:: Global Football ::

"I hope everyone is recovering from the 5 days of fun playing football for the Irish. During the weekend in South Bend I said to my wife many times what a great group of people we have this year in camp. Then again it does not surprise me because we all share a common love for the University of Notre Dame. This was my 3rd year playing football for the Irish and I have to tell you that each year attending camp I truly realized how blessed I am to be apart of a wonderful event. As I said Saturday night after the game you are all apart of a new family that is my family and the Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp family. I want to thank all of you for making my week so wonderful for me and my family and I hope to see you all this season at a game for the Irish cheering on our team. Also I hope many of you consider trying to come again next year because I can tell you it only gets better."

Bob Johnson
Blue #12

First off, Pat I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity of a life time. Never in my life did I ever think I would be dressing in that locker room and walking out onto Notre Dame's field to play football. It was an experience that I will never forget!

I feel that I now have a new family. I made some new friends that hopefully I will keep forever. A special thanks to the families of Bart McGloin and Rob Johnson. My wife and kids really enjoyed the time she spent with your families. Once again, friendships were made that I hope never break. I still get the chills when I think of walking into the locker room.

This past weekend I had a Para-drop with the Army. Even when I was under my parachute floating to the ground I couldn't help thinking what I was doing last Saturday at that same time. I can now wait to get back up there.

Those five days will always be remembered and cherished for the rest of my life. All of you feel free to stay in touch, and if you are ever in the mountains of western Maryland give me a call. Once again, my greatest thanks and best wishes go out to all of you! "

V/r
Sergeant First Class
Brian Kunis
#14
Your Airborne Irishman

"Hey guys and gals,

First let me give an honor to GOD, because without him none of this would have been possible. I still havent come down off of that high and dont think that I ever will. I can truly say that was the best time of my life(with the exception of my daughter being born). The lord has truly blessed me with an extended family, and I will never ever forget any of you. I would like to thank each and everyone of you for making me and my family so wonderful. All of you guys are great. You have shown me not only to PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION but to LIVE LIKE A CHAMPION also.

Patrick & CO. BIG KUDOS to you and your crew for hosting an event of a lifetime. Words cannot explain the joy you put in this man's heart. I havent stopped smiling since day 1. Thanks for the card as well. I dont know what else to say but, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

To the FOUR HORSEMEN. You guys told me that I would never be the same. You know what? You were absolutely right. I love you all like brothers and thank you for your words of encouragement and just being you because you didnt have to.

To all my fellow teamates and whoever I may have missed, GOD BE WITH YOU UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN !!!!!!!!"

Michael D. Kellum
"THE BUS"
#9

"I wanted to thank you personally for all your hard work in making the football camp so rewarding and a true fantasy. It was a real pleasure to meet all the former players and coaches that participated in the camp this year. They are all great guys and their advice and training made the camp a real learning experience for me. I should also recognize the numerous staff members and volunteers from ND Football program, Global Football, Anthony Travel, ND stadium, JACC, the University, etc. It was really special to have the opportunity to see Ara and Fr. Riehle again.

I would recommend giving "Cappy", the stadium manager, some award or recognition for allowing us to use the stadium and field for the game. I believe that he feels a strong sense of responsibility for the hallowed grounds.

As a result of the alumni lottery this year, I was only able to win tickets for the Michigan State game. Hopefully, I will be able to see you at the Syracuse game."

Go Irish!!
Ned #36

"All of us heard it all week long. ‘Age ranges from 25 to 70.’ Well, I can’t speak for being 70 just yet, but I know that 25 year old was myself. How would my age affect my Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp experience?

Well, this is not the first time that I have participated in this camp. As a young, spry 24 year old, I completed my rookie season. At the 2004 camp I was not the youngest, but I sure felt it. My sophomore year in 2005 I was the youngest and did not feel like it at all.

Through my eyes, camp was different from year to year. The second year was much better and a richer experience for me. I knew some guys from last year. I was the away team in lieu of the home team. I have just received a break on my car insurance due to my ripe ole birthday of 25 years. This does not speak as to how I see the experience however. I am not all that sure that I have a much different view from everyone else in the camp. We all come from all over as fans of the finest football program in the country, nie, world! We Are ND. That is what we are and we live it for a week, regardless of where we matriculated. There is a slight difference in my experience though. As ‘Bambi’ as John Thomas likes to call me, I have some added pressure to perform in the game. Most of the participants may see me as a threat, yet few if any realize that I have absolutely no organized football experience minus last year’s camp. I never played Pop Warner. I never set foot on the field in high school unless I was walking over to run the 200 in track. Still, I love to compete and I love the pressure of being the youngest player on the field. Besides that, I believe that all of us share the same view. For one week, we are football players for the University of Notre Dame, regardless if you are 25 years old or 70. As for me, I look forward to competing as long as the body can handle it.

GO IRISH!!!"

"I just wanted to say thanks for everything last week. The entire experience was just as special the second time around.

Yvonne and the rest of the crew did outstanding as well........they made things first class for us all week.

Feel free to refer potential candidates for the camp my way for references.......I'd be happy to do whatever I can to help out.

Bob J, Keith Cross, Robert H., Joe Colgan and I already have plans to hook up for the home opener in South Bend.......maybe we will see you there."

"Thanks for letting me be a part of a great happening - it was better than ever!"

"Patrick, seems you've done it again. Those rings for third year players was an unbelievably great idea. It reminds me of when I received my ND ring.

I would like to thank all the players for their outstanding participation in Notre Dame Football.By the time Saturday's game rolled around these individuals had been molded into two teams ready for battle. A defensive battle ensued much to my delight!

Your decision to stay at the Morris Inn is much appreciated. We didn't need our cars for the entire weekend (except for Jack and some of his friends who preferred the shuttle to walking). The boys loved the food as did I. Thanks again and have a great summer!"

Go IRISH!!!!!
Gary Potempa