May 20, 2002
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – A confluence of names and faces from the Dan Devine eras at Arizona State, Missouri and Notre Dame came together Friday as representatives from all three schools gathered as the College Football Hall of Fame coach was laid to rest in Phoenix.
Devine died May 9 at the age of 77. A memorial mass was held at Corpus Christi Church in Phoenix, and he was buried with full military honors at St. Francis Cemetery.
Thanks in part to Devine’s presence at the three institutions, there are a number of interesting connections between the three schools. All three current athletic directors have a tie to one of the other schools:
- Current Notre Dame athletic director Kevin White previously held that same position at Arizona State (1997-2000).
- Current Arizona State athletic director Gene Smith is a Notre Dame graduate and former Irish football player, graduate assistant and junior varsity and special team coach.
- Current Missouri athletic director Mike Alden was previously an assistant athletic director for administration at Arizona State. Among those attending the Devine ceremonies with Notre Dame connections included:
- Former Irish players David Duerson (representing the Notre Dame National Monogram Club as its vice president), Jerome Heavens, Kris Haines and Kevin Smith (he was originally from Phoenix and still lives in the Phoenix area).
- Former Irish assistant coaches Merv Johnson (former Missouri player now on the Oklahoma administrative staff), Jim Johnson (former Missouri player and current Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator), Hank Kuhlman (a former Missouri player now on the Phoenix Cardinals staff), Johnny Roland (a former Missouri player also on the Cardinals’ staff), Brian Boulac (now a Notre Dame assistant athletic director) and Joe Yonto (retired).
- Mike Danch (assistant athletic director), Rev. Bill Seetch, C.S.C. (he was a con-celebrant of the mass) and former associate athletic director Roger Valdiserri (now living in Phoenix). While the funeral was going on Friday, on the Notre Dame campus, a mass was celebrated in Devine’s honor at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, with a solitary bagpiper playing before and during the mass. Also, the Switzler Hall Bell on the Francis Quadrangle at the University of Missouri tolled at 10:00 a.m. Friday as a tribute from the Missouri family.
All three schools have created memorial funds. Contributions may be sent to Dan Devine Memorial Fund, University of Notre Dame, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556.
A special “Tribute to Dan Devine” is on display at the grand entrance hall to the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend through May 22.