Assist of the Game: Remembering Father Ted One Year Later

Given their stellar record, it's hard to get tickets to a Golden State Warriors game this season. However, if you do, there is so much—maybe too much—to take in.  On the one year anniversary of the death Father Ted Hesburgh, CSC, former president of the University of Notre Dame, I would like to call attention to something all of those lucky enough to be inside Oracle Arena might see. It reminds me of Father Ted.

Ask Warrior fans what they love about the live experience and you might hear them talk about the ardent energy from start to finish or the opportunity to see just how big and strong these athletes are "en vivo." Perhaps you love the pregame ritual. For some reason, I just can't get enough of that jig, that dance that the team performs after the starting five have been called out. (In fact, I like it so much, I continually look for it on YouTube. This is the best we can do...for now). Many enjoy calling the name of head coach "Steve Kerr!" in unison. There is much to appreciate in person that you just won't get from watching the game on television. And one tradition, that I noticed for the first time this season is worth implementing at every NBA, and NCAA basketball game: Assist of the game.

The assist is the most selfless of all statistics in basketball, An invaluable offensive maneuver, according to NBA.com, the assist 

is a pass that directly leads to a basket. This can be a pass to the low post that leads to a direct score, a long pass for a layup, a fast break pass to a teammate for a layup, and/or a pass that results in an open perimeter shot for a teammate. In basketball, an assist is awarded only if, in the judgment of the statistician, the last player's pass contributed directly to a made basket. An assist can be awarded for a basket scored after the ball has been dribbled if the player's pass led to the field goal being made. A great passer must have an understanding of his teammates' abilities, outstanding ball-handling skills, court vision and the ability to see plays develop before they occur. 

I think it's also worth noting that "the recorded of assists in a single D1 game is 22, held by Sherman Douglas of Syracuse. Avery Johnson of Souther and Tony Fairley of Charleston Southern. Duke's Bobby Hurley holds the career record with 1,076.  In the NBA, Rajon Rondo's leads the league with 12.0 assists per game.

Fans love playmakers, especially those who drain the three...who put up the mid-range jumper....who slam the dunk. But those buckets, buckets and mo' buckets are largely made possible by someone who has the vision to see the open teammate. The assist is a result of a player who looks maybe less for personal glory and more for a collective one.  

Draymond Green leads the Warriors in assists this season. Second to him? The guy putting up the shot, Steph Curry

Yes, the Warriors have the greatest back court in the NBA but they are also an organization who has decided to identify what they consider to be the "assist of the game." It is shown on the electronic scoreboard late in the fourth quarter. I think it's an invaluable addition; whatever we can do to recognize those who make something possible is worth doing. I love that the late Dean Smith instilled this value into his players by a simple ritual. Anytime a player made a basket, they had to point to their teammate who gave them the assist. This exercise is a simple way to remind ourselves that what we achieve is made possible with the hands of others (And hockey does a better job of this! Two players—can get a stat for the assist if there are multiple passes).

And I write about this selfless stat and this important ritual, because today, as I have many times, I point my finger in salute to the late Father Hesburgh. He made co-education at my alma mater possible. Without his efforts, I don't know that I would have been able to attend Notre Dame. The fact that women were admitted just twenty years prior to my entrance isn't something I take for granted. I don't think I should. I realize that the only ND I know, is a co-ed one, but it wasn't always that way. Father Ted believed women made Notre Dame better. I wrote about that in my tribute last year: Remembering Father Ted Hesburgh for a Lifelong Assist.

This is what Coach Smith had his players do. I would like to think the program has continued that tradition.

With that, I would like to conclude with Father Ted's own words, that were included in the Daily Gospel Reflection by Faith ND. And "thank you" for something much more than an "assist of the game," thank you for the lifelong assist. Pax et requiem. 

There's only one way to do it—that is to put yourself in the hands of the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother. You will see heartbreaks as well as days of great joy. There will be a celebration as well as days of mourning in this Church. But with the Holy Spirit behind you and the Holy Mother inspiring you, these will be great years.

***

In prayer and meditation, we can find the tranquility and the transforming power of the presence of God. Union with God is, ultimately, the only basis on which our community with others can rest.

***

Just this week one of our students asked me a very difficult question: “How do you know God, how do you perceive him, contact him, relate to him?” I told him that God, for me, was Christ incarnate, fully God, fully man, joining in his person God and man, the hopes, the desires, the hunger of man with the transcendence of God. And when Christ left us, he promised us the Holy Spirit to abide with us, to guide us, to give us what we find as the recurring theme of St. John’s Gospel: life and light—light to guide us and life to live divinely. Nothing less is needed to find our way out of the labyrinth of human problems today—with the light of divine guidance.

***

I pray every day to the Holy Spirit, as my friend, to give me the light and strength to do the right thing. And the Holy Spirit has never failed to show me the way and to give me the strength of purpose to struggle on in the face of all kinds of adversity.

The Holy Spirit is the light and strength of my life, for which I am eternally grateful. My best daily prayer, apart from the Mass and breviary, continues to be simply, 'Come, Holy Spirit.' No better prayer, no better results: much light and much strength.

Our Prayer: Loving and merciful God, you bestowed upon Father Theodore Hesburgh, CSC, a great intellect and a compassionate heart, and he used it to strengthen the University and mend the world. As a priest and as a leader, he lifted up the lowly and proclaimed the greatness of the Lord in all things. We are grateful because our lives have been touched by his hope and faithfulness; we are thankful to have witnessed and shared his life’s work to love God and humanity. With him, we “ask again and again for wisdom and courage, the light to see and the strength to do what the times demand and the richness of our heritage promises.” May Father Ted now enjoy eternal life with you, resting in the peace of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Photo Credits
Dray-dray to Steph
Father Ted
UNC Assist

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

February 21-27, 2016 is National Eating Disorder Awareness week in both the US and the UK. We have called attention to it at the school where I teach to "become more aware of talking about body image in a way that confirms societal standards or undermines self-esteem." Because of NEDA, I found myself thinking about the gift of food, the power of words around the issue and the challenge they bring to both people and society in new ways.  

On Monday morning, I opened my e-mail to read:

This week we will have some information presented on the topic through S.I. TV, and we also intend to provide students an opportunity to show their support for people who struggle with eating disorders by allowing students the chance to watch a video that has information about this problem, and then students can answer some simple quiz questions following the video, and if they pass the quiz, they will receive a sticker of support that will allow them free dress on Friday. 

On one level, I am aware of  just how many high school students struggle with this issue. I've heard about it while on retreat and read about it in personal essays. And on another level, I don't. It is too often shrouded in secrecy and shame. It is a private battle. I see its power and its scars. For too many, the war looms long. 

I have coached two sports—rowing and cross country running—that attract the type of person who often struggles with an eating disorder: high achieving, perfectionistic, and self-demanding. While these personal attributes may lead to a certain degree of success in these sports, the harm they inflict on the body and the mind is more than taxing. It is cruel. It's not an easy escape. Lightweight rowers must weigh in an "make weight." Distance runners can shed time by carrying fewer pounds. Indeed many sports incubate unhealthy relationships with food. Too often food is not fuel; it's the enemy. 

Twenty minutes after reading the efforts of the student body for NEDA via e-mail, I heard my favorite sports talk radio show speak of eating disorders in a different way while driving to school.

Former San Francisco Giant third baseman Pablo Sandoval showed up for Spring Training with the Boston Red Sox with more weight on him than ever. A source of continual frustration for Giants personnel, Mike Krukow—Giants radio announcer—said "clearly, he has an eating disorder."

His words gave me pause. When I think of an eating disorder, I think of anorexia or bulimia and I think of women and girls. My vision is limited. The NEDA website offers great insight into the profile of those who struggle. You can find that link here, under Diversity Issues.

I hadn't thought much about the other end of the spectrum with regard to eating disorders. The labels of "fat" and "gluttony" prevent us from seeing eating disorders for what they are.

Eating disorders are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships. They are not a fad, phase or lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person’s emotional and physical health. People struggling with an eating disorder need to seek professional help. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery.

Thinking of Sandoval's struggle with his weight in the way defined by the NEDA puts the issue in a new light. 

Most people saw that the hot corner lacked discipline. The Giants organization made demands upon Panda to shed pounds so he could be faster and increase his stamina. His flexibility and mobility was compromised by the extra 50 lbs he carried. 

A colleague heard the same conversation on KNBR earlier that day and was bothered by it. He wanted to know Why Sandoval's weight was an on-air issue. And why are we still talking about it? Why do we care? I thought: Is it fair to describe someone who overeats as a person with an eating disorder.

The easy answer is that nothing is simple, is it? I do believe a community is necessary to hold people accountable and help them help themselves. I also think every one of us has to evaluate our relationship with food. It's sustenance. It's life and delight. It's a gift,. It's fuel and it's fundamental. Too many people in the world go without it. And...not but....athletes must be particularly mindful of food. The same goes for sleep. It's worth thinking, reading and discussing more about.

And there's one more place to bring this issue: To prayer. 

But another twenty minutes after my commute, a colleague came into my classroom to share with my students a spiritual discipline that he employs. His is "The Examen." As written on "Ignatian Spirituality.com" 

The Daily Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us.  The Examen is an ancient practice in the Church that can help us see God’s hand at work in our whole experience. I find beauty in the fact that it is an accessible prayer. I can readily pray the examen in three minutes or give it fifteen. It’s steps, listed below can be found in the Spiritual Exercises. 

Try them

1. Become aware of God’s presence.

2. Review the day with gratitude.

3. Pay attention to your emotions.

4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.

5. Look toward tomorrow.

The hook for me however was Step #2. He said he likes to think of a something he ate that he really enjoyed that day, as his starting point for gratitude. I saw the smiles on the faces of my students. Every single one of us can relate. And what a beautiful truth: food is a gift with great power. It feeds us, body and soul. It is not to be taken for granted. We must help one another see it in this light and for those who struggle, we ought to bring them out of the darkness.

During NEDA, pray for those who struggle. Pray in gratitude for the resources, help and healing that many find.  Pray in thanksgiving for a healthy meal you had today and for those who go without.

Photo Credits
Heavy Panda
NEDA
Examen

On Numbers and Age....

On Monday, February 15, 2016 I turned 42 years old. If I had my way, no one would know my age. I love the fact that my Irish grandfather lied about his age on his marriage certificate. I do the same thing every time I step on the treadmill. It know, I know—age is just a number right? And it's relative, no? But numbers have power. They hold value, they are symbolic and they bind us. They are pillars in sports and in spirituality. And once I remembered that truth, I decided to have some fun with my new number.

This blog posting will serve as a resource to connect your age to a good in the sporting and spiritual life. Here goes.

42: Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, it's hard not to love Hall of Fame safety, Ronnie Lott. Even though he attended USC, I have nothing but respect for this Forty Niner great. He wore number 42 as a Trojan and for all 14 years he played in the NFL. I got to know Ronnie a little better through his weekly appearance on KNBR's Murph and Mac in the mornings. I remember him every time I play my favorite dice game (and who doesn't love a good game of dice?!), appropriately called "Ronnie Lott." You have three tries to throw a "4" and a "2," and as many points from there as you can! Honestly, my love for "42" has made breaking in this new number that must easier.

Golfing your age: Right now, golfing my age on even the front or the back nine alone (Ocean or Lakeside course) would be a welcome accomplishment. But those golfing greats who can post a score for 18 holes that is the same as the number of candles on their birthday cake have true bragging rights. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal explained why so many people will never manage that feat. I hope, however, I do!

Your favorite number: Choose a number and stay with it. It's no secret that my lucky number, my favorite number is 22. I love the double deuce and reason stems from my all time favorite baseball player, Will Clark. Many San Francisco Giants fans feel the way that I do. His jersey—and number—can and will be seen at the yard on any given game day.

One of my sophomores has had a successful season on the boys' varsity basketball team. In class after an exciting win, I said "#22, good job last night." To which I added "that's my lucky number." He immediately nodded his head and said "Mine too. I was born on the 22nd." Perhaps I should have referenced Psalm 22 or made a biblical connection to a verse or chapter 22, but instead, I enjoyed the moment—a simple, but fun one.

Some people celebrate their golden birthdays—also referred to a a Grand, Lucky, Champagne or Star birthday. These occur when one turns the age of their actual birth date, e.g. when a person born on the 25th of the month turns 25, they celebrate their Golden Birthday. Maybe they could commemorate their favorite athlete's number in a similar way. Why not?!

Religious numbers: The Bible is rich in symbolism, in particular when it comes to numbers. There are twelve disciples because their were twelve tribes of Israel. The 40 days of Lent mirror the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert. Ten and seven are numbers of perfection, as is three. In fact, it is the first of them: 3, 7, 10 and 12. Rounds out my example here.

Jesus was 30 when his ministry began. Given what I teach, it shouldn't be a surprise that when any one of my colleagues reaches this birthday, we remind them that like Christ, they have work to do. When they turn 33....

It is easy to find a link between one's age and what is associated with that number in the Bible and could be a unique way to approach Scripture. Besides, none of us will live to be 666—no need  to worry about all numbers.

In Conclusion: Thinking of age and numbers in new, creative ways isn't hard to do. In fact, both can reveal quite a bit about a person. Have fun...make a list...and see what is added to your life.

Here are some prior postings on numbers in athletics

One that Jordan Spieth wears well

77 year old woman lifts 215 lbs.

Connection in Heroes and Shared Jersey Numbers
Happy 40th, Mr. November: A Few Things Worth Knowing About Derek Jeter

Addendum: My favorite baseball team: The 1989 Giants
Team 127 at the University of Notre Dame will always have a place in my heart.
So will 31-24. The final score of ND #2 over FSU #1 in the Fall of 1993
Best number for a QB: 16
My average drive off the tee....G.I.R....putts per round...GHIN....numbers coming soon ;-)

Photo Credits
Will the Thrill
Trinity

My NFL Experience: Hearing the National Call to Service

Super Bowl 50 has come and gone. The nation woke up with a great hangover. Too much food, drink, festivity have always led me to believe that Super Bowl Sunday should be followed by a national holiday. But it need not be just any ordinary holiday, I believe it should be a national day of service. All members of the NFL from the commissioner on down could lead the charge. It would be a wonderful sight to see.

I learned  from a friend, whose brother is a Marine stationed in Okinawa, that the US Military already has this one figured out. All members of the armed service receive a day off on Super Bowl Monday. I'm glad they do, but I would like to challenge the status quo. 

Rather than giving a day off, why can't we create a "day on." Super Bowl Monday could be a day to serve on a local, city-wide, state or national level—you make the call! This "Day-On" would be for everyone, including those  in service to our country. Such unity could serve as a powerful testimony to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr who said: "Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." Those words cannot be just a vision or an excerpt from a historic speech. If we want to be great, we must serve. 

I appreciate that the NFL included live footage of troops overseas in Afghanistan during the national anthem and paid various tributes to all members of the armed services at different points during the game. All attendees at the NFL experience (inside Moscone Center)  were encouraged to hand write a card to men and women serving our country; I was grateful for an opportunity to say "thank you." Indeed, the NFL has more than a few things to thank the US military for, and defending our freedoms  is the least of them. What I considered to be the most interesting exhibit at the NFL experience tops that list.

A fan of Bose, a company best known for its home audio systems and speakers, noise cancelling headphones and automotive sound systems, I decided to stop by the "Bose NFL trailer." In true marketing genius, they lured people in with their flashy sets of headphones in the two colors of every NFL team (32 pairs in all). I happened to make my way inside to try on the headsets that NFL coaches wear on the sidelines. As written on the Bose website, 
Fans at Super Bowl 50 heard firsthand how we enable clear communications for coaches when the pressure is mounting and critical calls make all the difference.

The quality of sound was pristine.  It was incredible for me to have the sheer noise of the crowd (simulated in the booth) totally blocked out from the technology of Bose. On any given headset, coaches have one of two options to distill ambient sound. I also learned/experienced how quarterbacks and other designated players have a similar speaker put on one side of their helmet so they can hear play calling from their coaches. Obviously, they do not wear noise cancelling headphones on two ears as they need to catch the audible /team talk on the field through the other one.

I came to learn that Bose first created these head sets for those serving the US military. They are extremely durable—a primary concern for those in combat. They are also effective. It was a raw moment thinking of the pilot flying a classified helicopter who might wear a similar headset. I was slightly conflicted as I went from thinking how cool it was to be wearing what Chip Kelly wears on any given Sunday to realizing that people these were designed for aren't playing a game. They aren't earning millions of dollars either....and yet nothing is as loud as Autzen Stadium (University of Oregon).

At the end of the day, professional sports are entertainment. And I know they bring a great amount of joy (and heartache) to fans in a way that little else does. I don't doubt that the men and women serving overseas find a healthy diversion from their duties in a weekly game on the gridiron.

In Luke 12:48 we are reminded:

Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.

We Americans have been given much, let us do something with it. And to the great athletes of the NFL--you have been blessed with incredible athletic talent, a wonderful platform and opportunity to change lives—do more. Let us make the day after a contest viewed by over 111.9 million people, a day of national service. No head phones required. 

Photo Credits
NFL Experience
NFL Bose

Sports Can Illuminate Scripture: Thank You Super Bowl 50

Sitting in Peet's coffee, it was hard to concentrate on writing given the volume of the conversation between two men sitting next to me. They were discussing their plans for the weekend, as the Super Bowl and the whirlwind of festivities that accompany it are in the Bay Area. Anyone can visit Super Bowl City at no cost. For $35, an adult can attend the NFL experience.  Celebrities abound. At my golf club, members identified Roger Gooddell, John Elway, Maroon Five and my favorite, Bo Jackson on the course. Because Levi's Stadium, is 48 miles from San Francisco, it feels as though the larger Bay Area and not just "the City" is hosting "50." 

Even though I wanted those two men to stop talking, or at least turn it down, what I heard prompted an interesting realization: familiarity with sports can help us understand Scripture. Usually the faithful read and pray with the Word to illuminate other areas of our life, but in this case, I realized what else might be true.

A man in his mid-50s said, "Is the Super Bowl on Saturday night?"  

His friend said "no...it's on Sunday. It's always on Sunday."  

"Really?! he replied. "I  could have sworn it was going to take place on Saturday evening." 

"No, it's Sunday. That's why we call it...Super Bowl Sunday."

I couldn't believe what I just heard. I thought to myself you've got to be the only person who thinks that way. This man wasn't foreign born (meaning, that American football might be unfamiliar to him). He wasn't that old that he grew up before the first Super Bowl or that young that he wouldn't know what football is or its popularity in American culture.

I even told my students because I thought it was so funny and someone said in response, the NFL owns Sunday—isn't that a line from the movie "Concussion?" The Church used to own Sunday, and now the NFL does. It's true.

I responded by saying "he's got to be the only person in the Bay Area that thinks this way" and then I realized, I've heard those words before...my words...my response. They aren't much different than the words of Cleopas, a disciple of Jesus.

"The Road to Emmaus," one of my favorite stories in the Gospel, refers to one of the appearances of Jesus after his crucifixion and the discovery of his empty tomb. In Luke's Gospel, we learn that what occurred was "the talk of the town" and had social, political and emotional implications—big ones. It says:

Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.  

And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.  

He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?”  

And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” 

They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.

I never want to forget that Jesus Chris was a real person who lived, breathed, walked and died. His life generates controversy and conversation; his death even more. What transpired at Golgotha was big—so big—that there was a sense among those in the community that it was on the forefront of everyone's hearts and minds.

Super Bowl Sunday doesn't feel that much different. At Mass this morning. several people in the congregation were dressed in orange and navy Bronco ware. At the grocery store, folks were stocking up last minute party snacks and drinks. It's hard not to know what will take place later today.

As we prepare for Lent, let us take time to realize that what we will celebrate in the next 40 days and the 50 thereafter is more than worth talking about. 

Photo Credits
Super Bowl 50
Logo

Proud to Be... One Shirt, One Body

My brother once had a blog entitled "In Front of Your Nose." A likely question would inquire about the name, but if you're familiar with the writing of George Orwell, you know that expression. Another might wonder WHAT is in front my noise? And the answer, according to Orwell and to Stricherz, is simple. It's the truth. The truth is in front of your nose but sometimes it's just not easy to see. No wonder Orwell added  “To see what is in front of one’s nose needs a constant struggle.”

It's funny, sometimes we are more adept at understanding the truth. Often the right decision is in clear sight. And then there are times where it truly is a struggle, so great that it might keep us up at night. But their belief is that the truth is right there; it's pronounced, it's imminent. I've often felt that way about a good idea. 

I can think of at least three tremendously successful companies that provide a service that (before it was marketed) sat in front my nose and yours. It took someone to find it, massage it, systematize it and market it and voila! today we have hotel rooms without a hotel: Air BNB. We have shuttle service without a single taxi: Uber, Lyft and Sidecar and a global news source with little paid staff: Twitter.

I write about this in the context of Sports and Spirituality because those ideas resonated with a new one which is the project of (a literal genius) junior wide receiver: Corey Robinson, I thought he . If his name is familiar, it should be. One, I've written about him two times before, two, his father David Robinson enjoyed a highly decorated in the NBA after graduating from the Naval Academy three, Corey has had his own success on the grid iron, and four—my favorite—word has it that he's running for Student Body president.

Corey founded a project called "One Shirt, One Body." It's not that revolutionary; it's far from complex, but it's something I am proud to be associated with through Notre Dame. Robinson wrote

The idea started by accident last May. My Notre Dame football teammate Cole Luke had some extra Under Armour cleats and didn't know what to do with them. So his roommate, Andrew Helmin, offered to take them back home to Frankfort, Ill., and give them to the kids in the neighborhood. Not surprisingly, the kids were overwhelmed with excitement at the chance to wear the game-used cleats of one of Notre Dame's starting cornerbacks. 

Like a sudden light illuminating a dark room, an idea emerged. What if more student-athletes gave their extra gear and clothing to those in need? That simple notion gave birth to a nonprofit organization now known as One Shirt One Body, a student-athlete led initiative to donate athletic apparel to local communities. 

An epiphany helped bring the idea to life, but then came the hard part: How do you build a working model that could be implemented on campuses across the country? 

I hope you will read the rest of his article to learn how they achieved their mission.

I left encouraged, intrigued and inspired by Robinson's story for a number of reasons.

• Robinson's story demonstrates the truth in the principle: for every action, there is a reaction.
  Action: roommate gives away his extra, lightly used cool ND gear.
  Reaction: kids were overwhelmingly excited to sport cool—albeit slightly used—ND gear. Good stuff.
• Realistically, the story could have come to a good ending with the gift from Cole Luke. But no, Robinson noticed those neighborhood kids and it stirred up something inside of him. In Matthew's Gospel, we read that Jesus saw the crowd and was moved with compassion. His feelings led to action that touched and affected the lives of thousands. This story isn't that much different.
• Recently, one of my co-workers has given a lot of thought to how the music we listen to affects us.  He is convinced that lyrics and the message of each song has more power than we know. He admitted that he doesn't like the way he feels when he allows certain food, specifically junk food into his body, so why should music be different?  
  Robinson writes, "playlists from Majestic Casual and Bon Iver blared until 3 a.m. (as they were brainstorming a plan for One Shirt, One Body). When I encountered the names of two artists I had no heard before, I thought I would check it out. Would it spark creativity? I'm not surprised it did. See for yourself.
• The power of SAAC. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a group supported by the NCAA at numerous schools, isn't a group that is not to be underestimated. This isn't the first idea that they have rallied behind and supported. Last year when I attended the Notre Dame women's basketball game vs. UCLA at Pauley Pavilion, behind the basket I saw a team of female athletes cheering on the Bruins. It was the UCLA swim team and that's because of the efforts of SAAC. They have found multiple ways to leverage change, inspire student-athletes beyond their sport 

The University of Notre Dame does not stop at helping others to understand its mission and values. And one of those tag lines is a response to those efforts: Proud to be ND, or actually #ProudtoBeND. 

Reading about the efforts of a very public student like Corey Robinson, I am. 

Photo Credits
Twitter Profile pic for One Shirt...
Proud to Be: ND