Monday, October 31, 2011

The Grotto, The Irish Guard and a Couple F/A-18 Hornets

My Notre Dame/Navy weekend started with a trip to the Grotto.  My folks have made a tradition of lighting a candle before home games.  I've noticed a lot of people get pretty emotional here.  I saw a lot of hugs and a few tears.  I find it to be a somber place too, but not my dad.  He sees it more of a place of spiritual motivation. I think that's the "coach" in him coming out.

The Grotto at Notre Dame, IN
Perhaps I found it emotional because it raises up memories of lost loved ones.  I thought about my grandfather a lot Saturday.  I took a photo in front of Sorin Hall (College) where he stayed when he attended ND in the early 1930's.  I'll post it later once I find the pic of him sitting on the steps.  The place has quite a history.  It deserves it's own post.
My Dad Lights a Candle at the Grotto
Stone from the Grotto at Lourdes, France

The University of Notre Dame Marching Band
The day started off with a bizarre hail storm, but that was short lived and once the actual game started the skies were clear.  They were perfectly blue for the F/A-18 Hornets to fly over Notre Dame Stadium.  One of the pilots was in my brother's class at ND, a fellow 1999 graduate. 

F/A-18 Hornets Flyover
Can anyone tell me about this heckling tradition with the Irish Guard before the games?  It was entertaining.  There were a few students with cardboard hats and some folks who actually got up in the guard members' faces to try and make them laugh.
The Irish Guard and a couple Hecklers
In case you missed it:  The Indiana State Police Driving Warning before the end of the game went something like this... "Make sure your ride home is smooth sailing by not going overboard."

The Irish beat Navy 56-14.  It was the 85th meeting between the two teams.  A tradition that started back in 1927.

Go Irish!  Here's to a good week everyone.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

You never know what you'll see...when shooting a story about 4G!

Rudy! and Me at Eddy Street Commons
I was out and about in Michiana with FOX 28 Photographer Ian, shooting a story on 4G, and wouldn't you know it... Rudy was there!  It turns out Rudy misplaces things just like the rest of us!  He lost his phone, and was at the store replacing it, so I took the chance to get a picture and an autograph (or two.)  

Rudy was a nice as could be.  He's in town promoting his book.  They were temporarily sold out at the book store within walking distance so I bought a couple calendars quickly to get them signed.
Downtown Elkhart

We made a stop in Downtown Elkhart later in the day.  The city has done a great job with the riverfront, and it was a cool to see the progress.


Beutter Park in Mishawaka, IN
I also got a chance to walk through Beutter Park in Mishawaka.  What a place?!  I definitely see a walk with the dog there in the future.

Two days to the ND/NAVY game.  Come on guys... It really is a lot more fun when there's an IRISH win! 

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Yes, Nuns do Tailgate.

Cheers! Nuns from Convent in Mishawaka at our Tailgate 
FOX 28 at ND
My Brother Ryan and Sister-in-Law Allison at ND Tailgate

My Brother and Me at ND Tailgate

Ryan and Allison Walking to Campus
I've noticed something about tailgating at Notre Dame... you never have to worry about having too much ND gear on... there will always be someone there with more.

It was a tough loss to USC, in the first night game at ND Stadium since 1990. 

I've noticed another thing about ND football weekends.  You don't have to be told whether the Irish won or lost, you can FEEL it... the difference is tremendous. 

My brother made an extra effort not to let the loss ruin the weekend.  He was successful.  We had a great time.  If feels good to be with family. 

Here's to a win next weekend.  Go Irish.  Beat Navy. 
Ryan and his fellow ND grads

Sunday, October 9, 2011

The Most Beautiful Sight These Eyes Have Ever Seen

Ned Beatty plays Daniel Ruettiger, Rudy's dad in the film, RUDY.  "This is the most beautiful sight these eyes have ever seen,"  he says as he reaches the top of the steps and sees the field at Notre Dame Stadium for the first time.
Notre Dame Stadium
It was perhaps the most beautiful day ever for a football game Saturday, as the Irish beat Air Force in the highest scoring game ever at Notre Dame Stadium.  The last time I attended the game was years ago.  How long?  Well.. they were filming Rudy at the game!  The movie came out in 1993.

I won't remember the score.  I will remember the people and their pride.

Tim of Tim's Tours
It started early in the day.  I took a shuttle operated by "Tim's Tours."  Tim is the owner and only employee.  Talk about pride.  This guy has a lot of it... in Notre Dame and South Bend.  He's a good ambassador for Michiana.

The traffic was terrible, but I don't think the dozen or so folks on board noticed.  Tim distracted us with stories about the city and the school.  He was thrilled to tell us he drove Manti Te'o's parents to the last game.  He treated the two elderly ND alumni on the shuttle like royalty.


RUDY came up as we drove by Holy Cross.  A fan from Arizona told the guy next to him he cries every time he watches the film.  Folks then started discussing at which point they cry during the movie.  For some it's when Rudy finally gets accepted.  Others.. when Ned Beatty walks into the stadium. (That's the part that gets me... something about a dad's pride in his son.)

Mom, Dad, Me ... and a lot of ND merchandise
I couldn't help but think of Beatty's line as I walked to meet my parents, aunts and uncles at their normal tailgating spot in the parking lot in front of the Joyce Center.  There's a certain smile people have when they're at a Notre Dame game.. they all had it when I walked up.  It felt good to be with family and friends.  I was proud to be there.  I'm lucky to have found a great job, doing what I love, in a place that's so special to my family.. in a place that allows me to feel like I'm at home. 

The ND Band enters the stadium

Dad and the Good Year Blimp


te'o manti                                                    

Friday, October 7, 2011

Busy Day in News... and in the Newsroom!

Busy Friday!

A lot happening in the news and the newsroom!

The FOX 28 Sports Team is getting ready for tonight's Sports eXtra!

Oh... and check out FOX 28's Magazine Cover Model Traci Capellman!

It's a really nice article, and yes she's just as nice in person!

I'm really excited about this weekend. It's the 1st ND home game since I moved to town. The family will be here. Can't wait!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Windy Weekend in Western Michigan

My first weekend after my first week at the new job... and it was relaxing.  I drove up to South Haven. (MI... not MS... for those in the Mid South)

Too cold to go in the water... at least for me!! And it was WINDY:


The weather was perfect though for the wind surfers!! (I think that's what these guys are doing, right?  Correct me if I'm wrong.)  Bud and I sat and watched for a bit on the pier.  Incredible stuff. 



Looking forward to the Notre Dame game this weekend in South Bend!!  The family is coming down .. and they're bringing me a ticket!  Can't wait.