Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/167574
Under the Dome Five Questions With … Manager For Monogram/Football Alumni Relations And Former Player Reggie Brooks Former Notre Dame All-American running back Reggie Brooks is in his fourth year as the school's manager for monogram/football alumni relations. His main responsibility is to reach out to former student-athletes and reengage them with the athletic department and the university. He also serves as the sport administrator for the cross-country and track and field programs. Brooks played running back for head coach Lou Holtz and the Irish from 1989‑92 before a four-year stint with the Washington Redskins. Blue & Gold Illustrated: How was your time here at Notre Dame playing under Lou Holtz? Brooks: "It was great. When you're in it, actually here playing, it was tough and frustrating because he was so demanding. But when I look back now, it was the best thing for me and really impacted my life years later. "It gives me a greater appreciation of what Coach Holtz stood for and what our team stood for." Blue & Gold Illustrated: As the sports administrator for the track and field program, do you push for football players like running back George Atkinson III to participate in track? Brooks: "Yes, I have a really good relationship with the football coaching staff, and I'm able to recruit some top-level football players who happen to be really fast. We're always looking for the best opportunities to benefit not only the football program, but the athletic program in another area. "It's a definite plus. I ran indoor track when I was here, so I feel it's an opportunity to benefit two programs." ▼ Blue & Gold Illustrated: What about Notre Dame would you tell a recruit to persuade him to choose the program? Brooks: "For me, it was about being around people who genuinely cared not only Brooks about what I could do for the university, but who would look out for me. Many times people say this not just a four-year decision, it's a 40-year decision, and I would even go as far as saying it's a 60-year decision. "In my role, I've been able to connect with a multitude of guys from various eras, and the one thing that has consistently shown itself is that camaraderie and togetherness that exudes years later." Blue & Gold Illustrated: Why is it important for former players to stay connected to the university and program? Brooks: "It's not so much about staying connected with the university as it is staying connected with former teammates. The monogram helps us continually stay connected over the years to make it known that we're still a team, still a family. It embodies the good old days." Blue & Gold Illustrated: What was your favorite thing about game day as a player and now as a retired player? Brooks: "The best thing about gameday was running out of the tunnel. You run out and hear, at the time, 60,000 screaming fans. The energy you felt was palpable; it really energized you. "Today, my favorite thing is walking out of the tunnel and onto the field and being a part of that game-day atmosphere." — Staci Gasser Click here to listen to Blue & Gold Illustrated's complete interview with Brooks.