I am happy to introduce to you all the newest Her Loyal Sons Contributing Writer: George Bashura. George and I met in the winter of 2016, while I was on campus pulling photos from archives for The Men We Became: More Echoes From the End Zone, and was blown away at George’s connection to Our Lady’s University. I am thrilled that he has decided to join our staff, and know you will enjoy the perspective that he brings to the site. Want to know more about George? Here’s his story, in his words …
Irish: It’s In My Blood
Irish fans have a passion for their Irish. Everyone says they’re Irish, but the question is, is it in their blood? I know that answer is yes. Becoming a fan of the Irish was something I learned growing up. Unlike Rudy who would sit with his father and watch the Irish play on Saturday afternoon, I would sit with my grandfather and watch the Irish play in their cozy little home. Throughout the years my passion grew and like any kid does, you start talking and asking questions about your family history. Boy was I in for a surprise.
My grandmother told me the story of my grandfather’s dad and how he was a graduate of Notre Dame. Yes, a Subway Alum had actually ties to the great University of Notre Dame. My great grandfather was a varsity basketball and track athlete at Notre Dame. But that’s not the only tie to the University of Notre Dame. While my great grandfather was a student he had a special friend. His friend was Knute Rockne. Yes, Knute Rockne!!!! My great grandfather also participated on the practice squad with the University of Notre Dame football team which is where he met Knute.
Some Notre Dame football history from George’s Great Grandfather
Knute Rockne introduced my great grandfather to my great grandmother. If that introduction never happened, I probably wouldn’t be writing this right now. And, knowing that story, how could I not be a loyal fan of the University of Notre Dame.
Never did I think that I would be actually living within driving distance of the University. But that opportunity occurred in April of 2015. I actually declined a job when the company said the position would not be in South Bend. Two weeks after that another position would open up and yes, I accepted the position. Myself, like Rudy, had made it to Notre Dame or at least in the neighborhood.
Driving by Touchdown Jesus for the first time gave me the chills. The first Notre Dame game I attended was Georgia Tech, September 19, 2015; and that is a day that seems just like yesterday. I have had so many great times since the day I arrived. Those experiences are due to a great friend, author and HLS writer Lisa Kelly. Currently I am currently enrolled in the Leadership and Management Program through the Mendoza School of Business. I guess I did make it to the University of Notre Dame after all.
I need to mention my buddy Matt Pare. Matt was the brother from another mother. Matt and I would watch games together when I lived in CT. Matt is as passionate as I am about ND Football. Watching games with him was the best of times. We would chat about watching a National Championship together and we got that one opportunity in 2012. Please follow me on twitter @IrishFan4EverGB
Cheers & GO IRISH!
Her Loyal ... Daughter
Lisa Kelly is a multidimensional marketing professional. She has over two decades of marketing experience and earned a bachelor of business administration and marketing from the University of Notre Dame (Class of 1993 ... Siegfried Hall!). She is a Digital Publishing Manager by day and by night is writing her third book, a continuation of "Echoes From the End Zone: The Men We Became" and its sequel "The Men We Became: MORE Echoes From the End Zone." In 2012, Lisa was crowned the "Biggest Fan of the Big East" in a blogging and social media contest, representing Notre Dame.
Read all posts by Lisa
- Breaking Discoveries in CTE Research? - March 12, 2018
- A Football Player’s Lucky Charm? - February 22, 2018
- Part II: From Football to Coffee Beans? - January 31, 2018
