Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1368856
22 JUNE/JULY 2021 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED A TRIBUTE TO LOU SOMOGYI L ou Somogyi represented the es- sence of integrity. He was sincere, loyal, unselfish and humble. He would rather compromise his well being for your happiness. His needs were always served after everyone else's. He never expected more for himself and less for you. When the spotlight shined on Lou, he either turned his back to avoid recogni- tion or reflected it upon someone else. Lou was a shield against judgmental people. He would rather give someone the benefit of the doubt than utter a negative. Lou was committed to the cause. His duty to the team — whether con- structing a magazine or contributing to a slow-pitch softball championship — was 100 percent team and zero per- cent Lou. He didn't hold a grudge. He wasn't wired to hold a grudge. If he ever wished ill upon someone, I didn't see it, hear it or sense it. People leave this world every day and it doesn't change a thing. But this loss is different. This loss is significant. There are those who set themselves apart through their uncommon com- passion and their sheer humanity. They are rare, but they differentiate themselves with a lifetime of goodness. Lou Somogyi is the Knute Rockne of Notre Dame football historians. The best there ever was and the best there ever will be. And that was the second-greatest thing about him. — Tim Prister '82, senior editor, IrishIllustrated.com; BGI editor (1983-2004) COLLEAGUE TRIBUTES I t's been a couple of weeks since Lou passed and I'm still not sure that I have the appropri- ate words to measure his impact on Notre Dame athletics, in particular football. Lou probably loved Notre Dame, the ideals of the University and its athletic program, more than anyone I came across in my 13 years at the school. He displayed that passion with every word that he ever wrote, especially the lengthy ones that detailed the depth, or lack thereof, of the inside linebacker position. Yes, even during USC week. I grin ear-to-ear thinking about it. The man simply left no area of the program uncovered. Now that I'm left to ponder Lou not covering Notre Dame anymore, I immediately think of the quote from Herman Boone in "Remember the Titans." "You cannot replace a Lou Somogyi." Everyone that's covered the Irish over the last 40 years would agree. Lou was immensely helpful to me in my role with Notre Dame football, and never once hesitated or ever asked for something in return. Lou always wanted to help, whether it was me or another member of our staff. His impact on those of us — lucky enough to call him a colleague or friend — is much easier to put into words. He was just better than all of us in every important way. Sincerity Kindness Loyalty Devotion Fairness Determination Modesty You did Our Lady proud, Lou! Rest easy, friend. — Michael Bertsch, Notre Dame director of foot- ball communications (2013-19) P ulling away from The Gug after a preseason press conference in 2013, I noticed Lou So- mogyi waving his arms on the sidewalk, trying to flag me down. Because you always stop and listen when Lou talks, I hit the brakes and rolled down my window. Lou wanted to congratulate me on the birth of my son Tate, who was born earlier that summer. I had no idea how Lou even knew about this, but again, you do not question how Lou Somo- gyi knows things. Then Lou presented a hand- knit blanket for 3-month-old Tate, blue with a white border. I thanked him and wondered to myself, who in the world does this? Lou and I had not worked together at Blue & Gold for almost a decade. We didn't run into each other socially around South Bend. It was just interactions at games, press conferences and practices. And yet, not only did he know about the birth of my son, he wanted to commemorate it. It was important to him. That Lou left us after a heart attack is such cruel irony, as I have never met a soul with a heart quite like Lou Somogyi. He will be missed and never replaced on the Notre Dame beat or in this world. Tate Sampson is about to turn 8 years old. We still have the blanket. — Pete Sampson, staff writer, The Athletic; BGI staff writer (2001-05) I was surfing on my computer this morning when I saw the post about Lou's passing. I'm 92 now and at my age the passing of relatives and friends is fairly commonplace. This was different. It was like losing a brother. It almost brought tears and has left an incredulous feeling in my chest. I always looked at Lou as a "miracle" worker in the way he was able to get each BGI issue done on short notice and offer the subject matter which kept it interesting. You had to read it from Burlage to Somogyi. Lou set a standard of excellence his successor may find difficult to emulate. All who knew him lost a friend and someone who could take them back into the history of Notre Dame athletic lore. The Lady atop the Golden Dome will welcome him for his due diligence and love for Her and his pas- sion for the university She represents. Lou will be missed, but I'm certain all who sub- scribe to BGI will remember him, especially when they turn to the last page. — Tony Roberts, Notre Dame football radio voice (1980-2006) H aving retired after 39 years behind the mi- crophone at Notre Dame Stadium, the truth can finally be told: I did very little homework in the weeks leading up to each recent season and never even went to a practice (too darn hot) or a scrimmage. Now, I did a lot of homework during the season, but there was no need prior because I had the ultimate cheat sheet — Lou. I picked two dates, one in early August and the second a week before the season opener to tell Lou I would call him. He gave me all the time I needed and went over everything from some hot-shot freshman I never heard of to some of- fensive lineman who stubbed his toe and may or may not play. AND, this is big for your average PA announcer, he told ME how to pronounce the names!!! All the while Lou was kind, humble and caring. A true gentleman in a world where many people have no idea how to lead their lives that way. Now, I am glad I retired, because without Lou, I would have to work hard. God Bless Lou. — Mike Collins, Notre Dame football public ad- dress announcer (1982-2021) Lou and Tim Prister at the BCS National Championship Game in 2012. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA