Irish Players as Coaches.......................... 56-57 Practice Photos...................................... 58-59

Game Photos......................................... 60-61 Off the Field Photos............................... 62-63 Experiencing the Japanese Culture........... 64-65 Contributing to the Legacy..................... 66-68

Lighthouse Imaging supplied most of the photos for this book. Pictures used in this book and other photos taken during the week of the Notre Dame Japan Bowl can be purchased from Lighthouse Imaging by going to www.lighthouseimaging.com or by calling (800) 441-0347.

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

FOOTBALL LEGENDS ND Football Legends Roster.. .................. 42-43

Table of Contents

Coaches Biographies............................... 38-41

THE GAME STORY

solid running game and strong defensive play are ingredients for a successful football team. It may have been a while since members of the Notre Dame Football Legends team strapped on the gear to play a football game, but they displayed excellence in these two areas and dominated the Japanese National Team, 19-3, in the Notre Dame Japan Bowl.

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The Game Story

The ND Legends held Japan to a single field goal and pounded out 271 rushing yards to win the game in front of 21,080 enthusiastic fans in the Tokyo Dome.

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FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Notre Dame Football Legends 19 , JAPAN 3

Jay Vickers rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown to earn MVP honors, and his contributions included a 77-yard second quarter dash down the right sideline that led to the Legends’ first touchdown and go-ahead score. “Coach Holtz said before the game that one play would likely be the difference and if that was it, so be it,” Vickers said. “To be out there one last time with my teammates was incredible. I will remember this day for the rest of my life. The offensive line did a great job and the defense kept us in the game.”

The win by the Legends team was even more impressive because of all the injuries the squad suffered during the practice week and in the game. Much of the quarterbacking was performed by a defensive back, and a linebacker needed to take snaps in the backfield because the running back group was so depleted. Injuries claimed quarterback Gary Godsey, who did not dress, and defensive end Chris Frome and corner Jason Beckstrom, who both went down in the first quarter and did not return. Quarterback Tony Rice saw limited action under center due to a calf injury, meaning safety Ambrose Wooden had to take over the reins as the team’s quarterback.

Because of all the last-minute lineup changes, head coach Lou Holtz’s game plan rarely called for the Legends to throw, relying on a punishing running game to wear down the opposition. Only Wooden completed a pass, which went for seven yards to Vickers, while five others fell incomplete. “It was all about meeting the challenges that were thrown at us, and the players responded well,” Holtz said. “It was a wonderful experience. When you look at what we had to work with and the skill players who were out, we were very short in some areas, but we found a way to do it.”

“It was inspiring to watch Coach Holtz move so many players to different positions—positions they had never played or hadn’t played in years,” Vickers said. “To watch Coach motivate these players to perform their roles at such a high level was an unbelievable achievement.” Japan opened the game’s scoring with a 30-yard field goal from Daisuke Aoki and led 3-0 at the end of the first quarter. But after Scott Cengia tied things up from 37 yards out, Notre Dame gradually took control. Rice, who split time under center with Wooden, scored on a one-yard keeper following Vickers’ 77-yard run to give the Legends a 10-3 halftime lead. Matt Hasbrook forced Japan into a safety after Geoff Price’s punt backed Japan close to their end zone, giving Notre Dame a 12-3 lead early in the second half. Linebacker Michael Goolsby then produced an interception as Japan attempted a comeback, taking the ball to within eight yards of the home end zone. From there, the Legends muscled their way forward, and Vickers took the ball in from two yards out to complete the scoring. “We made some mistakes before halftime,” Holtz said, “so we corrected some things at halftime. We can’t throw the ball, (so we had) to make some adjustments in our running

et Japan moved the ball steadily on its opening two drives of the game, but with four minutes remaining in the first quarter and despite converting an impressive four of five third downs, had only a three-point advantage as a reward. The Notre Dame Legends kept Japan at bay, but the ability to convert on third down kept the first series alive. When Nori Kinoshita, lauded as Japan’s main offensive weapon and a former member of the Atlanta Falcons practice squad, lined up away from the slot for the first time, he reeled in a 19yard gain and Ken Shimizu also made a first down to move the ball deep into the Legends’ territory. However, the drive ended on fourth-and-one when Brian Magee and Goolsby combined to stuff Takuya Furutani up the middle for one of the biggest plays of the game.

Japan then put together a 10-play, 52-yard scoring drive to lead 3-0 with four minutes remaining in the first quarter. Daisuke Aoki split the uprights from 31 yards, though Japan might have opened a bigger lead had Takeshi Akiyama not dropped a pass in the open field on the previous down.

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Having won the coin toss to begin the game, Japan elected to receive and, starting from its 34-yard line, efficiently moved the ball downfield. Quarterback Tetsuo Yakata targeted receiver Shoei Hasegawa on the opening possession. The talented wideout almost broke free for a touchdown, but Ron Israel made an outstanding play to break up the pass. Yakata ended the night with 19 completions out of 49 attempts for 145 yards, and he connected with seven different receivers.

The Legends went three and out on their first drive with Wooden starting at quarterback. A short yardage rushing gain, a loss on a reverse by Bobby Brown and a run by Cole Laux were not enough to move the chains.

The Game Story

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game. And we came out in the second half, (and) just played football. We had to because we couldn’t throw the ball.”

NOTRE DAME JAPAN BOWL

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

The Game STORY

he returned to the Japan eight-yard line. Two plays later Wooden pitched out to Vickers who reached paydirt in the left corner of the end zone for what proved to be a final 16-point margin after Cengia’s extra point.

The Legends managed to sustain a longer drive on its second possession with Rice in at quarterback. Brandon Hoyte powered 11 yards up the middle after a Vickers run had lost three yards and Rice made a short gain, but again Price was called on to punt.

Japan’s offensive game plan stalled in the fourth quarter despite a 22-yard reception from the home team’s MVP Akiyama during one of the possessions, and the Legends were content to run out the clock when they were in possession.

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The Legends might also have capitalized earlier in the drive when Joe Brockington blocked a pass as the Irish brought the blitz and was inches away from claiming an interception.

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The Game Story

The game began to swing in Notre Dame’s favor as the first quarter came to a close. Israel intercepted Takata and the Legends responded with a 16-yard run by Rice, who was showing no signs of the calf injury that had forced him to miss two days of practice. Another Rice run and Hoyte carry were not enough to move the ball, but Cengia tied the score at 3-3 with a 37-yard field goal.

“I think the game was played pretty well by both teams,” said Vickers. “The Japanese team played extremely well. They came out hard, they were tough. They understand the game of American football. They have techniques (and) they adjusted to everything we did.”

Both offenses stalled on their next possessions and just when offensive fireworks seemed unlikely, Vickers broke a 77-yard run down the right sideline, leaving all opponents in his wake. The running back looked to have crossed the goal line but was ruled down at the two-yard line. From there, Rice edged a yard closer to the end zone and then punched the ball in from one yard out for a 10-3 lead after Cengia’s extra point. Japan might have leveled the score had Takata not overthrown open receiver Kinoshita on the next drive. Instead, the hosts trailed by a score at the half and soon found themselves further behind.

With Wooden back in at quarterback for Rice, who would not return due to his calf injury, the Legends fell a yard short of maintaining the first drive of the second half, but Price’s end-over-end punt was downed at the Japan oneyard mark. Two plays later, Hasbrook stormed through the Japan offensive line accompanied by Casey Cullen, and the pair sacked Japan quarterback Shun Sugawara for a safety. Both teams saw 44-yard field goal attempts sail narrowly wide. Then on Japan’s third possession of the half, Goolsby came up with an interception that

“

But at the end of the day, we just kept running and running and running. We tried to pound it.

That’s kind of how we play. That’s Notre Dame football. I think we did a great job and we had a good competition.”

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The Game Story

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The Statistics SCORE BY QUARTERS 1 ND FOOTBALL LEGENDS 0 JAPAN 3

4 0 0

FINAL 19 3

SCORING PLAY 30 yard field goal attempt by #9 Aoki GOOD holder #47 Fujita 37 yard field goal attempt by #12 Cengia GOOD holder #16 Price #9 Rice runs for +1 TOUCHDOWN Kick by #12 Cengia GOOD #4 Sugawara runs for -1 SAFETY #32 Vickers runs for +2 TOUCHDOWN Kick by #12 Cengia GOOD

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ATTENDANCE: 21,080

3 9 0

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TEAM QTR TIME JPN 1 3:56 ND 2 12:32 ND 2 5:40 ND 3 11:05 ND 3 1:06

2 10 0

OFFICIAL SCORING SUMMARY

The Statistics

Final Tea m Statistics

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ND FOOTBALL LEGENDS First Downs 13 Rushing 12 Passing 0 Penalty 1 Rushing Attempts 49 Yards Gained Rushing 309 Yards Lost Rushing 38 Net Yards Rushing 271 Net Yards Passing 7 Passes Attempted 6 Passes Completed 1 Had Intercepted 0 Total Offensive Plays 55 Total Net Yards 278 Average Gain Per Play 5.1 Return Yards 67 Fumbles: Number-Lost 1 - 0 Penalties: Number-Yards 9 - 72 Interceptions: Number-Yards 2 - 67 Fumble Returns: Number-Yards 0 - 0 Punts: Number yards 5 - 193 Average Per Punt 38.6 Punt Returns: Number-Yards 0 - 0 Kickoff Returns: Number-Yards 3 - 58 Possession Time 36:18 Third Down Conversions 3 of 11 Fourth Down Conversions 0 of 1 Sacks by Yards 0 - 0 Miscellaneous Yards 0

JAPAN 2009 17 3 10 4 24 78 21 57 179 44 20 2 68 236 3.4 16 0-0 7 - 54 0-0 0-0 3 - 76 25.3 2 - 16 4 - 93 23:42 6 of 15 1 of 4 0-0 0

Final INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

TOTALS

Gain 39 25 14 0 0

PASS RECEIVING No. Yards TD Long Avg #32 Vickers 1 7 0 7 7.0 TOTALS 1 7 0 7 7.0

PASS RECEIVING #17 Akiyama #07 Hasegawa #11 Kinoshita #80 Yoneyama #15 Maeda #83 Shimizu #20 Furutani TOTALS

No. 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 20

PUNTING #16 Price #14 Godsey TOTALS

PUNTING #9 Aoki

Yards 169 24 193 Att 2 2

Avg 42.3 24.0 38.6 Made 1 1

Long 49 24 49

Long 37 37

TOTALS

FIELD GOALS #9 Aoki TOTALS

Interceptions Yards TD 35 0 32 0 67 0

Long 35 32 35

No. 0 0 0

21 Int 1 1 2

Fumbles Yards TD 0 0 0 0 0 0

Yards 145 34 179

Yards 50 36 26 20 36 7 4 179

Long 0 0 0 TOTALS

HOME JAPAN T-A #02 Kosho 5-0 #21 Kato 4-0 #42 Makiuchi 4-0 #51 Hiruma 2-1 #44 Yano 3-0 #22 Imanishi 3-0 #92 Nishikawa 2-0 #47 Fujita 1-1 #26 Ueki 1-1 #05 Nakai 2-0 #99 Kihira 1-0 #98 Wakisaka 1-0 #03 Watanabe 1-0 #10 Shikama 1-0 #06 Aoki 1-0 #24 Sano 1-0 #45 Suzuki 1-0 TEAM 3-0 TEAM TOTAL 37-3

TD 0 0 0 0 0

2.4

Long 9 8 6 0 -1

TD Long 0 22 0 34 0

TD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Long 22 15 14 9 34 5 3 34

Avg 12.5 9.0 8.7 6.7 18.0 3.5 2.0 9.0

Yards 76

Avg 25.3

Long 29

25.3

Made 1 1

Punts No. Yards TD Long 1 11 0 11 1 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 16 0 11

No.

Avg 2.4 3.1 2.4 .0 -1.0

No. 3

Interceptions Yards TD Long 0

Final Defensive Statistics VISITORS ND LEGENDS Fum. Pass Passes T-A Rec. Int. Bk.up #3 Covington 6-0 0 0 0 #41 Goolsby 3-0 0 1 0 #47 Thomas 2-1 0 0 0 #5 Sanders 2-0 0 0 1 #8 Brannan 2-0 0 0 0 #49 Curry 2-0 0 0 0 #96 Hasbrook 2-0 0 0 0 #6 lsrael 1-0 0 1 0 #2 Guilbeaux 1-0 0 0 0 #56 Belisle 1-0 0 0 0 #51 Dansby 1-0 0 0 0 #52 Brockington 1-0 0 0 1 #89 O’Connell 1-0 0 0 0 #42 Kenney 1-0 0 0 0 #22 Wooden 1-0 0 0 0 #77 Pauly 1-0 0 0 0 #57 Stephenson 1-0 0 0 0 #95 Roberts 0-0 0 0 1 #27 Howard 0-0 0 0 1 TEAM 3-0 1 0 0 TEAM TOTAL 32-1 1 2 4

Att 2 2

ALL RETURNS Punts Kicks ALL RETURNS No. Yards TD Long No. Yards TD Long #5 Sanders 0 0 0 0 3 58 0 23 #83 Shimizu #11 Kinoshita #80 Yoneyama TOTALS 0 0 0 0 3 58 0 23 TOTALS No. #6 lsrael 1 #41 Goolsby 1 TOTALS 2

JAPAN Loss Net 15 24 3 22 2 12 0 0 1 -1

Fum. Pass Passes Rec. Int. Bk.up 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

No. 1 2 1 4

No. 0

Long 30 30 Kicks Yards TD 22 0 51 0 20 0 93 0

Long 22 30 20 30

Fumbles Yards TD

Long

The Statistics

TD Long 0 7 0 0 0

RUSHING Att #8 Takata 10 #20 Furutani 7 #23 Ishino 5 #31 Kon 1 #4 Sugawara 1

Comp 19 1 20

FIELD GOALS #12 Cengia TOTALS

Yards 7 0 7

Long 77 23 19 16 5 12 6 -1 77

PASSING Att #8 Takata 40 #4 Sugawara 4 TOTALS 44

No. 4 1 5

Int 0 0 0

TD 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2

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Comp 1 0 1

Avg 8.7 4.6 2.8 4.9 3.7 8.0 2.0 -1.0 5.5

Att 4 2 6

Net 139 46 22 34 11 16 4 1 271

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PASSING #22 Wooden #9 Rice TOTALS

ND LEGENDS Gain Loss 145 6 51 5 46 24 34 0 11 0 16 0 6 2 0 1 309 38

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RUSHING Att #32 Vickers 16 #39 Hoyte 10 #22 Wooden 8 #9 Rice 7 #28 Laux 3 #23 Taylor 2 #88 Brown 2 #35 O’Neill 1 TOTALS 49

THE SECOND OPPORTUNITY

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

The 6-1, 230-pound running back more than made the most of his second shot at Notre Dame stardom. He rushed for 139 yards on 16 carries—an average of 8.7 yards per attempt—and scored one touchdown while setting up another to lead the Irish offense and earn game MVP honors.

“Reggie Brooks really helped me prepare for this opportunity,” Vickers says of the running backs coach for the squad. “He gave me the confidence that I could do it. Being coached by him was an honor in itself.”

Vickers made the impact play of the game with his 77-yard run that set up the game’s first touchdown and gave the Irish control of the contest. Vickers took advantage of some key blocks by his offensive line and raced down the sideline before eventually being stopped at Japan’s 2-yard line. Tony Rice scored a few plays later and the Irish had the lead for good.

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Finishing the Job

Vickers came to Notre Dame looking to leave a major imprint on the Fighting Irish football program. But because of injuries, he never had the chance.

that Vickers would have to handle the bulk of the ball-carrying. And he certainly was up to the task.

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or Jay Vickers, participating in the Notre Dame Japan Bowl was more than an occasion to strap on the gear and play one last football game. It was an opportunity to complete a mission that had been left unfinished for a decade.

Finishing the JOB

“I really wanted to do this for Notre Dame, the school that I love. I would not be where I am in life without my education in South Bend,” says Vickers, who is serving as Assistant Athletics Director at Fresno State University, Associate Director of Development for the Building Club. “Plus, I was motivated to have success for my kids, as I’m so glad they got a chance to see me play.” Vickers had a freakish injury as a freshman, breaking his clavicle, which forced him to miss the entire 1996 season. Then when he returned as a sophomore, there was a new head coach with a new offensive philosophy. Vickers played in four games as a junior, but his shoulder was still unstable and the injury prevented him from playing his senior season. So ten years after his Notre Dame career had ended, having only played in seven games for the Irish, Vickers sorely missed playing the game that he fell in love with when he first stepped onto the football field at the age of nine. The opportunity to play a key role for the school that he fell in love with was too good to pass up. The thought of a second chance hadn’t occurred to Vickers until he got a call from Notre Dame career rushing leader Autry Denson, who urged him to try out for the team. “Autry was planning to play and he said Lee Becton was going to play as well. Autry thought it would be great if all three of us played on the team,” Vickers says. “I was worried about whether my shoulder would hold up, but I decided to give it a shot. I really wanted my kids (14-year-old Jamaul, nine-year-old Jaylon, and five-year-old Sydney) to have a chance to see me play.” It turned out that Denson and Becton were both unable to play on the Legends team because of other commitments, and former NFL running back Ray Zellars suffered an injury in practice during the week, meaning

“I don’t remember it,” says Vickers, “but some of the offensive linemen told me as we were coming out of the huddle before that play, I said, ‘Just give me one good block, and I’ll take it to the house.’ It felt so great to get off a long run.”

“

Just give me one good block,

and I’ll take it to the house.”

It was equally as satisfying to help Coach Lou Holtz win one more game for Notre Dame. When he was a high school senior in Flint, Mich., Vickers was highly recruited by schools such as Michigan and Florida State. However, it was Holtz’s words of advice that made the difference in choosing to attend Notre Dame. “Coach told me, ‘Don’t just think about the next four years… think about which university can help take care of your life for the next 40 years,’” Vickers recalls. “In playing in the Japan Bowl, I wanted to, in some way, say thanks to Coach Holtz for recruiting me, and to also show Coach that he made the right decision to recruit me to Notre Dame.” Mission accomplished on both fronts.

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Finishing the Job

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QB PLAY

Last-second switch PROVES SUCCESSFUL

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

As the team was getting ready to return to the hotel from a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple, Wooden was instructed to switch over to the offensive unit’s bus. “That’s when they told me I was going to play quarterback,” he said. “The coaches spent 45 minutes with me on the bus going over the offensive game plan.”

“It took a mental adjustment for me to play quarterback,” Wooden says. “I had been spending the practices preparing to make tackles instead of preparing to get hit by other defenders. So I had to dig deep because I knew this may be the last time I get to play football and wear the Notre Dame uniform, and I wanted to do what I could to make it a memorable game.” Wooden ran the offense incredibly well for someone who only had two days to learn and practice the game plan. With Wooden at the helm for most of the game, the offense churned out 271 yards on the ground.

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Last Second Switch Proves Successful

mbrose Wooden learned his role on the Notre Dame Legends Team was about to change just 72 hours before kickoff, during a sightseeing trip to one of Tokyo’s most famous historic landmarks.

He wound up starting the game behind center and took the majority of snaps, as Rice could only see limited playing time because of his injury.

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FOOTBALL LEGENDS

The move wasn’t a complete surprise. During the team tryouts in the spring, head coach Lou Holtz had Wooden throw some balls to see if he was an option to quarterback in case of an emergency. The emergency became a reality on Tuesday of preparation week when the squad’s two quarterbacks, Tony Rice and Gary Godsey, suffered injuries in practice. Godsey’s muscle strain eventually forced him to the sidelines for the game, while Rice was questionable with a calf injury. So Coach Holtz and his staff turned to Wooden, a defensive back, who had last played quarterback seven years ago as a senior at The Gilman School in Baltimore.

Wooden wound up playing on both sides of the ball for most of the second half,

a scene reminiscent of many former Irish stars decades earlier.

“Both Tony and Gary helped me a lot during the game,” he says of the two injured quarterbacks. “They used their experience to help me as situations developed. They were great role models for me.” What’s even more impressive about Wooden’s role at quarterback was that he also played in the defensive secondary during the game. Injuries began to mount at cornerback and safety, and Wooden wound up playing on both sides of the ball for most of the second half, a scene reminiscent of many former Irish stars decades earlier. “I attribute the fact that I was able to play the quarterback position as well as continue to play in the defensive backfield to Coach Holtz and his staff,” says Wooden. “They did everything possible to put me in a position to have success. I remembered thinking during the week, ‘I’m playing for a Hall of Fame coach and a great coaching staff.’ I wouldn’t have traded this experience for anything.” Wooden, an analyst for Goldman Sachs in New York City, jumped at the chance to try out for the Legends team and represent Notre Dame in Japan. “To be selected to play in the game with so many great players was an honor,” he says. “Every day I went to practice, I looked to my left and right and saw guys who have gone to war in Notre Dame Stadium wearing the blue and gold. It was a true blessing to represent not only Notre Dame, but also the game of American football in Tokyo. “Looking back on the trip, you realize what a special experience it was, because each team member left his career, family, and lifestyle to represent Notre Dame. We came from different corners of the U.S. to wear the blue and gold one more time.”

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Last Second Switch Proves Successful

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The following are excerpts from a blog written by offensive lineman Jeremy Akers about the Notre Dame Japan Bowl. The copy has been edited from its original version by myTEAMBOOK. Akers wrote the blog during the trip to Japan. To view the blog in its entirety, go to http://onemoregame.blogspot.com.

“WE HAD 57 PLAYERS COME TOGETHER FOR EIGHT TOTAL PRACTICES. We traveled more

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Ambrose A Player’sWooden Point of View

than 13 hours across the world to play in a game. Our roster was made up of four generations of Notre Dame Football and the majority of us had never played together before.

environment and that we could not use the crowd for support — it had to come from each other. Lastly, he talked about momentum and how it was a subjective thing. Coach wanted us to remember that momentum, no matter what the score is or how much time is remaining, is always going our way. You have to believe. They called for us on the field and we roared out of the locker room ready to get it on! There was even a miniature ‘Play Like A Champion’ sign to the right of the doors that we all hit as we headed out.

A Player’s POINT OF VIEW

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

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FIRST-HAND

“THE PEOPLE WHO SAID THAT WE COULD NOT WIN THE GAME might have just been looking

at our injuries and the ages of some of our players. What those naysayers didn’t take into account was the strength that comes from having played Notre Dame Football and the desire to not let your teammates, the University and the Lady On The Dome down.

“COACH HOLTZ’S PRE-GAME TALK INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING POINTS: We need to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. We all had to out-tough them to win the game. During the course of the game, he knew we may face challenges but if we stuck together, we would overcome. He talked about playing in a loud

“ONCE ON THE FIELD, WE HEARD THE FAMILIAR PITCH OF MIKE COLLINS, the voice of Notre Dame Stadium,

announce the team and call us to our sideline. I do not know the name of the man who sang our national anthem, but I can say hearing it from any source still gives me the chills. As we all looked up to the Flag flying above the stadium, I did allow myself to think of the men and women who serve under that Flag and how thankful I am that they do what they do so that I could have the opportunity to go out and play football. Looking across the field, the Japanese players stood in quiet respect as our anthem was sung, and I hope they saw us return the honor as their national anthem came next. I know we did.

et Notre Dame Japan Bowl

they played the game. Their effort was just as intense on the last play of the game as it was the first. I know they have many hurdles in the country to increase the popularity of the sport and a loss hurts no matter what, but I hope they are still proud of the effort and dedication they all had to contribute to be a part of this game. It was an honor for all of us to play in it!”

A Player’s Point of View

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“TEAM JAPAN WAS A VERY GOOD AND DISCIPLINED TEAM THAT showed no fear as

Player Biographies

POSITION Offensive Tackle YEARS AT ND 1993-96 HEIGHT 6’5” WEIGHT 295 HOMETOWN Washington, D.C. BIRTHDATE 1.9.74

Jason

BECKSTROM

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Kurt

BELISLE

(‘97 practice squad)...member of the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe in 1999... member of the XFL’s Orlando Rage as 68th overall pick in fall 2000 draft... currently resides in Redondo Beach, CA, where he is a self-employed consultant for Capital Real Estate Advisors...founder and managing partner of A Squared Holdings, Inc., and serves as vice president of NFL Retired Players of Greater Los Angeles... married to former Notre Dame volleyball player Angie Harris, who plays professional beach volleyball and was the 2002 AVP Rookie of the Year.

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AKERS

tarted at offensive guard for Notre Dame in 1994 and 1996...played in 30 regular-season games in his career, starting 23 times.... named ‘96 secondteam All-America by College & Pro Football Newsweekly...a 1994 Knute Rockne Student-Athlete Award winner from ND Club of St. Joseph Valley, he received the ‘96 Westwood One/State Farm Notre Dame Student-Athlete of the Year honor, and also was named to Hitachi/College Football Association Scholar-Athlete team...pro experience with Raiders (2000), Cowboys (1999), Broncos (practice squad) and Falcons

Jeremy

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

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Player BIOGRAPHIES

POSITION Cornerback YEARS AT ND 1999-2003 HEIGHT 5’10”

WEIGHT 188 HOMETOWN Tulsa, OK BIRTHDATE 4.10.81

layed important role in Notre Dame secondary, starting eight games combined in 2000-03...played in 42 games while recording 61 tackles and two interceptions in his career...competed for 2002 and ‘03

indoor track teams...earned a degree in marketing from the Mendoza College of Business...currently lives in Chicago, IL, where he is a leasing associate for Jones Lang LaSalle commercial real estate.

POSITION Linebacker YEARS AT ND 1994-1997 HEIGHT 6’3”

WEIGHT 230 HOMETOWN Bradley, IL BIRTHDATE 8.18.75

layed in 34 regular-season games overall, including the final 24 of his career, and two bowl contests...a member of the final Lou Holtz squad in ‘96...earned a degree in marketing and computer applications from the College of Business Administration... currently lives in Manteno, IL, where

FOOTBALL

he is a senior account executive for the Healthcare Financial Management Association, the nation’s leading membership organization for healthcare financial management executives and leaders, with more than 35,000 members.

BENT

Anthony

BRANNAN

ransferred to Notre Dame from Northwestern where he did not play in one season...one of four walkons to receive a scholarship prior to the 2007 season...played at center and guard in 13 games in 2008, including the Hawaii Bowl, and on the line and

special teams in 12 contests in ‘07... earned a degree in pre-professional studies from the College of Science... currently lives in Mishawaka, IN, and plans to attend Indiana University School of Medicine in fall 2009.

POSITION Offensive Guard YEARS AT ND 2005 HEIGHT 6’2”

WEIGHT 267 HOMETOWN Mishawaka, IN BIRTHDATE 9.6.83

seven-game participant for the Irish in 2005, after being a scout team member during the ‘03 and ‘04 seasons...a member of the Insight Bowl and Fiesta Bowl teams...

earned a degree in marketing from the Mendoza College of Business... currently lives in Chicago, IL, where he is a field and marketing manager for E. & J. Gallo Winery.

POSITION Linebacker YEARS AT ND 1997-2000 HEIGHT 6’0”

WEIGHT 190 HOMETOWN Cedar Grove, NJ BIRTHDATE 7.27.78

contests...earned a degree in American Studies and computer applications from the College of Arts and Letters... currently lives in Santa Monica, CA, where he is in bankruptcy claims for Kurtzman Carson Consultants.

alk-on linebacker who earned a scholarship prior to the start of the 1999 season, and went on to win two monograms...participated in 25 regular-season games during his Notre Dame career, and played in four Bowl

FOOTBALL

Player Biographies

James

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

WEIGHT 290 HOMETOWN Mishawaka, IN BIRTHDATE 12.5.85

K.n

BEMENDERFER

POSITION Offensive Guard YEARS AT ND 2007-2008 HEIGHT 6’5”

my TEA MB OO

Thomas

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

Bobby BROWN

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

two-year starter in 2006-07, he was second on the team in tackles (108) and first in tackles for a loss (98) in ‘07...signed a freeagent contract with the Buffalo Bills in 2008...earned a degree in

POSITION Wide Receiver YEARS AT ND 1996-99 HEIGHT 6’3” WEIGHT 200 HOMETOWN Lauderhill, FL BIRTHDATE 3.26.77

Scott CENGIA

American Studies and computer applications from the College of Arts and Letters...currently lives in Harrisburg, PA, where he is involved with admissions for the Harrisburg School District.

my TEA MB OO

Player Biographies

WEIGHT 235 HOMETOWN Palmyra, PA BIRTHDATE 6.16.84

POSITION Linebacker YEARS AT ND 2003-07 HEIGHT 6’2”

K.n

Joe BROCKINGTON

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

eading receiver in both 1997 and ‘99 campaigns, catching 96 balls during his career...started 28 regular-season games in his final three campaigns...only Irish receiver to catch a pass in all 13 games in ‘97... part of final Lou Holtz team in ‘96... in ‘99, as a senior, he was named Westwood One/State Farm Notre Dame Student-Athlete of the Year... signed as a free agent by Green Bay Packers...played in six games with the

Cleveland Browns in 2000...earned a degree in government, sociology and computer sciences from the College of Arts and Letters...graduated from law school at Notre Dame in ‘06, and served as student member on the Faculty Board on Athletics...currently lives in South Orange, NJ, where he is an attorney at law for the law office of Braynard O. Brown...member of the New Jersey bar since 2006.

POSITION Kicker YEARS AT ND 1994-97 HEIGHT 5’10”

WEIGHT 185 HOMETOWN Melbourne, FL BIRTHDATE 9.28.75

in ‘96...earned a degree in marketing from the College of Business Administration...currently lives in Cincinnati, OH, where he is vice president for UBS Financial Services.

icked 18 field goals in his 25game Notre Dame career, including the game-winning 20-yarder vs. Hawaii in 1997...recorded a schoolrecord five field goals in three bowl games...part of final Lou Holtz team

FOOTBALL

Derek CURRY

wo-year starter in 1996 and ‘97, playing in 40 regular-season games in his Irish career...had a career-high 66 tackles in ‘97, and picked off three passes during the regular-season... another member of the final Lou Holtz

team in ‘96...earned a degree in management information systems from the College of Business Administration... now lives in Decatur, GA., where he is the director of development for Vedia Corporation.

POSITION Linebacker YEARS AT ND 2003-06 HEIGHT 6’1”

WEIGHT 220 HOMETOWN Victoria, TX BIRTHDATE 10.15.84

arned a scholarship in 2005, after walking on the team...played in all 12 regular-season games in ‘06... named special teams captain for the 2005 Michigan game...saw action in two Bowl games...earned a degree in

finance from the Mendoza College of Business...currently lives in San Antonio, TX...attending law school at Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio...also employed by San Antonio law firm of Kustoff & Phipps LLP.

POSITION Linebacker YEARS AT ND 2001-04 HEIGHT 6’4”

WEIGHT 260 HOMETOWN Sealy, TX BIRTHDATE 9.5.81

the NFL with Miami and Cincinnati…earned a degree in management information systems from the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Granger, IN, where he is the director of student ministry for the Granger Community Church.

tarted three seasons at linebacker at Notre Dame…winner of the Nick Pietrosante Award as the player who best exemplified characteristics of the late Irish All-America fullback…as team captain his senior year, Curry finished fifth with 61 tackles and second in tackles for a loss (8)…spent time in

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Player Biographies

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Casey CULLEN

WEIGHT 185 HOMETOWN Decatur, GA BIRTHDATE 12.13.76

K.n

POSITION Cornerback YEARS AT ND 1994-97 HEIGHT 5’10”

my TEA MB OO

Ivory COVINGTON #

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Chris FROME

National Football Foundation…played on two Bowl teams, and on the final Lou Holtz squad in ‘96…earned degree in sociology and computer applications from the College of Arts and Letters… now lives in Marietta, GA, where he is the technical sales consultant for AT&T Wholesale Markets.

ri-captain of the 1997 team when he won the Nick Pietrosante Award as the player who best exemplified characteristics of the late Irish All-America fullback…second on the ’97 team in tackles (117) and first with 10 tackles for a loss…named 1997 Lineman of the Year by the Moose Krause Chapter of the

Ben FOOS

WEIGHT 300 HOMETOWN Birmingham, AL BIRTHDATE 7.18.75

my TEA MB OO

Player Biographies

POSITION Defensive Tackle YEARS AT ND 1993-97 HEIGHT 6’4”

K.n

Melvin DANSBY

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

POSITION Defensive Tackle YEARS AT ND 1992-95 HEIGHT 6’4”

layed primarily on special teams during his Irish career…was a member of the 1992 team that was ranked No. 4 and the runner-up team of ’93…member of two Bowl squads…

WEIGHT 285 HOMETOWN Louisville, KY BIRTHDATE 5.28.74

earned a degree in design from the College of Arts and Letters…now lives in Louisville, KY, where he is in sales for RE/MAX Opia commercial real estate.

POSITION Defensive End YEARS AT ND 2003-06 HEIGHT 6’5”

WEIGHT 250 HOMETOWN Saugus, CA BIRTHDATE 1.2.84

Chicago Bears of the NFL in 2007… earned a degree in finance from the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Saugus, CA, where he is financial advisor for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

ey member of Irish D-line in 2005 and 2006 with 13 starts during the regular seasons…played in two Bowls…CoSIDA Academic All-America all-district honoree as a senior…spent one season with the

FOOTBALL

Benny GUILBEAUX

egan his Notre Dame career at quarterback and started two games, defeating a Drew Brees-led and Rose Bowl-bound Purdue team, 23-21, in 2000…transitioned to tight end in ’01 season…. compiled 19 pass completions and 17 pass receptions during his

career…was part of two Bowl teams and won three monograms…earned a degree in management information systems from the Mendoza College of Business…now lives in Tampa, FL, where he is vice president for Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.

POSITION Linebacker YEARS AT ND 2000-04 HEIGHT 6’3”

WEIGHT 242 HOMETOWN Joliet, IL BIRTHDATE 9.10.82

ne of four captains on Irish team that qualified for Insight Bowl…started at inside linebacker in 2002 and 2004, leading the team in tackles (97) as a senior…sat out 2003 with injury…one of three frosh to earn a monogram in 2000…part of three Bowl teams…a two-year NFL partici-

pant with Dallas (2005) and St. Louis (2006)…earned a degree in American Studies from the College of Arts and Letters…now lives in Chicago, IL, where he is a collegiate scout for National Collegiate Scouting, while owning his own company, All Day, Inc.

POSITION Cornerback YEARS AT ND 1995-98 HEIGHT 6’2”

WEIGHT 230 HOMETOWN Opelousas, LA BIRTHDATE 2.23.77

1998 season…earned a degree in history from the College of Arts and Letters…now lives in Opelousas, LA, where he teaches English II and III for St. John Berchmans High School.

hree-year regular in the Irish secondary, leading the team in interceptions in 1996 (4) and ’97 (4)…part of three Bowl teams…played on final Lou Holtz team in 1996…selected to play in the Hula Bowl after

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Player Biographies

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Michael GOOLSBY

WEIGHT 260 HOMETOWN Tampa, FL BIRTHDATE 3.16.81

K.n

POSITION Quarterback/Tight End YEARS AT ND 2000-03 HEIGHT 6’6”

my TEA MB OO

Gary GODSEY

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

Player Biographies

Deveron HARPER #

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Tyreo HARRISON

WEIGHT 193 HOMETOWN Sidney, OH BIRTHDATE 7.23.57

ed the 1978 team in pass receiving with 32 catches for 699 yards as quarterback Joe Montana’s favorite target…caught 28 passes for 1977 national championship Irish team that defeated No. 1 and previously unbeaten Texas in the Cotton Bowl…was on the end of the game-winning (35-34)

touchdown Montana toss vs. Houston in the ’79 Cotton Bowl after the Irish trailed by 22 points with 12 minutes remaining…won Hering Awards in ’76 and ’78 as the outstanding receiver during spring practice…earned a degree from the College of Business…currently lives in Chicago, IL.

POSITION Safety YEARS AT ND 1996-99 HEIGHT 5’11”

WEIGHT 185 HOMETOWN Orangeburg, SC BIRTHDATE 5.10.75

K.n

POSITION Wide Receiver YEARS AT ND 1975-78 HEIGHT 5’11”

my TEA MB OO

Kris HAINES

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

hree-year starter during his career, he played in 45 regular-season games…led the ’99 team in interceptions (4), returning one for a TD vs. Kansas…played on two Bowl teams…a member of Carolina (2000-03) and New Orleans (2004), seeing action in 43 NFL games…played for the

Scottish Claymore of NFL Europe… saw action in 16 games of the 2006 AFL season for the Austin Wranglers… earned a degree from the College of Business with a major in marketing… now lives in Charlotte, NC, where he is a financial professional with Consolidated Planning, Inc.

POSITION Linebacker YEARS AT ND 1998-01 HEIGHT 6’2”

WEIGHT 245 HOMETOWN Sulphur Springs, TX BIRTHDATE 5.15.80

spent three years with the Philadelphia Eagles (2002-04)…earned a degree in finance from the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in San Antonio, TX, where he is vice president of business strategy for Southwest Business Corporation.

wo-year starter for the Irish at inside linebacker, leading the ’01 team in tackles (97)… winner of the 2001 Nick Pietrosante Award as the player who best exemplified characteristics of the late Irish All-America fullback…played in two Bowl games…

FOOTBALL

Brandon HOYTE

ransferred to Notre Dame in the spring of 2003 from Michigan State, and had to sit out fall season due to transfer rule…played in four games in 2004, and earned a monogram… part of ’04 Bowl team…at Michigan State, he earned a letter for the Spar-

tans in 2002…Academic All-Big Ten honoree in 2001…earned a degree in finance from the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Indianapolis, IN, where he is pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.

POSITION Linebacker YEARS AT ND 1995-98 HEIGHT 5’10”

WEIGHT 240 HOMETOWN Rand, WV BIRTHDATE 6.14.77

lected to play in Hula Bowl following the 1998 campaign…participated in 35 games in four years for the NFL Chicago Bears (2000-03)…earned a degree in finance from the College of Business Administration…currently resides in Chicago, IL, where he is a partnership specialist with the United States Census Bureau.

ri-captain in 1998, he led the team in tackles with 118… winner of the Nick Pietrosante Award as the player who best exemplified characteristics of the late Irish All-America fullback…received Notre Dame Club of St. Joseph Valley Rockne StudentAthlete Award in 1997 and ’98…started on three Irish Bowl teams…played on final Lou Holtz team in ’96…se-

POSITION Linebacker YEARS AT ND 2001-05 HEIGHT 6’0”

WEIGHT 230 HOMETOWN Parlin, NJ BIRTHDATE 9.26.83

agent with NFL Indianapolis, and also played for the Chicago Bears…earned dual degrees in psychology and management from the College of Arts and Letters and the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Chicago, IL, where he is a financial analyst for LaSalle Investment Management.

o-captained the 2005 team with Brady Quinn, topping the Irish in tackles that season with 92…started three or more games at inside linebacker in four straight seasons…. received CoSIDA Academic All-America honors in the district in 2002 and ’03…played in three Bowl games…signed as a free

FOOTBALL

Player Biographies

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Bobbie HOWARD

WEIGHT 251 HOMETOWN Indianapolis, IN BIRTHDATE 7.16.82

K.n

POSITION Defensive Tackle YEARS AT ND 2004 HEIGHT 6’3”

my TEA MB OO

Matt HASBROOK

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

Player Biographies

Jay JOHNSON

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

J.W. JORDAN

WEIGHT 208 HOMETOWN Lawnside, NJ BIRTHDATE 1.5.79

layed in 41 regular-season games for the Irish, including 15 starts… led the 2000 team in interceptions (3)…played in two Bowl games…was a member of Washington, Minnesota, Denver and Pittsburgh over a four-

year NFL career (2002-05)…earned a degree in film, television, and theatre from the College of Arts and Sciences…now lives in Berlin, NJ, and is the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Florida.

POSITION Running Back YEARS AT ND 1997-00 HEIGHT 6’1”

WEIGHT 220 HOMETOWN Starkville, MS BIRTHDATE 10.13.77

K.n

POSITION Safety YEARS AT ND 1997-01 HEIGHT 6’1”

my TEA MB OO

Ron ISRAEL

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

layed as a reserve in 39 games and won four monograms at Notre Dame…as a receiver, he averaged 21.2 yards per catch with 15 receptions…was a member of four teams that played in Bowl games…earned a

degree in sociology and computer applications from the College of Arts and Letters…currently lives in South Bend, IN, where he is a physical education teacher at Dickinson Intermediate Fine Arts Academy.

POSITION Offensive Guard YEARS AT ND 1998-01 HEIGHT 6’1”

WEIGHT 275 HOMETOWN Brooklyn, NY BIRTHDATE 2.19.78

Business…now lives in Indianapolis, IN, where he is a salary cap/personnel analyst for NFL Colts…father, Jay, is a former trustee at the University.

erved as a backup on the offensive line at both center and guard during his Notre Dame career…member of two Bowl teams…earned a degree in finance from the Mendoza College of

FOOTBALL

Dean LYTLE

walk-on, he was a key contributor on the scout teams in 2005 and ’06…part of two Bowl squads, including the 2005 team that met Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl and was ranked No.

9 in the final AP poll…majored in political science and Spanish, earning his degree from the College of Arts and Letters…currently lives in La Crescenta, CA.

POSITION Fullback YEARS AT ND 2002-04 HEIGHT 5’10”

WEIGHT 232 HOMETOWN Mishawaka, IN BIRTHDATE 4.11.82

nother walk-on who earned a monogram in 2003 for his work on special teams and the scout team… played as a reserve in the 2004 Insight Bowl vs. Oregon State…earned a

degree in finance from Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Chicago, IL, where he is a trader at the Chicago Board of Trade for Henning & Carey Trading.

POSITION Fullback YEARS AT ND 1990-93 HEIGHT 6’3”

WEIGHT 230 HOMETOWN Brevard, NC BIRTHDATE 11.11.71

earned degree in marketing from the College of Business Administration… currently lives in Winnipeg, Man., Canada, where he is the director of audience development for the Winnipeg Free Press.

r. Versatility played fullback, tailback, defensive end, and on special teams for the Irish…was a member of teams that were ranked No. 2 in ’93, No. 4 in ’92, No. 13 in ’91 and No. 6 in ’90…ran 200 meters for Notre Dame indoor track team…

FOOTBALL

Player Biographies

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Cole LAUX

WEIGHT 194 HOMETOWN Belvidere, IL BIRTHDATE 2.3.85

K.n

POSITION Defensive Back YEARS AT ND 2005-06 HEIGHT 6’1”

my TEA MB OO

Tim KENNEY

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

Player Biographies

Brian MATTES

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Darin MITCHELL

WEIGHT 194 HOMETOWN Largo, FL BIRTHDATE 2.27.74

tarted every game for the Irish in 1994 and ’95, and 24 regularseason contests overall…led the team in tackles (81) in 1994…played on four Bowl teams, including the ’92 team that knocked off unbeaten Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl…earned a degree

in management with a concentration in management information systems from the College of Business Administration…currently lives in Largo, FL, where he is a senior IT analyst for Progress Energy.

POSITION Offensive Guard YEARS AT ND 2002-06 HEIGHT 6’6”

WEIGHT 260 HOMETOWN Larksville, PA BIRTHDATE 12.18.83

K.n

POSITION Safety YEARS AT ND 1992-95 HEIGHT 5’10”

my TEA MB OO

Brian MAGEE

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

layed in 39 career games as a reserve offensive lineman…was on the squad for four Bowl appearances, including the ’05 team that ranked No. 9 in the final polls…earned a degree in

finance from the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Chicago, IL, where he is a trading assistant for Liquid Capital Markets.

POSITION Offensive Tackle YEARS AT ND 2001-04 HEIGHT 6’4”

WEIGHT 300 HOMETOWN Jonesboro, GA BIRTHDATE 1.20.83

teams…earned a degree in marketing from the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Jonesboro, GA, where he is involved in institutional investments for Fifth Third Securities.

eserve lineman whose most productive season was appearances in seven regular-season contests in 2003…lone start came in 2003 vs. Michigan State when he started at offensive tackle…a member of two Bowl

FOOTBALL

Bryan MULVENA

three-year walk-on who earned a scholarship prior to the 1995 season…earned his monogram as a senior when he played in all 12 games… winner of the Notre Dame Club of St. Joseph Valley Rockne Student-Athlete Award in 1995…part of three Bowl teams…earned a degree in pre-professional studies from the College of

Science…currently lives in South Bend, IN, where he is an emergency medicine physician at Memorial Hospital…was part of University’s 30-second institutional video spot in 2006 that featured “Play Like A Champion” theme… brother Tom earned a pair of Notre Dame monograms as a walk-on fullback.

POSITION Center YEARS AT ND 2002-06 HEIGHT 6’4”

WEIGHT 310 HOMETOWN McKinney, TX BIRTHDATE 9.19.84

tarted on the offensive line at either center or guard for 39 of 46 games over four seasons…played on four Bowl teams, including two BCS contests…played a role in Julius Jones’ school-record 262 rushing yards vs.

Pitt in ’03…earned his degree in accounting from the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Mishawaka, IN, where he is the resident director and coordinator of athletic spiritual development for Bethel College.

POSITION Defensive Back YEARS AT ND 1996-97 HEIGHT 6’1”

WEIGHT 215 HOMETOWN Tucson, AZ BIRTHDATE 8.8.76

1997…earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering…currently lives in Gilbert, AZ, where he is a project manager at Freescale Semiconductor.

transfer from the University of Arizona in the fall of 1996, he played in eight games during the ’97 campaign…part of the Irish team that met LSU in the Independence Bowl in

FOOTBALL

Player Biographies

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Bob MORTON

WEIGHT 195 HOMETOWN Arcola, IL BIRTHDATE 8.7.74

K.n

POSITION Defensive Back YEARS AT ND 1992-95 HEIGHT 6’0”

my TEA MB OO

Mark MONAHAN

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

Player Biographies

Ed O’CONNELL

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Timmy O’NEILL

WEIGHT 250 HOMETOWN Hammond, IN BIRTHDATE 1.28.73

layed at linebacker and defensive end during his 45 career regularseason games…made 42 tackles as a senior in nine starts…part of a Notre Dame team that participated in four Bowl games…was a member of the ’93 team that was 11-1 and ranked No. 2

in the final AP poll…signed with NFL Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in 1995…earned a degree in marketing from the College of Business Administration…currently lives in Chicago, IL, where he is a trader for the Chicago Board Options Exchange.

POSITION Center YEARS AT ND 2001-02 HEIGHT 6’2”

WEIGHT 225 HOMETOWN Oak Lawn, IL BIRTHDATE 7.26.81

my TEA MB OO

POSITION Tight End YEARS AT ND 1991-94 HEIGHT 6’4”

K.n

Jeremy NAU

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

walk-on linebacker who also served as the team’s backup long snapper in 2002…earned his monogram that same season…part of ’02 team that played North Carolina State

in Gator Bowl…earned a degree in finance from the Mendoza College of Business…now lives in Annapolis, MD, where he is a captain in the United States Marine Corps.

POSITION Wide Receiver YEARS AT ND 1998-02 HEIGHT 5’6”

WEIGHT 165 HOMETOWN Troy, MI BIRTHDATE 9.28.79

Play Every Day: My Life as a Notre Dame Walk-On”…earned a degree in finance from the Mendoza College of Business…brothers Pat and Mike played football at Western Michigan and Notre Dame, respectively…currently lives in Houston, TX, where he is a natural gas trader for Sequent Energy Management.

alked on to the team as a tailback-wide receiver for three years before earning a scholarship in 2002…was one of three freshmen walk-ons that made the team in ’98… won monograms in 2001 and ’02… part of three Irish teams that participated in Bowl games…wrote and published a book in 2006 titled, “Every

FOOTBALL

David QUIST

tarted at defensive tackle as a senior…named Notre Dame Lineman of the Year in 2004 by local Moose Krause Chapter of National Football Foundation when he started all 12 games…played in two Bowl games… signed as free agent with the Chicago

Bears in 2005…earned a degree in marketing and economics from Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Wauwatosa, WI, where he is a senior investment consultant for Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.

POSITION Punter YEARS AT ND 2003-07 HEIGHT 6’3”

WEIGHT 200 HOMETOWN Hurst, TX BIRTHDATE 8.29.84

anks second on the all-time Irish career punting list with 43.6 yards per attempt…he was sixth in the NCAA with a 45.4 mark in ’06, including a career-best 62-yarder vs. Penn State…received All-America

honorable mention by sportsillustrated.com in 2007…earned a degree in finance from Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Plano, TX, where he is a sales associate for Bank of America Home Loans.

POSITION Offensive Tackle YEARS AT ND 1993-96 HEIGHT 6’5”

WEIGHT 295 HOMETOWN Boulder, CO BIRTHDATE 10.15.73

ranked No. 2…earned a degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Letters…currently lives in Madison, WI, where he is a senior account manager for Inacom Information Systems.

nother Mr. Versatility, winning monograms on offense in 1994 and defense in ’95…a member of three Irish Bowl teams…played all four years for Coach Lou Holtz (1993-96)…was part of the ’93 team that was 11-1 and

FOOTBALL

Player Biographies

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Geoff PRICE

WEIGHT 245 HOMETOWN Waukesha, WI BIRTHDATE 3.23.82

K.n

POSITION Offensive Guard YEARS AT ND 2001-04 HEIGHT 6’6”

my TEA MB OO

Greg PAULY

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

Player BIOGRAPHIES our-year monogram winner as a punter and free safety...his 209 career punts ranks second in school history...still holds the Irish record for punting average in a game (51.6), booting five times for a total of 258 yards vs. Air Force in 1975...starting safety on 1977 national championship team as a junior...two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American...in ‘79, he was one of 10 college football players who received the Scholar-Athlete award from the National Football Foundation...received a prestigious

Player Biographies

POSITION Defensive Back/Punter YEARS AT ND 1975-78 HEIGHT 6’2” WEIGHT 195 HOMETOWN Milford, MA BIRTHDATE 8.23.57

Tony RICE

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Ryan ROBERTS

NCAA postgraduate scholarship... winner of Byron Kanaley Award, which recognizes Notre Dame student-athletes who are exemplary as students and leaders...earned a degree in pre-professional science from the College of Science... received his doctorate in dental medicine from Penn in ‘85...was a general dentist and orthodontist in the Boston, MA area... currently lives in Lake Oswego, OR, and he founded his own orthodontist practice in Wilsonville...president of the Notre Dame Monogram Club.

my TEA MB OO

K.n

Joe RESTIC #

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

POSITION Quarterback YEARS AT ND 1986-89 HEIGHT 6’1”

he starting quarterback on Notre Dame’s 1988 national championship team (12-0)…finished fourth in balloting for Heisman Trophy as a senior in ’89…won 1989 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the top QB in country… Football News named him College Player of the Year and first-team All-America in ‘89…tri-captain of the ’89 Irish squad… had a 28-3 record as the starting signal

POSITION Defensive End YEARS AT ND 1999-02 HEIGHT 6’2”

layed in 41 regular-season games for the Irish, starting in 24 on the D-line…the recipient of the 2002 Moose Krause Lineman of the Year Award, leading Notre Dame in sacks (9) …made 18 sacks and 90 tackles in his

FOOTBALL

WEIGHT 208 HOMETOWN Woodruff, SC BIRTHDATE 9.5.67

caller from 1987-89...selected MVP by his teammates in 1988 and ’89…ran for 2,049 yards and 39 TDs in his Irish career…invited to play in the Hula Bowl and East-West all-star games in 1989… spent one year in the Canadian Football League with Saskatchewan…earned a degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Letters…currently lives in Granger, IN.

WEIGHT 232 HOMETOWN Lawnside, NJ BIRTHDATE 8.11.80

collegiate career…played in two Bowl games…earned a degree in science/ business combo from the College of Science…currently lives in Chicago, IL, where he is a financial planning consultant for Fidelity Investments.

a degree in finance from the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Mandeville, LA, where he is a commercial insurance producer for Whitney National Bank.

Nate SCHOMAS

POSITION Cornerback YEARS AT ND 1996-99 HEIGHT 5’11”

tarted 24 games and played in 42 overall during his four-year career…Led the Irish with 91 tackles and 10 tackles for a loss in 1999…topped the ’98 squad with three interceptions and finished with eight for his career…played in two Bowls…part of final Lou Holtz

WEIGHT 190 HOMETOWN Houston, TX BIRTHDATE 10.31.76

team as a freshman…signed a free agent contract with Carolina of the NFL… earned degree in sociology from the College of Arts and Letters…now lives in Spring, TX, where he is an algebra teacher and assistant football coach for the Aldine Independent School District.

POSITION Wide Receiver YEARS AT ND 2002-03 HEIGHT 5’11”

WEIGHT 170 HOMETOWN Wheaton, IL BIRTHDATE 12.21.81

and finished 10-3…earned a degree in finance from the Mendoza College of Business…now lives in Bellevue, WV, where he is a consultant for Accenture.

oined the team in the spring of 2002 as a walk-on receiver…earned a monogram for 2003 campaign… part of Notre Dame team that played North Carolina State in Gator Bowl

FOOTBALL

Player Biographies

my TEA MB OO

layed in 32 regular-season contests on the OL…saw action in all 11 games as a special teams player in 2001…played in Fiesta Bowl vs. Oregon State on 2000 squad…earned

A’jani SANDERS

WEIGHT 310 HOMETOWN Covington, LA BIRTHDATE 10.4.78

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

POSITION Offensive Tackle YEARS AT ND 1997-01 HEIGHT 6’7”

K.n

Casey ROBIN

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

played on final Lou Holtz team in ’96…earned a degree in marketing from the College of Business Administration…currently lives in Brooklyn, NY, where he is the CEO of THLM Inc.

layed in 15 games during his career with the Irish, competing as a reserve defensive lineman and special teams player…part of 1993 team that finished 11-1 and No. 2 in the polls…

POSITION Defensive End Dwight AT ND 2003-07 STEPHENSON, JR. YEARS HEIGHT 6’3”

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

WEIGHT 282 HOMETOWN Milwaukee, WI BIRTHDATE 11.12.75

my TEA MB OO

Player Biographies

POSITION Defensive Tackle YEARS AT ND 1993-96 HEIGHT 6’5”

Pernell TAYLOR

K.n

Darnell SMITH

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

ade 40 tackles as a senior defensive lineman in 2007, starting in four games…part of three Notre Dame Bowl teams…earned a degree in management from the Mendoza College of Business…now lives in Delray Beach,

WEIGHT 255 HOMETOWN Delray Beach, FL BIRTHDATE 9.11.84

FL, where he is an estimator for D. Stephenson Construction, Inc…father, Dwight Stephenson, was an All-American at Alabama, and became an NFL Hall of Famer after an outstanding career with the Miami Dolphins.

POSITION Fullback YEARS AT ND 1983-87 HEIGHT 5’11”

WEIGHT 230 HOMETOWN La Puente, CA BIRTHDATE 1.8.65

earned a degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Letters…currently resides in La Habra Heights, CA, where he is a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department.

issed his first two years with injuries, but still played in 32 games, starting 10 contests…gained a career-high 284 yards rushing with five touchdowns in junior year…averaged 4.0 yards per carry for his career…

FOOTBALL

Marcus THORNE

layed in 30 games as a linebacker and special teams performer, including four starts as a backer in 2006…was a part of three Bowl teams…earned a degree in management

from the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in Chicago, IL, where he is a senior agency specialist for Allstate Insurance Company.

POSITION Offensive Guard YEARS AT ND 2001-04 HEIGHT 6’4”

WEIGHT 250 HOMETOWN Granger, IN BIRTHDATE 9.18.82

erformed in a reserve role as a lineman during his three-year career with the Irish…Moved from defense to offense after 2002 campaign…was a member of two Notre Dame Bowl

POSITION Tight End YEARS AT ND 1992-95 HEIGHT 6’0”

walk-on running back that earned three monograms from 199395…awarded a scholarship prior to his senior year in which he played in all 12 games…received Westwood One/ State Farm Student-Athlete of the Year Award in ’95…part of three Irish Bowl squads…played in nine games for 1993 team that was 11-1 and ranked No. 2… one of the winners of the Notre Dame

FOOTBALL

teams…earned a degree in management from the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in South Bend, IN, where he is a consultant for Press Ganey Associates, Inc.

WEIGHT 225 HOMETOWN Indianapolis, IN BIRTHDATE 11.12.74

1996 Byron V. Kanaley Award, given to the most exemplary senior monogram athletes based on academics and leadership, and qualifies as most prestigious honor presented by the University to its student-athletes…earned a degree in biology from the College of Science…currently lives in Carmel, IN, where he is an orthopedic surgeon for Central Indiana Orthopedics.

Player Biographies

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Jeff THOMPSON

WEIGHT 245 HOMETOWN Opelika, AL BIRTHDATE 12.14.84

K.n

POSITION Linebacker YEARS AT ND 2003-06 HEIGHT 6’3”

my TEA MB OO

Mitchell THOMAS

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

of Business Administration…currently lives in Fresno, CA, where he is assistant athletics director for development with the Fresno State University athletics department.

my TEA MB OO

Player Biographies

Robert WOODS

WEIGHT 230 HOMETOWN Tallahassee, FL BIRTHDATE 11.10.77

aw action in seven games as a reserve running back in two seasons (1997-98)…injured in his freshman year and suffered more injuries as a senior…part of 1996 final Lou Holtz team…earned a degree from College

Ambrose WOODEN

POSITION Running Back YEARS AT ND 1996-99 HEIGHT 6’1”

K.n

Jay VICKERS

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

POSITION Safety YEARS AT ND 2003-07 HEIGHT 5’11”

WEIGHT 195 HOMETOWN Baltimore, MD BIRTHDATE 2.22.84

a starting role vs. Ohio State in Fiesta Bowl…played in two other Bowl games…earned a degree in finance from the Mendoza College of Business…currently lives in New York, NY, where he is an analyst for Goldman Sachs.

defensive secondary performer who started 19 career games, and played in 42 contests…started all 12 games as a sophomore and was third on the team in tackles (74)…had seven solo tackles, two assists and a fumble recovery in POSITION Wide Receiver YEARS AT ND 2003-05 HEIGHT 6’3”

WEIGHT 215 HOMETOWN Atlantic, IA BIRTHDATE 12.15.83

lege of Engineering…currently lives in Langhorne, PA, where he is a mechanical engineer for the device technology product development group with Johnson & Johnson Consumer & Personal Products Worldwide.

articipated four years as a walk-on with the Irish…played in all 12 games as a senior in ’05 as a reserve receiver and on special teams…part of two Bowl teams…earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the Col-

FOOTBALL

squad rated No. 2…selected to play in Senior Bowl all-star game after his senior year…second-round draft choice of NFL New Orleans Saints in ’95 draft…played with Saints for four years…earned a degree in management from the College of Business Administration…currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA.

tarted in 18 games at fullback in 1993 and ’94…rushed for 1,135 career yards and also caught 28 passes for 237 yards in 35 games…scored on a career-high 64-yard run vs. Purdue in ’94…played on four Notre Dame squads in Bowl games…competed for 1992 team that was ranked No. 4 and ’93

Managers and STAFF ATHLETIC TRAINER Kevin Ricks

GENERAL MANAGER Patrick Steenberge

PHYSICIAN Rich Jacobs

EVENT COORDINATOR Jennie Phillips

PHYSICIAN Michael Yergler

MEDIA COORDINATOR Michael Preston

EQUIPMENT MANAGER Bill Peck

SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR John Heisler

EQUIPMENT MANAGER Ken Haffey

VIDEO Ted Mandell

EQUIPMENT MANAGER Jim Furlong

PHOTOGRAPHER Mike Bennett

FOOTBALL

Player, Manager, & Staff Biographies

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

WEIGHT 240 HOMETOWN Pittsburgh, PA BIRTHDATE 3.25.73

K.n

POSITION Running Back YEARS AT ND 1991-94 HEIGHT 6’0”

my TEA MB OO

Ray ZELLARS

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Player BIOGRAPHIES

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Coaches BIOGRAPHIES

Lou Holtz

Prior to becoming a head coach, Holtz honed his skills as an assistant at Iowa (1960), William & Mary (1961-63), Connecticut (1964-65), South Carolina (1966-67), and Ohio State (1968). He is the only NCAA coach to lead six different programs to bowl games, and guide four different schools to the final top 20 rankings.

my TEA MB OO

Coaches Biographies Notre Dame Japan Bowl

ou Holtz once said, “Everything done at Notre Dame is done on faith and commitment to excellence; commitment to each other. Notre Dame means to me: 1. religion; 2. family—it cares about you not just because things go well, but because they care; 3. commitment.”

K.n

HEAD COACH

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

This was the belief that Holtz passed on to his players—not just the Irish, but at the other five schools he led on to victory.

The University’s most recent National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2008) had 17 years of coaching experience when he took over the Fighting Irish program in 1986, a helm he served proudly until 1996. He had an overall record of 100-32-2 in South Bend as well as the Irish record for most games coached, and is second to Knute Rockne in total victories.

After the 1996 season, Holtz walked away from a lifetime contract at Notre Dame, making the decision to leave as Irish head caoch. Although not on the field, Holtz didn’t stay away from the gridiron and worked two years as a football commentator for CBS Sports.

He was bit by the coaching bug again the following season, and came out of retirement in 1999 to become

Holtz led Notre Dame to the 1988 national championship by defeating No. 3 and unbeaten West Virginia 34-21 in the Fiesta Bowl to complete a 12-0 campaign. His Irish teams went to nine straight New Year’s Day bowl games from 1987-95, and he was named Coach of the Year by several groups in 1988, as the Irish upset No.1-ranked Miami during the regular season.

FOOTBALL LEGENDS When Holtz arrived at South Bend, he found a struggling gridiron program. A strict disciplinarian, he had the names removed from the backs of the players’ jerseys to emphasize teamwork and show that the Irish had no individuals, but a bunch of men bonding together toward one cause. That first year, the Fighting Irish defeated rival USC 38-37 in the season finale.

Before making his presence known at Notre Dame, Holtz served as the head mentor at William & Mary (1969-71), North Carolina State (1972-75), Arkansas (1977-83), and Minnesota (1984-85). The William & Mary team won the 1970 Southern Conference championship and made its first bowl appearance ever. At North Carolina State, he posted a 31-11-2 record and coached the Wolfpack in four bowl games. His ‘71 Arkansas Razorbacks went 11-1 and won the Orange Bowl. He also spent the 1976 season as the head coach of the New York Jets of the National Football League.

the head coach at South Carolina. In two years, Holtz turned a 1-10 team into an 8-4 club that won the Outback Bowl over heavily favored Ohio State. The Gamecocks did it all over again versus the Buckeyes the following year. Holtz’s second retirement from college coaching came at the end of the 2004 season, and as before, he has stayed involved with the game. Holtz has enjoyed a television career with ESPN and is especially known for his outstanding studio work with partners Rece Davis and Mark May. Born in Follansbee, W.V., Holtz graduated from Kent State in 1959 and earned his master’s degree at Iowa in 1961.

FOOTBALL

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL LEGENDS

K.n

“ I GREW UP IDOLIZING COACH HOLTZ.

Coaches BIOGRAPHIES

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

To get a chance to play one game for one man who is a great coach and an even greater human being is something I will cherish my entire life.”

from Coach Holtz in one week. As I look back on my experience in Tokyo, I really understand why all of his former players loved to play for him. He’s a players coach and he has the ability to make his players better not only on the field, but off the field as well.”

GREAT THING ABOUT “ THE COACH HOLTZ IS

— Ambrose Wooden, S/QB, 2003-2007

“ PLAYING FOR LOU HOLTZ MEANS

that I got to play for College Football royalty. That is very, very cool.”

that he is as interested in sharing knowledge about life as he is interested in teaching players how to play the game.” — Tyreo Harrison, LB, 1998-2001

FOOTBALL LEGENDS — Ryan Roberts, DE, 1999-2002

FOOTBALL

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

my TEA MB OO

“ I LEARNED SO MANY LIFE LESSONS

Coaches Biographies

— James Bent, OG, 2005

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Coaches BIOGRAPHIES

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

5-6 8-4 Cotton (L) 12-0 Fiesta (W) 12-1 Orange (W) 9-3 Orange (L) 10-3 Sugar (W) 10-1-1 Cotton (W) 11-1 Cotton (W) 6-5 Fiesta (L) 9-3 Orange (L) 8-3

K.n

Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame

my TEA MB OO

Coaches Biographies

the Lou Holtz FILE 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

THE OPPORTUNITY “ TOTO HAVE PLAY AGAIN

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

is something that I’ll never forget, but Coach Holtz made it all the more special. I’ve been a Notre Dame fan as long as I can remember. I actually have an autographed picture of Coach Holtz that I got when I was very young that says: “Eddie, I hope I coach you at Notre Dame”. It was something that I always hoped for, too, but once Coach Holtz left Notre Dame, I obviously thought it would never happen. While it may have only been for 10 days, it was a tremendous experience that exceeded all expectations.” — Ed O’Connell, C, 2001-2002

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL LEGENDS

K.n

Coaches BIOGRAPHIES

I HEARD THAT COACH HOLTZ “ WHEN WOULD BE COACHING

a Notre Dame Legends team in Japan, my first thought was, ‘Where do I sign up?’ There is no mystery as to why Coach has been so successful. He simply doesn’t accept anything other than every individual’s best effort. There are no ‘go through the motion’ days with Coach Holtz. In the short week and a half we had him as our coach, I think we all learned valuable life lessons that we can take back to the real world.” — Timmy O’Neill, WR, 1998-2002

FOOTBALL LEGENDS FOOTBALL

35 37

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

and he is the main reason I selected Notre Dame as my University. Unfortunately, he was no longer there when I arrived in 1997 and believe me all five seasons of hard work and dedication was worth the wait to play one game for Lou Holtz!” — Casey Robin, DT, 1997-2001

Coaches Biographies

HOLTZ RECRUITED “ COACH ME IN 1996

my TEA MB OO

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Coaches BIOGRAPHIES

Coaches Biographies

erved as assistant head coach and defensive backs mentor at Notre Dame from 2005-07, including teams that advanced to BCS Bowls, Fiesta Bowl in ‘05, and Sugar Bowl in ‘06...coached 32 years at collegiate level from 1963-94, including head jobs at Georgia Tech 1992-94, East Carolina 1989-91, and Wyoming 1977-79....received 1991 National Coach of the Year honors from AFCA after leading East Carolina to Peach Bowl victory and final 11-1 record for a No. 9 ranking...was Georgia defensive coordinator when the Dawgs won the 1980 national championship...also assistant coach

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Gary

DARNELL

K.n

LEWIS

ASST. HEAD COACH/ DEFENSIVE BACKS

at East Stroudsburg 1963-65, Pitt 196668, Wake Forest 1969-70, Georgia Tech 1971-72, and Arkansas 1973-76...worked with NFL Miami Dolphins from 199604...spent 1995 as athletic director at The Marist School in Atlanta...worked as color analyst for college football games for ESPN and ESPN2...played quarterback at East Stroudsburg (PA) State where he earned his degree in 1963...spent two years as pitcher in Detroit Tigers minor league system... currently serves as manager of community relations for Notre Dame’s athletic development staff...born in Philadelphia, PA.

my TEA MB OO

Bill

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR/ LINEBACKERS

as the Irish defensive coordinator and linebackers coach during the 1990 and ‘91 campaigns...was the head coach at Western Michigan 1997-04, winning the Mid-American Conference Western Division in ‘99 and 2000...inherited a Broncos team that was 2-9 in 1996, and then went 8-3 for the largest NCAA turnaround in ‘97...named MAC Coach of the Year in 2000 when Western Michigan was 9-3...also was the head mentor at Tennessee Tech for three seasons, and interim head coach at Florida for half of 1989

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

season...served as an assistant at Oklahoma State 1970-72, SMU 1973-75, North Carolina 1976-77, Kansas State 1978-82, Wake Forest 1986-87, Florida 1988-89, Texas 1992-96 and Texas A&M 2006-07... coached in 12 Bowl games, including interim head coaching duties for Texas A&M in the 2007 Alamo Bowl...coached in four BCS Bowls (twice in Sugar and once in Orange and Fiesta)...graduated from Oklahoma State in 1969, where he was an All-Big Eight Conference linebacker...born in Waldron, AR.

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL LEGENDS

WIDE RECEIVERS

Tim BROWN

eceived the 1987 Heisman Trophy as Notre Dame’s record seventh winner of the prestigious award, and was the first wide receiver to capture the Heisman...was named to numerous All-America first teams and the winner of the Walter Camp Award as a senior...set 19 school records during his Irish career...played in Japan and Hula Bowl all-star games after his final collegiate season...finished sixth nationally with average of 167.9 all-purpose yardage in 1987, leading the Irish with 45 catches for 951 yards...returned back-to-back punts 66 and 71 yards for touchdowns in 1987 Michigan State game...was the sixth overall pick in ‘88 draft by Los Angeles Raiders...played with Los Angeles/Oakland from 1988-

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

2003, and then with Tampa Bay in 2004... selected to nine NFL Pro Bowls, and is a member of NFL 1990’s All-Decade team... holds NFL rookie record for most combined yards gained (2,317)...NFL career totals include 1,094 receptions (third in NFL history) for 14,934 yards (second in NFL history), and 100 touchdowns (third on alltime NFL list)...played record 224 games with Raiders...named to 2009 National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame class...graduated from Notre Dame in 1988...currently is national chairman of Athletics & Entertainers for Kids...has worked to start a NASCAR racing team... Born in Dallas, TX

Coaches Biographies

the Redskins and one year with Tampa Bay in the NFL...rushed for 1,063 yards as a rookie at Washington...his brother, Tony, was a running back at Notre Dame...now serves as manager for monogram/football alumni relations for his alma mater, as well as working with head coach Charlie Weis on numerous projects related to the Monogram Club and former players...spent previous years working with the Notre Dame Office of Institutional Technologies...assists with football pre- and post-game radio shows, as well as weekly coaches’ shows for Notre Dame Sports Properties...born in Tulsa, OK.

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

otre Dame All-America running back for Coach Lou Holtz from 1989-92, after coming to South Bend as a defensive back...placed fifth in Heisman Trophy voting as a senior...holds the school record of 7.4 yards per carry for a career... his 227 yards vs. USC in ‘93 ranks as fourth-highest single-game rushing total in school history...ranks in school top 10 in single-season categories in yards per rush, yards rushing per game, 100-yard rushing games, and rushing touchdowns...caught game-winning two-point conversion pass to beat Penn State in 1992 at Notre Dame Stadium...second-round draft choice of Washington, playing three seasons with

K.n

my TEA MB OO

Reggie BROOKS

RUNNING BACKS

Coaches BIOGRAPHIES

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Coaches BIOGRAPHIES

n his third year as a volunteer assistant coach at Stanford...currently helping develop the Cardinal running game...has served as a scout in Japan for NFL International Players Development Program Testing Combine...spent 2004 and ‘05 seasons coaching offensive line and ‘06 campaign as running game coordinator for Obic Seagulls in Japan’s top football league...in three seasons, seven of his linemen and one running back were selected All-Japan...played on offensive line for

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Bill REAGAN

et K.n

ASSISTANT COACH

Obic from 1995 through 2003, when the Seagulls won the championship in 1996, 1998 and 2002...played for Japan in World Cup in 1999...three-time All-Japan selection as a lineman...was an offensive lineman at Josai University in Japan from 1991-94...earned bachelor’s degree in economics from Josai in 1995...currently lives in Menlo Park, CA.

my TEA MB OO

Coaches Biographies

Tsuyoshi KAWATA

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

ASSISTANT COACH/ FOOTBALL OPERATIONS

erved 13 years at his alma mater, St. Joseph’s College, where he was head football coach 10 of those years (1985-94) and defensive coordinator (1982-84)... inducted into the St. Joseph’s College Athletic Hall of Fame as well as Lorain County (OH) Hall of Fame in 2005...spent five years as offensive coordinator for Ashland (OH) University (1995-99), where his Eagles were among national leaders in total offense, winning the ‘97 Midwest Intercollegiate Football Conference...director of football operations for the Irish in 2000...

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

served as assistant director for Notre Dame office of recreational sports (2002-07)... earned undergraduate degree from St. Joseph’s in 1974 and master’s degree from Eastern Michigan in 1980...currently is assistant director for athletics advancement at Notre Dame since 2007...responsibilities include administration and supervision of all locker room development programs within the athletic department, including reach-out to former athletes and coaches... born in Lorain, OH.

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL LEGENDS

education...received master’s degree from Truman U...four-year football letterman at Tampa, and a Little All-America selection in 1962 and ‘63...inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in June 1995...moved into athletics administrative staff in 1994 after eight seasons with the Irish gridders...currently is Notre Dame assistant athletics director, with responsibility for game management... received the 2003 Spirit Award, an award given by the University in recognition of dedication to exceptional service which has inspired others to greater levels of achievement...born in Paoli, PA.

DEFENSIVE LINE

efensive tackle for Notre Dame (1988-90), earning unanimous first-team All-America honors in 1989 and ‘90...1989 UPI Lineman of the Year and winner of the Lombardi Award in ‘90... captain of Irish squad in 1990, after being a sophomore starter on the consensus national championship team of ‘88...helped the Irish win 23 straight games in 198899...inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007...drafted by Chicago in second round in ‘91, and played with the Bears through ‘96 season and then with

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Washington in 1997...received NFL Players Association Byron “Whizzer” White Award for Community Service, and was named USA Weekend’s “Most Caring Athlete”... received his undergraduate degree from Notre Dame in ‘91 and law degree in 2002...was Chris Zorich Foundation chairman from 1993-2008...appointed to The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics in 2008...currently manager for student welfare and development for Notre Dame athletics department since 2008... Born in Chicago, IL.

Coaches Biographies

K.n

egan his coaching career at his alma mater, Tampa, in 1964...coached the offensive line at Wichita State, Truman University, Tennessee Tech, Cincinnati, Arizona, Tulane and Stanford (1968-85)... joined the Notre Dame staff with the offensive line in 1986-88, then coached the Irish receivers in ‘89 and tight ends in ‘90...part of the staff that led the Irish to the Cotton Bowl vs. Texas A&M in ‘87, Fiesta Bowl vs. No. 3 West Virginia in ‘88, Orange Bowl vs. No. 1 Colorado in ‘89, and Orange Bowl vs. No. 1 Colorado again in ‘90...graduated from Tampa in 1964 with degrees in history and physical

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Chris ZORICH

OFFENSIVE LINE

my TEA MB OO

Tony YELOVICH

Coaches BIOGRAPHIES

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL LEGENDS

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

POS

DOB

CURRENT RESIDENCE

Kris Haines

5-11

183

7/23/57

Chicago, IL

Benny Guilbeaux

6-2

230

2/23/77

Opelousas, LA

Ivory Covington

5-10

185

12/13/76

Decatur, GA

Jason Beckstrom

5-10

188

4/10/81

Chicago, IL

A’jani Sanders

5-11

190

10/31/76

Spring, TX

Ron Israel

6-1

208

1/5/79

Berlin, NJ

Dean Lytle

6-3

230

11/11/71

Winnipeg, Canada

Anthony Brannan

6-0

190

7/27/78

Santa Monica, CA

Tony Rice

6-1

208

9/5/67

Granger, IN

Joe Restic

DB / P

6-2

195

8/23/57

Lake Oswego, OR

Deveron Harper

5-11

185

11/15/77

Charlotte, NC

Jay Johnson

6-1

220

10/13/77

South Bend, IN

Scott Cengia

5-10

185

9/20/75

Cincinnati, OH

Jeremy Nau

6-4

250

1/28/73

Chicago, IL

Gary Godsey

TE / QB

6-6

260

3/16/81

Tampa, FL

Geoff Price

6-3

200

8/29/84

Plano, TX

Brian Magee

5-10

194

2/27/74

Largo, FL

Marcus Thorne

6-0

225

11/12/74

Carmel, IN

Ambrose Wooden

5-11

195

2/2/84

New York, NY

Pernell Taylor

5-10

230

1/8/65

La Habra Heights, CA

Mark Monahan

6-0

195

8/7/74

South Bend, IN

Bobbie Howard

5-10

235

6/14/77

Chicago, IL

Cole Laux

5-11

232

4/11/82

Chicago, IL

Jay Vickers

6-1

230

11/10/77

Fresno, CA

Ray Zellars

6-0

240

3/25/73

Pittsburgh, PA

Tim O’Neill

5-6

165

9/28/79

Houston, TX

Brandon Hoyte

6-0

230

9/26/83

Chicago, IL

Nate Schomas

5-11

170

12/21/81

Bellevue, WV

Michael Goolsby

6-3

240

9/10/82

Chicago, IL

Tim Kenney

6-1

194

2/3/85

La Crescenta, CA

Mitchell Thomas

6-3

245

12/14/84

Chicago, IL

Derek Curry

6-4

260

9/5/81

Granger, IN

Melvin Dansby

6-4

300

7/18/75

Marietta, GA

Joe Brockington

6-2

235

6/16/84

Harrisburg, PA

Tyreo Harrison

6-3

245

5/15/80

San Antonio, TX

Bryan Mulvena

6-2

215

8/8/76

Gilbert, AZ

Kurt Belisle

6-3

230

8/18/75

Manteno, IL

Dwight Stephenson, Jr. DE

6-3

255

9/11/84

Delray Beach, FL

James Bent

6-2

267

9/6/83

Chicago, IL

Casey Cullen

6-1

220

10/15/84

San Antonio, TX

J.W. Jordan

6-1

275

5/19/78

Indianapolis, IN

Casey Robin

6-7

310

10/4/78

Mandeville, LA

K.n

NO. NAME

my TEA MB OO

Notre Dame Football Legends Roster

The ROSTER

NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL LEGENDS

The ROSTER Jeremy Akers

6-5

295

1/9/74

Redondo Beach, CA

Thomas Bemenderfer OL

6-5

290

12/5/85

Mishawaka, IN

Darin Mitchell

6-4

300

1/20/83

Jonesboro, GA

David Quist

6-5

295

10/15/73

Madison, WI

Jeff Thompson

6-4

250

9/18/82

South Bend, IN

Chris Frome

6-5

250

1/2/84

Saugus, CA

Bob Morton

6-4

310

9/19/84

Mishawaka, IN

Greg Pauly

6-6

245

3/23/82

Wauwatosa, WI

Brian Mattes

6-6

260

12/18/83

Chicago, IL

Rob Woods

6-3

215

12/15/83

Langhorne, PA

Bobby Brown

6-3

200

3/26/77

South Orange, NJ

Ed O’Connell

6-2

225

7/26/81

Annapolis, MD

Ben Foos

DT/DE

6-4

288

5/28/74

Louisville, KY

Darnell Smith

6-5

282

11/12/75

Brooklyn, NY

Ryan Roberts

6-2

232

8/11/80

Chicago, IL

Matt Hasbrook

6-3

255

7/16/82

Indianapolis, IN

he Notre Dame Japan Bowl idea was born in January 2008 when Patrick Steenberge, a former Irish quarterback who lettered in 1970-’71, attended the annual Rice Bowl in Tokyo Dome, visiting with Shinzo Yamada. The pair had worked together since 2005, when Team Japan participated in the NFL Global Jr. Championship that Patrick had created and produced at each Super Bowl from 1997 to 2007. This partnership led to future events, including the annual Global Challenge Bowl in Kawasaki, featuring high school players from Japan and the United States.

Once the Notre Dame Monogram Club endorsed the event in April 2008, the preparations, management and operations became full-time daily work for Steenberge and Yamada-san. It fit nicely into Steenberge’s Global Football business, as Japan became the 18th nation in which he has produced American football games during the past decade. The Notre Dame Japan Bowl took the energy, support and tireless efforts of literally hundreds of people connected both with Notre Dame and the Japan American Football Association, each of whom needs to be thanked and commended. While in the Tokyo Dome on July 25, 2009 Steenberge noted, “It has been an honor to work with so many fine people who sensed the vision and dedicated themselves to creating the Notre Dame Football Legends team, and to making the ND Japan Bowl such a successful experience for all involved. We were all thrilled to help Japan celebrate 75 years of the sport, and thoroughly enjoyed sharing the experience with the other members of the Notre Dame Legends team.”

Notre Dame Football Legends

Patrick Steenberge, General Manager, Event Producer USA

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

my TEA MB OO

CREATING THE EVENT

K.n

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

JAPAN

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

WT HT

TEAM

NO POS. NAME

WT HT

TEAM

NO POS. NAME WR/K/P Kazuya TOGURA

173

5-8

Asahi Beer Silver Star

44 DB

Hidetoshi YANO

182

6-0

Nihon Univ. Phoenix

Naoki KOSHO

173

5-8

Obic Seagulls

45 LB

Shoichiro SUZUKI

180

5-11

Fujitsu Frontiers

Yuichi WATANBE

173

5-8

Obic Seagulls

47 DB

Atsushi FUJITA

179

5-10

Fujitsu Frontiers

Shun SUGAWARA

172

5-8

Sagamihara Rise

51 LB

Shingo HIRUMA

181

5-11

Kajima Deers

Yusuke NAKAI

180

5-11

Obic Seagulls

53 OL

Tatsuyuki YASUKI

185

6-1

Fujitsu Frontiers

Yuji AOKI

181

5-11

Fujitsu Frontiers

55 DL

Nobuhiko ITO

183

6-0

Fujitsu Frontiers

Shoei HASEGAWA

184

6-0

Panasonic Impulse

56 DL

Kenzo WAKU

177

5-10

Asahi Challengers

Tetsuo TAKATA

180

5-11

Panasonic Impulse

57 OL

Kazuhiro KURAMOCHI 186

6-1

Kajima Deers

K/P

Daisuke AOKI

180

5-11

Senshu Green Machine

59 DL

Yasuyoshi MIWA

182

6-0

Panasonic Impulse

10 DL

Munekazu SHIKAMA

178

5-10

Panasonic Impulse

65 OL

Tetsuya OHI

189

6-2

Asahi Beer Silver Star

11 WR

Noriaki KINOSHITA

177

5-10

67 OL

Yuta MURAI

185

6-1

Kajima Deers

12 LB

Yusuke SATO

177

5-10

Hosei Univ. Tomahawks

71 OL

Yuji TANIGUCHI

190

6-3

Panasonic Impulse

13 DL

Masayoshi YAMANAKA

177

5-10

Panasonic Impulse

72 OL

Takanari MURAKAMI

191

6-3

IBM Big Blue

14 DB

Masashi FUJIMOTO

174

5-9

Obic Seagulls

73 OL

Naoki YAMAMOTO

189

6-2

Fujitsu Frontiers

15 WR

Naoki MAEDA

173

5-8

Kajima Deers

75 OL

Tsukasa MIYAMOTO

185

6-1

Obic Seagulls

17 WR

Takeshi AKIYAMA

185

6-1

Fujitsu Frontiers

77 OL

Ken IZAWA

185

6-1

Kajima Deers

18 QB

Akihiro IZUHARA

182

6-0

Fujitsu Frontiers

78 OL

Haruhisa HIRAMOTO

185

6-1

Asahi Challengers

19 LB

Shuhei TAKEUCHI

183

6-0

Nihon Fukushi Univ. Wings

80 WR

Koji YONEYAMA

181

5-11

Fujitsu Frontiers

20 RB

Takuya FURUTANI

173

5-8

Obic Seagulls

81 WR

TeruakiClark NAKAMURA 175

5-9

Nihon Univ. Phoenix

21 DB

Kouki KATO

183

6-0

Kajima Deers

83 WR

Ken SHIMIZU

173

5-8

Obic Seagulls

22 DB

Ryohei IMANISHI

171

5-7

Ritsumeikan Univ. Panthers

85 WR

Yasuhiro MIYAMOTO

182

6-0

Hosei Univ. Tomahawks

23 RB

Masahiro ISHINO

170

5-7

Panasonic Impulse

86 WR

Satoshi SHIMIZU

185

6-1

Fujitsu Frontiers

24 DB

Tadanari SANO

177

5-10

Kajima Deers

87 TE

Hayato YAMAGISHI

189

6-2

Asahi Beer Silver Star

25 WR

Hiroki OHZONO

173

5-8

Kobe Univ. Ravens

88 TE

Eiji SHIRAKI

185

6-1

Fujitsu Frontiers

26 DB

Daisuke UEKI

167

5-6

Fujitsu Frontiers

89 WR

Daisuke KURIYAMA

182

6-0

Asahi Beer Silver Star

29 RB

Tomokazu SUEYOSHI

177

5-10

Waseda Univ. Big Bears

90 DL

Keita KOMIYA

186

6-1

Nihon Univ. Phoenix

31 RB

Yuichi KON

172

5-8

Fujitsu Frontiers

92 DL

Takeshi NISHIKAWA

185

6-1

Kajima Deers

33 DB

Kenta SATO

176

5-9

Fujitsu Frontiers

97 DL

Takayuki YONEDA

183

6-0

Asahi Beer Silver Star

34 DB

Shota YOSHIMOTO

178

5-10

Kwansei Gakuin Fighters

98 DL

Yasuo WAKISAKA

183

6-0

Panasonic Impulse

42 LB

Takashi MAKIUCHI

175

5-9

Kajima Deers

99 DL

Mitsunori KIHIRA

182

6-0

Obic Seagulls

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Japan Roster

The ROSTER

JAFA

The high school championship game was launched in 1970. It officially became known as the Christmas Bowl during its 20th anniversary in 1989 and 106 high school teams compete for the country’s national crown.

Another championship game, the Rice Bowl, launched in 1948 as an East against West all-star game. In 1983, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of American football in Japan, the Rice Bowl changed its format to one that pits the university champ against the corporatesponsored semi-pro winning team. The game serves as the country’s national championship, and takes place on January 3rd as part of the New Year’s holiday. To date, the corporate-sponsored semi-pros lead the annual rivalry, 14 victories to 12. League play occurs biannually. The fall season begins at the end of August or in early September and culminates in December with the championship game for both the

The country has also played host to many NFL games since 1976. From 1989 through 2005, 13 pre-season games were played in Tokyo as part of the American Bowl series, with 20 different NFL franchises having played in Japan.

The Notre Dame Japan Bowl not only celebrated the JAFA’s 75th anniversary, it also marked the 30th anniversary of the Fighting Irish playing the University of Miami in the 1979 Mirage Bowl—an annual regular-season game hosted in Tokyo from 1977 through 1993. In front of 80,000 fans in Tokyo’s Olympic National Stadium, the Irish closed out the ’79 regular season by defeating Miami 40-15. The Mirage Bowl marked the first foreign appearance by a Notre Dame varsity team. Vagas Ferguson led the Irish with 178 yards rushing on 35 carries and three touchdowns. The defense posted two touchdowns and a safety, as Dave Waymer scored on interception returns of six and 27 yards and the Irish defense blocked a punt out of the end zone for a safety.

JAFA

Japan has fared extremely well in the American Football World Cup (now known as the IFAF Senior World Championship), an international competition held every four years since 1999. Team Japan won the first two World Cup championships, and finished runner-up to the United States in 2007—the first time a team from the U.S. competed in the event.

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

“After 75 years, Japanese football has finally achieved recognition from the U.S.,” says Shinzo Yamada, Japanese Event Producer for the Notre Dame Japan Bowl. “People like Coach Lou Holtz talking about Japanese football in the U.S. is a very huge step for the development of the sport in our country.” World War II played a major role in shaping American football in Japan. The sport experienced a temporary suspension during the war, and enjoyed a rebirth right after the war ended. The Koshien Bowl launched in 1947 as the country’s college championship game, making it the oldest championship game in Japanese football. There are 220 university teams playing American Football in Japan.

The corporate-sponsored semi-pro league championship was launched in 1987. Although affectionately referred to as the Tokyo Super Bowl for many years, its official name was changed in 2003 to the Japan X Bowl. There are currently 64 semi-pro teams in the league.

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With those three universities leading the way, the Japan American Football Association was created, and the organization has grown to 390 teams and 18,277 players. The Notre Dame Japan Bowl was a key component in the JAFA celebrating its 75th anniversary.

college and semi-pro division, which produces the two teams to play in the Rice Bowl. The spring season features tournaments and other competitions.

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Japan received its indoctrination to American Football in 1934 when, under the leadership of Dr. Paul Rusch, Rikkyo University started playing football along with Meiji University and Waseda University.

The Japan American FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

GOLD STANDARD

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

“I said, ‘Remember in high school when we would all take a lap around the field at the end of the year?’ He said yes, and I said, ‘Why don’t we do that?’” remembers Hoyte. “It had never been done at Notre Dame, but all the seniors lined up and we took a lap around the field and that started a new tradition. It’s rare that you go to a school with such tradition like Notre Dame and start something the players still do, so that was the most meaningful thing in my career. If you view the tradition of Notre Dame as a huge mountain, all I did was put a little piece of stone on it.”

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Notre Dame’s tradition is the main reason being a captain carries so much weight. The Irish own the second highest winning percentage and third most wins in NCAA history, and have posted only 13 losing seasons in 120 years. “Any time you’re put in a position of leadership and expected to represent a group, it’s a huge deal,” says Bobbie Howard, a linebacker from 1995-98, and captain on the ’98 team. “At a place like Notre Dame it means even more because of what the university has accomplished.” Six former captains suited up in the Notre Dame Japan Bowl, and forever stand in impressive company. “I was looking at a poster at Notre Dame of all the captains throughout the years and I was on there,” says Tony Rice, quarterback from 1986-89, and captain on the ’89 team. “It really hit me that I’m part of such an elite group of people. It kind of makes your heart drop and you can’t believe you accomplished that. I’m glad my kids were able to see that poster and some day my great grandkids will be able to see I was a part of an exceptional group.”

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Reflections on Leading the Irish

ormer linebacker Brandon Hoyte’s favorite memory from being a captain during his final year at Notre Dame came not from anything he did on the field, but something he did around it. As he stood in the end zone with his fellow seniors after his final home game in 2005, a thought struck him and he turned to fellow New Jersey native and Irish tight end Anthony Fasano.

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Captains Reflect on LEADING

It’s a healthy weight to have on your shoulders,

to know you are not only holding up your own name, but the university every time you go into the community.” — Derek Curry

The numbers—11 national championships, 49 College Football Hall of Fame members, and seven Heisman Trophy winners—speak for themselves. For former captains, Notre Dame is a symbol of success. “There are very few universities in this country that provide studentathletes the opportunity to play at the highest level for football and possibly go to the NFL if their talent is good enough, and also perform at the highest academic level, as well,” says Hoyte. “Notre Dame is really that kind of place. At Notre Dame a certain level of success is instilled in you. It is constantly embedded in your head, so when you leave it just becomes part of who you are and you have no tolerance for complacency or mediocrity.”

et Other captains offer their interpretations. “It starts with the ability to be real,” says Hoyte. “Whatever you do and profess, that better be you. That’s where true leadership starts—with the ability to be true to, and lead, yourself.

“Being a captain means understanding what Notre Dame as a university and a football program is all about and then embodying that 100 percent,” he continues. “It’s a little different for everyone, but it means having an academic attitude, wanting to be a leader, working hard, and truly caring about your teammates by taking a personal interest in them not just because you are on the same team, but because you honestly hope they do well.” While being a captain at a highly visible program like Notre Dame would seem to bring extra pressure, most of the captains were selected partially because they applied plenty themselves. “From the time Michael Goolsby and

At a football program with as much history as any university in the country, some captains draw weighty historic comparisons. They all believe that football alone does not define the leader. “I look at Julius Caesar, leader of the Roman Empire, being a perfect example,” says Melvin Dansby, a defensive tackle from 1993-97, and captain on the ’97 team. “He started out as a general and he actually got his hands dirty. He got out there and fought off invaders, so why not do the same thing at Notre Dame? On the field you want to be a holy terror, but you want to have that balance off the field. “For a lot of people, the idea of Notre Dame is formed from their interaction with you as a captain,” continues Dansby. “If the team captain is unlikable, people are going to assume all of Notre Dame is unlikable. If you’re a respectable person off the field, it creates a positive image of Notre Dame and that’s what you want to reflect—that lady on the dome.” Football is important at Notre Dame, as over 200 consecutive home sellouts would attest. But the idea that

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Like many prestigious accomplishments, being a Notre Dame captain can be hard to put into words. “It’s like coming out of the tunnel on game day,” says Rice. “You can’t really explain what it feels like, but you know you have a duty to fulfill and that the team is counting on you. Once you come to Notre Dame you have an obligation to compete on the football field and in the classroom.”

I first came to Notre Dame we felt like captains within our class,” says Derek Curry, a linebacker from 2001-04, and captain on the ’04 team. “We already accepted the responsibility of leading and pushing the team. Before we were named captains we had that leadership style, so when we became captains it was a more formal approach.”

Reflections on Leading the Irish

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The impressive numbers put up on the football field aren’t the only source of pride for the Irish. Notre Dame has graduated over 98 percent of its football players in four years since 1962, while sending more players to the NFL than any other school. Notre Dame players and captains are expected to hit the books with the same ferocity they do their opponents. “At Notre Dame, we’re all solid students and we try to do the right thing and stay out of trouble, otherwise we wouldn’t have gone to a school like that,” says Michael Goolsby, a linebacker from 2000-04, and captain on the ’04 team. “We hold ourselves to a higher standard and we’re looking forward to the challenge of going to class and being in study hall until 10 at night four or five times a week. When you get to be a captain of that program it means you have, at least in your teammates’ eyes, gone above and beyond.”

GOLD STANDARD

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

“At other programs the best athlete or the person who performs the best on game day may be the captain of the team, but at Notre Dame, it’s really about the whole individual,” echoes Hoyte. “That is why it is such an honor. You’re not just saying that person is a good athlete or student. You’re adding the virtues of character and being a good citizen. I was never the best athlete on the team. I never viewed myself as the smartest or the best, but I always strived to be those things, and I think people appreciated that.”

because we had a game in three days, but I couldn’t. Once I get between those white lines I play and focus as hard as I can. I love playing football and there are no two ways about it.”

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Reflections on Leading the Irish

a captain must be well-rounded becomes apparent early. “When I was being recruited, other schools I visited had more of a party atmosphere to show me the fun side,” says Dansby. “I got to Notre Dame and everybody was sitting around studying and nuns were walking across campus. Then you see defensive linemen tossing 300-pound guys to the side and going in to make the sack and you think, ‘Can I do that too? Am I expected to do that?’ As a freshman you wonder if you made the right choice because it can be intimidating, but you work hard and you eventually get to that point.”

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

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Captains Reflect on LEADING

The captains who played in Japan claimed to be ‘perform first, talk later,’ leaders. But some learned during their time in South Bend that there is a place for both. “People pay more attention to what you do than what you say,” says Howard. “But one of the largest lessons I learned was from things I didn’t do. Sometimes I should have said or done something and I didn’t. Now I trust my instincts a little more and if I think something needs to be said, I address it.” Dedication to and respect for the game seems to start early, last past graduation, and travel across the globe, even for exhibition games. “There were many times when I was riding my bike through the snow to workout at six in the morning and I was just dreading it,” says Goolsby. “I was anxious about it, and couldn’t sleep the night before, but once I got to practice or a workout, I went 100 miles an hour. There wasn’t one thing about football I didn’t enjoy. I never fell asleep at a meeting and I loved the workouts, the runs, and the practice. Even when I went to Japan, there were days after practice I would tell myself to take it easy

In Tokyo, players from many different eras shared similar stories of teammates being decked in practice and cracked similar jokes. Whether it was the shared experiences or shared character traits, these captains had no problem meshing with each other and their fellow teammates. “Looking back, 50 guys had eight days to prepare for a game, and what served us well was that common bond of being former players at Notre Dame and our love of the school and the game,” says Goolsby. “It wasn’t like we were meeting for the first time. It felt like we were already friends and already knew each other prior to arriving in South Bend for training camp.” The Irish victory in Japan seemed almost secondary to the reunion and camaraderie, similar to the idea that being a captain might say more about the person than the player. “The label of captain is something you never take off, which is a lot of responsibility,” says Curry, who is now the Director of Student Ministry for the Granger Community Church in Granger, Ind. “It’s a healthy weight to have on your shoulders, to know you are not only holding up

et If people can say, ‘Brandon is a good representation of what Notre Dame is all about,’

I would be extremely ecstatic because that, to me, is the biggest compliment.”

—Brandon Hoyte

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

“I view things very differently than I would have if I didn’t have that experience because I view things from a leadership perspective,” adds Hoyte. “If people can say, ‘Brandon is a good representation of what Notre Dame is all about,’ I would be extremely ecstatic because that, to me, is the biggest compliment.”

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Reflections on Leading the Irish

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your own name, but the university every time you go into the community. The way that I lead now in my job stems from what I learned as a captain and player. How do you get a group of individuals on the same page and working towards the same goal? How do you make them feel like part of a family? How do you resolve conflict in a way that’s meaningful and adds value to the team? I learned all those lessons from being a captain.”

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

game after only a week of practice can be rough. So I decided to take it very seriously, approach it like my first scrimmage, and just lift, lift, and lift.”

In reality, the game went almost as planned—until his ankle started giving him trouble and a couple of hits took him out late in the fourth quarter. But between touring Tokyo with his family and seeing teammates again, there was no shortage of memories.

“Everything that happened was a highlight,” says Thorne. “Putting on the pads, running onto the field, hearing the roar of the crowd. We were able to relive the camaraderie, which was always the best part of being on the team—all the joking around we used to do on the bus, in practice, in the locker room. We had guys who’d graduated three years ago and guys who’d graduated 30 years ago, and we were all together, joking around on the sidelines and giving each other high-fives. That was the biggest highlight of all.”

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Legends On and Off the Field

otre Dame football doesn’t just prepare studentathletes for the gridiron—it prepares them for success in life. Members of the 2009 Legends team have treated emergency room patients, practiced law, and led troops safely through Iraq. But no matter how much they’ve accomplished in their professional careers, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of putting on that gold helmet.

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Legends on and off THE FIELD

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SUCCESS STORIES

“To represent the university again was an honor,” says tight end Marcus Thorne, an orthopedic surgeon at Central Indiana Orthopedics and a member of the 10-1-1, 1992 team and the 11-1, 1993 team. “For an old guy like me to be selected to play on a Notre Dame Legends team was a surprise in and of itself. Then to come out with a victory against a younger, faster team was a great accomplishment.”

Three months before the game, the 34-year-old Thorne returned to his old routine, running on the track, doing stadium stairs, lifting weights, and gaining back 20 pounds. But until his first team practice, he couldn’t be absolutely sure: Would he be ready for full contact? “I had a sense I could still hit, but you never really know,” says Thorne. “We had a couple of two-a-days, which really helped, but getting ready for impact and playing an actual

For defensive back Mark Monahan, who saves lives as an emergency room physician at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, the best part of the game was having the chance to hit as hard as he could. “On the opening play, I got to run downfield with the kickoff team, lower my shoulder, and make a hit for the first time in 14 years,” he says. “It’s something I never thought I’d get to do again, and it sent energy through my whole body. That’s the reason we put on those pads—to enjoy the physical contact you can only get in football.” Minutes before working his Saturday night shift in the ER, Monahan attended the Legends’ last stateside practice.

“Playing college football for Notre Dame was a dream come true, and to have the chance to live that dream a second time was an incredible experience,” says O’Neill, who was a tailback from 1998 to 2002. “Wearing the uniform again gave me that old feeling, that emotion, that rush of adrenalin.”

“

Sometimes you get into a routine, and it’s important to

dedicate yourself fully to something completely different,” says Monahan.

“Working in the market is as close as you can get in the business world to the excitement I experienced as an athlete,” he says. “It’s a competitive environment, and the lessons we learned at Notre Dame about success and failure definitely apply. Still, there’s nothing that compares to the pressure of being a Division I football player, and nothing like the butterflies in your stomach right before a game.” That same energy flowed through Bobby Brown, Notre Dame’s leading receiver in 1997 and 1999, who hadn’t played a game since leaving the Cleveland Browns in 2000. “There’s a stream of emotions that go through you when you take the field again, hold up your helmet, and see all the people who traveled thousands of miles to watch you play,” he says. “I put on the gold helmet, and even after ten years, that feeling came right back. Playing for Notre Dame meant the world to me, and still does.”

Legends On and Off the Field

The program has helped give Timmy O’Neill a long, lasting connection to the university, starting with his first football game at seven years old. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all attended Notre Dame, and as a 5-foot 6-inch freshman, Timmy walked onto the team for the opportunity of a lifetime.

Since graduating, O’Neill has published a memoir of his undergraduate days, Every Play Every Day: My Life as a Notre Dame Walk-On, which comes with endorsements from Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown and Coach Lou Holtz. He’s made his way through the rough and tumble world of trading, first in Chicago, then on Wall Street, and now in Houston, where he works as a natural gas trader for Sequent Energy Management.

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

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“Sometimes you get into a routine, and it’s important to dedicate yourself fully to something completely different,” says Monahan. “We all sacrificed to be part of this team, taking time away from our jobs and families to play a sport we love. When you’re playing in college, you take a lot of things for granted. Immersing ourselves in the game mentally, physically, and spiritually was a reminder of what the game has given us and what we’ve tried to give back.”

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Thirteen sleepless hours later, he was on board the flight to Tokyo, and after years of working in trauma, the Japan Bowl was a welcome change of pace.

Legends on and off THE FIELD

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

SUCCESS STORIES

I’d only been in a couple of plays. Being on the field and contributing to the team was very satisfying. And having the chance to represent Notre Dame one more time was a tremendous experience.”

“Playing in the Japan Bowl, and taking an older body onto the field despite all the years that have passed, was a real challenge,” continues Brown. “Overcoming my initial hesitation gave me the chance to close a chapter with Coach Holtz, who left during my sophomore year, so he never got to see the final product. And it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

“I don’t know if Notre Dame football prepared me for Iraq, but it certainly prepared me for the Marine Corps,” he continues. “In both, you have to be aggressive, physically fit, mentally tough, unselfish, and selfdisciplined. You need to prepare yourself and the people around you, and you need to do everything you can to accomplish your mission.”

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After a year in the NFL, Brown returned to Notre Dame for a law degree, and after three years in general practice in New Jersey, he’s now pursuing a new challenge: earning an MBA at Yale to start a career in sports law and management. “Coach Holtz taught me to never stop setting goals,” he says. “Why go back to school? Because it’s important to me. Because I never want to stop reaching. Because that’s what keeps the juices flowing.

Legends On and Off the Field

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A member of Notre Dame’s ROTC program, O’Connell served his first six months after graduation at Quantico, Virginia, and when he finished officer training, was assigned to take over a platoon at Cherry Point, North Carolina. Then, from February through August 2005, he led his troops through a tour of duty in Iraq, where they specialized in base and convoy security.

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

As a walk-on backup center, Ed O’Connell never reached the field in 2001 and had only two extra point attempts in 2002. But after spending the last seven years as a Marine, he felt confident about his performance in this spring’s Legends tryouts, and that confidence paid off with double duty on the team. “On top of long-snapping punts and field goals, I was a tight end for about 10 plays in the Japan Bowl,” he says. “It was great, because in my whole career at Notre Dame,

“There were 43 Marines in my platoon, and to be able to bring each one of them home unscathed was very rewarding,” says Captain O’Connell, who currently serves as a company officer at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, where he supervises 150 midshipmen. “Every day in Iraq was a challenge. Every day was something new. But we trained extremely hard, and in the end, that’s what made us successful.

“But we were right all along,” continues Harrison. “The people who are really successful are the ones who make things happen in everything they do. It was awesome to see where our lives have taken us, and how wellprepared we are for the world we live in.”

Playing at Notre Dame certainly prepared me for the Marine Corps,

In both, you have to be aggressive, physically fit, mentally tough, unselfish, and self-disciplined.” — Ed O’Connell

Legends On and Off the Field

“All those years at Notre Dame, we were taught that life is about more than football, and in talking to my teammates in Japan, I could see how true that is,” he says. “I’ll never forget it, but when I was going through interviews at the NFL combine, coaches questioned whether I was more of a student than an athlete. They knew I was considering my options in business, and they doubted whether I could be serious about professional football.

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

After leaving the Eagles, Harrison moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he works as vice president of business strategy for Southwest Business Corporation, one of the largest financial institutions in the region. That’s a long way from knocking opponents off their feet, which he did again in Tokyo, but it draws closely on the lessons he learned at Notre Dame balancing athletics and academics.

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“Representing Notre Dame at any place and any time is an awesome feeling,” says Harrison. “I wear at least one of my Notre Dame rings every day. It’s not necessarily something I talk about with everybody, but I take a lot of pride in representing Notre Dame, and Notre Dame is an important part of who I am.”

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To inside linebacker Tyreo Harrison, who led the 2001 team in tackles and played on the Philadelphia Eagles from 2002 to 2004, the larger purpose of Notre Dame football was to teach the lessons of faith, integrity, and commitment, which is why he was so proud to don the gold and blue in Tokyo.

Notre Dame Japan Bowl

In fact, the least likely members of the team nearly weren’t members at all. When the original roster was announced, neither Restic’s nor Haines’ names were on the list. However, after learning that several players who originally grabbed spots wouldn’t be able to make the trip to Tokyo, Head Coach Lou Holtz and his staff had a few holes to fill. “After the original tryout I was telling myself I was so sore, I might not have done it if they had taken me,” says Haines, 52. “Then, about a week later I got the call. At first I wasn’t sure, but I mulled it over and decided to go for it. I trained for about six hours a day and got myself into better shape than I’ve ever been. It took a toll on me, but it was worth it. It was a wonderful experience.”

More than 50 former Irish made up the roster for the event—spanning four decades of Notre Dame football— with Haines and Restic serving as the elder statesmen. In fact, only two other players—Tony Rice and Pernell Taylor—had careers that touched the 1980s. Rice and Taylor graduated in 1990 and 1988, respectively.

“I learned very quickly that football is a young man’s game,” Restic says. “It was a bit of a shock to the body, but I think everyone felt that to some extent. I was just happy to help out where I could, get people ready to play, and jump in there if I needed to. But it was great to be involved in that type of environment again and be around a group of people who have a common goal.”

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Oldest Players Make Big Impact

n many ways, Joe Restic and Kris Haines were among the least likely University of Notre Dame football alumni to be members of the Legends team for the 2009 Notre Dame Japan Bowl. Much of the roster was made up of players who played during the 1990s or later, while Restic and Haines—both national champions who have enjoyed successful post-football careers—graduated in 1979. But circumstances led them to play, and when all was said and done, the duo blended in perfectly with their younger peers.

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Oldest players make BIG IMPACT

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Restic, meanwhile, was back in South Bend to speak to the Japan Bowl contingent as President of the Monogram Club. While he was there, via a suggestion from Notre Dame Japan Bowl U.S. Event Producer Pat Steenberge, Holtz asked Restic to take another of the open roster slots. “I readily jumped at the offer,” Restic recalls. “I had been working out, but at age 52, I’m far removed from the football experience. Regardless, it was a great time.”

On the field, Restic and Haines agreed that while the speed and strength involved in the game had changed since their playing days, after a couple practices, the feel for football started to creep back into their bodies. “The first time I put those pads back on, everything felt very strange,” Restic says. “But after the second day, it was like second nature. It just came back. I didn’t have the speed or strength I had when I was younger, but it was fun to be a part of it all. The thing I really enjoyed was waking up on game day and having that nervousness that I hadn’t felt in years as I was getting ready to play.” Both Restic and Haines enjoyed that feeling frequently during their playing days at Notre Dame. Haines finished his career with 65 catches for 1,350 yards and seven touchdowns, and was the team’s top receiver his senior year, hauling in 32 receptions for 699 yards, and five scores. He was also on the receiving end of quarterback Joe Montana’s famous game-winning touchdown pass as time expired to defeat the University of Houston in the 1979 Cotton Bowl.

Restic, on the other hand, played both punter and free safety for the Irish. His 209 career punts ranks second in Notre Dame history, and he still holds the school record for single-game punting average. Both players had integral roles in the team’s run to the 1977 National Championship, when the Irish finished

“I went to Notre Dame not just to play football, but to better myself,” he continues. “That experience, more than anything else, is something I’ve carried with me through the rest of my life and is something that has propelled me into the business world. I’ve been able to take those same lessons I learned on the football field and apply them to the rest of my life.” Upon leaving Notre Dame, Haines was selected in the ninth round of the 1979 NFL Draft. He played for three teams in his career—the Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, and Buffalo Bills—and now resides in Chicago, Ill., where he works as a physical education teacher and athletic director at The Catherine Cook School. He also owns his own karate school, coaches at the middle school level, works at youth football camps in the summer, and helps out with the football programs at a couple of area high schools. Prior to beginning his tenure at the school, Haines worked for one season as the wide receivers coach for XFL’s Chicago Enforcers. Haines, who recently received his master’s degree in educational leadership from DePaul University, is now in his ninth year at Catherine Cook.

“I wish I could have taken a tape recorder into the locker room to record some of the things he was saying, he was that good,” he adds. “It’s no wonder all his players loved him. He’s a very handson coach.”

Oldest Players Make Big Impact

Now, Restic is living in Lake Oswego, Ore., where he works as an orthodontist and has his own practice. He’s lived in the Pacific Northwest for 19 years and fell in love with the area during his three-year career in the USFL, when the franchise he was playing for relocated to Portland. “That’s when I decided that when my football career was over, this is where I would stay,” he says. “It’s a great part of the country.

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In addition to meeting and playing alongside 30-plus years worth of former Notre Dame football players, Haines relished the chance to be coached by the legendary Holtz. “It allowed me to realize why he’s such a fantastic coach,” Haines says. “He conditioned the team mentally to the point where we weren’t willing to accept mistakes. I’ve played under a lot of great coaches, but this is the first time I’ve had a coach like that.

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Haines caught two passes for 29 yards in the game, while Restic served as a starting safety. “Everybody’s goal is to win the national championship,” Restic says. “That experience was definitely the pinnacle. We had a group of guys who had one goal, were willing to work hard over the summer, and come together in the fall. To go through the trials and tribulations of the season and have the opportunity to play for the national championship in the last game of the year, you can’t beat it.”

“After the XFL folded, I fell into this job and realized that I really like teaching,” he says. “I like that I have the opportunity to make a difference in kids’ lives and create new opportunities for them. The challenge is great.”

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11-1 and capped the season with a 38-10 victory over the previously undefeated University of Texas in the Cotton Bowl.

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

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Before Holtz became the Fighting Irish coach in 1986, Brown was a two-year letterman with decent accomplishments. One of Holtz’s first significant tasks in South Bend was to aspire him to greatness. “When Lou got there he started putting more pressure on me and putting me in position to really succeed,” Brown said in a press release this spring. “All of a sudden I realized I could be more than just a good football player.” He became a two-time All-American, set a single-season record with 1,937 all-purpose yards as a junior, ranked sixth nationally with 167.9 all-purpose yards per game as a senior, and set 19 school records during his Irish career. Brown became the first wide receiver ever to be awarded the Heisman Trophy in 1987—and Notre Dame’s first Heisman winner since 1964. This past spring, Brown was named to the 2009 College Football Hall of Fame Class, to be enshrined at the Hall of Fame in South Bend during the summer of 2010.

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Irish Players As Coaches

eggie Brooks, Tim Brown, and Chris Zorich are among the greatest players to play for Lou Holtz during his tenure as Notre Dame coach. This trio’s resume includes a national championship and wins in the Cotton, Fiesta, Orange and Sugar Bowls; a Heisman Trophy as well as a Lombardi Award; enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame and All-America honors; more than a dozen school records; and 25 years of playing time in the NFL.

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

Irish Players AS COACHES

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LEGENDS GIVE BACK

How appropriate that Brooks, Brown and Zorich served as assistant coaches on Holtz’s staff in Japan. Each is truly a Notre Dame Legend—both on and off the field. And in many ways, by agreeing to work with the Notre Dame Legends Team, these three Irish All-Stars were saying thanks to the coach who shaped them as football players and men.

“It was very exciting to coach under Lou Holtz after having played for him,” says Brooks. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime type of thing. It took me back to those days when we strapped on the helmet for Coach Holtz and went out there to compete and represent Notre Dame to the best of our ability. Coach means so much to me and so many other former players—I think he realizes how many people he has impacted. The experience of coaching under him is something that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.” “I was extremely honored to be representing the University of Notre Dame in this unique opportunity,” Zorich said in a press release. “No other university has the fans or alumni to support a legends game halfway around the world in Japan like Notre Dame has. It is great that the mission of the University is known on a global scale.” When it was announced that he was joining the staff, Brown said: “I am excited about working with Coach Holtz. He is the coach who put me on the map and I owe him for a lot of the success I had after I left Notre Dame. He saw something in me that I don’t know I even saw myself and gave me a lot of belief that I could become a better player. This will be a great opportunity to see how he works behind the scenes and to see him working from a coach’s perspective rather than as one of his players.”

Selected as the No. 6 pick in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Raiders, Brown played 16 seasons with the franchise. He holds the NFL rookie record for most combined yards gained (2,317). A member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade team, he was named to nine Pro Bowls and had at least 75 receptions for 10 straight seasons—an NFL record. Like Brown and Holtz, Zorich is a College Football Hall of Famer. He became one of the youngest players ever to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Zorich began his football career by forging his mom’s signature on a permission slip in order to play on the team at Chicago Vocational High School. Raised by his mom with little money to spare in a tough neighborhood of Chicago, Zorich never let the financial limitations deter him. His passion for football was so great that he would lift weights by “borrowing” two sewer caps from the neighborhood streets and placing them on a weight bar. And that fire would translate to the field. In fact, sometimes his intensity on the field would be so great that Holtz would have to dismiss him from practice. But the other Notre Dame players would feed off Zorich’s passion. He helped the Irish win a record 23 straight games in 1988-89. In his book Winning Every Day: The Game Plan For Success, Holtz wrote, that “We wouldn’t have won [the national championship in 1988] without Chris Zorich. Chris went from sub-starter to team captain. He was one of our primary leaders … he helped start our turnaround.” Zorich started at nose tackle as a sophomore on Notre Dame’s 1988 national championship team, making 70 tackles plus 3.5 sacks for minus-17 yards. In 1989, he was named United Press International Lineman of the Year and College Lineman of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Washington, D.C. As a senior in 1990, Zorich was chosen CBS Sports/Chevrolet Defensive Player of the Year and was

Drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears in 1991, he played with the Bears through ‘96, then ended his pro career with the Washington Redskins in 1997.

Brooks followed his brother, Tony, to Notre Dame and was recruited as a defensive back. But Holtz saw his potential to be an outstanding running back. Brooks became the Irish’s starting tailback for his senior season and had a monster year in 1992—rushing for 1,372 yards (third highest season total in Notre Dame history), averaging 122.1 yards per game and 8.0 yards per carry, and scoring 13 touchdowns. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy balloting that year and led Notre Dame to a 10-1-1 record with a victory over Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. Brooks still holds the Fighting Irish record with a career average of 7.6 yards per rushing attempt. He ran for 227 yards in the 31-23 victory over rival USC, which ranks as the fourth-highest single-game rushing effort in school history.

Brooks was a second-round pick of the Washington Redskins and played four NFL seasons. He finished with 1,726 career rushing yards, including a 1,000-yard rookie season in which he was named to the 1993 NFL All-Rookie Team by the Pro Football Writers of America. Brooks, Brown and Zorich played like champions during their years with the Fighting Irish, and they’ve been champions in their professional careers as well. Just as all three gave back to the Legends Team players during the week in Japan, they have made significant contributions both to the Notre Dame community and beyond. Brown’s accomplishments in the NFL have been equaled by his service to youth and underserved communities. He

Zorich, who in June 2008 returned to the university as manager of student welfare and development for the Notre Dame athletics department, created the Chris Zorich Foundation in 1993 to honor Chris’s mother, who passed away his senior year. The Foundation provides cultural, educational and entertainment activities as well as holiday gift programs for disadvantaged youths, delivers Thanksgiving groceries to more than 1,500 Chicago residents, and sends flowers and cosmetics to various women’s shelters on Mother’s Day. Zorich has earned the NFL Players’ Association’s Byron “Whizzer” White Award for Community Service, and USA Weekend’s “Most Caring Athlete.” He received the Jesse Owens Foundation’s “Humanitarian Award” from the Owens family, as well as Muhammad Ali’s limited commission “Humanitarian Award.” Brooks has served as Manager for Football Alumni Relations for the Notre Dame Monogram Club since March 2008. In making the announcement, Marc Kelly, Monogram President at the time, said: “Reggie has the personality and drive to make a significant impact within our organization. This hire is not only a tremendous addition to our entire membership, but specifically within the membership of former football players. He is a perfect choice to bridge and develop the relationship between the different generations of Notre Dame football.” Brooks has operated and been involved in numerous charitable activities and organizations. “As Notre Dame players, we all have a responsibility to give back to others and represent our University abroad,” Brooks says. “And we did this in Japan during the week of preparation for the game. How we integrated with the community in Tokyo during our trip is a testament to the legacy of Notre Dame.”

Irish Players As Coaches

a finalist for the Outland Trophy. His career totals included 219 tackles (21 for minus-56 yards).

“I was fortunate to grow up in a wonderful, supportive and loving family,” Brown has been quoted as saying. “I realized early on that many children are not as fortunate and just finding a meal is a daily fight for thousands of youth.”

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is National Chairman of Athletes & Entertainers for Kids and 911 for Kids, which has helped over five million children and teens through mentoring and educational programs throughout the nation. The Tim Brown Foundation runs an annual summer enrichment program for about 200 kids, providing education, arts, sports and field trip opportunities for many who might otherwise be left home. He also quietly supports hundreds of schools, hospitals, churches and community organizations.

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Practice

“

I came to appreciate the overall dedication to excellence that Notre Dame

and the program stands for. Words truly cannot describe what it means to me to have been a part of something so great.”

— James Bent, OG, 2005

what a privilege it is to be a part of the legacy of Notre Dame football.

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“

I’ve really learned to appreciate what a special place Notre Dame is and

PRACTICE

Practice 59

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— Ed O’Connell, C, 2001-2005

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The Game Notre Dame Japan Bowl

“

Like Coach Lou Holtz said,

For those who have done it, no explanation is necessary, for those who have not, no explanation will suffice.’” — J.W. Jordan, OG, 1998-2001

THE GAME Notre Dame Japan Bowl

The Game

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Off the Field Notre Dame Japan Bowl

The relationships and the experiences I enjoyed while playing Notre Dame football are some of the most formidable of my lifetime.”

- Nate Schomas, WR, 2002-2003

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Off the Field

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Off The Field

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Experiencing the Japanese Culture Notre Dame Japan Bowl

up and relive memories with old friends and “ Toto getcatchmotivational talks from Coach Holtz for a week

and a half, is undescribable. To be able to have the opportunity to visit a beautiful foreign country like Japan on top of that, is just phenomenal.”

— Mark Monahan, DB, 1992-1995

Culture Notre Dame Japan Bowl

Experiencing the Japanese Culture

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LOOKING BACK

Contributing to THE LEGAC Y

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Eddie O’Connell (2002) – It was a lifelong goal of mine to play at Notre Dame and having the opportunity to do so was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The bonds I developed there with my teammates are never far from my mind. As the years go on, I appreciate those bonds and the experiences even more so than when I was playing. I’ve really learned to appreciate what a special place Notre Dame is and what a privilege it is to be a part of the legacy of Notre Dame football.

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Contributing to the Legacy

Mark Monahan (1992-1995) – To have played football at Notre Dame is to have undertaken one of the biggest challenges in life. To commit yourself fully to an idea that there is no such thing as failure and there are no excuses to be made on the football field or in the classroom, is to push one’s self to the limit academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. At Notre Dame decisions are made at an integral part of a young man’s life and you are held accountable for those decisions, which has made every player that has graduated a better person. I owe my professional career, my family, my spirituality, and my love of life to our lady on the dome.

to have played football at Notre Dame:

Scott Cengia (1994-1997) – It is NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL. The opportunity to be part of one of the top programs in all of college football is an amazing experience. Each week you are going to go out on the field and get the other teams best shot. No one ever takes Notre Dame lightly. Programs get Notre Dame on the schedule to help their recruiting. It is the best experience that college football has to offer.

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Q: Please briefly describe what it means to you

FOOTBALL LEGENDS

J.W. Jordan (1998-2001) – The camaraderie of all the people who played at Notre Dame is what means the most to me. There is a special bond between everyone who played football for the Fighting Irish, no matter when they played. It is a unique experience and only those who have gone through it understand why. It is a special group that very few people are a part of and its not only unique within the context of sports in general but also within College Football itself. Like Coach Holtz said, “For those who have done it, no explanation is necessary, for those who have not, no explanation will suffice.” Nate Schomas (2002) – To have played football at Notre

Dame is the embodiment of a lifelong dream. It is something I will forever be proud of, and is something I have and will continue under many circumstances to look back on as a source of inspiration. The relationships and the experiences I enjoyed while playing Notre Dame football are some of the most formidable of my lifetime.

Ambrose Wooden (2004-2007) – Having played football

at Notre Dame makes you feel like you’re a part of one of the greatest traditions of this country. When you think of college football it is hard for you not to think of Notre Dame. The experiences I shared with my teammates on and off the field will not only last through my life time, but my family’s also. When you are recruited to play for Notre Dame you realize that it’s a 40 year decision not a four year decision. This game showed you that this is true because you had doctors, lawyers, bankers, contractors, teachers, and many other professions represented on one team.

David Quist (1993-1996) – Notre Dame is a special place. The tradition and pride that has built the University and the love that the students, faculty, and support staff have is second to none; [and this is not unique to the football program]. There is nothing like playing for Notre Dame and representing the fantastic athletes, coaches, and tradition that have gone before you and will carry on after you are finished. During my first day of practice as a freshman, Coach Holtz pointed to the top of the Admin Building and clearly said that she was, “here before you and I got here and will be here after we are gone. And during our time we must all represent and cherish the responsibility of representing Our Lady on the Dome.

Casey Cullen (2005-2006) – It was one of the greatest experience of my life. To be part of the Notre Dame football tradition will be something I will cherish forever. Matt Hasbrook (2004) –Having the opportunity to play for the most prestigious football program in the country definitely had a huge impact on my life. When you are introduced to people afterwards, people introduce you with the moniker that “he played football for Notre Dame”, with a sense of pride. It doesn’t matter if you never saw the field or were an All-American. The fact that you put on the blue and gold resonates with people.

Casey J Robin (1999-2001) – To play football for Notre Dame comes responsibility. Responsibility to your teammates, former teammates, and to the Notre Dame family. It’s a sense of pride that you will always hold dear to your heart and that will help motivate you every day of your life. To have put on the gold helmet is an experience that you will never forget and even though you don’t wear it after you graduate, everyone gives you the respect as if it was still on the top of your head. Ryan Roberts (1999-2002) – Playing at Notre Dame means playing around great football tradition. It means being educated on and off the field at the highest possible level.

Tyreo Harrison (1998-2001) – Playing football at Notre Dame was incredible. The university is as special and unique as they come. If I had a chance to do it all

LOOKING BACK

Contributing to THE LEGAC Y

hoping/dreaming one day to play for the University. As a result, I knew much of the history before playing, but as a player I came to appreciate the overall dedication to excellence that Notre Dame and the program stand for. Words truly cannot describe what it means to me to have been a part of something so great.

Q: What is your greatest memory from your

Mark Monahan (1992-1995) – As a freshman, watching the

1992 Notre Dame- Penn State game from the sideline was just mystical. How Coach Holtz kept us believing the whole game, as close as it was, that we would win was one of my favorite lessons on Faith and believing in your teammates that I will never forget. It kept me motivated for four years through hard times and I use it today to describe faith to people with a bad diagnosis in the ER.

J.W. Jordan (1998-2001) – Beating USC in 2000 to clinch

a berth in the Fiesta Bowl. We were banged up and they had some pretty good athletes but we ran the ball down their throats all day and physically wore them down. We ended up winning 38–22 and I’ve never seen a post-game locker room like that. Everyone was laughing and dancing and joking around, even the coaches let loose. We stayed the night in Pasadena after the game and the entire team went out to a club and celebrated until the sun came up. We all met up with each other and even some former players who lived in the L.A. area showed up.

Ambrose Wooden (2004-2007) – My greatest memory of playing for Notre Dame was running out of the tunnel; feeling the hair on my neck stand up as I ran alongside my teammates to the far corner to say a prayer before kickoff. There is nothing like pregame when you look into the sea of blue, gold, and white shirts all around the stadium. It was truly an honor to represent the University of Notre Dame every fall. Scott Cengia (1994-1997) – Having the students rally around me when I got the starting job a few games into my sophomore year. Eddie O’Connell (2002) – First, making the team as a walkon and dressing for my first home game my sophomore year

Casey Cullen (2005-2006) – The 2005 season opener against

Pitt.

Matt Hasbrook (2004) –Beating Tennessee at Knoxville and silencing one of the loudest stadiums in the country.

Casey J Robin (1999-2001) – My greatest memory from Notre Dame is a few weeks after September 11th I had the honor to speak at a Quarterback luncheon with New York Police Officers and Firemen from Ground Zero. To meet these brave gentlemen and listen to their heroic stories was a blessing and a memory that will last forever. This experience made me realize how special Notre Dame is, when they chose Notre Dame over any other University as a place of retreat while such tragedy was going on in their home town.

Ryan Roberts (1999-2002) – My greatest memory playing at Notre Dame was beating USC at USC to take Notre Dame to its first BCS Game. Tyreo Harrison (1998-2001) – My greatest memory would probably be running to the student section as a senior after a big win. The students were about to storm the field and I climbed up the wall and lifted my girlfriend (my wife now) and brought her down to the field to celebrate. She loves Notre Dame more than anyone, so that was special. Timmy O’Neill (1999-2002) – My memories were formed in the sweat of the off-season and in the camaraderie with my teammates. In experiencing the difficult times with them, it made me appreciate the good times that much more. I knew I was part of a very special time and place that not many people get to experience. So despite the fact that we never won a National

Contributing to the Legacy

James Bent (2005) – I grew up in nearby Mishawaka, always

Notre Dame playing days?

David Quist (1993-1996) – Every year we competed at some point for the National Championship and went to a January 1st bowl game many times. However, the thing that I remember most is the companionship and quality of the individuals that were my teammates. I don’t know if it is the Spirit of Notre Dame but my teammates are some of the most dynamic, genuine, and enjoyable people I have ever met and all have gone on to live extraordinary lives. I look back and miss most the guys who I played with and the experiences that we shared.

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everyone who has gone before me and everyone who will go after me. There is just something magical about the place that you can’t describe to someone who doesn’t feel it. It transcends the game of football and is spiritual. You don’t go to Notre Dame if your goal is to be average. Having the opportunity to play football for Notre Dame has shaped more of who I am than anything else I’ve experienced in my life. It taught me how to deal with success and how to deal with failure on a very large scale. I feel honored and privileged to have been able to run out of that tunnel and wear that gold helmet.

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Timmy O’Neill (1999-2002) – Notre Dame to me represents

with my family in the stands. Second, playing during the Rutgers game my senior year. Third, I’d have to say my senior year (2002) when we started off 8-0 including that huge win over Florida State in Tallahassee.

over, there is only one place I would want to play — Notre Dame.

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FOOTBALL LEGENDS

LOOKING BACK

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FOOTBALL LEGENDS

years in ’97 and ’99 and many in our class couldn’t or wouldn’t tough it out. We weren’t a very talented group but I think those of us who survived epitomized the spirit of perseverance, persistence, toughness and competitiveness that it takes to play football at Notre Dame.

Bryan Mulvena (1996-1997) – During practice in the fall of

Nate Schomas (2002) – Under Coach Willingham, we went from being on the verge of irrelevance to being in the thick of the National Championship hunt. Unfortunately, it did not turn out as we had hoped, however those first eight games of 2002 were vintage Notre Dame, full of magic and the “luck of the Irish.”

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Championship, I realized that in defeat my most valuable lessons were learned. Notre Dame football taught me if I fall down nine times, I need to get up ten. And that is a lesson that will stay with me for the rest of my life and has already served me well in the business world. 1996, I was playing linebacker and the offense ran a sweep to our right with a lineman as a lead blocker. I hit the blocker, knocked him down, and in my excitement, I said something I shouldn’t have about how he should stay down. In a surprisingly gentle tone, Coach Holtz said, ‘Son, I love your enthusiasm, but we just can’t have that out here.’ I could tell Coach was pleased with my performance as a football player and he simply wanted to make a small adjustment. Thank you for the grace, Coach!

Ajani Sanders (1996-1999) – We played football at its highest level, we were educated at the highest level, and continue to live life at the highest level. We are Notre Dame!

Anthony Brannan (1997-2000) – Being part of a team, all

David Quist (1993-1996) – I don’t have a National Cham-

in it together, under the Dome.

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Contributing to the Legacy

Contributing to THE LEGAC Y

James Bent (2005) – Overall, it would be the lifelong friend-

ships and camaraderie formed between teammates and the many humorous and trying times shared that build them to be so strong. Greatest game moment was the Senior Game against Syracuse in 2005–closing the door to a career that I was blessed to have and an experience that was beyond special. It made me truly reflectively grateful for the experience of playing football at Notre Dame.

Q: How did you and your class of lettermen contribute to the legend of Notre Dame Football? Mark Monahan (1992-1995) – Continued the Decade of Dominance against USC, Went to four major bowl games, and won the National Championship in ’93!!

J.W. Jordan (1998-2001) – I was in a unique class because we were Bob Davie’s first recruiting class. There were 19 players in that recruiting class and I think by the time we graduated there were only seven or eight of us left. We had some rough

pionship ring but did finish second and fourth in the polls. I never defeated Ohio State but beat Texas twice. Never lost to Navy but got beat by Northwestern when they went to the Rose Bowl. That will give you a perspective on stewardship of the Legend of Notre Dame. However if you ask the players who played in those games, they will all agree that we were better as teammates than we were as individuals–and as teammates we always knew momentum was coming our way; even in the darkest of times. We held our heads high in defeat and celebrated by singing the Fight Song when we won. And whether we won or lost, we always said the Hail Mary as a team in the locker room. So when it comes to representing the values and core beliefs the university was founded upon, Honor, Loyalty, Trust and Belief; I know we did just fine.

Tyreo Harrison (1998-2001) – I would honestly say that my class demonstrated the “fight” aspect of what it means to be a “Fighting Irish” player/student/fan. We won more games in the final quarter, and sometimes the final minutes, than anyone would ever want to have to do. Although it would have been nice to have simply won easily, I am proud that we fought to the end and were able to win so many games after many others probably felt the game was over.

Timmy O’Neill (1999-2002) – While we never won the National Championship as all of us would have liked, I believe our legacy will be in how we contribute to the communities in which we live and what kind of husbands and fathers we are to our wives and children. You can go to another school and get an education on how to make a living, but when you go to Notre Dame you also get an education on how to live— and that’s the most important thing. There truly is only one Notre Dame.

James Bent (2005) – To my knowledge, we were the first Notre Dame football team to average a 3.0 GPA–continuing and advancing Notre Dame’s commitment to excellence in all areas. We also persevered through some tough times to show what hard work, dedication, and teamwork can achieve.

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