With the threat of rain throughout the day, “the heavy stuff” did not actually come until game time. There was some intermittent drizzle during tailgating and the winds were strong in the 35 degree temperatures, but we had the tent flaps down, the grill fired-up and plenty of bodies generating heat.
Flaps down….ready for action
For the first-time ever, we hosted the high bidders to a NYC Children’s Charity Auction (where our own Joe Ferrara was honored as the “Man of the Year” in 2013).
The all-inclusive package included an invitation to a “VIP Tailgater”. Discretion says we should not publicize the winning bid, but it was more than $9,999.00
Before inspecting the ND Stadium and facilities, the members of the Official Gator Bowl travelling party wanted a taste of ND tailgating. Former Committee Member George Scanlon welcomed his colleagues.
The President of the Committee said to Abe, “You would make a good Bowl committee member.” It dawned on Abe later that he never said specifically, the “GATOR Bowl Committee.
The grill is fired-up. The tailgate buffet is open. Cheer & chow for all!
Cameron Diaz did not attend the tailgate…but Carol Crofton did. Former tennis star, ND Monogram winner and superstar Chicago realtor always brightens a picture.
Semi-finalists in our most photogenic “Mother-Daughter” tailgate photo contest–Carol and young Mary.
Our next semi-finalists are Maureen and Clare (who really has beautiful hair under that hood).
We also have a “Sistas” photo contest for bestest sisters.
Sedlacek Sisters
Kohler Sisters
Here is a shot of Lorraine (Lumbago) Ehrline (Bago) Sedlacek with Maureen. If you superimpose Bago’s picture with her daughters above, then they would also be very contest eligible among the Mothers-Daughters.
Celebrating the negative one-year anniversary before their wedding on October 3, 2015 next year–Sean Bennett and daughter Clare
The Johnsonville brats were flying off the grill.
Mom with daughters #3 and #4, representing Villanova and St. Mary’s
Abe reminding the gents that his blazer size would be 42-Long.
Abe & Mo enjoying the event; daughter Clare photo-bombing. Just about time to close-up and head into the game.
Tailgate partner Gary Kessler ND ’71 from Dallas is a very successful attorney. He is also very practical. He travels light and is resourceful. For a guy who spends $1000/night for a room at The Cove at Atlantis, when the weather in South Bend is inclement…he just dashes over to the local Goodwill outlet. Here is Gary with his $9.00 jacket purchased on game morning! Gary’s son Sammy “The K” is not embarrassed a bit.
Time to close down the tailgater and head into the Stadium…when the winds picked-up and the rain began. Kick-off time!
P.J. and Lily made their annual Father-Daughter trek to the Golden Dome. She knew the words to every song blaring over the P.A. system during time-outs.
Oh yes…it rained throughout he entire game. But we had a great time.
Push-ups for points! When you are just 100 pounds, the ND guys can really give you a toss. Maddie is airborne.
Plenty rainy, wet and soggy in the stands as the skies opened and the rain poured. Half-time in the Restrooms found patrons huddled around the heaters. Does this guy really think he has a chance of drying his canvas Chucks?
How many times can we watch and re-watch the absolutely magnificently thrown 23-yard TD strike from QB Everett Golson to receiver Ben Koyak in the very back corner of the NW endzone?
http://www.watchnd.tv/#!/
The catch is made. TOUCHDOWN! Absolute bedlam in the stands and on the field.
And as everyone knows…ND prevails 17-14 over the Stanford Cardinal…just as was predicted in the opening blog. Timber. The trees are felled.
