Nov. 15, 2006
Due to the popularity of the ND Football Fantasy Camp the past four years, a second session was added when planning began this past August. This has proven to be a smart move, as Session I, June 27-July 1 is already sold out! The second session, July 1-5, still has limited space available for both “players” and “honorary coaches”, with a maximum of 60 spots only for men of all ages. Their Fantasy Game will be held July 4th in Notre Dame Stadium, with 2 days or training prior to the game.
As in recent years, the Notre Dame football coaching staff will be working both sessions of the Camp, with specific practices focused on defense, offense, special teams, and game day preparation. Last year Mike Haywood, Peter Vaas, Jappy Oliver, Ron Powlus and Brian Polian lent their expertise to those who participated. In 2007, this group will be expanded to include more members of the coaching staff, as well as athletic trainer Jim Russ and equipment managers.
A highlight of the Camp will be the opportunity for all attendees to meet and listen to head coach Charlie Weis, as he will take time out of his busy summer schedule to address the “team” at both sessions. He is eager to donate his time, realizing that the funds from the event are helping the National Monogram Club.
“I am happy to be a part of what has become a new tradition here, the Football Fantasy Camp, and to offer my time. The funds generated and donated to the Monogram Club will help in their mission, and I also look forward to sharing some thoughts with these men who now can live their dream of playing football for the Irish.”
Each year a new group of men choose to join the Notre Dame team at Fantasy Camp, many of them coming as the result of a gift from their wives or other family members. Talk about the perfect Christmas present!
Another curious aspect is that dozens of fans return year after year to relive this experience, with some having attended two, three, or even four years running.
John Thomas, 54-year old executive from Dallas, Pa. and the only player to be 4-0 in Fantasy games, leads the group coming back for their 5th “redshirt” year. Thomas notes, “Since my team always wins, I could not let my friends down, I will be there again. Plus, it has become a summer ritual for my family.”
Some of the former Fighting Irish players who are expected to help with the Camp include: Mike McCoy, Scott Kowalkowski, Reggie Brooks, Kris Haines, Luther Bradley, Robin Weber, Phil Carter, Bob Gladieux, Mirko Jurkovic and Mark Green. This list will continue to expand, allowing all new players to learn from and interact with former players who helped develop the traditions of Notre Dame Football.
The Morris Inn on campus will be the host hotel for Session II, and all participants will take home official home and away game jerseys with the number of their choice, game pants, adidas cleats, practice apparel, camp hat, t-shirt, polo shirt, shorts, duffel bag and camp highlight DVD.
For more information contact Camp Director and former ND QB, Patrick Steenberge, Patrick@globalfootball.com; 817-219-7274, or go to www.NDfootballfantasycamp.com