Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/871976
www.BLUEANDGOLD.com SEPT. 18, 2017 5 FAN FORUM THOSE WERE THE DAYS Thanks for the wonderful articles on Ara, especially the cover photo. Growing up in the 1950s as a young Domer, I remember my first TV game, the 1956 contest vs. Okla- homa resulting in a 40-0 Sooner whitewash. Then came the miserable Kuharich years — and then Moses arrived. I will never forget the heartbreak I experienced as a high school junior in November 1964 when the hated USC Trojans scored late after a nulli- fied Bill Wolski TD and the infamous phantom holding call. During my freshman year ('66) I can remember the electric atmo- sphere in the old Fieldhouse when Ara would come out on the little bal- cony and the shouts of "Ara, Ara …" During those years and continu- ing through the Lou Holtz years, we expected to win. I hope for the day when the student body can ex- perience what we experienced, the electricity/excitement and the high standard expectation. Go Irish and Requiescat in Pacem, Ara. Ed Reifenberg '70 Montgomery, Ala. SAY IT AIN'T SO WITH JOE! Sorry Lou, not even close with Joe Theismann as the All-Ara quarter- back (along with Tom Clements). Terry Hanratty and Clements won national championships, while John Huarte won the Heisman Trophy! Theismann's pro career should have no bearing on the All-Ara Team, which I personally think is a great tribute to a great man! Thanks for doing that! Mike Brown Rolling Meadows, Ill. Mr. Brown, that quarterback pick was extremely difficult for the reasons you mentioned. My personal pick was Clements because, as we noted, his col- lege résumé with the most wins (29), a national title, the most famous pass in school history, skills as a dual threat and leadership (he was the lone QB captain for Parseghian) were the best combina- tion of everything. Parseghian was asked on occasion who his QB would be, and he wouldn't budge, offering only "it depends on the situation." However, many of his assistants through the years did say no one could carry the team at QB like Theismann, who for the No. 2 team in 1970 did not have a single back, tight end or offensive lineman play in the NFL. Regarding the 1966 national title with Hanratty, it should also be noted that Coley O'Brien was the quarterback who helped rally the Irish from a 10-0 deficit at No. 2 Michigan State, and then was outstanding in the title-clinching win at Pac-8 champ USC by completing 21 of 31 passes for 255 yards with three scores (the lone start of his career). Huarte as the Heisman winner seems ridiculous to not pick, but unfortunately he had only one season under Parseghian and was not the dual threat Clements and Theismann were. OPENING THOUGHTS Initial observations and prep for Georgia game: 1. Great atmosphere and update to stadium. 2. Jumbotron speakers at times too loud. 3. Customer food service personnel too slow. 4. QB forces too many passes. He is very fortunate that only one was intercepted. 5. Running game has potential to be a dynamic force. 6. More DL pressure required, but you have to love the CBs. Mico Holguin '80 Via the Internet BE HEARD! Send your letters to: Letters Blue & Gold Illustrated P. O. Box 1007, Notre Dame, IN 46556 or e-mail to: lsomogyi@blueandgold.com FROM THE WEBSITE The Campus Crossroads Project debut in Notre Dame Stadium, highlighted by the video scoreboard, received good reviews overall from subscribers on BlueandGold.com. Here is a small sample: BC3ND: The landscaping around the stadium and the fresh look of the additions are very impressive. The press boxes look very classy on each side and the old feel of the large bowl stadium remains. The videoboard is an incredible addition and makes the flow of the game so much smoother. My favorite part was seeing the videoboard inside the locker room for the prayer and walk down the tunnel. BGIUser756: Was unhappy about the project in 2015. Came to grips with it last year. Thought it looked great this weekend. DillonDomer2010: Really was impressed by the updates. Enjoyed the smaller details like the old tickets hanging from the ceiling, lighting fixtures, artwork on the walls and freeing up the view of TD Jesus. GroggyGrizzly: My favorite thing was the uncluttered look now around the field. I enjoyed sitting on the field every so often, but the field seats probably won't be missed. Nickc8692: The audio for the music coming from the Jumbotron was way too loud. I would appreciate a little more variety of music — hip hop and rap are NOT the choice for ALL of the attendees. I had to take a few Advil because of the high volume on the video board. Also, the coordination between the band and video board was poor. For the positives, the stadium looked great. The new seats were very ac- ceptable. The hand railings in the aisles were very helpful. The upper-level boxes and luxury seats looked sumptuous. The scrolling banner and stat info were excellent. The replays were great. The historical replays were very thrilling. 2581: I loved the Jumbotron. The one thing I would change is showing the pregame prayer on the big board. I think that should be kept private. The new video board became the feature attraction during Notre Dame's home opener against Temple, but other details also were noticed. PHOTO BY COREY BODDEN