Rockne's Roundtable

Lou,

There is no doubt that clinging to the old ways like they are some knd of sacred tradition holds the team back. People talk about Weis not being a ble to develop players, but I also think development was held back by the lack of a training table, while traditionalists cried athletes should eat with students. Training has evolved to the point where everyone recognizes eating right is half of the equation. Ask Longo and I assure you he will agree. It's like putting regular gas in a formula one racing car. This set us back 5 years.

The unwillingness to address the turf mess is another problem. When we watch Wood, Neal and Atkinson slip as they try to cut, hopefully we realize something has to change. Same with Jumbotron. As fans sleep during numerous TV timeouts, this may keep revved up. Maybe it helps engage home crowd and intimidates opponents.

As far as I am concerned lets take away cellphones, iPads and the Internet from all trustees who cling to the old ways in the name of tradition. Let ND be known as a progressive, innovative school.

Ahhhh yes we tend to freeze our likes in some favorite year or season. There was no "walk" when I was a student and have never liked it. And check your math. 1942 is how many years ago?

But hang on a second. Isnt the field the SAME field the opponent has to play on or am I missing something? Home "field" advantage is never an advantage anywhere unless they change fields when a team takes possession.

As for the Jumbotron, if it will help fire up a dormant crowd, do it. But if not, there's nothing wrong with us, God forbid, not having every angle at every second replayed to us. But about this one, Im indiferrent as I watch the games from my computer in a foreign country.

As Lou said, the tradition of ND is winning while following rules and having pride in educating special athletes, those good enough to qualify and persevere through 3-5 years of rigorous academic and athletic struggles.

One "tradition" I can definitely do without is watching the team sway back and forth to the alma mater as they try to remember the words. Talk about forced.

70th it is. Nothing gets by you guys.

And topgome, I have no objection about the seniors doing that in their last home game, but the way it's been contrived now makes me want to hurl.

After the home basketball games, the players shake and coaches hands of the opposition and leave the floor, and if the student body wants to stay for the Alma Mater, that's their decision. In football, everything is so forced. I've seen players having to run into the tunnel to call back players for the Alma Mater in a "we have to do it" attitude.

My senior year 1996 saw the last game played at ND stadium before the expansion. We ran on to the field (I think it was against USC and Keyshawn Johnson) and grabbed some grass. At the time there were rumblings that we were messing with tradition by expanding the stadium, which is silly given the size of most college football stadiums.

I agree tha as long as we retain the academic standards and the moral standards everything else should be up for review.

Funny about the poster who mentioned the obstructed view of TD Jesus. I still think It's pretty visible, problem has been He's been raising His arms too many times for our opponents, that has to stop... Maybe Hesburgh and Jenkins can talk ton is Dad.

Kelly received a ton of criticism for the way he disciplined Michael Floyd, before, during, and after his decision. I have not heard anyone praise him now that it has worked: Michael stayed out of trouble, got his act together, played great, impressed at the NFL Combine, and became very wealthy. Gee, ya think BK knew what he was doing?

He did not hit Michael upside the head with a punishment that "ended." He created expectations that continued throughout the entire season, held Michae accountable, and it all paid off.

It should become at least one model that all coaches consider using with their athletes.

Great read Lou. I haven't been to a game since Tulsa 2 years ago. The stadium absolutely needs a jumbotron. The life gets sucked out of the crowd during tv timeouts and when Notre Dame turns the ball over. Field turf is another no brainer. I get sick and tired of arguing with the "Keep the tradition" fans.

After participating in my 3rd consecutive Fantasy camp I can't believe field turf has yet to be installed After practicing for 2 days on the field turf, I can't believe howuch difference there is between the field turf and the natural turf. There must be a physicist that can determine how much slower nd grass is compared to field turf. It was like running in sand or bombed out Beirut
It was also interesting listening to some of the older campers who were against the tricked up unis. We were lucky enough to wear the throwback unis for our game which most of us though were phenomenal. Kids today love them as were we when we walked into the locker room for game day
Swarbrick also spoke to us and I'm happy to say he wants to stay independent if possible but savvy enough to know the landscape and that some events may force their hand. And no one has to worry about compromising academic standards. He knows ND is special for a reason. He believes that if standford can be as successful as they have been over the last 3 years so can nd

Add the Jumbo Tron. Add the field turf or even that hybrid turf the green bay packers installed. Do something to where touchdown jesus can be seen from the field. I think that would be great! The tradition that needs to keep strong is 99% graduation rates and high academic achievement. Don't really understand the big deal of adding a jumbo-tron or artificial turf. The team practices on artificial turf why not play games on it too?

Yep, me too.

I like traditions. I like to create new traditions, so to speak, as well.

Don't mind field turf and jumbotrons. Love going to stadiums with Jumbotrons. Love it.
And field turf, just makes sense to me. Evolve. Create new traditions.
Don't mess with the core values, though. ND provides 4-year scholarships, and provides a decent education. I'd like to think it prepares you for success. Don't mess with this core value. I don't want ND to become more like SEC schools in this regard if that is what it takes to succeed in football.