| In 1979, I heard from one of my former grad school professors, Russel B. Nye, who tipped me off about a pending series to be published about popular culture figures. Nye was one of the founders of the Popular Culture Association; he had previously won a Pulitzer Prize and was held in awe by several generations of students. He urged me to make a proposal to the publisher. Dutifully, I proposed a book on Knute Rockne, it was accepted, and published in 1983. Without Nye's generous, thoughtful recommendation, much in my life might not have ensued. I am forever in his debt. |
| A decade later, I was involved as a consultant on a documentary film about Rockne. Then Sagamore Publishing, under the leadership of the Bannon family, proposed reviving an older project, an Encyclopedia of Notre Dame football. That book has now gone into two editions, and I enjoy an excellent working relationship with Sagamore, with more books being planned even as this rewrite of the original Rockne book is being published. I am deeply indebted to Mike Pearson at Sagamore for his mentorship and sensible approach to this fascinating publishing field. |
| I am an academic, a professor of English and peace studies, with a special interest in Holocaust studies. Much of this work is sobering, with a high emotional price. My work in football is a healthy counterbalance to this... which my wonderful life partner, Gerianne, probably recognizes and fosters. I offer my sincere sense of my personal gratitude to her for her constant love, keen research skills, and kind support. Likewise, my four children see plenty of their father watching taped game replays and poring over game accounts from three-quarters of a century ago. I hope I've had enough time with them, but it has been hard. |
| I must also thank the many Notre Dame football players and members of the Notre Dame family who have been excellent and kind resources for me over the years: Moose Krause, Paul Castner, Chet Grant, Leon Hart, Brian Boulac, Rocky Bleier, Drew Mahalic, Jerome Heavens, and Bob Golic. Coach Dan Devine has recently been a fascinating, honest, thoughtful partner in a shared project. We have a friend, Lyn Leone, who has offered much assistance and timely support. Notre Dame's Sports Information Director, John Heisler, has always |
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