Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/400621
THE FIFTH QUARTER LOU SOMOGYI "The truth is never pure and rarely simple. … But the emotional truths about child- hood have a power that transcends objec- tive fact. They stay with us through all the years, withstanding the ambivalence that so often accompanies the experience of adults." — Bob Costas' eulogy at Mickey Mantle's funeral T he text message came on my phone from a longtime friend on Oct. 14: "Saw that Art Best passed away. Thought of you immediately." The 1972-74 Notre Dame running back had battled cancer and liver com- plications for five-plus years and died at age 61. He was my Mantle, the guy I wanted to be while growing up in my pre-teen years — a superb athlete, excellent student (architect major), a Joe Cool persona, with women melting at his Adonis-like features. "His size, muscle development and speed — you just didn't find many backs like him back then," 1964-74 Irish running backs coach Tom Pagna said of the 205-pound speedster who ran the 100-yard dash in 9.7 seconds. My original Notre Dame hero was split end Tom Gatewood (1969-71), the first football player I ever met. When he graduated, someone had to take his place. On Oct. 14, 1972 (what irony), I found him while attending my first game ever at Notre Dame Stadium. Wearing No. 23 and just promoted from the JV team, the freshman Best took a reverse on his first carry and electrified the audience with a 56-yard TD burst in the 42-16 win over Pitt. It was the longest run from scrimmage by a Notre Dame back in 22 games. Two weeks later, with the Irish holding a 7-0 lead versus TCU in the third quarter, Best was handed the ball for the fourth time in his career — and bolted for a 57-yard score. He made it look so easy in all facets of his life. When the team went to the Orange Bowl that year, the freshman Best swung a date with the Miss Mi- The Best Of Times Remain Art Best was the second-leading rusher for the 1973 national champs as a sophomore, and made plenty of news off the field. PHOTO COURTESY NOTRE DAME MEDIA RELATIONS