BRIAN KELLY: The biggest news to come out of today’s press conference is the decision to play both quarterbacks, Everett Golson and Malik Zaire, in the bowl game. Coach has seen “a real focus and attention to some specific things that will make them better quarterbacks” and stated that each has “benefited from the last three practices and film time.” As an aside, if you belong to Camp “Only Go Bowling When You DESERVE It,” listen to Coach’s words, for he gives at least three specific examples of players who have used the extra practice time to improve their game. Golson has “handled [the competition] great,” according to Coach, while Mike McGlinchey, fresh on the heels of ousting Christian Lombard at Right Offensive Tackle, has made that position “very competitive.” Freshman Greg Bryant has also distinguished himself in practice, demonstrating “a good sense of what we are trying to accomplish.” On the injury front, Coach is hopeful to have Sheldon Day, Max Redfield, and Jay Hayes ready to play. Eilar Hardy, who graduates at the end of the semester, will be eligible and will play. On the NFL front, Kelly has a good sense of the four players’ (Stanley, Day, Golson, Martin) draft status given his communications with NFL coaches and GM’s. Stanley is the only one of the group who, if he leaves early, will not leave with a degree.

Equally noteworthy, Paqui Kelly was on hand at the start of the presser to announce the Kelly Cares foundation’s donation of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, who will use the money to support its Food 4 Kids Fun Packs Program. The donation was made on behalf of ND’s coaching staff, who give their time to the Kelly Cares Football 101 program, which you can learn more about, here.

LES MILES: The Mad Hatter began his press conference with no audio or video recording because, well, he’s mad. Actually, he spoke into the void to address the “Miles to Michigan” situation. Suffice it to say that Les is not going anywhere. The cynic in me says he’ll still go, but I do think that he feels a genuine attachment to his players, an emotion that comes across clearly in today’s remarks. Today was “LSU versus LSU.” The Tigers practiced at a fast tempo and will continue to do so in their next practice. In their third, they will start practicing for Notre Dame. I’ll leave it to you if Les was making an SEC-speed dig there. Injury-wise, the Tigers are expecting to have Kenny Hilliard back for the Music City Bowl. That’s bad news for Notre Dame. Their center, Elliott Porter, however, will not.

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HLS NEWS: This last Sunday was Gaudete Sunday, and we here at HLS were extra joyful, as our own Molly Moran successfully completed her nursing school program last week. That joy, though, was tempered by the news that our own Lisa Kelly lost her grandmother on Sunday. Our prayers of condolence and peace are with her and family at this time.

The post Coach Speak: Post-Practice Pressers from Kelly and Miles appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.

[Kelly Cares Foundation]

Do you have a special lady in your life who needs a little help in the football department? Or maybe she has the general concept of the game of football but would like to refine her knowledge on the rules of the game and strategy involved? Check out this upcoming event benefiting the Kelly Cares Foundation: Football 101.

The Kelly Cares Foundation, a charity founded by University of Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly and his wife, Paqui, will co-host the fifth edition of the highly touted Football 101 from 5-10 p.m. on June 10 on the University campus. The event sponsors are Meijer, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Boling Vision Center and ABC 57.

Yes, the Kelly Cares Foundation is more than just this Football 101 event. Brian and Paqui Kelly began the Kelly Cares Foundation  to support organizations, initiatives and programs that closely align with the goals and values of the Kelly family. A strong emphasis has been made on three main pillars: Health, Education, and Community.

To accomplish its mission, Kelly Cares emphasizes:

Health — Through promoting breast cancer awareness, supporting those in need, funding valuable research, and encouraging prevention.

Education — By funding educational research and supporting institutional advancement at all levels and capacities.

Community — Strong communities are a direct result of active participation on the part of their citizens. The Foundation supports projects and initiatives that encourage the engagement of individuals in their local communities.

So what exactly is Football 101? Football 101 gives women at least 21 years old a tutorial session on football basics, an opportunity to meet the Notre Dame football coaching staff, learn Fighting Irish football trivia and enjoy an upscale taste of area restaurants. Participants get a behind-the-scenes look at the Guglielmino Athletics Complex (football headquarters) and LaBar Practice Complex (football practice fields).

Following check-in near the Guglielmino Athletics Complex (affectionately known as The Gug – pronounced GOOG), a reception will occur from 5-6:30 p.m. on the grounds of The Gug. Drinks and appetizers will be provided by some of Michiana’s top restaurants, plus patrons will be able to meet Notre Dame’s coaching staff and browse through items for the evening’s raffle.

After the reception, participants will be split into groups and travel from station to station. The Fighting Irish coaching staff will teach the basics of football form and technique, including passing, catching and kicking footballs, on the LaBar practice fields. Inside the Gug, other members of the coaching staff will teach the fundamental X’s and O’s of the game, helping participants learn concepts such as how missed blocks and route running can make the difference between a sack and a touchdown. The evening concludes with the entertaining fashion show of athletic gear and football equipment.

Proceeds from Football 101 benefit breast cancer prevention, awareness and early detection initiatives chosen by Kelly Cares Foundation.

Registration must be completed prior to the event and is limited to 600 participants. Each of the previous three events sold out, so women interested in attending are encouraged to sign up soon.

This year’s participant jersey is an authentic Notre Dame Football practice jersey which is pictured below.

***All sales are final and there are no refunds. If unable to attend, please contact our office for policy information.

Register here!

Want to get involved with the Kelly Cares Foundation? Visit their web site for more information on getting involved with the foundation. You can also follow them on Twitter here: @KellyCares

Go IRISH!

The post Kelly Cares Foundation Presents: Football 101 appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.