Returning to campus for a non-football weekend is different in many ways, though football still stirs.
All players take Summer School these days, the Coaches live here year-around of course, and legendary Coach Ara Parseighan regularly gets his hair cut at Armando’s. We are remarkably on the same schedule.
Ara is warm, gentle and engaging. It is hard to imagine the fiery Armenian in his prime lighting up his players in practice and games as reported my some of his lads who are also regulars at Armando’s when they are in town. Apparently, Ara was very effective in getting his point across.
Ara seems very supportive of new Head Coach Brian Kelly and the first year of his program. He made a number of Lou Holtz references and they seem to be pals. He was never disparaging about any former ND coaches (nothing about wardrobes, schematic advantages, etc.)
He is also gracious to pose and sign.
Abe & Ara at Armando’s
Same visit and just minutes later, a very casual Digger Phelps walks in for his usual—shampoo and cut. The juxisposition of how suave and dapper Digger is on ESPN vs. how relaxed he is in his hometown is actually kind of neat—usually jeans and t-shirt.
One customer with his hair already styled; while another is next in the chair
Digger is quite a proud Grandpop and speaks of the athletic prowess of grandsons (baseball) and granddaughter (soccer). These are the children of his daughter Karen and husband Jamie Moyer, long-time MLB pitcher currently rehabbing his arm for the Phillies.
They have a very special and successful family foundation called Camp Mariposa designed specifically to help children who have been affected by drug and/or alcohol addiction of a family member. Karen and Jamie are prominent in the community in Philadelphia for their work. By every account, they are very good people.
On Friday evening before dinner, there was a very well-attended presentation in the Purcell Pavilion as Regis Philbin hosted a “roundtable” discussion among former ND coaches Ara, Lou and Gerry Faust. They were each very reflective, informative and humorous. The genuine goodness of Gerry Faust was evident—perhaps not a great college football coach…but a very fine man.
Ara was as sharp as ever. Funny and serious. Some great stories of outstanding teams, games and special players. He spoke of Nick Eddy and some other teammates coming to his house earlier that day to spend time with the Coach…just like in their playing days.
Lou was hilarious, but quite stern when addressing the recent revelations about Jim Tressel and the Ohio State program. He did not sound sympathetic at all.
At the Reunion Mass and dinner Saturday night, Fr. Ted gave an inspirational homily. Our version of the “American Pope” is an incredibly gifted and sainted man. So many of us are fortunate that he signed our diplomas. See link below for his address:
http://supporting.nd.edu/hesburgh-homily-reunion-2011/