Notre Dame and the Game that Changed Football

Notre Dame and the Game that Changed Football
Author: Frank P. Maggio
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2007-08-01
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 9780786720149

Between 1880 and 1905, more than 325 deaths were reported in college football, and several major football schools, including Princeton, Harvard, Columbia, and Penn, threatened to drop the sport. President Theodore Roosevelt even called a White House conference to eliminate football's violence. One result was the development of the forward pass, which reduced the frequency of dangerous collisions between helmetless players. Enter Jesse Harper, head football coach at Notre Dame. Harper recognized the potential of the forward pass, and, by the summer of 1913, along with star players Knute Rockne and Gus Dorais, had perfected an efficient, overhand throwing motion. With this new offensive weapon, the Fighting Irish marched into West Point that fall to face the Eastern powerhouse Army, and routed the Black Knights 35–13. This victory not only changed the way football would be played, it also established Notre Dame as a football power. This is the story of Jesse Harper and his tremendous impact on the game we know today. Drawing from years of original research, Frank P. Maggio brings the classic victory to life and recounts Jesse Harper's role in Notre Dame's evolution into college football's most successful and storied program, and an elite university.

Unbeatable

Unbeatable
Author: Jerry Barca
Publisher: Macmillan
Total Pages: 321
Release: 2013-08-13
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1250024838

An account of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish's unbeaten 1988 season cites the pivotal contributions of such figures as coach Lou Holtz, star quarterback Tony Rice and NFL-bound Ricky Watters, drawing on original reporting and interviews to include coverage of the infamous "Catholics vs. Convicts" game.

Rockne of Notre Dame

Rockne of Notre Dame
Author: Ray Robinson
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 305
Release: 1999-09-23
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0195355644

In a mere twelve years, Rockne's "Fighting Irish" won 105 games, including five astonishing undefeated seasons. But Rockne was more than the sum of his victories--he was an icon who, more than anyone, made football an American obsession. The book gives us colorful descriptions of such Rockne teams as the undefeated 1924 eleven led by the illustrious Four Horsemen, and the 1930 squad, Rockne's last and greatest. A renowned motivator whose "Win one for the Gipper" is the most famous locker-room speech ever, Rockne was also football's most brilliant innovator, a pioneer of the forward pass, a master of the psychological ploy, and an early advocate of conditioning. In this balanced account, Rockne emerges as an exemplary and complex figure: a fierce competitor who was generous in victory and defeat; an inspiring father figure to his players; and a man so revered nationwide that when he died in a plane crash in 1931, at the height of his career, he was mourned by the entire country. "A solid portrait of one of football's most solid figures."--The New York Times Book Review

Black Domers

Black Domers
Author: Don Wycliff
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Pess
Total Pages: 373
Release: 2017-08-15
Genre: History
ISBN: 026810252X

Black Domers tells the compelling story of racial integration at the University of Notre Dame in the post–World War II era. In a series of seventy-five essays, beginning with the first African-American to graduate from Notre Dame in 1947 to a member of the class of 2017 who also served as student body president, we can trace the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the African-American experience at Notre Dame through seven decades. Don Wycliff and David Krashna’s book is a revised edition of a 2014 publication. With a few exceptions, the stories of these graduates are told in their own words, in the form of essays on their experiences at Notre Dame. The range of these experiences is broad; joys and opportunities, but also hardships and obstacles, are recounted. Notable among several themes emerging from these essays is the importance of leadership from the top in successfully bringing African-Americans into the student body and enabling them to become fully accepted, fully contributing members of the Notre Dame community. The late Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, president of the university from 1952 to 1987, played an indispensable role in this regard and also wrote the foreword to the book. This book will be an invaluable resource for Notre Dame graduates, especially those belonging to African-American and other minority groups, specialists in race and diversity in higher education, civil rights historians, and specialists in race relations.

Faith Restored

Faith Restored
Author: John Heisler
Publisher: Triumph Books
Total Pages: 193
Release: 2013-09-01
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1623683319

A 35-year veteran of Notre Dame’s athletic department chronicles one of the most exciting seasons in Fighting Irish football history, providing details on the team’s rise to a number 1 ranking and offering insights and anecdotes on team stars like Everett Golson and Manti Te’o as well as AP Coach of the Year Brian Kelly. Taking readers inside the locker room, to the practice field, and on the sidelines for game days, this book covers all aspects of the historic season—from the season opening with over Navy in Dublin, Ireland and the thrilling overtime win over Stanford to the ousting of rival USC to complete a perfect, undefeated season and secure a spot in the national championship game. Providing unprecedented access to the Notre Dame football program, this guide includes interviews with Irish coaches and staff, making it the book no Domer will want to be without.

Loyal Sons

Loyal Sons
Author: Jim Lefebvre
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2008
Genre: Football
ISBN: 9780981884103

"Foreword by Don Miller Jr. & Harry Stuhldreher Jr. Afterword by Patrick Crowley & Elmer Layden Jr." -- Jkt.

Personal Foul

Personal Foul
Author:
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2005-08-01
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 0897334892

It was bad enough when popular offensive line coach Joe Moore sued the University of Notre Dame for age discrimination—but matters got much worse when the lawsuit uncovered disquieting evidence of unethical and inappropriate conduct in a football program widely regarded as a model of probity. This is the dramatic story of that explosive lawsuit, which tarnished Notre Dame's burnished football image: the winner of eleven national titles; the home of legends Knute Rockne, the Gipper and the Four Horsemen; the subject of innumerable books and films—Notre Dame football has been idealized as everything that is good and right about American sports competition and, indeed, about America itself. This riveting story begins in November 1996, when Bob Davie is hired as head coach to replace the beloved Lou Holtz. In one of his first-and most fateful-executive decisions, Davie fires 64 year old Joe Moore because—as Davie puts it—he needs someone younger for the job. Attorney Rick Lieberman takes on Joe Moore's case and in this absorbing book he describes the trial and the enormous tensions to which litigants like Joe Moore are subject. This is a David and Goliath story in which the Notre Dame attorneys attempt to destroy Joe Moore's reputation as both a coach and a man. In the process, Davie's own background comes under close scrutiny as a reporter's investigation reveals some damning evidence. And as the trial proceeds, Notre Dame's football program is shown to be rife with legal improprieties and inappropriate behavior involving both coaches and administrators. Anyone interested in sports, in the law, in stories of blatant injustice—and in Notre Dame—will find Personal Foul a fascinating, revealing and memorable read.

Resurrection

Resurrection
Author: Jim Dent
Publisher: Macmillan
Total Pages: 340
Release: 2010-08-31
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1429955627

Jim Dent, author of the New York Times bestselling The Junction Boys returns with the remarkable and inspiring story of one of the biggest comebacks in college football history. In the 1960's, Notre Dame's football program was in shambles. Little did anyone know, help was on its way in the form of Ara Parseghian, a controversial choice for head coach—the first one outside of the Notre Dame "family." It was now his responsibility to rebuild the once-proud program and teach the Fighting Irish how to win again. But it was no small task. The men of Notre Dame football were a bunch of unlikelies and oddballs, but Parseghian transformed them into a team: a senior quarterback who would win the Heisman Trophy; a five-foot-eight walk-on who would make first team All-American; an exceptionally rare black player, who would overcome much more than his quiet demeanor to rise to All-American, All-Pro, Hall of Famer, and to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Parseghian would change everything, from the uniforms and pads to the offensive strategy. It would be a huge gamble against great obstacles. But Ara Parseghian had that look in his eye.... New York Times bestselling author Jim Dent chronicles one of the greatest comeback seasons in the history of college football. Once again confirming his position as one of the top sports writers in the country, Dent brings the legends of Notre Dame football to life in an unforgettable story of second chances, determination, and unwavering spirit.

Undisputed

Undisputed
Author: Mark O. Hubbard
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2011-10-17
Genre:
ISBN: 9780533165124

In 1966, Notre Dame played Michigan State. It was a battle between two of the best teams in college football history. The game ended in a 10-10 tie. Some believe that Notre Dame's football coach, Ara Parseghian, played for this tie. He did not. He played for the National Championship, and won it, a week later. Even after forty-five years, this one college football game played by the 1966 Notre Dame team continues to be debated amongst die-hard fans. The team and the game are still embroiled in controversy- a factor that keeps the memories of Notre Dame's 1966 season alive. On one point only is there agreement- that the Irish were named the undisputed National Champions. What more can be said about a team that allowed only 38 points to be scored against them in ten games, while punishing opponents to the tune of 369 points? As it turns out, a lot, much of it heretofore buried in the fog of the controversy over this one game. Undisputedby Mark O. Hubbard is an incredible and detailed account of Notre Dame's 1966 football season, players, coaches, and the one game that fans have discussed ever since. Hubbard points out this game's immense significance not only in the context of football history, but of American history, reminding the reader that this one game drew a television audience of 33 million-the largest TV sports audience ever-with all spectators watching not just the event itself, but the natural integration of players, black and white, playing together, a significant advancement for racial equality. Though the game steals the limelight, behind the scenes is the Notre Dame Football Team, which brought with it the traditions of fine academics, the Catholic Church, and a close-knit football family with "no breaking point". Coach Parseghian and the players from this team earned for Notre Dame a very precious gift-a National Championship. Undisputed. This is their story.

Ara's Knights

Ara's Knights
Author: Frank Pomarico
Publisher: Triumph Books
Total Pages: 259
Release: 2015-09-15
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1633193276

The ultimate insider's account of a renowned coach and the athletes he inspired With this memoir, former Notre Dame captain Frank Pomarico shares with readers what it was like to play for legendary coach Ara Parseghian, a leader whose guidance extended beyond the playing field and whose tips still inspire his players. The book culminates with the 1973 Sugar Bowl, the climactic and memorable game between Bear Bryant's undefeated Alabama squad and Ara's undefeated Fighting Irish. Pomarico's story is amplified by interviews with dozens of former players and coaches whose lives were changed by their experience with the coach. Parseghian was one of the most successful college coaches ever, and the young men who played for him learned about much more than just blocking and tackling. Ara's Knights is the ultimate insiders' look at one of the great periods in Notre Dame football history.