While this has nothing to do with Air Force, there is something always irresistible about a Chicago-style Kosher hot diggity dog diggity…Friday afternoons at the Morris Inn Courtyard hosted by the Sorin Society. Yum.
It was an absolutely beautiful Friday Fall afternoon on campus with families leisurely strolling around the sites stopping for photo memories, kids throwing their miniature footballs and co-eds sunbathing on beach towels on the quads.
It is my tradition to visit the bench of our pal Ron Dallas at the Law School. With Fr. Ted Hesburgh presiding two Septembers ago, we dedicated the bench in honor and memory of a great ND man. Ron loved his family, friends and Notre Dame.
Next, it was off to the unveiling and dedication of the statue honoring Dan Devine as an ND National Championship coach. The ceremony was extremely well-attended by over 60 Devine family members, University officials and over 30 players from those Devine years (1975-1980) when Devine’s teams were 53-16-1.
Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick noted that no incoming ND coach ever had a more daunting task than Devine–not only taking over for Ara, but noting that Ara’s last two teams had a record of 22-2! In Ara’s final season at ND, he was 10-2 and finished ranked #6.
Players in attendance included Jerome Heavens (fellow classmate for ND freshman swimming and Spanish 101), Vagas Ferguson, Teddy Horansky (previously cited as the outstanding starting LG #66 on that ’77 Championship team), favorite Joe Montana receiver Kris Hanes, Irish punter and recent President of the Monogram Club Joe Restic, and regal Luther Bradley–one of the greatest ND defenders ever and still looking fit enough to play.
Coach Brian Boulac was also in attendance and he reminisced about some of the great offensive linemen he coached– particularly of that era: Teddy, Ernie Hughes, our great pal (God Rest his Soul) Dave Huffman, and pianoman John Scully.
Gate A at the Stadium. Now to be referred to as the “Devine Gate”
Coach Dan Devine immortalized
Grads of our era forever recall the exploits of featured running back Jerome Heavens. Others before and after Jerome (ex: Vagas) may have had gaudier numbers, but he was a key offensive component during one of the greatest periods in ND football.
I spoke privately to Coach “Bou” who was always most fond of Dave Huffman–attending Dave and Cathy’s wedding, other family and social events and including sadly Dave’s funeral. Bou looks old and frail, but he is very sharp in his recollections and he and Dave obviously had a special relationship.
Jerome Heavens and Coach Brian Boulac
The Rockne Heritage Society hosted its annual reception and dinner for its members Friday evening and the featured speaker was Rocky Bleier. While he won the National Championship in 1966 for ND and then went on to win four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he spoke more passionately about his service to his country in Vietnam (being wounded twice) and his lifelong commitment to his faith and fellow man.
Rocky remains extremely fit and very energetic. He is a motivational speaker and author…and a very proud ND Man.
I was pleased to have Fr. (Broadway) Joe Carey accompany me to the event at Club Naimoli at the Purcell Pavilion. Not only did “Broadway” Joe preside over our wedding ceremony in 1981, he baptized 3 of our daughters at the ND Log Chapel. He is also a very proud ND Man.
Abe, Rocky and Broadway Joe
Rocky is 12 years older…and in much better shape than me. Very impressive
Broadway Joe with Nils Rockne, grandson of Knute. While he did not know Grandpop, he had many great stories.
Time to head out for tailgating. As predicted, it is a gorgeous day. Irish will be playing more younger players. There has been focus upon Special Teams this week. We are the best 3-2 team in the U.S. and will prevail today.
GO IRISH.
BEAT FALCONS!
Out for now,
Abe