Seniors Brian George and Luke Blazek present their startup, “Routora” on live television, which is an app that uses artificial intelligence to map out the quickest route for delivery drivers for greater efficiency.
As the University of Notre Dame welcomes new and returning members of its community for the academic year University
President Rev. Robert Dowd has urged the campus to engage in respectful dialogue in light of ongoing global conflicts and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
In an email sent out Tuesday to the Notre Dame community,
Dowd emphasized the importance of fostering understanding and constructive conversation across differences of opinion. He announced that this year’s Notre Dame Forum will focus on the theme, “What Do We Owe Each Other?”
The Notre Dame Forum will feature various events, including a keynote session on September 12, coinciding with
see DIALOGUE PAGE 3
By LIAM KELLY Notre Dame News Editor
This July, the startup Routora, co-founded by Notre Dame seniors Luke Blazek and Brian George, was featured on a billboard in New York City’s Times Square. Blazek and George purchased the ad space in Times Square after reaching the milestone of offering 50,000 drivers in over 90 countries and saving drivers over four million minutes total in driving time.
Blazek and George co-founded the app, which uses artificial intelligence to plot the fastest route for delivery drivers, in 2022. This spring they won the ACC InVenture “People’s Choice” Award for the startup, representing Notre Dame at the competition.
George emphasized the importance of the advertisement to the company for increasing app usage.
“Getting a billboard in Times Square has significantly raised Routora’s profile, putting our brand in front of a global audience,” George said. “This exposure has not only enhanced our visibility but has also sparked conversations about potential partnerships, opening doors to new opportunities.”
Another recent change for the company has been the development of a product to manage delivery services for companies with small fleets.
“Managers were looking to essentially regionalize their drivers,
Observer Staff Report
The Congregation of the Holy Cross Sisters elected Sister Sharlet Ann Wagner to become the next president of the congregation at its July 16-17 general chapter meetings. Wagner will serve as head of the Sisters for the next five years, per their election cycle, and will replace Sister Veronique
Wiedower, who has served as president since 2014.
Sisters Esther Adjoa Entsiwah, Taposi Gomes, Verónica A. Fajardo and Violet Rodrigues, were also elected as new councilors.
Wagner and her council will begin to take over as president Sept. 1 and be officially inaugurated Sept. 8.
Wagner, who entered the congregation in 1988,
had previously served in the congregation’s general administration as first councilor from 2014 to 2019 and as general secretary from 2009 to 2014. Since 2020, she has served as the executive director of the Newcomer Network of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Washington,
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Carla Albillo freshman Lewis Hall
“Introduction
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“Introduction
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Welsh Family Hall
“Introduction to Chemical Principles.”
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The University announced Tuesday the new men’s residence hall currently being constructed on South Quad, on the former site of Fisher Hall, will be named Coyle Hall, after donors John and Jill Coyle. The Fisher Hall community currently residing in Zahm Hall will move to the new dorm in 2026.
In a statement, University president Rev. Robert Dowd, C.S.C., praised John and Jill Coyle for their generous gift.
“John and Jill are
tremendous leaders for Notre Dame, having supported the University with their time, treasure and talent for many years,” Dowd said. “The Coyles are inspiring role models, having been shaped by their own experiences at Notre Dame, and we could not be more grateful for their generosity, leadership and dedication to the University and its students.”
John and Jill Coyle are both graduates of Notre Dame, with Jill receiving her undergraduate degree in 1989 and John receiving his in 1988. They have three
work.
and then kind of optimize based on their starting location. So we kind of heard from a number of our customers that this was something they wanted,” Blazek explained.
The product was designed by three former Amazon engineers who now work for Routora and is due to be officially launched next month.
The company is also in talking stages with the New York City Department of Buildings about a partnership to use Routora’s technology to optimize driving time for the government department’s drivers. The technology would maximize the efficiency of building inspectors’ stops as they
“That’s very preliminary, we’re just in talks now, but that kind of opportunity is exciting, just to feel like: ‘Hey, we could potentially be working with the City of New York,’” Blazek said.
Blazek said Routora hopes to also develop similar partnerships with other cities in the United States.
The company was originally supported by the IDEA Center at Notre Dame and received grant money through the project. Blazek said he still works with advisers from the center and plans on hiring more people who are currently involved at the center. Most importantly, he explained, the IDEA Center helps to connect students to the broader Notre Dame alumni network.
children who also attended the University.
John Coyle currently serves as a partner at Permira Advisors and was previously the global head of the Financial Sponsor Group at JP Morgan Securities. He is also a member of the University’s Board of Trustees. Jill Coyle is currently the Board Chair for the American Red Cross Greater New York Region.
The Fisher Hall community currently residing in Zahm Hall will move to the new dorm in the fall of 2026 and will hold 258 students.
Blazek said he hopes to do another “speed pitch” at the IDEA Center this year in the hopes of receiving more grant money. He said he also plans on competing in the Center’s McCloskey New Venture Competition later in the year.
Blazek said another key priority for the company this year is to bring in more software engineers. Routora also plans on tweaking parts of its free mobile experience in order to better entice customers to upgrade to the premium version of the app. He said he also hopes to create more congruity between the website and the mobile version of the software.
Contact Liam Kelly at lkelly8@nd.edu
the Presidential Inauguration.
The Forum will feature discussions on Catholic social teaching, the presidential election and the conflict in Israel and Palestine.
Fr. Dowd also shared a Statement on Freedom of Expression, reaffirming the University’s commitment to academic freedom while calling for a community rooted in respect and charity. He urged students, faculty and staff
to actively participate in dialogues that bridge divides and promote healing.
“As members of this Catholic university community, we hold ourselves to a higher standard,” Fr. Dowd wrote. “We will not treat those who disagree with us with contempt, but rather, engage with respect and understanding.”
The president concluded his message with a call to action, encouraging the Notre Dame community to be a model of respectful dialogue in a world fraught with division.
which provides legal assistance, services and support to immigrants.
Prior to her current work, Wagner provided pro bono immigration services as an attorney in various detention centers and worked alongside their personnel to establish service guidelines in Utah and California. She also served as a clinic worker in Uganda and taught high school English and journalism.
The other incoming council members have also worked in congregation leadership.
Entsiwah currently serves as a board member on the Board of Trustees for Saint Mary’s College and The Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington, Maryland and as a general councilor for the 2019-2024 general administration. She has previously served in various headmistress and coordinator positions in Ghana and Uganda.
Gomes also currently serves as a board member on the Board of Trustees for Saint Mary’s College. She has also served the congregation’s finance department as a financial consultant since 2021 and a councilor and treasurer for the Congregation’s area of Asia from 2014 to 2019. Since entering the congregation
in 1989, Gomes also worked as an assistant treasurer for the area of Asia for nine years and assistant director of student affairs at Holy Cross College in Dhaka, Bangladesh for six years.
Fajardo has focused much of her work in Utah and California, focusing on social work. She has worked with Holy Cross Ministries in Salt Lake City as a mental health counselor since 2020, and from 2014 to 2017, she served in various social service agencies in Los Angeles. Since her entering the congregation in 2003, Fajardo also served survivors of domestic abuse in Utah, immigrants at Holy Cross Ministries and taught elementary education for five years.
Rodrigues is currently the vice president of the Bangladesh Conference of Religious and has been the area of Asia coordinator for the congregation between 2009 to 2014 and since 2019. She also served as headmistress for seven years at Nirmola Education Center in Kulaura, Bangladesh.
The congregation’s most recent general direction statement was also approved during the July meetings, which will be promoted and enacted throughout the next five years by the newly elected council. The statement has yet to be published on their website.
By SAMANTHA GEBERT News Writer
Over 100 tables lined the grass of Library Green on Saint Mary’s campus Thursday evening to promote local resources, campus departments and student organizations at the Student Involvement and Resource Fair, sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement.
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saint Mary’s students spoke with their peers in leadership positions of their respective groups in order to get more involved on campus and in South Bend.
“It is an opportunity for students to learn more about student organizations,” director of Student Involvement Hannah
Francis said, adding, “both Saint Mary’s specific and tri-campus, departments and community resources available.”
Each resource, club and organization was provided a table, with some displaying signs and had email lists for people to sign up. Others laid out photos and flyers to show the work and fun their community offers. Some tables even brought props and showcased some of their work.
Francis estimated 115 tables were spread across the green, including clubs such as Notre Dame Waterski, First Gen Family, Physics, Riley Dance Marathon, The Sisterhood of Service and Yoga.
Many of the clubs and resources use the event to find potential members. “The Involvement Fair gives us the most participation because we take the email list form here,” senior Lydia Alexander said.
For students who didn’t attend the event and still want to know more about clubs, organizations, and events, Francis suggested students look at Belle Tower, a website which provides information about all of the clubs and organizations Saint Mary’s has to offer.
Francis shared her hopes for students attending the
Franky’s Tacos food truck also handed out free tacos to students who signed into Belle Tower and received a red ticket from administrators. Several tables also provided candy, snacks and other items.
event. “My hope is that they are able to find an organization that speaks to them and learn more about their Saint Mary’s community, and the greater community at large,” she said.
Francis hinted at a second Resource and Involvement Fair to be offered and hosted during the spring semester, though nothing has been finalized.
“I thought it was fun,”
sophomore Kelsey McGrath said, who plans to join Smick Cycle, a cycling and workout club associated with the Angela Athletic & Wellness Complex. McGrath also plans to continue her involvement with the Student Activities Board (SAB).
Junior Meghan Bowen said the event was great and was glad she attended.
Sophomore Rose Lopez agreed, stating, “I thought it was better than last year.” Others felt it should have been inside, including sophomore Colleen Quinn.
“[The] outdoors was a little chaotic, and it was a little too hot.” she said.
Overall, the Student Involvement & Resource Fair provided a space for all students to explore new passions or hobbies and learn more about what Saint Mary’s clubs and organizations has to offer.
Sophomore Ava Swistowicz thought the event was fun and pointed out, “I think there’s a lot of different options for clubs to join.”
Contact Samantha Gebert at sgebert@saintmarys.edu
To the one whom I have always loved dearest, Long ago, when the sun still shone brightly, and my days were filled with laughter of the unafflicted sort, I found myself in a bustling airport terminal, awaiting a flight home on United Airlines. All of life’s worries had drifted away from the forefront of my mind, like petals of dandelions pirouetting softly into the infinite beyond.
But then, as if it had been written an eternity ago, by the unswerving hand of fate, no less, my phone buzzed. A notification, from United Airlines — the plane had been delayed four hours.
Suddenly, for some inexplicable reason, a wave of pure terror descended upon me, and my bubble of blissful ignorance was shattered into a thousand tiny pieces. Because in that instant, I understood that one day, I would die.
Naturally, I collapsed to my knees in the airport terminal. People gave me sidelong glances, but whatever judgements they might’ve passed were insignificant in the most profound sense, because in no long while, I would be dust in the wind, and so too would they.
What was I to do?
I thought about giving up, right then and there. Was there any point in continuing onwards?
Anything I did — anything I achieved — anyone I loved — would all be rendered meaningless, lost forever in the unending river of time.
But then, just before I resigned to my fate as a random, insignificant being, condemned to suffer the hardships of existence for the sake of nothing and no one, I grasped onto an idea — an idea which lifted my once-spiritless body off the terminal floor, and pointed me on a life-defining odyssey.
At that moment, I knew that I needed to escape my own death.
With that, I set out, knowing not what I was searching for, or where I would find it, but resolving to persist until I either found my escape or dropped dead trying. I traversed scorching deserts and meandered below cascading waterfalls. I gallivanted through boundless pastures, amongst wild ponies and cooing meadowlarks and crested jagged mountain peaks, with troops of loyal mountain goats at my heel.
Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity of wandering, I came across a lone cabin, tucked way back in some distant woodland. As I approached, I noticed a plume of smoke, swirling quietly above the well-masoned chimney, indicating that somebody resided there.
I knocked at the door, and was greeted by an elderly man, with a tattered flannel coat and untrimmed beard. His most prominent feature, however, was his teeth, which sparkled an unblemished white.
The man asked me why I had come to such a secluded place, and so I informed him of my quest to escape death. Immediately, his eyes lit up, with a strange and almost off-putting vigor. Placing his hand firmly on my shoulder, the man told me that long ago, he too had undertaken the same quest, and
after years of aimless roaming, had discovered the answer.
“Tell me, how do I escape death?” I asked eagerly. “God,” the man said. “The only way to escape death is through faith in God.”
With that, I departed from the cabin, my sense of passion abounding. From that day onwards, I would live for eternity in communion with God, and even the most wretched of sufferings could not deter my now-unshakable faith.
Then, just as I was readying to fall to my knees in utter reverence, my phone buzzed, yet again with a notification from United Airlines. The plane had been delayed another two hours. But there was another notification as well — a text message, from Friedrich Nietzsche.
“God is dead,” the text read.
In an instant, all of my eternal hopes and dreams came crashing down unceremoniously, because I realized that God was not only dead, but had, in fact, never existed, and was merely the hopeful projections of men pursuing the same death-defying quest as was I. Yet again, my life was meaningless, and in no long while, the reaper’s scythe would be rapping at my door, soon to fulfill the prophecy that I so desperately hoped would never come true. My quest was over; never would I find my long-sought after escape. The old man thought he was wise, but I saw the truth, and knew that his fate would be the same as mine and everybody else’s — death, for eternity. Nothing more, nothing less.
Hanging my head in despair, I decided that it would be best to appreciate the few brief and meaningless moments I had left. I wandered down towards the ocean. And when I reached the beach, I sat there for a while and watched the tide lap rhythmically against the sandy shoreline.
Suddenly, a woman appeared, lounging on a plateau of rocks just in front of me. Never in my life had I beheld anything so beautiful. Her flowing hair waved tenderly in the coastal breeze, and in her vivacious blue eyes, I caught a glimpse of something that I had long since given up on: eternity.
I went over to her, and she extended her hand in a most gentle and gracious manner, helping me up onto her perch. Then, leaning in closely and speaking in a whisper, she told me that she was a goddess from the eternal beyond, and held the answers that I was searching for.
“To escape death,” she said to me, “you must appreciate all the many pleasures of this world.”
“That’s it!” I exclaimed. “How could it have taken me so long to understand?!”
And so I stayed with her beside the ocean for a while, cherishing her beauty, and the beauty of all that which surrounded me. And I was happy again, because I knew that this blissful state would continue forever, and that the beauty of this goddess, and the ocean, and the breaking waves, and the salty seabreeze were far out of reach from death’s cruel, meddling fingers.
But then, as I laid my head to rest on the goddess’s shoulder, I felt something buzz in my pocket. It was a notification from United Airlines. The plane had been delayed again.
We know how this story goes.
In the blink of an eye, I saw the crushing transience in all these things I once found beautiful. How could I appreciate this goddess, or the ocean, or the seabreeze, if they would all one day be gone, and so too I? I leapt from the rocky perch and ran as fast as I could across the beach. I ran back through the boundless pastures and scorching deserts, and past the old man’s cabin, and the horses, and meadowlarks, and mountain goats, and, eventually, up a jagged mountain peak, which towered forebodingly above all else.
When I summited the mountain, I could run no more, and so I collapsed into a heap of absolute anguish. As I laid there, I felt a cool breeze, blowing up from somewhere below. I looked down beneath me, and saw nothing, other than infinite darkness. I looked up above, and saw the same. Alas, I had arrived. This was my moment of reckoning.
This was the Abyss.
But then, as I looked closer, I saw something else. My own reflection, staring right back at me. My eyes were cold, but also content. My expression was somber, but in a bizarre way, satisfied. At long last, I realized, my quest to escape death was finished, for I had found the answer.
Myself. I was the escape. Nothing else could offer me eternal refuge, other than myself, because I existed in that present moment, and as such, would exist forever. I did not feel happiness, for I was much too wise now to experience such a naive emotion. What I did feel, on an impossibly overwhelming scale, was relief.
Then, as if on queue, I felt that slight buzz in my pocket again. I almost pretended not to notice, but deep down, I knew what I had felt. I reached for my phone, my hand trembling, my heart racing. Tears welled up in my eyes. It couldn’t be, and yet, at the same time, it had to be. Etched in blood across the screen was a notification from United Airlines. My flight had been canceled.
With that, I threw myself headfirst into the Abyss. Then, after falling through nothingness for an eternity, I landed right back where I had started: in the airport terminal, on the floor, with a crowd of confused travelers staring at me. I glanced around curiously, attempting to find my bearings, then pulled myself off the terminal floor slowly. As I did, the onlookers broke into a subdued, yet sincere applause, for they were subconsciously aware of the odyssey which I had just undertaken.
I smiled in their direction, walked towards the gate, nodded slightly at the attendant, then boarded an airplane.
Its destination — eternity.
Yours truly,
T.W.
Jackson is an aspiring philosopher, nomadic free spirit, and communist revolutionary. He is currently wandering through an alpine meadow somewhere in Kashmir, pondering the meaning of life. If you would like to contact him, please send a carrier pigeon with a handwritten note, addressed to “The Abyss.” He won’t respond. (Editor’s Note: you can contact Jackson at jlang2@nd.edu.)
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Last week, members of the College Democrats of Notre Dame attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. These are their reflections.
Jack Sirianni
Over the course of last week, the gathering of our political party became just that: a political party. As with any great party, the tickets became nearly impossible to come by. As I begged, borrowed and stole (figuratively of course) my way into the convention every night, I heard the message of freedom, patriotism and a hope for a brighter tomorrow.
While the pundits aim to disprove the energy of this DNC, anyone who was in Chicago could feel the air humming with anticipation. I stood in hot three-hour lines with members of Congress and college students, all sharing the same passion to elect our next president. I watched old women acrobatically climb over rows of seats just to bring their daughters home a rally sign as a piece of history.
I heard the values of my treasured Midwest set to the backdrop of Beyonce’s iconic campaign anthem. I even heard the creed of our beloved university echoed in former President Obama’s support of Vice President Harris: “America can be and must be a force for good … That’s what Kamala Harris believes and so do most Americans.”
From the very last row of the United Center, standing on my tiptoes and peering through the pockets of the crowd, I watched Kamala Harris become our nominee for President of the United States. When she accepted the nomination, the walls of the arena shook and the vice president’s speech was drowned out by the excited echoes of hope. With the balloon drop and the roar of the crowd, we marched out the United Center, called to action and eager to elect Vice President Harris.
Chicago’s United Center is no stranger to historic moments. Michael Jordan brought the arena to life as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, leading the Bulls to championships year after year. While MJ was nowhere to be found last week, the United Center still pulsed with excitement as Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz shared their banner-worthy vision for the future of our nation.
While helping the media logistics team staff the Convention, I had a front-row seat to history. Between coordinating volunteer meals and bouncing non-press from the media section, I heard President Biden tout his remarkable progress on healthcare reform, infrastructure investments and gun violence prevention. Later in the week, as American flags waved and chants of “USA!” echoed throughout the arena, Harris presented herself as the only candidate with a record of going after criminals (rather than being a convicted one), as the candidate who supports the middle class and American manufacturers (instead of a disastrous tariff-based economy and growing the federal deficit), as a defender of individual freedoms (over executing Project 2025) and as the patriotic choice who believes in our service members (as opposed to calling them “suckers” and “losers”). Harris’ message made it clear she will be a president for all Americans, no matter their party affiliation.
Attending the DNC was an unforgettable experience, from watching star-studded performances like Lil Jon to taking in the reassuring words of candidates who actually act presidential and care about our future. But now that the fun of the Convention is over, we must do the hard work. We must unite together as one nation and reject extremism on November 5th. The ball is in our court.
Olivia Anderson
When I tell people that I am in politics, they usually groan and ask me if I hate myself. I don’t fault them for it — since 2016,
month ago, however, Vice President Kamala Harris began to show the country what it means to campaign with joy.
As an alternate with the Indiana delegation at the DNC, I saw this firsthand. Our delegation breakfasts were infused with energy (despite being at 7:00 a.m.). Delegates bustled into McCormick Place to participate in caucuses and councils, giving speakers standing ovations in between breaks DJ’d by Chicagoans. Each night at the United Center was a novelty, with President Biden’s farewell address, the Obamas bringing the house down back-to-back, Governor Walz’s heartfelt acceptance speech filled with promises of freedom and commitment to the common good and an absolutely electric roll call where Sean Astin, who we know as Rudy, joined the Indiana delegation to “Rudy” chants echoing across the room.
Finally, Vice President Harris closed out the week with a speech infused with joy: the joy of being an American, the joy of being in this moment and the joy of the hard road ahead towards the White House. In the nosebleeds of United Center, I craned my neck to see her accept the nomination and started to cry — the elation in the room was almost too much to bear. We all left excited, energized and — most importantly — ready to get to work.
Embrace the joy in democracy with Jack, Alex, the rest of the college democrats and I by registering to vote, requesting your absentee ballot and getting involved in the most important election in our lifetimes. College Democrats of Notre Dame are always happy to have you!
The College Democrats of Notre Dame have agreed, along with the College Republicans of Notre Dame, to write a bi-weekly debate column in The Observer’s Viewpoint section in the name of free, civil discourse in the 2024 election cycle. You can reach out to the College Democrats at cdems@nd.edu.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Dear incoming students, Welcome home. Welcome to one of the best universities in the United States. Welcome to a community of spiritual searching and moral conviction. Welcome to football games, tailgates, semesters abroad, internships and all the other incredible opportunities that Notre Dame offers. Welcome, also, to the realization that sometimes this University is not all we dream it to be. Welcome to the depth and fervor of the political divide on campus. Welcome to inconsistently applied Catholic ideals. Welcome to the reckoning that, although you love this University, it might not always love you back. In light of these tensions — in this vibrant, complicated community — a question arises: how will you join in?
Some people think that in order for Notre Dame to be a great university, they must defend it at all costs. They show up for mass regularly and light candles at the Grotto. These students attend every home football game and every dorm party. They love their classes and their community. But when people share that they don’t feel fully accepted or seen, they push back, they play devil’s advocate, they question the sincerity of the questioner. For these students the only viable complaint is the dining hall and 8:00 a.m. classes. Dear student, this is the wide path, this is the majority of our campus. But there is another way.
The second way is the way of the fully engaged student, the student who refuses to let their regard for Notre Dame
stop them from criticizing it to make it better — more loving, more inclusive, more just. Now, students in this second group look a lot like those in the first: they light the same candles at the Grotto. They frequent the same churches, mosques, synagogues, temples or no services at all. They attend the same football games and dorm parties. They know that we are strongest when we fight for a campus and world where everyone can live with dignity, justice and respect. But when they hear about problems on campus they don’t attack the questioner, they listen and step up, they organize, they petition and protest, they pray, they educate themselves and others for the common good. Out of love for the University, they try to stop it from continuing to fail in its values. This is the narrow path.
Right now, our University is invested in the creation of weapons that are currently being used in the genocide of the Palestinian people. The profits from the destruction of others is the same money that helps construct our dorms and research centers. We at Occupation Free Notre Dame find this to be a moral affront. We believe that we cannot be free to learn when all the universities in Gaza have been destroyed. Right now, even as the Pope calls a Gazan parish daily to pray with them, even as he calls Israel’s attacks on Gaza “terrorism,” even as our own Catholic Social Teaching compels us to reject war and genocide at all costs, we remain invested in the mass destruction of Palestinian culture, infrastructure and people. Worse, in the spring
when students gathered to non-violently protest this reality, the University decided to arrest 17 peaceful students instead of engaging in good-faith dialogue about bettering our communal values. This is the University community that you are joining.
At the beginning of his collected essays, the great American writer James Baldwin writes: “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” We feel the same about Notre Dame. We love this University, so we will work to make it better. Why do we share this? Because we want you to know that when you see us criticizing our University, we are doing it out of love. And we want you to know that you can join us in this work of making it better.
Welcome to our community, we hope you chose the narrow path.
In solidarity,
Abdulrahman Atassi senior
Spencer Clark French
Ph.D student
On behalf of Occupation Free Notre Dame Aug. 29
To learn more, follow us on Instagram @occupationfreend or email us at occupationfreenotredame@gmail.com
By ANDY OTTONE Scene Writer
I was late to catch onto “The Bear.” I watched seasons one and two during the late months of 2023, and something clicked in my head. I had heard from many people (my family included) that the show was a marvel of modern television, but I’d heard that before; I could never cling onto shows like “Breaking Bad,” “Succession” or even “Game of Thrones.” But for some reason, “The Bear” worked for me in a way the others didn’t. Needless to say, season three was a cause for excitement when it was announced for a late June release.
Season three of “The Bear,” now available to stream on Hulu and certain Disney+ subscriptions, follows up on the previous stellar offerings in a way that’s satisfying, but not necessarily mind-blowing. Where I felt the first two seasons were innovations, this year’s episodes built off that foundation and created a very solid set. But, unfortunately, it’s hard not to pale in comparison to such a strong start when you’re focused on doing more of the same rather than pushing the show in the new directions as in the past.
As a standalone piece of work, the season is truly phenomenal. Every season has had its standouts, and season three has been no different; star Ayo Edebiri made her directorial debut with the episode “Napkins,” and it stands out as one of the season’s best, if not the show in its entirety’s. Flashing back to a few years before the show’s start, the episode offers great insight to two of the most compelling characters: chef Tina Marrero (Liza Colón-Zayas) and Michael Berzatto (Jon Bernthal). Bernthal’s Michael haunts much of the show, more as an idea than a real character; season two’s “Fishes” offered an insight to the demons that occupy his psyche, but “Napkins” allows the audience to see the man that many of the characters loved and admired. Another clear standout from this year was “Ice Chips,” similarly focusing the lens on a select few characters who might stand by the wayside in the greater ensemble the show usually features. “Ice Chips” features all-time great performances from guest star Jamie Lee Curtis and SNL alum Abby Elliott as mother and daughter respectively, working through their shared traumatic past during a stressful time in the present. Curtis’s Donna also serves as a ghost hanging over
the entire show, being the source of the trauma and anxieties that shaped the central character Carmen Berzatto, the titular “Bear” (arguably, it might also refer to the restaurant of the same name he opened in season two) portrayed by Jeremy Allen White.
“The Bear” is a show about the ghosts of the past. Not in a literal sense — it’s actually about the Chicago culinary scene. But, metaphorically, it’s always been about how those that came before us hold influence on our lives and guide us into the people we’ll be. The memories of Carmen’s relationship with Claire Dunlap (underrated guest star Molly Gordon) haunt the third season, a fact pretty much explicitly explained by the comedic relief of the show. Whether it’s past bosses, lost loves or parents, our experiences change how we approach the future. Similarly, the past highs of the series haunt the show. While I genuinely loved the season, I’m not blind to the fact that it also stands as the show’s weakest. But hey! A great show’s lowest points can still be pretty high; it just depends on where you’re looking from.
Contact Andy Ottone at aottone@nd.edu
By JAYDEN ESPINOZA Scene Copyeditor
“brat” is undeniably one of 2024’s most notable albums, rising to the top of charts and fans’ playlists, all while obtaining massive praise from critics, resulting in its title as the most critically acclaimed project of 2024 (so far). But it isn’t just the accolades, award nominations and TikTok dances that have kept Charli XCX at the top of our minds and charts — “brat” exists as both an anthem and a mantra, an ode to the party girl who demands to be understood. With her sixth studio album, XCX has assumed her (365) party-girl persona to its most heightened version, with the project’s rollout being hosted in clubs and amongst DJ sets. “brat” has the party aesthetic weaved into its DNA. On a first listen, listeners can expect to receive what was advertised to them, with nearly an hour full of entirely unique (to the mainstream) sounds. As songs like “Rewind,” “Club classics” and “360” carve out a unique lane for themselves, it’s no surprise that many of our cars (and Instagram stories) were filled with XCX’s work during the so-called “brat summer.“
This isn’t to say that the album is entirely upbeat, though. Songs like “So I,” “I might say something stupid” and “Hello goodbye” are all noticeable shifts
in pace for “brat.” They feel like a breath of fresh air that you might get from stepping outside the club or a mild thump you’d hear from outside the bathroom that you waited 30 minutes to get into.
But in the same way that her audience is captivated by the unique visual and sonic aesthetic of the album, XCX is delving deep into the women one might run into at these venues — the girls in the club or speeding down the road — and looking into their eyes. Is what they’re doing a search for a fun night on the town or an escapist mission? The shift is most noticeable on “Mean girls,” the album’s 13th song, which seemingly praises the bullies each of us have encountered in our lives. But even as she lists all of the stereotypes you might throw onto this person, she literally says, “Think you already know her, but you don’t,” tossing a not-so-subtle suggestion to listeners that the character of the album (and potentially XCX herself) might not be the person they created in their minds.
This lens is where “brat” shines, becoming colorful even with a black and white deluxe cover. Though some songs like “Guess” retain mostly the same energy and flirt with the party girl aesthetic, some songs like “Sympathy is a knife” come alive, becoming all-too-relatable as we picture that one person who we might smile at in the halls but really
wish would leave us alone. “Talk talk” goes from a fun moment out with your friends to a reality check on situationships that might have gone on a little too long without being recognized by the other party.
My favorite example of one of these more sensitive songs is also TikTok’s current obsession. “Apple,” which has taken over all of our “for you” pages with 1.5 million videos using the song, has an entirely different meaning when you look at its lyrics. Still catchy, it takes on a new life in this reading, switching from a fun dance to do with your friends and becoming an almost tragic reflection on family. XCX sings about her inability to forget the damage that her family has done to her inner person (her seeds) even as she tries to acknowledge the unique and potentially damaging pasts that make each of them (as apples with different shapes and colors) the people they are.
Charli XCX thrives in times in between — like the weeks in September when the air is only a little crisp, when you’re neither distinctly in the summer or the fall. That ambiguity is at the core of the “brat” persona: someone who may not be entirely understood, but simultaneously asks to be explored.
Contact Jayden Espinoza at jespino4@nd.edu
By JOHN BAILEY Associate Sports Editor
After passing the towering crimson block “W” in the parking lots, Wayne High School students receive another daily dose of school spirit upon reaching the main entrance. The imposing visage of Wayne’s mascot, the Warrior, adorns each of the three sets of brass double doors, their handles now tarnished from nearly 70 years of use. The Warrior’s crimson and charcoal facepaint perfectly complements his white headdress, welcoming all visitors to the home of one of the preeminent powerhouses in Division I Ohio high school football.
The halls of Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio are filled with daily reminders of the school’s legacy of sports excellence. Polished red and white checkerboard tiled floors lead to the coveted Wayne Athletic Hall of Fame, just outside the entrance to the gymnasium. Past the everexpanding trophy case lies a series of black and red plaques honoring the likes of legendary Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, Notre Dame defensive backs coach Mike Mickens and some guy named Marcus Freeman.
Now entering his junior year at Notre Dame, offensive lineman Aamil Wagner looks to continue the longstanding tradition of Warriors excelling at the collegiate level. While some players might view upholding the Wayne legacy as an anxiety-inducing burden, Wagner relishes the
challenge and uses it as motivation during every rep of every drill at every practice.
“There’s a love for all the athletes that came before us,” Wagner said. “We have our Wall of Fame. We have a lot of the memorabilia of people that came before us.”
“I’m hoping one day I can kind of put a stamp on there and be there, too. We recognize a lot of the great athletes that came from my high school, and it’s a blessing to continue that legacy.”
Upon hearing that Wagner aspired to join his coaches in the Wayne Hall of Fame during a late July press conference, Freeman smiled and let out his usual stifled laughter.
“He’s got a long way to go to do that,” he said.
Though there will undoubtedly be growing pains during his first season as starting right tackle, Wagner’s unrivaled athleticism and erudite understanding of the game give him a strong chance to one day be immortalized at Wayne alongside his head coach.
Wagner’s immense length allows him to serve as an edge barrier against pass rushers while his foot speed helps him get out in space when pulling to create big holes for running backs. He plays with a coiled pad level and keeps his legs churning while punching defensive linemen with the hand speed of Bruce Lee. Once engaged with a defender, Wagner exerts complete control despite his lithe (for a lineman) frame.
As a pass protector, Wagner sets up quickly with a wide base and active footwork on the balls of
his feet while kick sliding. When on the attack, he keeps his feet well when drive blocking and his athleticism allows him to mirror when pass blocking, leading to violent finishes on his blocks.
He played 52 offensive snaps last season, posting a strong 79.8 Pro Football Focus grade in this limited sample. He scored especially well as a run-blocker (83.6) while receiving poor reviews (37.0) as a pass-blocker, albeit in a small sample of 13 pass-block opportunities.
While those strengths make Wagner sound like a guaranteed All-American, his light weight remains his greatest weakness, which could lead to immense struggle against larger, stronger and more physical opponents.
Arriving in South Bend weighing a modest 265 pounds, Wagner has spent the past two years in a rigorous nutrition program to help him pack on the pounds. While most linemen work to lose weight, Wagner has added 26 pounds. This irony was not lost on roommate and fellow offensive lineman Charles Jagusah.
“I’ll come back to the room with my salad or whatever and he’s got four boxes of [Raising] Cane’s,” Jagusah said last August. “And he doesn’t touch any of them, so it’s just sitting there the next day.”
“I think at my peak, I was eating nearly 8,000 calories [a day],” Wagner said. “I think we tracked it one time and it was at like 4,500 for a breakfast one time, and it was like five eggs, [a] burrito, potatoes, 1,500 calories in muffins, 2,000 [in] a shake. Really, just
being able to put those calories in and put the work in.”
Wagner’s bulking routine continues at home in Yellow Springs, Ohio during the offseason. He loves trying the best tacos across the Dayton metropolitan area, though nothing compares to his mom’s spaghetti.
“I think my mom is the best cook in the world,” Wagner said. “I might be a little biased, but the homemade spaghetti she makes is just fantastic. I’ll eat it any time of the day, any day of the week. Then the special meal that mom makes is fettuccini alfredo as well. So, those two meals — I’ll go back two days later, and if there’s any leftovers I’m taking it.”
He may not need to bulk up to 350 or even 320 pounds to star for the Irish, but Wagner intends to continue to prioritize weight gain throughout the season and hopefully attain his goal of reaching 300 pounds. But eating isn’t the only key to Wagner’s weight journey. The lean lineman has taken to the new director of football performance coach Loren Landow’s offseason regimen.
“I feel a lot stronger. Coach Landow has done a tremendous job when it comes to putting us in a position to be successful and putting us in a position to be strong and powerful and healthy at the same time,” Wagner said. “I’ve gained a lot of muscle, a lot of explosiveness. I feel at my best, at my strongest, at my fastest.”
Even if Wagner fails to reach his weight goal by the time the Irish roll into College Station, his scrappiness, tenacity and
endless motor will help mitigate the Aggies’ formidable pass rush. Coach Freeman knows Wagner never gives up on a play, as evidenced by him running 70 yards to tackle a defender inside the 5-yard line after an interception during his sophomore year at Wayne.
While other players receive more generic motivational reminders during pre-practice stretch lines, Freeman uses their shared past experience as Wayne Warriors to motivate Wagner.
“It’s a special connection that we have being that we both went to the same high school,” Freeman said. “You’ve got a unique relationship where you can talk a little mess to him: ‘You better act like you’re from Wayne today.’”
For Wagner, those words carry just as much meaning as “Play Like a Champion Today.”
“He’s been great to have here, man,” Freeman said. “He’s just constantly working. It’s a unique connection, obviously, having a guy from your high school. But he’s just such a great kid.”
Though neither Freeman nor Mickens make it back to Wayne as often as they did while coaching at Cincinnati, they’ll surely never forget the slogan emblazoned on the school’s walls and website: “Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior!” No one in Huber Heights needs further explanation of what it means to “act like you’re from Wayne.”
Contact John Bailey at jbailey9@nd.edu
By ANNIKA HERKO Associate Sports Editor
There is always a lot of uncertainty going into the first game of the season for every team. Who will step up to replace the players who have moved on? How will the team react to a setback? How do you get players to have a one-week-at-a-time mentality when everyone around them is thinking about and planning for a postseason run?
Notre Dame’s Saturday night matchup against Texas A&M is already ESPN’s game of the week, and the entire College Football world will be watching. Here’s what the Irish have to do in order to come back to South Bend with a victory.
No. 1: Make a big defensive play early
There’s going to be 100,000 people inside Kyle Field on Saturday night, most of them Aggies fans. Nothing shuts up a home stadium
faster than a turnover on the first drive of the game. Texas A&M had a mediocre performance last year, going 7-6 overall and 0-5 against ranked opponents. Currently ranked No. 20, the Aggies have hopes of upsetting the much higher-ranked Irish and taking the college football world by storm.
They are going to be feeding off the energy of the crowd all night, and if Notre Dame can force them to play catch-up all night, all those fans who have been tailgating all day are going to decide that bed sounds pretty darn appealing.
One of Notre Dame’s biggest strengths is its duo of All-Americans on defense: graduate safety Xavier Watts and junior cornerback Benjamin Morrison. This will be Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman’s first game back since breaking a bone in his foot last year on Sept. 23 against Auburn.
The redshirt sophomore put up some impressive stats
before the injury, but it will be interesting to see how mobile (and willing to run) he is after. The game plan for Texas A&M has to include letting Weigman get comfortable as early as possible, which means not throwing toward Watts or Morrison, each very likely to make the Aggies pay.
This is a big opportunity for another member of the defense to step up and make Weigman uncomfortable in his first game back.
No. 2: Give Riley Leonard time to make good decisions
Despite the high expectations that come for the whole team with a No. 7 national ranking, all eyes will be on senior quarterback Riley Leonard on Saturday night. Known for his highly accurate ball placement and high football IQ, the Duke transfer carries the hopes of Notre Dame fans on his shoulders.
The quarterback was one
of the most coveted players in the transfer portal last year. Still, despite all of the strengths he brings to the Notre Dame offense, one of the main knocks on him is his performance under pressure.
The offensive line looks a bit different this year — Joe Alt is off to Los Angeles with the Chargers, literally and metaphorically leaving big shoes to fill. Giving Leonard time to throw is paramount to building his confidence and chemistry with the receivers. This is not going to be a deep ball kind of game, so this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. But the Irish will likely try it at least once or twice, and building Leonard’s trust in his O-line will pay dividends later in the season.
Adding an element of excitement to this is the fact that Texas A&M’s new coach, Mike Elko, was Riley Leonard’s old coach at Duke. No one knows Leonard’s strengths and weaknesses
better than him, and it will be interesting to see how he utilizes this throughout the game.
No. 3: Handle delays and weather well
South Bend is not the only place that has been having difficult weather recently. Thunderstorms are possible Saturday night in College Station, and as we all remember from last year’s NC State game, that could mean delays. Notre Dame handled the NC State delay that started right before halftime well, scoring six touchdowns after the twohour delay.
The 86% humidity could also pose a problem for all players. Expect more muscle cramps than normal as players spend more time outside in the uncomfortable Texas weather.time outside in the uncomfortable Texas weather.
Contact Annika Herko at aherko@nd.edu
past, but let go of what’s come and gone and move on to what motivates you. Live, love, and laugh. Your numbers are 6, 13, 21, 27, 33, 35, 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pay attention to how you present yourself physically and choose your words carefully. Knowing what triggers those around you will help to benefit what you want if you offer incentives or worthwhile suggestions. It’s all about fitting in and making your input valuable. Live and let live.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Fix your surroundings to serve you better. Convenience can save you a bundle if you are thrifty and manage your life to suit your needs. A change in how you approach work and how you get along with your associates will impact your lifestyle.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Expand your mind, start conversations that help you learn something new and improve your life. Develop a better routine and work ethic and get better results. Life is about positive change and fulfillment. Distance yourself from those trying to take advantage of you. Focus on freedom.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Pay attention, speak, and act in a heartfelt manner, and the response you receive will offer insight into who to do business with and who to avoid. Truth matters and actions and words are relevant. Change begins with your choices and the circle that makes you feel comfortable.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Inconsistency will work against you. Stay on track, follow through with your plans, and have a backup that helps you avoid falling behind. Timing is essential in completing the test. Put your energy where it counts and connect with people who want the same results.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Invest in yourself, add to your qualifications and experience, and put your time and effort into making your dreams come true. Express your intentions, and the input you receive will help you determine your next move. Arguing will not help you advance, but a liberal mindset will.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You’ll need patience, discipline, and stamina to achieve your goals. Approach every situation with an open mind and the intent to finish what you start. Don’t waste time in turbulent conditions. Head in the direction that allows you to accomplish the most. Protect your health and reputation.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Explore the possibilities and take advantage of opportunities that interest you. Mixing business with pleasure will make your day more enjoyable and the outcome fruitful. Speak from the heart, and the response you receive will prompt you to do more. Make choices for the right reason and prosper.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Be direct regarding what you are willing to do before you commit to something. If you give them the chance, someone will misinterpret or take advantage of you. Put your time and effort into progressive action, leaving no room for criticism or default. Choose action over anger.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take precautions, ask questions, and withhold personal information. Protect against smooth operators trying to part you from your cash. Invest in your security and safety and research to prevent fraudulent dealings. Trust your instincts, hide your assets, and savor your privacy and peace of mind.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Get out, socialize, and join forces with those who want to be part of a solution, not a problem. Establish what matters to you and make lifestyle changes that define your place in the Universe. Put your energy where it counts, do something worthwhile, and enjoy the outcome.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take a moment to organize your thoughts. Refuse to let anyone rush you into anything that may jeopardize a meaningful relationship or domestic environment. Consider what makes you happy and surround yourself with those who share your enthusiasm. Hone your skills and avoid temptation and excess.
Birthday Baby: You are aggressive, curious, and friendly. You are unpredictable and bold.
By MATTHEW CROW Sports Writer
After a long and eventful offseason, Notre Dame football is finally back. And while the start of every new season brings immense excitement for Irish fans worldwide, the 2024 season opener will pack an extra punch. That’s because on Saturday night, Notre Dame will face off against No. 20 Texas A&M in College Station in one of the nation’s premier games of the week, a matchup that now looms even larger after No. 10 Florida State the top-ranked opponent on the Irish schedule — suffered a shocking upset loss to Georgia Tech in Dublin.
Notre Dame is no stranger to doing battle with top-tier opponents, but in recent years, it’s been relatively uncommon that it kicks off a season against a team the caliber of the Aggies, especially in one of college football’s most hostile road environments. Since 2000, Notre Dame has begun its season against a team ranked in the preseason AP Poll just six times prior to Saturday’s game. As the Irish get set to begin their push toward the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff with one of their toughest season openers in recent memory, here’s a look back at those six matchups and what the results portended for the remainder of those seasons.
2000: Notre Dame 24, No. 25 Texas A&M 10
It’s fitting that this list begins with a duel against Saturday’s opponent, although the 2000 edition of Irish vs. Aggies differed in that it took place in the friendly confines of Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame entered the season unranked following a disappointing
1999 season that saw it drop its final four games to finish 5-7 (their first season below .500 since 1986), but it didn’t take long to right the ship the following fall. After a slow start allowed the Aggies to jump out to a 7-0 lead in the second quarter, Irish quarterback Arnaz Battle caught fire in his first career start, tossing a pair of touchdown passes and adding 50 yards on the ground. The stifling Notre Dame defense did the rest, holding Texas A&M to just three second-half points en route to a 14-point victory.
One week after the big win, the Irish would push No. 1 Nebraska to the brink before succumbing to the Cornhuskers in overtime. That game also cost Notre Dame its quarterback, as Battle was lost for the season with a wrist injury on the opening play from scrimmage. With true freshman Matt LoVecchio filling in admirably under center for the remainder of the season, the Irish finished 9-3 and reached the Fiesta Bowl, where they fell to Oregon State.
2001: No. 5 Nebraska 27, No. 17 Notre Dame 10
One year after nearly pulling off a stunning upset over Nebraska at home, the Irish entered the 2001 season full of confidence but were outclassed by the Cornhuskers on the road from start to finish. Led by soon-to-be Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch, Nebraska jumped out to a 17-0 advantage in the first quarter and never looked back, extending its lead to 27-3 before halftime and maintaining that margin until Irish running back Tony Fisher punched in a consolation touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Things would not get much better for Notre Dame as the season went on. The Irish dropped their next two games at the hands of
Michigan State and Texas A&M to start the season 0-3 and would close out the year at 5-6, their second losing season in three years. Head coach Bob Davie was fired after five seasons with the Irish following the disappointing campaign.
2002: Notre Dame 22, No. 21 Maryland 0
After a dismal 2001, expectations in South Bend were relatively low for the 2002 season under new head coach Tyrone Willingham. But while beginning their season against a ranked foe for the third straight year, Willingham and the Irish made a major statement by shutting out the Terrapins. It was the defense and special teams units that led the way for Notre Dame, who won without scoring an offensive touchdown by virtue of five field goals and a punt return taken to the house. Amazingly, they matched that feat in a 24-17 victory over Purdue the following week, returning two fumbles for touchdowns and adding a pick-six and a field goal.
Notre Dame would knock off four ranked opponents on their way to starting the year 8-0 and rising to No. 4 in the nation before a stunning home loss to Boston College derailed its season down the stretch. Despite losing three of their final five games, the campaign — sparked by the Maryland win — was still a massive success for the Irish by any measure.
2005: Notre Dame 42, No. 23 Pitt 21
Unfortunately for Irish fans, the Willingham Era that started off so promising proved to be short-lived, as he was fired in 2004 following a pair of disappointing seasons. Just like Willingham, Charlie
Weis began his tenure as Irish head coach with a tough road test against No. 23 Pitt. And just as they had done three years prior, the Irish prevailed in impressive fashion.
Star quarterback Brady Quinn kicked off his All-American junior season with a pair of touchdown passes while running back Darius Walker added 100 yards on the ground and the Irish rolled past the Panthers 42-21 after posting 35 points in the first half alone. Notre Dame would secure a huge upset win on the road against No. 3 Michigan the following week and — after starting the year unranked — reached the Fiesta Bowl and finished No. 9 nationally.
2018: No. 12 Notre Dame 24, No. 14 Michigan 17
Following a stretch of starting four seasons against ranked opponents in six years at the turn of the century, it would be 13 more before the Irish did so again, this time against Michigan. With College Gameday in South Bend for the highly anticipated matchup, the rivals did not disappoint. The Irish jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, highlighted by a 43-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Wimbush to Chris Finke, but the Wolverines didn’t give in. Aided by a kickoff return for a touchdown late in the second quarter, Michigan managed to trim Notre Dame’s advantage to a single possession in the fourth quarter but could never draw even as the Irish claimed what is still their most recent victory over the Wolverines.
With the team receiving a spark by the surprising insertion of quarterback Ian Book into the starting lineup following a 3-0 start, Notre Dame would post a perfect 12-0 regular season and reach its first CFP, falling to Clemson in the semifinals at the Cotton Bowl.
2022: No. 2 Ohio State 21, No. 5 Notre Dame 10
Given all of the turnover the Irish have recently undergone on the roster and among the coaching staff, it feels like this game took place far more than a mere two years ago. That feeling can be underscored by the journey of Tyler Buchner, the starting Irish quarterback in this matchup who has, since then, suffered what initially seemed to be a season-ending shoulder injury before dramatically returning to lead the Irish to a Gator Bowl victory while earning MVP honors, briefly served as starting quarterback for Alabama while reaching the CFP with the Crimson Tide, helped lead Notre Dame men’s lacrosse to a national title last spring and returned to the Irish football team in 2024, only this time as a wide receiver.
Marcus Freeman’s regular season head coaching debut was about as tough as they come, with a primetime matchup at The Horseshoe against the No. 2 Buckeyes. The Irish struck first after a 54-yard completion from Buchner to Lorenzo Styles (now a cornerback at Ohio State) on the game’s opening play set up a field goal in the game’s opening minutes. But C.J. Stroud and company were too much for Notre Dame to overcome and the Buckeyes — who eventually reached the CFP — recovered from a 10-7 halftime deficit to win 21-10 behind a masterful defensive effort. The Irish would fall to 0-2 the following week with a stunning loss to Marshall but would eventually find their footing to win nine of their final 11 games.
Contact Matthew Crow at mcrow@nd.edu
By CHARLIE MORRIS Sports Writer
Notre Dame volleyball showed a glimpse into its full potential in the nascent stages of the 2023 season, including electrifying early victories over Oklahoma, Boston College and North Carolina. However, a young team led by a young coach faded fast in the second half, losing 10 of 11 games to end the season at 1115, a shocking finish for a team that started 8-2. With that year’s experience under their belts, and supported by an early-season stretch of seven of eight games at the comfort of home for almost an entire month, the Irish have the chance to start strong again
and keep pace as October turns to November.
Head coach Salima Rockwell is fresh off offering her knowledge to a nationwide audience as an analyst for indoor volleyball at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is set to begin her third season at the helm. This is a big opportunity for her to turn the corner, as her first two years have yielded just 21 wins. She is far from the only familiar face returning to the court for the Irish in 2024. Most of the starting lineup from 2023 is back. Senior outside hitter
Sydney Palazzolo has more than 1000 career kills and averaged 3.85 per set as a junior, second in the ACC. Swiss army knife setter Phyona Schrader is the only other senior on the
roster. The lefty played all over the court last year as the only Irish player with at least one game with 10 kills, one with 10 assists and one with five blocks.
Underclassmen liberos Alyssa Manitzas and Maisie Alexander will have one more year to learn from captain Hattie Monson, who is a massive piece for Rockwell as a graduate student. Alongside Palazzolo, junior Lucy Trump and sophomore Ava Lange will combine for most of the kills for Notre Dame. Lange especially should take a step forward after a solid 228 kills in 2023 action. New to the fold is Ella Sandt, a graduate transfer from St. Mary’s who will replace Nicole Drewnick
as the primary setter. She was a four-year starter with the Gaels and racked up an impressive 690 assists. Her 6.02 assists per set ranks 10th all-time in St. Mary’s program history. She is also effective at surprise attacks, with a .277 attack percentage — also top-10. The Irish open their season on Saturday with two games against Villanova and Santa Clara, which is hosting the Catholic Challenge tournament. Notre Dame visits Michigan, Mississippi State and Northwestern before returning for their home opener against Colorado State at Compton Family Ice Arena on Sept. 13. They also play there the following day. Starting with those two games, the
Irish play at home seven times and only travel once between Sept. 13 and Oct. 6. Their first four ACC games are at home, starting with a matchup against Stanford on Sept. 27. Conference plays runs through the end of November. If the Irish can find their 8-2 magic from last fall and overcome late-season fatigue, they could push for their first postseason berth under Salima Rockwell in 2024. Notre Dame has enough significant returning pieces to make it happen, but it’s playing in a difficult conference — one that added three new teams, no less.
Contact Charlie Morris at cmorri27@nd.edu
When it comes to weekend brunch, we suggest you give in to your decadent side—just like the French. Our menu ranges from French classics such as Croque Madame et Monsieurs to more eclectic options like Short Rib Benedict or a Raclette Burger—and we’d never forget lattés and cocktails—of which we offer plenty! From spring through fall, you can enjoy your midday meal al fresco. Oui, Oui!
By Observer Sports Staff
John Bailey
Week One. College Gameday at College Station. Irish versus Aggies. Two historic programs enter the season with great optimism and slight trepidation as they fight to remain nationally relevant in the era of the College Football Playoff. Sounds like a guaranteed instant classic. Texas A&M, still recovering from the failed Jimbo Fisher experiment, will field a team with seven returning starters and the majority of their defensive depth coming from the transfer portal. Though Mel Tucker’s early Michigan State teams proved a new coach can succeed with a ragtag group of mercenaries, questions remain over the team’s chemistry and cohesiveness.
However, there is little doubt that the Aggies will have a dominant front seven that consistently pressures transfer quarterback Riley Leonard. New offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock will certainly exercise some clipboard wizardry to mitigate A&M’s defensive front. He will likely run many RPOs, like he did last season with Jayden Daniels at LSU. Quick screens, slants and utilizing running back Jeremiyah Love in the passing game will help offset incoming pressure. This strategy should allow the offense to consistently march down the field and allow Notre Dame’s dominant defense to dictate the game. Notre
Dame 21, Texas A&M 17
Noah Cahill
A week-one game rarely carries as much weight as this one does for Notre Dame. With a weak schedule that got weaker after a Florida State upset loss, the Irish can take a massive step toward the College Football Playoff with a win. Doing this in College Station, one of the most hostile environments in the country, will be a tall task, especially with an offensive line that shares six starts between them and is without a single senior. For as much talk there is about Notre Dame’s dominant defense being the key to victory, I believe the performance of this young and unproven line against a strong A&M front will define the outcome of this game. If it can hold up, Notre Dame is the better team.
I see a tense and low-scoring affair, with both teams struggling to move the ball. The Irish defense will do its job, shutting down the Aggies. And despite struggling for most of the game, I see Riley Leonard and Notre Dame’s playmakers doing just enough down the stretch to escape with a victory. Notre Dame 21, Texas A&M 13
Matthew Crow
It doesn’t feel like an overstatement to say that Saturday’s matchup may be the biggest one on Notre Dame’s calendar, as the Irish seek a crucial road victory that would put them in an early driver’s seat for a
College Football Playoff bid. The biggest question marks for Notre Dame come offensively, where they start the season with an almost entirely blank slate at the skill positions, on the offensive line and with Mike Denbrock.
Playing in enemy territory, I see the Irish getting off to a slow start but remaining within striking distance behind their veteran-laden defense, which should match up well against the Aggies, especially in the trenches. In the second half, Riley Leonard will shake off the rust in his return from injury and showcase his dynamic, dualthreat ability while getting the ball into the hands of Notre Dame’s talented — but largely unproven — playmakers. After trailing for most of the game, the Irish will take control late in the third quarter and never look back, with 100yard performances from running back Jeremiyah Love and tight end Mitchell Evans and an impressive showing from a young offensive line leading Notre Dame to a primetime win in College Station. Notre Dame 27, Texas A&M 17
Annika Herko
Both teams have something to prove in their first game of the season. Notre Dame will try to show that they deserve that preseason ranking of No. 7, while the Aggies want to show growth from last season, where they went 0-5 against ranked opponents.
The defenses of each time
should be the stars of the game. Texas A&M does not want to let safety Xavier Watts or cornerback Benjamin Morrison make a big play, and Notre Dame needs Riley Leonard to have a good game to assure fans that their College Football Playoff hopes are realistic. Expect lots of short passes and screens as each team tries to get in their groove. The weather in College Station will be a factor as well. Thunderstorms could occur in the evening in a high-humidity environment. The team best able to adapt to the volatility of Mother Nature will have a definite advantage. Notre Dame 24, Texas A&M 17
Maddie Ladd
Notre Dame opens the season in a high-stakes, primetime showdown at the notoriously tough Kyle Field, where Texas A&M’s “12th Man” looms large. Both teams are adjusting to significant changes. Notre Dame unveiled new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, who brings play-calling experience that was missing last year. The Irish also introduce former Duke dualthreat quarterback Riley Leonard, while a revamped wide receiver corps adds speed and experience from the transfer portal. The return of Mitchell Evans will add much-needed depth to the offense. On defense, Notre Dame boasts a formidable unit led by Riley Mills, preseason All-American Howard Cross III and NFL prospect Benjamin Morrison. Texas A&M,
under new head coach Mike Elko, returns a strong defense featuring Purdue transfer Nic Scourton. Despite last season’s 7-6 record, the Aggies were 6-1 at home with their only loss against Alabama. With both teams facing offensive line concerns, expect a gritty defensive battle. Ultimately, the Irish should edge out a 17-10 victory, clearing a key hurdle on their path to the 12team playoff. Notre Dame 17, Texas A&M 10
Tyler Reidy
I envision this game looking a lot like Notre Dame’s rock fight against Duke. It will be close, lowscoring and swing in favor of the team that makes more winning plays in the fourth quarter. Notre Dame’s defense, its most reliable facet entering the season, will give it a firm chance to start 1-0. But there appears a higher probability of bad than good happening on the other side of the ball. The Irish haven’t played a season opener without a senior on its offensive line in at least four decades. They project to cut that streak in this series opener. Against a formidable Texas A&M defensive front. In a stadium packed with over 100,000 people. Riley Leonard has a shot at neutralizing it all with his dualthreat potential, but that can’t be expected of him in his Irish debut. A loss won’t derail Notre Dame’s playoff hopes, but it’ll turn the heat up for the remaining 11 games. Notre Dame 17, Texas A&M 20