Print Edition for The Observer for Friday, September 4, 2026

THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING NOTRE DAME, SAINT MARY’S AND HOLY CROSS ESTABLISHED 1966

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 | VOL. LX, NO. 49

Fr. James Martin’s lecture draws protest demonstration

By Matthew Morin

MATTHEW MORIN | The Observer

Late Wednesday, a protest occurred outside the Main Gate by the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property.

family, becoming a story of the progression of his work journey, with Martin adding that “I’m a work in progress.”

Martin told several stories from his childhood and early adult life.

One story he told was in regard

to his “six months as an atheist.”

After his college roommate died in car accident, Martin said that he grew angry and “done” with God. However, Martin noted that after see “Lecture” on page 5

Students make lengthy trip to Lambeau Field

By Andrew Poulton Associate News Editor

Many students will make the four-and-a-half drive to Lambeau Field for this year’s Shamrock Series game as the Fighting Irish square off against the Wisconsin Badgers on Sunday.

The Band of the Fighting Irish will make the trip as well, as is custom for the Shamrock Series game.

The bandmembers will leave for the game on Saturday morning and return on Monday.

“We got a bunch of stuff going

on,” Saint Mary’s sophomore Alice Ries, an alto saxophone player, said, “It’ll be a lot of fun, lots of traditions.”

The band will partake in many of the same home-game weekend traditions in Wisconsin as they do on campus, including the midnight drum circle and concert, which typically takes place on the steps of Bond Hall.

Sorin Fellows, a de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture program for undergraduate, graduate and professional tri-campus students, will

also be making the trip as part of a pilgrimage. Fr. Chris Brennan and professor John O’Callaghan will accompany 37 fellows on the trip.

“The most important thing to know is that this is first and foremost a pilgrimage,” associate director for administration at the de Nicola Center Laura Gonsiorek wrote in an email to The Observer.

The fellows will visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, the site of the only Church-approved

see “Concert” on page 5

SMC heritage center begins work

By Anja Schafer Reporter

religious communities’ ministries, businesses and individual members.

“The archives have a lot of business records for all the congregations, but they also have a lot of histories about all the schools they built, the healthcare systems that they built, a lot of information about each congregation’s charism and founding and history and how that changed over time,” Gordon said.

“You think about how the sisters 100 years ago owned a lot of property in the same way that Sisters of the Holy Cross do, and so all of those business transactions, those blueprints, all of those things are included in the archives.

Plus you’re getting files of each individual sister too.”

As the collections arrive, HARC’s staff must carefully process each shipment before it is placed in the center’s climate-controlled vault.

Jennifer Head, congregational archivist at HARC, explained

OPINION | PAGE 6

SCENE | PAGE 9

SPORTS | PAGE 13

SPORTS | PAGE 14

Sometimes finding yourself means taking a step back and taking care of yourself.

Dad shoes are coming back into style even though people used to hated them.

Main priorities for an Irish football victory this Sunday against Wisconsin.

Hicks explains how dispirited teams represent a general decline in college football.

NEWS | PAGE 3

The fair gave students the opportunity to learn more about the nearly 500 clubs on campus.

Recruitment fair

This Friday, the University of Notre Dame will welcome the newest band to perform at Notre Dame Stadium. AC/DC, the popular Australian rock band founded in 1973, is coming to campus tonight for a show scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. alongside The Pretty Reckless. As of Thursday, tickets were still available via Ticketmaster.

As students, faculty and members of the South Bend community prepare for the show, the University has been participating in a variety of behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure that all runs smoothly this evening.

Lee Sicinski, the executive director of University Events, noted that the interior setup of the stadium will match that of Billy Joel’s 2022 concert with an end stage, as opposed to the central stage for the Zach Bryan and Luke Combs

concerts. This will allow for approximately 6,500 seats in the stadium.

Sicinski noted that preparation of the stadium has been a team effort, with the main goal of protecting the playing surface. In doing so, he noted that University Events is working with the facilities team to ensure the stadium is in “pristine condition” and that the stage, lighting, sound and visual effects are set up.

The University will be utilizing its full hospitality, parking and security teams, as well as working with business partners and traffic control, according to Sicinski.

“Even with students and fans heading out for the game in Green Bay and thousands of concert guests arriving, our goal is to maintain that familiar, welcoming environment while keeping safety front and center every step of the way,”

see “Morrissey” on page 3

The 2026 Morrissey Manor game watch, Morrissey Manor’s signature event, will be held on Sunday for Notre Dame’s season opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Madison. This year, the event is sponsored by Coca-Cola.

Second-year hall rector David

Diamond explained that the hall rents a TV mounted to the top of a fire truck through Monster Energy and grills 2,000-2,500 bratwursts, which get handed out for free.

This year, they are partnering with Coca-Cola, which is supplying Coke products for the event at no monetary cost.

According to Diamond, CocaCola reached out to the Student

Associate News Editor

By Matthew Morin

The Heritage and Research Center has completed renovations along the Avenue and has begun receiving archival collections from 10 congregations — focusing on Catholic religious women. The center, which began as an idea discussed among congregations in 2018, is now transitioning from construction into the process of preserving, organizing and making the collections available to students, researchers and the public.

Barbara Gordon, executive director of HARC, explained that although the Sisters of the Holy Cross are the largest congregation in the project, HARC’s collections extend beyond the congregation.

“We have a Franciscan group, and we have a Salvatorean group, which are larger worldwide congregations, but we also have some that are quite small,” Gordon said.

The collections include records documenting the

see “Lambeau” on page 4

Annual Morrissey game watch continues

By Mara Hall

ND prepares for AC/DC concert Associate News Editor

Associate News Editor

This Wednesday evening, Fr. James Martin spoke about his new book, “Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool, and Priest,” at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center with Kathleen Sprows Cummings, professor of American studies and history.

Cummings introduced Martin, saying, “Fr. Jim tries to help others understand God’s love for them, helps them understand God’s desires for them and also helps them learn how to pay attention when God is communicating with them.”

During his talk, Martin noted that writing his book began as stories he hoped to pass on to his

NDSMCOBSERVER.COM

Help!

Activities Office asking if there was an event they could partner with, and SAO thought of Morrissey’s game watch.

Junior Thomas Block, Morrissey Manor president, said, “We have always been pretty much just stuck to what we were able to provide, so being able to work with Coke on

Dad shoes

Keys to Wisconsin

see “Heritage” on page 5

USC pride wanes

DAILY

2 | THE OBSERVER

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

What is the best thing you can cook?

Have a question you want answered? Email photo@ndsmcobserver.com

Meghan Moy

Connor Savage

Antonio Dominguez

Joshua Johnson

Ache Ekokobe

“Chinese bao buns.”

“Salmon.”

“Grilled cheese.”

“Spaghetti with Ragu.”

“Chicken.”

junior Welsh Family Hall

junior Alumni Hall

junior Duncan Hall

senior Dillon Hall

junior Farley Hall

SOCIAL MEDIA POLL

PHOTO OF THE DAY | BEN HICKS

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How many activities did you sign up for at the involvement fair?

THE NEXT FIVE DAYS

CROSSWORD | WILL SHORTZ

Want your event included here? Email news@ndsmcobserver.com

Friday AC/DC PWR/UP Tour Concert (with The Pretty Reckless) AC/DC performs with The Pretty Reckless.

7:30 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.

Notre Dame Stadium

Saturday Film: “Misery” (1990) Annie Wilkes pushes writer Paul Sheldon to write again.

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

DeBartolo Performing Arts Center

Sunday Morrissey Game Watch 2026 A watch party to see Notre Dame football take on Wisconsin.

12 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

South Quad

Monday National Suicide Prevention Week: Be the Light Coffee Cart Learn about Plant a Pinwheel and recieve a free coffee.

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Library Lawn

Tuesday Film: “Raising Arizona” (1987) A thief falls in love with a cop taking his mugshots.

7:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

DeBartolo Performing Arts Center

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NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

THE OBSERVER | 3

ND activities fair brings recruiting success

By Matthew Morin Associate News Editor

Students at Notre Dame were welcomed by a variety of clubs, activities and organizations at the annual activities fair, held by the Student Activities Office on Tuesday.

This year’s fair was held in the Joyce Center, unlike in previous years, when it was held in the Notre Dame Stadium Concourse.

Some of the clubs present focus on different types of volunteering.

Marie Schafer, co-president of Habitat for Humanity, noted she hopes to gain new volunteers to work with St. Joseph’s County Habitat for Humanity.

The First Aid Student Team president, Dena Mistichelli, hopes to grow the club and increase community.

“For FAST, we get a lot of interest since this is a medical club, so it helps with pre-meds who are looking for clinical hours because we usually volunteer for sports games that are on campus or just random events, like the Keenan Revue,” said Mistichelli.

Donal Connaughton, co-director of Camp Kesem, said, “People volunteer to support our mission of supporting kids over and beyond parents’ cancer. We’re a Notre Dame chapter of a national nonprofit that’s entirely student-run.”

He highlighted the weeklong summer camp and service work the club performs for affected kids, including care packages, showing support and bringing them to campus to play games twice a year.

Other clubs present included business, science and art clubs.

Jacob Ovenshire, president of Student International Business Council, spoke with The Observer about his goal to

Morrissey

Continued from page 1 this, I think, is going to be a game changer and really elevate the whole experience.”

The hall has seen some changes to funding this year.

Block explained that there are some required event characteristics in order to receive funding, so they were unable to get funding from this pool. Nevertheless, he explained that they had a good Notre Dame Day last year and are “willing to sacrifice and pitch in a little bit more to make this happen than we have in years past.”

Diamond noted that Notre Dame Day funds are typically used for the dorm itself, but in line with the Manor’s values and Notre Dame’s task to be a force for good, they are sharing their funds with “3,000 of our closest

MATTHEW MORIN | The Observer

This year’s Student Activities Fair was held in the Joyce Center, as opposed to the Stadium’s concourse, where it had been held in years past. Students had the opportunity to learn about the nearly 500 clubs on campus.

promote the first meeting of the club next week. Ovenshire noted that while many students know about SIBC before coming to Notre Dame, their participation at the fair allows students to understand more about the club and ask questions.

The Robotic Football Club had a booth at the fair. The club’s president Anna Galatas hopes to gain new members to build, fix and drive their robots, as well as to participate in their yearly tournament.

Nolan Waters, assistant officer of Frank Montana Sketching Club, discussed the club’s goal of continuing the culture of sketching and expanding it beyond the community. He stated that the club meets once a week to sketch something on campus and

participates in several demos with “learning by doing.”

“We’re just encouraging people to get out there, take it one step at a time and keep drawing,” Waters said.

The activity fair also hosted tables that may not fit in the category of a traditional student club.

Inesh Nagaria, the co-president and co-founder of the new Business Golf Club, said he hopes to share the club’s mission, since it is difficult to share only via the internet. He explained that by being at the fair, the club hopes to lay out the mentorship program and the plan of having students golf with alumni in the field they hope to go into.

One table belonged to the Congregation of Holy Cross Vocations, led by Fr. Drew

Clary C.S.C. Clary said, “It’s just a great opportunity to meet people, especially the new students who are looking to be plugged in, also to be able to show that we’re a presence on campus.

The congregation is very much alive and well. We have opportunities for guys to discern with us throughout the year while they’re here.

And I think also it’s about reconnecting with people that we’ve met in the past.”

The Debartolo Performing Arts Center was represented by a table, headed by house manager Connor Reilly.

Reilly shared that he hopes new students, especially freshmen, will learn about the performing arts center and attend events - including Trabuco Salsa with Los Ortega

friends” — a contribution and sacrifice that makes him proud.

Despite proximity to the event, Diamond said they are still looking to partner with other offices or organizations within Notre Dame for support in their budget.

“We could always use a little help with the annual budget, just because of the size that this thing has grown into,” Diamond said.

“It just seems to be getting bigger and bigger every year.”

Game watch has always been a serious commitment for the Manor to pull off.

Director of residential life Zack Imfeld and former Morrissey rector wrote, “The event had between 50-100 volunteers to help set up, grill, serve food, clean up, meet with vendors and more. For a hall of less than 200, it was a serious commitment.”

Today, Diamond says, “It takes the entire hall. We lean heavily

on our first years because we like to get them involved early and excited about it.”

Block noted that this year they have had to navigate the fact that a lot of the residents will not be around because they are going to the game in person.

“We are a very teamwork-focused dorm. We have a lot of committees working together to make this happen, so although some of those people are going to be out, I think we have got a really good group of people who are willing to step up to the plate and sort of take over some of those upperclassman roles so that we can get this taken care of,” he said.

In addition to manning the grills, Morrissey residents help move furniture. They also assist women’s residential dorms on South Quad in moving any items outside as well.

“You will see bunk beds out on the South Quad for the game. It is hilarious,” Diamond said.

Imfeld explained that since it formally began in 2017, it regularly attracted 1,500 to 2,000 students. Now, Diamond and Block say it brings out around 3,000 students.

Despite what it has grown into, Imfeld wrote, “The event had humble beginnings. In 2016, I looked through the basement and found a projector and screen, took it on Manor Quad (the lawn right out front of Morrissey), and invited residents and their friends to come watch ND vs.

Texas. The crowd kept growing as the game went on, and I decided to buy pizza, which was all quickly eaten. The game went to overtime, and even though we lost, I could tell that students liked watching the game together.”

The event went on to become

this coming September.

Freshman Mike Eichstadt noted that for him the fair was both “awesome” and “overstimulating, but in a good way.” Eichstadt said that he joined the mailing list for about 15 clubs and enjoyed speaking with all of the welcoming people at each table.

Freshmen Kate Lamere and Mia Keller spoke with The Observer, mentioning a similar sense of excitement at the fair. Lamere noted that although she has recently received many club emails, she feels it is good to see all of them in one place. Keller commented that she believes that these clubs are working to provide for and support her goals at the University.

Danny Llorens and Francisco De la Cuadra, two sophomores, noted that while it was their second time at the fair, they saw many different clubs that they hadn’t seen before.

De la Cuadra called the fair “An enriching night,” conceding he believes the stadium concourse was a better choice of venue.

“This was far worse, to be honest. I think it’s a pretty hot day, and also the hallways are very narrow, so when we were at the concourse, it was easier to move around,” De la Cuadra said.

Sophomore Katelyn Strike said that while she is already a member of various clubs, she joined several new ones.

“It was just good to see friends that I know represent their clubs, and it was a good time,” Strike said.

She noted that she believes the choice to move to the Joyce Center was better than the concourse because of the air conditioning, given the hot weather in South Bend.

Contact Matthew Morin at mmorin2@nd.edu an established tradition, becoming a signature event in 2017.

“During that same year, we were looking to create a signature event and I suggested the game watch to my hall leaderswith an inflatable screen, food trucks, and a grill out- then ran with the idea,” Imfeld wrote. “It always had a screen and we tried to do it for the first away game of the year every season. For food, some years it had 4-5 food trucks, other years we grilled 4000+ hot dogs and brats, some years a combination.”

Imfeld noted that COVID-19 was not enough to shut the event down — seeing the event get a multi-sided screen so that people could spread out.

Coca-Cola did not respond to request for comment.

Contact Mara Hall at mhall27@nd.edu

NEWS

4 | THE OBSERVER

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

A conversation with Fr. James Martin

By Megan Cornell Notre Dame News Editor

Fr. James Martin, S.J., a Jesuit priest best known for his work with America Magazineand LGBTQ+ advocacy, visited the University of Notre Dame for the first time this week. He spoke with The Observer’s Notre Dame News Editor Megan Cornell on Tuesday about his background, the Jesuit mission and his experience on campus.

Cornell: The first thing I wanted to ask you is about your visit to campus. Why are you visiting campus? Could you clarify who invited you, and for what purpose?

Martin: I was invited by the President [Fr. Robert Dowd] to participate in a conversation that happened for the last two days about pluralism and American democracy. And I want to say before I go any further, I have fallen in love with Notre Dame.

Cornell: That was my next question! What has your experience been like?

Martin: I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never been here before, which a Jesuit friend of mine said is close to a venial sin. So I was very excited to come, and I was also happy that along with that conference. I was able to do two book talks. I spent a lot of time with the Holy Cross fathers and brothers who were very gracious and inviting me to concelebrate with them at their Vigil Mass and their diaconate ordination mass ... I’ve gotten to meet a lot of the students and talk to some of the faculty and walk around this gorgeous campus.

Cornell: It’s a good time of year that you’re seeing it now and not in the winter.

Martin: Someone said I might feel differently if I came in February. Obviously, I knew Notre Dame’s academic reputation and its reputation for strong Catholic formation. I really didn’t expect the campus to be this beautiful.

Cornell: I’m glad you had such a good experience. You mentioned at Flaherty [Hall] Mass, and I know that is a part of your background, that you’re part of the Jesuit order. We want to include a little bit about the Jesuit order and what their mission is, and how it might be similar or different to the Holy Cross Order at Notre Dame that students might

Lambeau

Continued from page 1 Marian apparition in the United States. The fellows will have the opportunity to pray, celebrate Mass and celebrate Confession and Adoration.

“When we realized this year’s first Notre Dame home game would be the Shamrock Series game at Lambeau Field, we thought the timing was perfect since the Shrine is located a short thirty-minute drive away.

It gave us a chance to build a genuinely formative pilgrimage around a weekend when many

MATTHEW MORIN | The Observer

Fr. James Martin received a Notre Dame quarter zip during his book talk on Wednesday evening in DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. It was Fr. James Martin’s first time visiting the University and exploring campus.

be more familiar with here.

Martin: So there are a lot of intersections. The Jesuits, more formally the Society of Jesus, was founded in 1540 by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and like the Holy Cross, fathers and brothers were probably best known for our schools, so colleges and universities like Georgetown, Boston College, Loyola, Chicago, and then you know many high schools in the United States and also schools across the world. Our mission is really to help people find God in all things and that early on that included running schools, which it still does. But we’re also known for running retreat houses, staffing parishes and working with refugees overseas. We really do all sorts of different ministries.

There’s lots of overlap with the Holy Cross fathers and brothers.

Cornell: That’s very interesting to learn about the difference. I didn’t know much about the different orders until taking theology classes here, so it’s always interesting. Then beyond the ministry with the Jesuit order, if you could talk a little bit more about your career trajectory to being in the priesthood and any of your own personal missions.

Martin: In fact, this new book that I have out called, “Work in Progress” is the story of finding work in a variety of crazy

summer jobs and then eventually finding God. So it’s actually tailor-made for college students ...

And then I did my Jesuit training, which includes being a novice, studying philosophy at Loyola Chicago, working full time with East African refugees in Nairobi, where I help them start small businesses and then studying for four years theology and then being ordained in 1999. Ever since then I’ve been working at America Magazine, which is a Catholic magazine, and I also do work with LGBT Catholics with ministry to them — a lot of spiritual direction.

[I] do a lot of media work because we get a lot of phone calls from people who want commentators and things like that. So it’s been an exciting life and then the last a couple years ago I participated in the Synod of Bishops, in the Catholic Church, which was two sessions in Rome. That was exciting. It’s been really exciting. But as I said, in all that and all those tasks and travels, I’ve never been to Notre Dame.

Cornell: I know you mentioned also in Flaherty about America Media, and I was wondering if you could explain a little bit more about what that organization is and what they do.

Martin: America Media is a Catholic media organization with a magazine, videos and podcasts.

We’ve been around since 1909.

One of the things I do is I host a podcast called, “The Spiritual Life,” where we’ve interviewed all sorts of people, including Stephen Colbert, Whoopi Goldberg, Martin Scorsese [and] Pete Buttigieg. We just interviewed Matt Maher, the musician. We talked about spirituality. So American Media in the United States is the Jesuits’ main sort of media ministry.

Cornell: Have you always been interested in the media? Coming from a journalist perspective, I’m just curious. Was that always something that you’ve been interested in or was it kind of new for you later in your career?

Martin: It’s a great question.

When I started off being a Jesuit, I thought I’d be in a retreat house or be teaching in a high school or something like that. And when I was in Kenya during my Jesuit training, I wrote an article or two that got published in America Magazine. And then when I was ordained, they said, “Would you like to go back to the magazine?”

And I found that I really liked writing, kind of a vocation within a vocation. So I write books and articles and all sorts of essays and I really enjoy it. So I feel like I’ve discovered that part of myself after I entered the Jesuits.

Cornell: That was all the questions I had about your background.

students were already excited to head to Wisconsin,” Gonsiorek wrote.

The fellows will also visit the National Shrine of St. Joseph at St. Norbert College before the game on Sunday, joining the Norbertine community for prayer and Mass. While the fellows will be in Green Bay for the pilgrimage, the de Nicola Center did not provide them with tickets to the game itself.

Some local transportation services have also offered students options to travel to and from Lambeau Field. Blue and Gold Transportation posted a

“Notre Dame to Lambeau Field” promotion on Facebook. The service will depart from the Morris Inn on Sunday at 10 a.m. and leave Green Bay to return to campus 45 minutes after the conclusion of the game.

Many Notre Dame students are also creating their own plans to get to the game. Sophomore Caleb Tardo detailed his group’s travel plans for this weekend.

“We’ve considered renting an Airbnb, but I think we might just drive up there, go to the game and drive back on the same day,” Tardo said.

Tardo said he researched

rental houses in the Milwaukee area for Saturday night to break up the lengthy drive, although he noted driving to Lambeau and back on Sunday would save “a good amount of money.”

While students have found various ways to travel to Green Bay, students have expressed similar sentiments of excitement about the weekend.

“Yeah, I’m really excited,” Ries said. “It’ll be fun. It’s the sophomores’ first time being able to travel too, so freshmen and sophomores are going to be able to travel somewhere, so that’ll be a lot of fun.”

And then, I was just wondering, if there’s any advice you would have to students or anything that you would want to leave Notre Dame students with.

Martin: I think the most important thing that I wish I had known when I was you know your age was not to compare myself to people. I wanted people to think I was just as cool as the other person, always trying to appear like I had everything in order. And I think it’s just important to remember that, you know, everybody’s struggling, no matter how it looks from the outside. And to relax and to just say that God loves you as you are, and that you don’t need to try to be somebody else. We have an expression in the Jesuits, which is compare and despair. And I’ll tell you, it’s really interesting. Something I wish I’d learned, when you look at someone else’s life from the outside or on social media, it seems perfect, right? And when you compare that seemingly perfect life to your life, which is a mix of good and bad, your life will always lose out. So you should never really compare yourself to someone because you don’t know what’s going on inside of them. I think that I wish I had known that when I was younger and I wish I just stopped trying to be someone else and started to be myself. The Jesuits really taught me that, but that’s what I think.

That would have made college a lot more enjoyable for me.

Cornell: That’s definitely good advice. I feel, especially here, it’s a great community, but definitely competitive academics and stuff too. So really good advice.

Martin: I’ll share something with you. When I was celebrating Mass at Flaherty, I could tell that there were a lot of new students and they looked very nervous.

And yet, when they all came to the Communion line, they were all smiling individually. And I thought that’s really interesting.

In a group, you might feel nervous, but one on one with God, you know that you’re accepted. So to just kind of try to cultivate that.

Cornell: That’s really wonderful, thank you so much.

Martin: You’re welcome, and good luck with everything.

Contact Megan Cornell at mcornell@nd.edu “There has been tremendous enthusiasm from the students, which has been wonderful to see. We had more applicants than available spots and, ultimately, expanded the pilgrimage with additional spots,” Gonsiorek wrote.

Students staying on campus will be able to attend the annual Morrissey Manor watch party on South Quad, or can stream the game on NBC or Peacock at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time this Sunday.

Contact Andrew Poulton at apoulton@nd.edu

NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

Concert

Continued from page 1 Sicinski wrote.

He also highlighted the local community by sharing that it brings them together.

“Beyond just putting on a great show, events like this give us a chance to showcase our home to the broader South Bend and Elkhart community. They bring a real economic lift to our neighbors and local businesses who support us all year long,” he wrote.

Keri Kei Shibata, assistant vice president for Campus Safety and chief of police of the Notre Dame Police Department, told The Observer that the NDPD’s preparations will be built on the game day model, but that the NDPD has “scaled [their] staffing and patrol to handle the guests of this show. This includes everything from traffic control to perimeter

Heritage

Continued from page 1 that the process requires several weeks of work but that it has allowed the staff to learn more about each congregation.

“The records are coming in about every three to four weeks. They sit in quarantine for a couple weeks to make sure there’s no mold or insects or anything else that could damage other collections, and while it’s there, we also start going through them, becoming familiar with them, learning the congregation’s history and finding some of those commonalities between congregations,” said Head. “And it’s just really interesting to be able to learn more about each congregation.”

While the physical collections are still being processed, HARC has also expanded its digital resources. JA Pryse, lead archivist at HARC, has developed three main research pathways that allow users to browse collections, search a database of sisters and use a research assistant to navigate archival materials.

Pryse explained that the digital

Lecture

Continued from page 1 after a friend mentioned to him that she was “thanking God for Brad’s [Martin’s roommate] life,” his views changed and he returned to practicing Catholicism.

Martin then spoke about a visit to Europe after college with a friend.

Martin recalled seeing the Church of the Gesù in Rome, the mother church for the Society of Jesus, in his guidebook but chose not to visit and instead attempted to visit the Duomo di Milano wearing shorts and a T-shirt — only to be stopped at the door before entering.

He continued to discuss with Cummings his belief that God works to bring up memories in order to

THE OBSERVER | 5

at the Morris Inn and Notre Dame Conference Center.

Schellinger noted that while the crowds will not be the same as a football weekend, there will be “an uptick in foot traffic around campus.”

As of Thursday, according to their online booking software, the lowest rate for a room at the Morris Inn, per night from Thursday to Saturday, was $794 per night. The lowest price for a room for only Friday night was $778.

Schellinger was unable to confirm rates, as they are dynamic.

“Our teams are excited to play a part in the on-campus concert experience,” Schellinger wrote. “We always look forward to providing a higher degree of hospitality to our returning guests as well as those joining us on campus for the first time!”

Megan Conlin, director of business development in

security and interior stadium safety.”

While Shibata noted the same standards of preparation exist for a concert, the main difference is that fans have f loor access at concerts, going onto the field. Members of the NDPD will be located both inside, outside and around the stadium, before, during and after the concert.

Shibata wrote that staffing will be similar to that of a game day.

“When we host tens of thousands of people in the stadium, whether it’s a home game under the lights or a major concert, we lean heavily on the long-standing relationships we have with the South Bend Police Department, the St. Joseph County Sheriff ’s Office and our state law enforcement partners,” wrote Shibata. “By treating a concert with the exact same operational playbook we use for a Saturday home game, we bring a level of predictability

to what could otherwise be a chaotic day. Our local partners know our rhythms; we know theirs, and that trust allows us to handle everything from standard traffic control to unexpected challenges on the ground smoothly.”

Sicinski noted that safety and security procedures are similar to game days, with a clear bag policy in effect and walk-through magnetometers being utilized at entrances.

According to the Notre Dame Hospitality website, parking lots will open at 3:30 p.m. to those with pre-purchased passes.

Additionally, there are several shuttles to transport concert-goers from parking lots to the stadium.

The Morris Inn, Notre Dame’s on-campus hotel, is anticipating higher occupancy than they normally would on a holiday weekend, according to Kevin Schellinger, senior director of hospitality

resources are designed to connect different parts of the research process, allowing users to move between searchable information and the original archival records.

“The main idea is that these are no longer separate tools. Browse, structured biographical data, metadata crosswalking, public records and adaptive learning model-assisted discovery are beginning to function as one connected research environment,” Pryse said in an email to The Observer.

The digital archive is also part of a larger effort among four archival hubs in the United States.

“There are four hubs doing this work in the United States, and together we’re called NAPWR, which [stands for] National Archives Project for Women Religious,” Gordon said. “So it’s us, Boston College, Santa Clara University, and then another independent hub in Cleveland, Ohio, called RAC [Women’s Religious Archive Collaborative], so we’re all doing the same work.”

The center is also beginning to expand its relationship with Saint Mary’s students and faculty. HARC is now part of Avenue 101 and has approximately six tours planned for

incoming students this fall.

“These are primary source materials, so the ability to work with primary source materials during your undergraduate studies is rare,” Gordon said. “Also, these are stories that are largely untold, so these are primary source materials that no one has spent time with, no one has studied, no one has interpreted, so it provides a really unique opportunity for a student.”

HARC is also currently accepting interns where applications can be found on their website.

“These are great opportunities for students interested in gender studies or digital humanities or history of the United States,” Gordon said.

Although HARC is not yet regularly open to the public, Gordon said visitors can currently make appointments through the center’s website to view archival materials. The center plans to announce regular public hours in early 2027.

HARC will also host open houses during several home football Saturdays this fall.

Donna Schmeichel, director of communications for Sisters of the Holy Cross, emphasized the importance of making the history of

Catholic women religious accessible to new audiences.

“If you want examples of women being leaders far before they were expected to be leaders, this is a place. These are the women who, against all odds, stood up and took care of people who were underprivileged and marginalized,” Schmeichel said. “If you want to talk about women being change-makers, these are the women.”

As HARC continues processing millions of pages of archival material, they are fulfilling the first part of the center’s mission, which is “to preserve and honor.”

Gordon explained that the second part, “to honor,” is fulfilled through the stories told within the material and people accessing that information.

“The honoring part is the storytelling part, where we’re inviting audiences, general public, lay people, Catholics, non-Catholics alike, to come in and spend time with the stories of these sisters,” Gordon said. “And then to reflect on how their experiences might impact them in their own life.”

help people understand themselves.

“Why would God work like that to bring up something and to help you remember it like that? To sort of help you understand yourself and to be able to look back and see that as kind of a grace moment,” Martin said.

He then noted the importance of the Jesuit examination of conscience, saying that people are able to see God better through this retrospective analysis.

In his life, Martin joined the priesthood after realizing that if he wasn’t working in his profession, he would’ve chosen to be a Jesuit, and with that, he joined the order.

Martin then told a story from his freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania in 1978.

Martin recounted that he was inebriated one evening in a bar with

his friends, and after being asked about being a Catholic, he told jokes about Jesus.

Returning to his room that evening, he was met by a friend telling him that Pope John Paul I had died. He noted that the first thing one of his friends told him was, “Martin, he said, you killed him.”

Martin noted that he felt like “the worst Catholic ever,” but that over time, he would grow to enjoy the readings of John Paul I, learning about “this simple and holy man.”

He continued to say that his friends constantly remind him of this event, even to this day.

To conclude, Martin said that he believes it is important to share his story to show how a man who came from a family that wasn’t very

religious, telling Jesus jokes, can, with the help of God, navigate their own religious journey.

“I thought it was really important just to tell the whole story, not the cleaned-up version,” Martin said. “I wrote the book, I think, primarily to bring a smile to people and tell these crazy stories.”

A protest, led by the organization the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property, occurred simultaneously with the talk outside of the Main Gate at the intersection of Notre Dame Avenue and Angela Boulevard.

TFP also created a petition asking Notre Dame to “disinvite Fr. James Martin,” which received more than 15,000 signatures.

In addition to the lecture on his

book, Martin delivered the Institute for Social Concerns’ annual Rev. Bernie Clark, C.S.C., lecture.

He spoke about “contemporary challenges to justice and the common good” from his perspective as a priest and Jesuit leader.

While on campus, Martin celebrated a diaconate ordination Mass with the Congregation of Holy Cross, a Mass in Flaherty Hall and met with students and faculty.

Martin also spoke with The Observer Tuesday evening about his background, Jesuit ministry and experience at Notre Dame.

hospitality, noted that at Rohr’s and Legends, Notre Dame’s on-campus restaurant options, she anticipates “a typical steady weekend.”

Reservations are still being accepted at both Rohr’s and Legends by calling the restaurants or via OpenTable.

“Notre Dame Stadium is about as iconic as it gets, but at the end of the day, it shouldn’t just be a place that comes alive six or seven Saturdays a year and then goes quiet. We want it to be a vibrant gathering spot for our entire community year-round,” Sicinski wrote.

“When we bring non-football events like this concert into the building, it isn’t just about putting on a big show.

It’s about opening our doors and building a real bridge between Our Lady’s University and our neighbors in South Bend and beyond.”

Contact Matthew Morin at mmorin2@nd.edu

MARIELLA TADDONIO | The Observer

The opening of the new Heritage and Research Center fortifies archival collection for various congregations and expanding digital access.

Contact Anja Schafer at aschafer01@saintmarys.edu

Contact Matthew Morin at mmorin2@nd.edu

OPINION

6 | THE OBSERVER

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

Help! I love The Observer too much!

By Sophie Hanawalt

Assistant Managing Editor Emerita

Last year, my best friend Mary would’ve had no reason to FaceTime me from inside the Observer office. We’d be sitting next to each other almost every night, deliberating over our pages, ordering Taco Bell to fuel our 3 a.m. homework sessions and giggling uncontrollably while printing out photos of my dog to decorate the office.

Now, I wake up and see the calls I missed thanks to the 14hour time difference. My Apple Maps no longer thinks I live in Hesburgh Library — it knows I’m in what Google tells me is the furthest country from South Bend, Indiana. Australia.

Anyone who’s ever met me will likely have zero doubts as to my seriousness when I say the ninth floor of Hes is my favorite place in the world. I’ve never loved anything like I love The Observer. I’m crazy about it. From the age of 14, all I’ve wanted is for my life to be entirely consumed by journalism.

Employers call this being driven.

Our opinion editor, Duncan, calls it having no work-life balance.

Observer editors are always right.

Studying abroad was inevitable for me, thanks to the Keough School of Global Affairs’ cultural immersion experience requirement. Yet, I didn’t anticipate just how unsettling it would be to be a student without an editing job.

Between The Observer, an education that has pushed me to grow not just as a student but to become a better person and the best friends I could ask for, I have a lot to be grateful for. My life at Notre Dame is so full that it’s been all too easy to bury the aspect of my college experience antithetical to my aggressively joyful personality. More than I care to admit, I’ve struggled with my mental health.

I’ve learned a lot about the sociopolitical state of our world since I left Notre Dame and therefore my assistant managing editor job for a semester at the University of Sydney. I’ve also come to realize that the only coping mechanism I have known for a long time now is to show up to my newspaper with a smile on my face and work as hard as I possibly can.

For the past two years, The Observer has been my lifeline. The editors at production nights freshman year didn’t need to know that I hadn’t been going to class in the morning because I was too sad

to get out of bed. Or that I signed up to work that all-night election shift because I hadn’t been sleeping since I lost two grandparents in the same month. Or, later in my editing tenure, that there was no limit to the number of shifts I’d take on if it meant quieting the relentless voice in my head telling me I’d never be good enough.

Maybe if I ever asked for help, someone would’ve told me that there’s a difference between loving what you do and drowning in it; that taking care of myself wouldn’t hinder my success but make me stronger.

It’s a great privilege to get to do what I love every day. My Observer hiatus has made me all the more committed to working tirelessly to make a difference through reporting and to never give up on my big dreams. To never lose the way journalism sets my soul on fire. But I’ve also learned what only life without The Observer could teach me — that I can’t have any of that if I burn out before I even turn 20.

At Notre Dame, we’re offered an education for not just our minds, but also our hearts. In my time abroad, I’m taking care to embrace the latter.

At the time this column runs,

SOPHIE HANAWALT | The Observer

I’ll be somewhere in the Great Barrier Reef. I’ve spent the last month seeing wild penguins, dragging my friends on a tour of Australia’s libraries, running by the Opera House and planning my trip to witness Question Time in parliament. I’ve also been learning how to sit with my thoughts instead of trying to outrun them. I’m taking my vitamins and listening to happy music and being honest about how I feel.

My friends here can attest that though I never shut up about how much I miss The Observer, I’m

smiling a lot. I’ve come to find that both are necessary if I wish to wholeheartedly show up for the people and newspapers I care about for the years to come.

I already know how to love The Observer. When I come back in January, I hope I know how to love myself too.

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Contact Sophie Hanawalt at shanawal@nd.edu

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OPINION

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

THE OBSERVER | 7

Welcome to summer in the Catskills

By Duncan Stangel Opinion Editor

On the peak of Mt. Tremper, I saw God. I’ve seen him in churches and buildings. Sometimes, I’ve seen him in my friends. That day in July, I saw God among a group of people — 11 of us, all strangers a month earlier, who chose to scale a mountain, rather than relax on our day off. Some of us were friends before. Others were strangers, ill-prepared for the moments of encounter we would experience in the hours ahead.

We spent five hours going up and down Mt. Tremper, taking ample breaks and finding the right pace for our group. We talked about Timber Lake Camp, our place of employment and summer home.

We talked about life and the aspirations we had. We discussed our communities and the people who made us who we are. We even talked about what YouTubers we watched as kids. Some of us called our parents from the top of an old fire watch tower at the mountain’s peak. We all waved as the parents of my now friends waved back in mild amazement.

We visited two lean-tos on our journey. As one of two Americans in our party, it fell to me to explain what those were. They’re outdoor coverings, like a one-sided wooden tent with enough materials to survive a rough night. I remembered stories of them that my Dad told me — and of his camping trips to Blackwater Falls. In those constructs, he found notebooks where he and his friends could

LIAM FLYNN | The Observer

write a message and their names.

These notebooks date back years, regularly replaced, but dating back to the founding of the structure in the 1930s. In the first leanto, we all signed our names. More importantly, we filled up our waters.

Yet the second was a bit more special. Near the peak of Mt. Tremper, there was a second leanto. We found the last group of counselors to scale the mountain, nearly two years ago. One of those counselors was in our group. At that moment, we weren’t co-counselors or on some summer sojourn through America. We were friends and damn good ones at that. We each took a moment to write a message. As the resident writer in the group, I wrote

a couple of lines.

“Welcome to summer in the Catskills,” I scribbled. “It only gets better from here.”

I heard that line a few miles away in Phoenicia, New York.

That was the town we walked through to uncover Tremper. To maintain my faith commitments over the summer, I drove to the local Catholic Church, St. Frances de Sales, located on the only street in a one-street town. Those words were the ones that began my experience at TLC, giving me both a physical motivation to make the most of my time in a mountain paradise, but an optimistic attitude that has since had a profound impact on my faith and how I view my Christianity.

To say I “saw God,” will

certainly sound like an exaggeration. It probably is. Yet, there is an incredible beauty in a group of people united, not because of how they met, but because they underwent a period of difficulty together. This difficulty was not to be avoided, but it was to be loved.

This journey can’t be rushed, and there will be unexpected stops and bumps. Sometimes you will have to walk back down the mountain, and you may trip and fall. In this love, we find who we are supposed to be and who we are supposed to surround ourselves with.

No one on the mountain would claim to be perfect. I certainly don’t. What makes a moment truly perfect is when being perfect doesn’t matter to be accepted by

other people. While this was the primary example, I found many of those at TLC. To some, I was the knower-of-all-facts, a sort of DuncanGPT. To my kids, I was their nerd counselor, but one they could trust to do anything it took to give them the best summer possible. To my co-counselors, I was as American as they come.

Certainly an oddity, but hopefully one that unveiled the finer details about being from this country, even if I’m not much of a patriotic paragon.

My summer at Timber Lake Camp was one I hold to be the best I’ve ever had. In the midst of sometimes grueling work, I found friends and camaraderie. With my kids, I found what it takes to be a great mentor. In all of it, I never stopped seeing the mountains that surrounded camp. As I looked at Saddle and Slide Mountain, the beauty of nature put it all into perspective. At TLC, I felt close to God. I wasn’t at Notre Dame, in my church or in my house. There were certainly still hard days at Timber Lake, but that experience taught me that in difficulty we find purpose. In our purpose, we find what it takes to become the best version of ourselves. Thanks, Timber Lake. I’ll see you again soon.

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Contact Duncan Stangel at dstangel@nd.edu

Take opportunities and be grateful

By Mariella Taddonio Photo Editor

There are so many things in life that we take for granted such as waking up each day, calling your parents, hanging out with your best friend, Sophie Hanawalt, and most importantly the opportunities we are given. It’s so easy to take these for granted till you realize that one day you may not have them again.

As I enter my junior year of college, I have done much reflecting on the past two years of my life. I’m sure you have heard the saying that “College will be the best years of your life,” and for a while, I wanted to doubt it. How could four years be considered the best years of your life when you still have your whole life ahead of you?

But so far in the 741 days that I have been a college student I have realized that sacred saying isn’t implying that all the other years of your life won’t add up to these.

These are the last few years of our so called “freedom” before we are tied down by the inevitable doom of real life.

Since I am now considered an upperclassman (an unc) and we are heading into the start of a new academic year with new and old classmates, I would like to give you one

MARIELLA TADDONIO | The Observer

piece of advice.

Take the opportunities that are given to you. Be grateful for them.

You never know where, or who, they may lead to.

When I first got on campus, I was a nervous and overwhelmed student who didn’t know where to begin with activities on campus. At the time of freshman year, I loved writing and photography, which led me to joining The Observer. I didn’t think at the time I would have a

long stint there. I thought that it would be a stepping stone to other opportunities. I was wrong.

I began writing in the Saint Mary’s News department and quickly realized I wanted to join the photo department. Little did I know that that choice would be the best decision that I could have made freshman year and it would lead to so many amazing opportunities and people.

Within the first couple of months

with the photo department, I was taking any opportunity that I could get. I was covering lots of games and events within the tri-campus. By taking advantage of the opportunities given to me by The Observer, it led me to shooting a football game as a freshman, which is normally unheard of. This football game changed my life or more specifically changed my college experience.

The experience that I got led me to get more involved with the paper

and ultimately apply for an editor position in my freshman year.

If I had not taken the opportunity to apply and pour hours of work and dedication into The Observer, I would not be the person I am today.

If I hadn’t taken the opportunity, I wouldn’t have been able to travel to places that I have never been to, such as Fort Worth, UConn, Stanford and, in a few months, Rome. I wouldn’t have met some of my best friends who I work with daily at the paper. Most importantly, I wouldn’t be grateful for late nights at the office with the people that make this paper all more enjoyable.

To say the least, my past two years at this paper have been nothing short of amazing and I am so grateful for all the opportunities The Observer has provided me and continues to.

So if you are reading this and feel called to work at The Observer, I encourage you to, you may not know where it will lead you too!

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Contact Mariella Taddonio at mtaddoni@nd.edu

8 | THE OBSERVER

Notre Dame v. Ball State Notre Dame volleyball played Ball State on Aug. 28, 2026. The Irish lost 2-3.

Photography by Emma Smith

PHOTO

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

SCENE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

THE OBSERVER | 9

Cinema is back with ‘Minions and Monsters’

By Matthew Rah Scene Writer

You would think you’d know exactly what to expect with yet another “Minions” movie. Sixteen years after the first “Despicable Me” and over a decade after the original “Minions,” the formula has become solidly established. Viewers can expect a tight 90 minutes of marketable characters, slapstick humor and dialogue mostly consisting of gibberish. “Minions and Monsters” does have all of that, but, far more interesting, it has what viewers wouldn’t expect — obscure references to old films, commentary on Hollywood​and (perhaps the biggest surprise) actual heart. The modern children’s animated film

industry seems hell-bent on producing mediocre junk with the sole goal of sucking up as much money as possible. After spending years as the veritable mascot of the trash heap, “Minions and Monsters” may have finally managed to pull the Minions out of the swamp and into the promised land of genuine art.

“Minions and Monsters” takes place largely in 1920s Hollywood and takes full advantage of its setting. Close watchers will find a treasure trove of homages to the history of film, many of which are surprisingly deep. A “Minions” movie is possibly the last place I would expect to find a shot perfectly recreated from “Citizen Kane” or a tour of the set of Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times,” but both fail to

even scratch the surface of the many homages to classic cinema in “Minions and Monsters.” In the opening titles, the Minions take a ride on “The Horse in Motion” from 1878 and watch the “Train Pulling Into a Station” (1896). They star in “The Viking” (1928) and “The Maltese Falcon” (1941). Best of all, none of these homages ever takes precedence over the story or the humor. The film places enough trust in a sufficiently eagle-eyed viewer to spot its references without calling undue attention to them. Of course, obscure references do not on their own make a film worth watching, but the sheer depth that “Minions and Monsters” pulls from points to a level of passion for filmmaking missing from

any other “Minions” movie.

Another welcome aspect is the film’s self-awareness, which at times makes surprisingly effective satire, at least for a “Minions” movie. Two major villains are a pair of greedy studio executives intent on slashing a visionary director’s funding — a common scene in modern Hollywood. The Minions’ own meteoric rise to stardom, followed by an equally rapid fall back to obscurity, mimics the career of many an actor. In a core emotional beat, the misunderstood, aspiring filmmaker minion neglects his friends and throws aside his common sense in pursuit of his own grand vision.

So, is “Minions and Monsters” the best film of the year? No. At the

end of the day, it’s still a “Minions” movie. The plot devolves quickly past the third act, and the character depth, while impressively more nuanced than in previous “Minions” installments, remains greatly limited by the main characters’ inability to form coherent sentences. However, despite its shortcomings, “Minions and Monsters” does everything it needs to do and more. It mixes classic yet stale Minions chaos and hijinks with a bit more wit while dodging the immaturity of most previous Minions appearances. The result is fun, surprisingly deep and certainly worth watching.

Contact Matthew Rah at mrah@nd.edu

Dad shoes: An anecdotal analysis

By Genevieve Le Leux Scene Writer

As a former school uniform kid, I’ve always been aware of the power of shoes to tell you everything you need to know about a person. When the only part of our attire up to our own choice was sneakers, wearing the right ones became critically important. Back in the aughts and teens, at least where I grew up in Southern California, the cool kids wore sleek canvas skater shoes while the aesthetically challenged wore dad sneakers with big soles and mismatched color schemes from brands like Asics, Skechers, New Balance and their competitors. Now, if you’ve been paying attention to your peers’ footgear lately, you might be able to predict my segue into the main topic — imagine my surprise in the last few years to see those same chunky kicks I long associated with a lack of style decimating the street shoe scene like Godzilla in Tokyo.

The New Balance 530s have existed since the ‘90s, and as other ‘90s trends continually rotate in and out of the zeitgeist, it makes sense that these sneakers, and others like them, would make their mark in your Instagram feed or on the feet of the kids walking past you on the way to class. These shoes have huge lightweight Phylon soles, a mesh-based body and metallic top-stitched appliqués that add structure and contrast to the shoe’s decolletage. We started seeing versions of them come back in 2024 after they dethroned the white Nike Airs that everybody and their mamas were wearing for a while. Now it seems the dad shoe has become as ubiquitous as its predecessor once was.

When I first saw the rise of the father-figure stompers, my old baby self that used to view the same shoes as highly uncool in my elementary days swore I would not hop on the trend.

I said I’d stick to my checkered Vans, my black Converse and my Adidas Gazelles over the chonkers I was seeing my peers purchase. But, unfortunately, something Benedict Arnoldian happened in my psyche that tragically changed my opinion about those shoes I’d always hated, and made me spin the block on my purchasing power — I developed a crush on my local white boy.

Yeah, I’m embarrassed, too — no need to scowl at me; I’m only human. Once I saw this guy’s jank collection of dirty New Balances, I had to procure a pair. Symbolically, it makes sense. I couldn’t control this guy’s opinion, but, reminiscent of my school-uniform days, I knew I could control my shoes. I started looking high and low on resale sites, thrift stores and online outlets for a pair of chunky sneakers that fit the prescribed vibe. Naive and hopeful, I tried on a bunch of different pairs.

Yet, no matter where I looked, either (it’s not you, it’s me).

Listen — I’m all for embracI couldn’t shake my personal intuition that these shoes were ing “ugliness” in fashion. I fugly as all hell, though I tried to think immense freedom, fun quell it for the sake of impress- and aesthetic complexity can be found in an ironic accessory, an ing the unimpressable.

I knew what was happening — avant-garde statement piece or in a sick and twisted masc-fish- a conventionally “unflattering” ing reversal of what one might silhouette, and I certainly think expect, I was trying to dress for the world benefits philosophia man. I was pulling a Sandy cally from fashion that prioriOlsson, but instead of becom- tizes oversized looks and living ing a big-haired greaser girl, I large over a strict labeling of was lowballing a femme Adam clothes under an aesthetic rigidSandler. One day, sitting in a ity or a gender binary. However, DSW with tagged Nike V5s on as I have now realized, the dad my feet, not liking them at all, shoe is just not for me. No shade I finally reached the realization to those who are currently rockthat I was abandoning my own ing them!

The truth is that the popuintuition in order to favor someone else’s taste. I knew, finally, lar shoe is already progressing that I needed to free myself from away from the dad shoe into an attempting Dad casual. It just even more bizarre version of itself with the rise of Salomons wasn’t me.

As I’m sure you can predict, and other versions of hiking it didn’t work out with the guy shoes. LA models are now wear(he ghosted) and me, and it’s ing hiking boots to their local not gonna work out with me and Trader Joe’s. The open-toe, also, my dream of New Balance 530s, is becoming socially acceptable PAID ADVERTISEMENT

again — over the summer, NYC street fashion fearlessly flaunted the flip-flop in public, and now I’m seeing girls on our very own tri-campus feature their feet in Rainbows and Havaianas.

Between flip-flops, hiking boots and the old-school dad shoe, it seems to me the whole country is walking on what at one point were huge fashion faux pas, and maybe that’s totally OK. Maybe fugly is actually fierce, and no one gives a f—, anyway.

Maybe we should all just wear what we want, what’s comfortable or what makes sense to our own unique taste, and it doesn’t matter what’s being sported on Instagram, in coastal streetwear or by your preferred boy with a biblical name. And if you catch yourself trying to dress like your man — that’s OK, sister: We are in this together. No judgment from me.

Contact Genevieve Le Leux at gleleux01@saintmarys.edu

Leading the Holy Cross Way An Executive Series with President Marco J. Clark Ed. D.

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SCENE

10 | THE OBSERVER

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

Blood rather complex especially if you can find one that’s packed. This film plays for an audience, and yet, it doesn’t hold for laughter on its laugh lines — it keeps moving. I love that.

By Nolan Scozzaro Scene Writer

This is a story about a bartender (John Getz) and a wife (Frances McDormand) — though not the bartender’s wife, but the wife of the vindictive owner of the bar (Dan Hedaya). An owner who very quickly finds out about the bartender and the wife and calls a man (M. Emmet Walsh) to take care of it. A man in a yellow suit and a big yellow hat. Very big. Not Curious George big, but large enough to suit the man who wears it.

The DeBartolo Performing Arts Center’s Coen brothers series has started off with a bang — actually, multiple bangs and a knife and some dirt, but I’m getting ahead of myself. “Blood Simple” was the first film the Coen brothers directed (though the nod in the credits goes to Joel), but it sure doesn’t feel like it. Already one sees the signs of masters at work.

The film itself is wonderfully done. It ties together so many of the aspects we love about noir films with the seedy and tense environment of an independent thriller.

The whole cast does the absolute most: specific props to Frances McDormand as the “final girl” and M. Emmet Walsh — a captivating and hilarious character actor who imbues the film with much of its comedy.

Note the nice, hour-and-a-half runtime. The film drives, and the directors know it. A repeated shot sticks in the mind: a dark, twolane road in the night, illuminated by nothing but the headlights of a car speeding away. The camera places us as though we were on the hood of the car. This shot moves us through the story.

At first, it’s intriguing. It makes us wonder where the characters

How much should I pay for my ticket?

2BC scale: $12.50. This is a fun time, and it’s sure to pique your interest. Go with friends or alone, it’ll still be a good time. The only reason the price is this low is because it’s been out for 42 years, and you deserve a discount for that. The big screen and great sound are worth this price for a film this good.

KATE LARICCIA | The Observer

are going, why they’re on the road so late. What are they running from? Coen brother films are all about questions. Eventually we find out (mostly). By then the pace of the dark road feels frantic. It’s a panic-stricken attempt to outrun a mistake and put the night behind.

No longer does it lead to an exciting and unknown future; now, it moves toward retribution.

The film is rife with techniques such as this, where the directors and cinematographer Barry Sonnenfwweld show themselves as a force to be reckoned with. One of the most generous compliments I can give to a movie is that I never found myself taken out of the story. That’s not entirely true here, but when I was taken out, it was to appreciate the work. The composition and look of the shots are beautiful, especially for filming at night.

The transitions are impeccable.

The seamless impossible match on

action of a slighted man staring at the ceiling fan to his wife looking at a ceiling fan in her lover’s house.

The wife falling backwards into a bed that was never there in the first place — transported by the magic of filmmaking. It’s just beautiful.

That’s enough of the film nerd stuff. What you really need to know is that the movie has compelling characters, twists and turns, genuinely shocking moments and a story that keeps you invested and moving all the way through, wondering how this could possibly end.

It’s funny, yet very, very dark.

It’s violent, yet somehow remorseful. If there’s a critique to be had, it’s in the lack of character development. Even then, however, this just works further to enhance the feeling of “pulp” in the atmosphere.

Soundtrack shoutout “The Same Old Song” by the

Four Tops.

Fun fact: This song is actually very similar to the other Four Tops hit, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” which has the same chord progression, just reversed.

Who made it?

Directors: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen.

What else they’ve directed: Go to DPAC Tuesdays at 7:30 to find out!

Where and with whom should you see it?

Watch with friends: yes.

Watch with family: no.

Date movie: yes. The thriller date is a tried and true idea. This also should teach you some valuable lessons about the importance of communication skills.

Watch alone: yes.

Watch at the theater: Absolutely,

How does the 2BC scale work?

2BC stands for 20-buck cinema. To some degree, this isn’t just about whether the film is good or not: The rating system is designed to help inform you on what movies are worth your time (and money).

The most important aspect of film is sharing experiences with others. Hopefully I can try to help you figure out which movies to watch with them.

Nerd corner

I absolutely love the music in this movie, which is typical for the Coen brothers. Both the soundtrack and the score are completely on point.

Also, the professor introducing this film mentioned the “Coenesque” in his intro, and I think this movie shows exactly what that means in terms of duality. As two directors working wwon the same picture, the Coen films tend to be full of dualities. In this one, it’s a duality between fun and tense. Come back next week to see this further develop in “Raising Arizona.”

Contact Nolan Scozzaro at nscozzar@nd.edu

‘Jesus in my Pocket’: Service and the Eucharist

By Harry Penne Scene Copy Editor

Over the summer, I was introduced to a spiritual book by a Catholic author from my home Diocese of Nashville.

“Jesus in My Pocket” by Marie F. Smith is a beautiful reflection on hope, service and the Eucharist. It made me laugh, cry and, most importantly, left me with a renewed sense of hope.

The book is a reflective work in which Smith shares her experiences of being an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion to the sick and homebound, affectionately called her “Old People,” in an elder care facility. The heart of “Jesus in My Pocket” is the stories of grace and encounter. The language and content are very accessible; you don’t need to be a theology major to understand the substance it shares. Smith tells stories as they are, and she does not rely on flowery

language. It feels like having a conversation; she is not trying to give an overly complex theological lecture, nor does she write down to the reader.

“Jesus in My Pocket” gets very heavy and personal at times. Not all of the stories are comfortable; some sit in the dissonance of uncertainty.

Something can simultaneously reflect the beauty of God yet contain the earthly sadness of loss. This is life! There is not always a happy resolution. Some of the stories end suddenly. Smith comments on the fact that, in her ministry and end-of-life care, you never know if this will be your last visit. Smith also does not shy away from the scary and hard parts associated with this ministry. Death and loss are both common; however, amid these darker musings, what ultimately comes through is hope and commentary on the beauty and dignity of life. Overall, the major themes I noticed were hope

and joy, peace and contemplation and trust in the Lord, especially in difficult times.

I especially liked how Smith was able to make all of her “Old People” completely distinct in their voices. I felt like I got to know them well by the end of the book. You could tell what sort of a story you were in for by the headings: Some names had funny encounters, others more serious. I most enjoyed the joyful encounters that Smith shares. One concerned seeing one of her “Old People” for the first time after COVID-19 lockdowns restrictions, and how in one of their visits, they “rebelled” by embracing each other in a hug.

The book is not terribly long, coming in at about 100 pages.

It is a very doable book to read during adoration, in the confession line, at a Holy Hour or before Mass. Furthermore, it’s a page turner that kept me hooked.

At the University of Notre

Dame especially, many students are extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion in both their dorm communities and at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. This book provides a wonderful opportunity to meditate on the honor and responsibility of serving in such a role. It certainly encouraged me to step back and think about how powerful a ministry it is. Sometimes, we can fall into a routine and not consider the enormity of the role. It is a deep responsibility that is not to be taken lightly.

I think that pre-medical students at Notre Dame will also find it particularly interesting.

It is important to remember to be compassionate, especially when caring for the elderly. For any pre-med students wishing to go into end-of-life care, this witness would be a particularly insightful read.

Smith also includes discussion questions and journal prompts at the end of each

chapter, which can lend themselves well to a spiritual discussion group. At a place like Notre Dame, where prayer groups are common, it can serve as a great context for a religious small group. It can also lend itself well to personal prayer and introspective reading.

I will offer a pseudo-word of warning: The book gets very emotionally heavy at times, and I would not recommend it for younger readers, such as early high school students or lower.

As I mentioned previously, Smith is an author from my hometown of Nashville, TN. It was through some church parishioners that I was first directed to her book, and I am glad it was recommended to me. If you want to read it, it is available in print at St. Mary’s Catholic Bookstore in Nashville or on Amazon.

Contact Harry Penne at hpenne@nd.edu

SPORTS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

THE OBSERVER | 11

ND WOMEN’S SOCCER

Irish record late tie with No. 4 Michigan State

By Dan Kilcoyne Sports Reporter

With temperatures sky-high in South Bend, the Irish played host to No. 4 Michigan State with a chance to get back on track after a shaky start to the season. The Irish sit unranked at 1-0-4, despite being ranked No. 2 in the preseason poll. They earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Michigan last time out. The Spartans have had a brilliant start to the season, sitting at 4-0-1 despite having the toughest strength of schedule in the nation so far, with exceptional ranked wins against then-No. 6 North Carolina and then-No. 12 Colorado.

The Irish were without star junior forwards Lily Joseph and Annabelle Chukwu, who are both in Poland participating in the U-20 Women’s World Cup, so head coach Nate Norman looked to his freshman to try and pull off the upset, not a bad approach when you had the No. 4 recruiting class in the

nation. In particular, forward Kate Kemmerley has impressed so far with two goals against Murray State, and Norman will be looking to her to fill the gaps left by Notre Dame’s international duo.

With lots of fresh faces in the side, the Irish got off to a shaky start at Alumni Stadium, with senior midfielder Charlie Codd picking up a yellow within the first 10 seconds and Michigan State dominating possession, with senior winger Kennedy Bell at the heart of the Spartans’ high tempo and quick passing. However, once the Irish reverted to their usual three-at-theback formation, momentum started to swing their way. Freshman forward Bristol Kersh and junior forward Ellie Hodsden both brought energy to the Irish, with driving runs and a relentless press, and junior midfielder Izzy Engle made her long-anticipated return, earning a roar from the Irish crowd.

Engle was the 2025 ACC Offensive Player of the Year and a 2025 MAC

Hermann Trophy Finalist but had yet to appear for the Irish this season. Despite positive chances from both teams, the game remained goalless going into the half.

The Irish came out firing after the break, with Hodsden and Kersh back causing chaos within the Spartans’ backline; however, it was Spartans senior midfielder Emerson Sargeant who thought she’d broken the deadlock, but the goal was disallowed for offside. It didn’t take long for Michigan State to strike again as a lofty free kick from deep bounced around before senior midfielder Kayla Briggs poked it in.

With the Irish now on the back foot, a moment of absolute brilliance from freshman midfielder Reese Canada brought the Irish level just three minutes later. Canada launched in a free kick from deep, and the Spartans players watched on as what was seemingly a cross sailed into the top left corner for one of the best goals you’ll see all

season and an incredible way to open her account for the Irish.

The game completely opened up after Canada’s goal, with the Irish piling on the pressure. Canada nearly struck again with a longrange effort off a corner, this time thundering into the crossbar, and the ball came out to sophomore defender Gabi Poretto, who forced Spartans senior goalkeeper Bella Schopp into an incredible save.

With tensions rising and the Irish piling on the pressure, it was Codd who came up with the moment the Irish needed. Winning the ball back herself on the edge of the box, she took one touch and whipped the ball into the far side netting, out of Schopp’s reach, to send the Irish ahead with only six minutes remaining.

The Irish didn’t sit back though and continued on the hunt, as Hodsden beat four players to work her way into the box and was fouled as she shot, giving the Irish a penalty with a minute and a half

remaining, although Engle couldn’t convert as she put it wide.

With the countdown underway, the Spartans launched one last Hail Mary ball into the box with three seconds remaining, and up leapt senior midfielder Ella Janz to break Irish hearts with her first goal of the season to earn the Spartans a 2-2 draw.

Whilst the Irish will feel disappointed after coming so close to an incredible upset, they can only feel optimistic after what was a spirited performance despite recent results. Spirits should be high going forward given the exceptional freshman performances amid the absences of Joseph and Chukwu, and it is without a doubt that the future is bright, and the Irish will return to the rankings very soon.

Notre Dame is back on Sunday as IU Indy comes to Alumni Stadium for the Irish’s senior day.

Contact Dan Kilcoyne at dkilcoyn@nd.edu

FOOTBALL

Jordan Faison proves you can have it all

By Nikki Stachurski Associate Sports Editor

Senior wide receiver Jordan Faison has been a topic of discussion for Notre Dame fans for the last four years, mostly due to his unconventional journey to one of the most prestigious football programs in college sports. But his skill and dedication are far too often overlooked.

As fans may be aware, Faison’s path to Notre Dame began with men’s lacrosse, not football. During his junior year of high school, he received a full-ride scholarship from head coach Kevin Corrigan and announced his commitment to the storied men’s lacrosse program via Instagram on Sept. 21, 2021.

At the time, the National Lacrosse Federation ranked him as the N0.

46 prospect for the class of 2023.

He found significant success on the lacrosse field during his freshman year. He started all 17 games and tallied 30 points on 22 goals and eight assists. His talent at midfield helped lead the Irish to a national title in 2024, when Notre Dame beat Maryland 15-5 in the championship game.

However, his freshman year was the last one that Faison fully dedicated to lacrosse, as he earned a spot as a walk-on for the football team later that fall. He broke onto the football scene playing seven games as a wide receiver, earning 332 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Playing as a walk-on is impressive enough, but starting in two games and being named the Most Valuable Player at the Sun Bowl cemented him as one of the most unexpected but pleasant surprises of the season.

Being a dual-sport varsity student-athlete was not without its

challenges, though, as Faison’s sophomore year was split between two worlds. He played thirteen out of fifteen games for the football team, including every game of Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff run to the national championship, where they fell to Ohio State. Despite playing lacrosse in the spring, his focus seemed to be on a different field entirely. He played in 12 games and scored in eight of them, but the team and coaching staff alike figured they would lose Faison to the irresistible splendor of Notre Dame football.

He officially made the switch to playing football full-time his junior year, when he started in all twelve

games and was a consistent competitor on the field. He led the team in receptions (49) and receiving yards (640) and was named a 2025 Burlsworth Trophy semifinalist for the top college football player who began their career as a walk-on.

Heading into his senior year, Faison was named a captain alongside junior quarterback CJ Carr, senior linebacker Drayk Bowen and senior safety Adon Shuler.

While it might come as a surprise to those unfamiliar with his tenacity, Freeman was firm in his confidence in Faison.

“He’s as solid and consistent as any person on our team,” Freeman said. “And his leadership, the way

he’s able to help those young guys, this is invaluable time for him.

And not just the physical aspect, the mental aspect, the leadership aspect.”

When discussing Faison, most people center their arguments around his perceived “lack of experience,” which is an exhausted argument. Faison played safety and quarterback in high school, and found his spot as wide receiver in collegiate play. So many people point to his lacrosse experience as a detriment to his football IQ, but they could not be further from the truth. Faison’s implicit understanding of the lacrosse field and playmaking transitioned to football,

as he could see the game through a different lens that set him apart.

Having a unique vision and comprehension of the game is a distinctive asset for the Irish offense. It is why he is fully trusted by Freeman and Carr.

Making the transition from varsity lacrosse to football, as a walkon, no less, is a courageous decision that requires nothing short of absolute certainty. Faison may not have come to South Bend with a football scholarship, but every Saturday he reminds Notre Dame why he belongs on the field.

Contact Nikki Stachurski at mstachu2@nd.edu

DECLAN LEE | The Observer

Senior wide receiver Jordan Faison stiff-arms the defender in Notre Dame’s 28-7 win over Boise State at Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 4, 2025.

Faison averaged 83 receiving yards in the game, leading all Irish players. The newly named captain will play a key role in the Irish offense in 2026.

SPORTS

12 | THE OBSERVER

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

BASEBALL

ND baseball enjoys busy summer, Radel goes 28th

By Zach Jones Sports Reporter

It was an eventful summer for the Notre Dame baseball team, with multiple key figures moving in and away from the organization as it prepares for the 2027 season.

Draft Two Irish graduates were picked in June’s MLB draft: Righty starter Jack Radel was taken in the first round, 28th overall, by the Houston Astros, and catcher Mark Quatrani was taken in the 16th round, 545th overall, by the San Diego Padres.

It will be difficult to replace Radel and Quatrani’s production, both of whom led the Irish in multiple statistical categories. Radel was the team’s best pitcher, leading the team in innings pitched (87.2), ERA (3.29), and walks and hits in innings pitched (1.02).

Quatrani paced the team in all triple-slash categories while playing stellar defense behind the plate.

Transfer Portal

Head coach Shawn Stiffler’s staff made considerable gains but felt arguably bigger losses in the summer transfer portal window, headlined by the loss of Bino Watters to LSU. Watters, a junior left fielder, would have been the team’s top returning player. He is expected to be, barring injury or major regression, a top-60 draft pick in next year’s MLB draft.

Beyond Watters, the team lost three bullpen pieces in right-hand pitchers Oisin Lee, Chase Van Ameyde and Garrett Snyder, as well as infielder Dylan Passo.

Senior Drew Berkland represents another loss. He went undrafted despite being the team’s third-best hitter and one of its most athletic defenders.

After significant losses this summer that resulted in a top-weighted talent deficit, Stiffler and his staff immediately went to work in the transfer portal. They had two clear recruiting priorities: rebuilding the outfield and bolstering the bullpen.

Headlining incoming hitters is Grand Canyon University graduate outfielder Trevor

Schmidt, who mashed last year for the ‘Lopes and earned AllMountain West First Team honors.

Also incoming are graduate outfielder Logan Tribble, a sure-handed fielder from Wofford last year, and Connor Misch, who lost his entire 2026 season due to injury but has been a solid infielder at Xavier throughout his career.

On the mound, Notre Dame recruited an established starter from Nebraska in Cooper Katskee, as well as power-conference bullpen pieces Jack O’Connor, a graduate righty out of UCLA, and graduate righty Caden Capomaccio, who spent four years at Minnesota.

Incoming Freshmen Complementing the incoming transfer crop is a solid class of high-school recruits.

Headlining is Eric Zdunek, a 6-3, 200-pound outfielder hailing from Irvine, California.

Zdunek was ranked as the No. 51 prospect and the No. 13 outfielder in his class and figures to compete for playing time immediately.

Outlook There is some optimism for Notre Dame’s roster going into the 2027 season. While Watters will be missed, the incoming hitters bring an exciting blend of power, on-base presence and defense to what should be a very solid outfield.

Sophomore Shane Miranda, who sparkled in limited opportunities last year, will likely replace Quatrani at catcher.

The infield is primed to improve after being manned chiefly by underclassmen this past spring, and the corps is led by junior shortstop Noah Coy, who took huge strides last season at the plate and in the field.

After floundering in last year’s campaign, the bullpen figures to be more effective with reinforcements incoming. A question that remains to be answered is who becomes the Sunday starter.

While sophomore lefty Caden Crowell and Katskee seem to have the first two rotation spots locked up, the third slot is likely up for grabs.

The Irish certainly have a healthy amount of roster talent and should contend for an NCAA Playoffs berth this year.

But, gauging the overall health of the program, I’m not so hopeful.

The baseball team is one of 17 sports at Notre Dame facing budget cuts for the upcoming season. And those funding constraints were evident on the recruiting trail this summer.

Coach Stiffler’s reliance on graduate transfers from the mid-major ranks belies a paucity of NIL funding and other resources compared to other programs in the ACC, who lure in more expensive transfers — often established underclassmen from the power-conference ranks.

While budget squabbles and NIL arms races rage on in the background, the fact remains that the Irish haven’t made the postseason in Stiffler’s four years at the helm.

After showing promise in each of the past two years, this year’s roster certainly has the talent and experience to break through and secure the program’s first regional berth since their 2022 trip to Omaha.

Contact Zach Jones at zjones3@nd.edu

FOOTBALL

Notre Dame’s history with Luke Fickell

By Henry Lytle Associate Sports Editor

The name Luke Fickell should ring a bell for Irish fans.

Now the Wisconsin head coach, Fickell has been admired, revered and despised by Irish fans at the helm of Cincinnati and Wisconsin. Head coach Marcus Freeman has had a long-lasting relationship with Fickell as his defensive coordinator and partner at Ohio State, and the two will face off for the first time as head coaches this Sunday.

When asked about Marcus Freeman’s job at Notre Dame, Luke Fickell said, “Seeing the growth of that program and team from afar, there’s a part of it that makes you happy about it … It’s not surprising to me at all.”

Fickell began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for his alma mater, Ohio State.

He was quickly hired as a defensive line coach at Akron for two seasons, but the Ohio native quickly found his way back to his hometown, Columbus.

He worked for the Buckeyes from 2002 to 2016, winning the 2014 national championship under Urban Meyer in the university’s first College Football Playoff appearance.

Hired in late 2016 by Cincinnati, Fickell only needed one season to turn a struggling Bearcats team into a

powerhouse in the AAC. In 2017, Fickell brought in a young and ambitious defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to lead his defensive unit, and the two f lourished in tandem.

Fickell coached Freeman during his days as a player for Ohio State from 2004 to 2008.

Freeman also served as a graduate assistant on defense for Fickell in 2010, where he began his coaching career. The long-standing connection between the two defensive leaders helped build a ferocious unit for four seasons in Cincinnati before Freeman was hired as the defensive coordinator under Brian Kelly in 2021.

Fickell’s most notable season was in 2021, when he took an unproven Bearcat team to South Bend in week four for a top-10 showdown and proved to be a roadblock to the playoff.

With future NFL quarterback Desmond Ridder at the helm and future NFL star cornerback Sauce Gardner on defense, Cincinnati began its season 3-0 and No. 8 overall. In this game, the Bearcats stormed out to a 17-0 halftime lead, giving the Irish trouble in all facets of the game. They picked up a fumble on a muffed kickoff, forced interceptions from Jack Coan and Tyler Buchner and converted critical red-zone possessions against the Irish.

It wasn’t until Brian Kelly put in sophomore quarterback

Drew Pyne that the Irish offense resembled something of a threat. However, after Notre Dame closed within 4 points, 17-13 in the fourth quarter, Desmond Ridder marched his Bearcat offense down the field, prancing into the end zone on a critical touchdown run. The final would be a 24-13 loss for Brian Kelly’s Irish, who were left stunned in the cathedral of college football by Fickell.

This game still stings like a fresh wound for Irish fans who remember that 2021 season as a disappointing end to Brian Kelly’s tenure in South Bend.

Although only week four, the Cincinnati game was the deciding factor for Notre Dame’s season. Cincinnati had a remarkably easy schedule after Notre Dame, and upsetting the Irish put them in firm control of a destiny that ultimately ended 13-0 in the regular season. Meanwhile, Notre Dame was left on the outside looking in, as this was the only regular-season game the Irish lost and one of only three ranked opponents the Irish would face throughout the season.

Luke Fickell’s story does not end as a villain, as the charismatic leader was widely considered a top candidate to replace Brian Kelly at Notre Dame in 2021. Following his successful 13-1 season that ended at the hands of Alabama in the playoff semifinal, Fickell was

a notable name on the market, and the Irish had a decision to make. He had already worked with Freeman as his defensive coordinator to national success and was a well-respected recruiter and talent developer at Cincinnati. Ultimately, Notre Dame made a wise choice by promoting Marcus Freeman from within, but Irish fans are quick to forget how close Luke Fickell was to being the head coach.

Fickell has had a largely disappointing tenure at Wisconsin. He has finished three seasons with a combined 17-21 overall record, including a 10-17 conference record in the Big 10. Now with another difficult conference schedule looming, it appears to be

a make-or-break season for Fickell, in which a nationally renowned victory against Notre Dame could certainly help his case to stay.

Although major underdogs at the neutral field, Wisconsin is not prepared to back down.

Fickell issued a challenge to All-American cornerback Leonard Moore this week, saying, “He’ll have a chance to prove he’s the best in the country.”

It is not simply another game for Wisconsin and Notre Dame but a contest littered with history and camaraderie between the coaches of the two programs .

Contact Henry Lytle at hlytle@nd.edu

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SPORTS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

THE OBSERVER | 13

FOOTBALL

Adon Shuler carries on his father’s legacy

By Jack Muething Sports Reporter

On Monday, Aug. 31, senior safety Adon Shuler announced the death of his father, Don Shuler.

The college football world recognizes the senior as a premier safety and one of the most high-impact players on the Notre Dame defense. He’s a phenomenal football player and, proven as a two-time captain, leader.

“I used to tell him that every room he walked in he lit up, and I feel like that’s the kind of legacy he left,” Adon Shuler said about his father.

From his approach to football to the way he carries himself as a leader, much of what makes Adon Shuler who he is can be traced back to the lessons he learned from his father.

The tough Jersey kid was a consensus four-star recruit coming out of Irvington High.

He played both sides of the ball in high school and led the Blue Knights to a state championship his junior year.

However, he was not the first Shuler to make a name

for himself under New Jersey Friday night lights. Don Shuler was an all-conference offensive lineman for the Blue Knights.

Adon Shuler talked about the way his father was remembered as a player, saying, “From my early age, I was always told that my dad was a great football player,” and that “he was a lineman with running back feet.”

Adon Shuler learned the game from his father, eventually bringing a state championship home to his father’s alma mater before leaving his own mark at one of the premier college football programs in the country.

A rare two-time captain for Notre Dame, Adon Shuler is clearly regarded as one of the main leaders on this Fighting Irish squad that enters the season as the No. 4 ranked team in the country. As he prepares for his second stint as a team captain, he plans to take the lessons he learned from his father to be the best leader he can be.

“Something that my dad and I always talked about, especially heading into this season, is being a better leader. I feel like my leadership grew throughout

last season, but I just want to start the year off with great leadership and just make sure they know that they picked the right guy to lead them,” Adon said.

In his three years with the Irish, Adon Shuler has amassed 118 tackles and five interceptions and forced three fumbles.

He finished second on the team in tackles last year with 53, and he also had two interceptions

and two forced fumbles. He was named to the preseason Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist for the coming 2026 season.

When asked about how he plans to get through this week after the news of his father’s passing, Shuler made it clear that he is still focusing as much as he can on the game this upcoming weekend, largely because that is what he believes his father would want him to do.

“It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t attack this week the way I’m attacking it,” Adon Shuler said.

“I’ve had a great loss, but I know he’s looking and watching, and that’s all you can ask for.”

As Adon Shuler steps onto the historic Lambeau Field Sunday night, he carries his father’s memory with him.

Contact Jack Muething at jmuethin@nd.edu

INDIA DOERR | The Observer

Then-sophomore safety Adon Shuler in the Notre Dame game against NC State, where he had a staggering 44-yard interception that allowed the Irish to score. The Irish emerged victorious with a final score of 36-7.

FOOTBALL

Notre Dame’s keys to victory against Wisconsin

By Ethan Laslo Sports Reporter

On Sunday night, Notre Dame embarks on its 131st season as one of college football’s most storied programs. They’ve failed to reach the mountaintop since 1988, but Marcus Freeman intends to “leave no doubt” this season after the Irish were left out of the College Football Playoff entirely in 2025. To reach that summit, they’ll first have to take down the Wisconsin Badgers come Sunday night at Lambeau Field. Here are the Irish’s keys to victory.

Contain Colton Joseph Junior quarterback Colton Joseph enters his first season with the Badgers as the reigning

Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year. In his two seasons at Old Dominion, he racked up over 4,000 passing yards and nearly 2,000 rushing yards.

Last season was particularly impressive: As a sophomore, he tossed for 2,624 yards and 21 touchdowns and complemented his arm talent with another 1,007 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. No matter who he plays, Joseph poses a clear threat both through the air and on the ground.

Couple that with second-year offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, who utilizes a runheavy offensive scheme, and the Wisconsin offense is in prime position to use an option scheme against the Irish. As with any other team, the key to shutting

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down the Badger offense is shutting down its signal caller. If the Irish front seven can keep Joseph from hurting them on the ground, the secondary should be more than capable of shutting down the passing game and stifling Wisconsin.

Let the secondary work Speaking of the secondary, Notre Dame returns arguably the nation’s best individual player and unit this season on the back end of its defense.

Junior cornerback Leonard Moore has a case to be the anchor of the entire defense and perhaps even the best individual defender in the nation this season. Alongside him is senior corner Christian Gray, who was a key figure in the Irish’s run to the national championship two seasons ago. Those two alone are enough to give most offensive coordinators in the country a headache.

With the addition of senior safeties Adon Shuler and Luke Talich, that headache turns into a migraine. Shuler, now a two-time captain for the Irish, has been a force to be reckoned with as Notre Dame’s latest Swiss Army Knife safety.

Talich brings a wealth of experience to a defensive backfield already loaded with it. All four of them, combined with the rest of the ridiculously deep Irish secondary, create one of the nation’s best units. Come Sunday,

defensive coordinator Chris Ash just needs to let the group do its thing. It took some time for them to find their footing last season, but this year should be a different story.

Keep the Badger defense on its toes In last year’s season opener against Miami, one of the loudest criticisms of the loss was the play calling from offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. In then-sophomore quarterback CJ Carr’s debut, the offense stuck to short passes and screens coupled with a running game that struggled to find its footing. Entering this season, the mentality must be different. The Irish return far too much talent on offense to be timid in their scheme.

The most significant newcomer for Notre Dame is junior running back Aneyas Williams, who fills the hole left by the departures of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. There will be plenty of depth behind him as well, with backs such as sophomore Nolan James Jr. and junior Kedren Young right behind Williams. Williams has shown enough talent to be a more than adequate replacement, and time will tell how the rest of the running back room fills in. The talent on the offensive line and in the receiving corps goes without saying. This could be the most talented offense Notre Dame has put together in years, and it’s

imperative that Denbrock uses every piece of it come Sunday night.

Roll with the punches It’s the season opener. It’s possible, highly likely even, that things will go wrong. That can be said for both sides, but last year was a particularly clear example of how a season opener can get ugly fast. Ugly doesn’t have to mean losing, though.

Mistakes are inevitable, but a common characteristic of a great team in any sport is the ability to respond to those mistakes in a positive manner.

This year’s Irish squad is set up particularly well to respond to any adversity that might come its way. There’s no shortage of veteran leadership, with Freeman mentioning that when the team was deciding captains, nine players received enough votes to be named to the role.

Unfortunately, nine is far too many captains for a single team, so they wound up with a relatively pedestrian four. That only speaks further volumes about the character of the team, however, as a surplus of leadership only helps guide a team better.

It may not be a schematic matter, but responding to adversity on Sunday could have a massive impact on how the game goes for Notre Dame.

Contact Ethan Laslo at elaslo@nd.edu

SPORTS

14 | THE OBSERVER

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

FOOTBALL

Carr in ‘driver’s seat’ for first game as captain

By Claire Watson Associate Sports Editor

Last season, the Irish started 0-2 after devastating losses to Miami and Texas A&M. This season, the Irish hope to take a new approach. As the Wisconsin kick-off for the 2026-27 season approaches, sophomore Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr prepares for his second season starting this Sunday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Carr began his career at Notre Dame slowly, which was to be expected with Riley Leonard leading the pack. In his first year, Carr only saw the field one time.

Last season, however, Carr made a statement on the field, completing 195 of 293 passes, totaling 2,741 passing yards and 24 passing touchdowns.

More impressively, those 24 touchdowns tied him for the record of the most passing touchdowns in a player’s first 12 career starts at Notre Dame, the longest streak by a Notre Dame quarterback since 2014.

His career high on the season was against Arkansas, where he totaled 342 passing yards total.

294 of those yards were in the first half, including four passing touchdowns.

In a Sept. 2 Notre Dame Athletics post-practice press conference, Carr commented on being named a captain and what it means to him as a player. “[I] watched Riley two years ago and a bunch of unbelievable captains this last year be voted, and it’s something I’ve wanted,” Carr said. “To be named a captain by your teammates who

you know, you go to work with everyday, is one of the greatest achievements of my life, and it feels really special.”

In a prior press conference on Aug. 21, coach Marcus Freeman spoke on Carr and his leadership on the field.

“He’s in a position where these dudes that are 6-foot8 [and] 6-foot-7, they look at him, what he says and say, ‘Yes sir,’ and he can’t forget that because they’re all following him,” Freeman said.

Carr now carries a high level of responsibility not just as the quarterback, but as a captain.

Freeman shared he believes Carr is more than up to the task.

He didn’t stop there, praising Carr for his ability to work with and shape the offense.

“He’s done a tremendous job.

He’s in the driver’s seat and

pushing them when they need to be pushed,” Freeman said.

Stepping into his new role, Carr spoke on the team’s preparation for the upcoming game.

“We are trying to prepare very similarly that we would with a full season or week five, something like that. We watched a bunch of Wisconsin from last year,” he said.

Carr also shared how the offense has been improving their chemistry.

“Just the reps that we’ve had and the comfortability that we have within the scheme from top to bottom is really good, and I think it’s also nice to kind of hone in on a game plan and understand what you’re looking for and why you’re calling a play,” Carr said.

Wide receiver Jordan Faison shared, “We’re going in with the

game plan of being the guy in front of us, making CJ’s job as easy as we can.”

When asked about the offensive line, he shared he feels “really good.”

“We have a bunch of returning guys, a bunch of guys I’ve played a bunch of ball with,” Faison said. “[Anthonie] Knapp and [Ashton] Craig and Guerby [Lambert] and some new guys obviously in there with Will [Black] and Styles [Prescod] but complete trust they are going to come out and perform the way they have been.”

The team’s chemistry will be on display on Sunday night when the Irish take the field against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Contact Claire Watson at cwatson7@nd.edu

FOOTBALL

Hicks: The perilous college football experience

By Ben Hicks Sports Editor

Week one of this column earned enough clicks and comments to warrant a reprise, so I am delighted to return with my weekly disdain for the current affairs of intercollegiate athletics.

While this edition’s selections are certainly less globally transformative, they are still relevant, and to a certain extent, humorous.

Today, we will go after USC football and its revisionist-history approach to the ending of the annual rivalry series with Notre Dame. But because I am a fair and unbiased reporter, I also have a gripe to pick with our very own glorious university here in the woods of northern Indiana.

Los Angeles Coliseum empty for USC opener USC, a once proud program with 11 national championships and eight Heisman Trophies,

opened its season in front of a reported 51,000 fans last weekend. That 51,000 may be generous, as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which previously reduced capacity from 93,000 to 77,000 because the Trojans couldn’t fill the seats, was cavernously empty.

The small smattering of Hollywood transplants who did make their way to the Coliseum witnessed a treat as Lincoln Riley’s Trojans beat powerhouse San José State 42-26. Maybe if USC didn’t run from the smoke and instead opted to play their usually scheduled home tilt against Notre Dame, the Coliseum would be filled, but what do I know?

In fact, you can see the Trojans battle Fresno State this weekend for just $21, a slight increase in price from the Trojan war against the Spartans of San José State.

Compare that to the last time the Irish traveled to USC, when

the get-in price exceeded $90.

That was also a year in which the Trojans struggled although that seems to be the norm since Riley took the helm in 2022. So, if you want people to show up, maybe stop complaining and start winning.

Neutral site games denigrate the collegiate experience I’m sure all the Notre Dame fans are reveling in my disparagement of their archival Trojans.

But the Irish aren’t sinless when it comes to deteriorating the environment of attending a college football game. Neutral site games suck, and Notre Dame harbors some blame for their increased popularity.

I recognize how that statement is overgeneralized and that not all neutral site tilts are created equally. For example, this weekend’s Shamrock Series battle between Notre Dame and Wisconsin at Lambeau Field possesses deep

historical and cultural ties between the programs and the Green Bay Packers, not to mention Lambeau’s atmosphere as football’s most hallowed grounds.

You can also look at the Notre Dame basketball season-opener in Rome, which boasts obvious papal ties as the Irish will play against Villanova, the alma mater of Pope Leo XIV. That being said, most neutral site games aren’t scheduled for cultural significance.

Instead, they are obvious money grabs, which price out students and loyal fans in favor of lucrative TV contracts. The success of Notre Dame’s Shamrock Series, which doesn’t always pair historic rivals in cool locations (see next year’s game against Wake Forest in Charlotte, North Carolina), proves just how much money you can make by moving games off campus.

Take the top-25 showdown this

weekend between Louisville and Mississippi. Two great fan bases and stadiums, and yet you’ll have an empty Nissan Stadium in Nashville, all because ESPN paid through the nose for the broadcasting rights. Imagine the on-campus tailgating scene at the Grove in Oxford, Mississippi, for a season-opening ranked matchup. Instead, with the students at home, you’ll get a sterile NFL environment, but that’s what happens when you follow the money.

Thank you to everyone who reached out to express their opinions and experiences relating to content in last week’s column. The best part of this job is interacting with readers, so as always, feel free to email me at sports@ndsmcobserver.com with any feedback. Stay tuned for next week’s unavoidable grumblings.

Contact Ben Hicks at bhicks2@nd.edu

DECLAN HUGGINS | The Observer

The Irish offense celebrates in the snowy Notre Dame Stadium during the home game against Navy on Nov. 8, 2025. Included in the group of players is junior running back Jadarian Price, who had one touchdown and 47 rushing yards in the game. After three seasons, Price left the Irish when he went No. 32 overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

SPORTS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

THE OBSERVER | 15

FOOTBALL

Football beat picks: Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin

By Observer Sports Staff Football Beat

Noah Cahill Leave no doubt.

I’d love a counter on how many times head coach Marcus Freeman has drilled that message into his team during the offseason.

Slow starts have been an issue in every Freeman season thus far, each one instilling a great deal of doubt in the fanbase and national media. With the combination of talent and expectations entering 2026, I just don’t see that happening to this team.

The product of inspired recruiting efforts and transfer additions, this year’s Irish answer every question on paper.

By contrast, the Badgers have several glaring ones. From a mid-major transfer quarterback to a lack of proven pass-catchers to a revamped cornerback room, Wisconsin under fourth-year head coach Luke Fickell has unknown quantities all over the field.

Notre Dame goes into Lambeau and wins the opener in resounding fashion.

Prediction: Notre Dame 35, Wisconsin 10 Ellie Collins In case you didn’t get the memo, there’s a game on Sunday. Notre Dame finally begins what it hopes is a historic season at one of the hallowed venues of football.

It hopes to end it on Jan. 25, celebrating a championship in Las Vegas. In every journey, there will be tests, and this Wisconsin squad brings a salty defense headed by a great linebacker duo in Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, as well as dual-threat quarterback Colton Joseph. I think the Irish offense will need time to solve the Badgers’ defense as it works in new starters in nearly every position group (except, fortunately, quarterback). I project a one-score game at halftime.

Aneyas Williams and the Irish ground game will find their footing in the second half, and CJ Carr will hook up with Jaden Greathouse for some big plays in the air.

The Irish defense, meanwhile, should solve Joseph by halftime and force the turnover-prone signal-caller into a couple of key mistakes that prove to be the Badgers’ death knell.

And, after last year’s debacles, I bet Notre Dame will even score two successful field goals.

Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Wisconsin 13 Chris Dailey The weather in South Bend is delightful. The Golden

Dome is glistening. Notre Dame football is back. What a time to be alive. It is no secret that expectations for Marcus Freeman’s fifth season with the Irish are sky-high — and rightfully so. While the Freeman-Fickell connection is enough to scare me, I find it hard to believe the Irish won’t come out firing after the sting from last year’s omission from the College Football Playoff.

Give me Notre Dame on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.

Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Wisconsin 17 Payton Dymek With all eyes on Notre Dame in one of the NFL’s most storied stadiums, the pressure is bound to be high, and what will set the teams apart is who runs toward it and utilizes it to their advantage. Wisconsin, entering a make-or-break year for Fickell, is sure to feel the external pressure. On the field, the improved Irish defense is sure to surprise the Badgers, as will the offense.

For Notre Dame, many, including me, fear this is a trap game. As long as the Irish relax and play their level of football, they will ultimately walk away with a win against Wisconsin.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Wisconsin 17 Ben Hicks It’s no secret Freeman hates to lose. The 40-year-old head coach is also a master motivator, so Wisconsin has no chance, right? In the words of Lee Corso, “Not so fast, my friend.” Fickell, Freeman’s former boss at both Ohio State and Cincinnati, has improved this Badgers roster with a litany of transfers on both sides of the ball. In front of a national audience, at the heart of their home state’s most sacred football grounds, I think the Badgers shock everyone and keep this game deadlocked … at the half.

From there, the Irish heed the advice of their head coach and begin the 2026 campaign to “leave no doubt.” Chris Ash’s defense took nearly the entire month of September to play sound football a year ago, but this deep, experienced group shouldn’t need more than 30 minutes to start firing this season — especially after Fickell expressed his willingness to test Leonard Moore, the best defensive player in the country. Offensively, the seasoned group up front should have no difficulty fending off edge rushers who transferred up from the group of six and FCS levels. That leaves Carr with all day to spread the rock to his embarrassment of riches. So don’t panic Irish fans,

just don’t expect a 60-minute beatdown either.

Prediction: Notre Dame 41, Wisconsin 17 Ethan Laslo Has Notre Dame built a Death Star? Only time will tell, but this game screams trap for many reasons. Fickell has upset Notre Dame before. Junior quarterback Joseph was an animal at Old Dominion last season. Freeman’s teams have shown that they tend to start slow. Nevertheless, this team is too talented and hungry for a trap game. The “chip on your shoulder” mentality may have become something of a cliche in modern times, but if ever there was a team to have it, it’s Notre Dame in 2026.

The Irish return more talent than any other team in the country this season. Filling the sizable hole in the running back room may be a concern, but junior Aneyas Williams has been patiently awaiting his opportunity. Sophomore quarterback Carr is Freeman’s first returning starter at the position. The defense is perhaps the best in college football. Wisconsin may have won in an upset in their last game at Lambeau Field, but Notre Dame will simply be too much as the Irish begin their redemption tour.

Prediction: Notre Dame 24, Wisconsin 10 Henry Lytle Start your engines. It’s time for the much anticipated 2026 season to begin on a high note for a Notre Dame team predicted by many to rip through a manageable start to the season. Starting at Lambeau is all Freeman could ask for. Notre Dame faces a transfer-heavy Wisconsin roster and takes on an inexperienced opposing offensive line at a neutral field.

I see two ways this could be uncomfortable. First, if Wisconsin can establish the threat of a big play. In the early-season Freeman upsets of the past — NIU, Marshall or Cincinnati (when Freeman was Irish defensive coordinator and Fickell coached the Bearcats) — the opposing offenses have been able to attack the Irish secondary with deep balls and force the corners and safeties to make big open field tackles in the run game.

Second, if Mike Denbrock’s offense struggles to run the ball, I see the Irish potentially getting off to a shaky start.

The running game does not necessarily need to be the focal point of the offense as it was a season ago, but Aneyas Williams needs to get touches and prove he can be a threat. I think the Notre Dame defense will leave no doubt and propel the Irish to a dominant week

one victory.

Prediction: Notre Dame 44, Wisconsin 13 Jack Muething This Wisconsin team has reloaded after a poor season last year, bringing in impactful transfers such as Joseph and Abu Sama III on the offensive side and Posa and Javan Robinson on the defensive side. However, teams that bring in a lot of transfers often see hiccups in the early weeks of the year. I expect that trend to continue here.

On the flip side, this is a Notre Dame team that has returned the defensive coordinator and a large chunk of the defense from last season, in which it played a very sound final few games. The Irish also return a quarterback for the first time in Freeman’s coaching tenure, and though there may be offensive struggles early in the game as the team adjusts to not having one of the best running back duos in the country, I expect Notre Dame to figure it out in the second half and just cover the 20.5 point spread.

Prediction: Notre Dame 28, Wisconsin 6 Nikki Stachurski The Irish have questions heading into the beginning of this year, but thankfully without the uncertainty at quarterback from last year. With Carr’s experience under center, the Irish offense should have no problem finding the end zone although they will need to prioritize efficiency.

Notre Dame’s habit of playing a slow game in the first half is enough to concern me, but the emphasis Freeman has

placed on his team to start September at a breakneck pace should overcome last season’s demons.

Wisconsin has a lot to prove in this game, however, and should not be underestimated at such a historic venue. The turning point will undoubtedly be the performance of Badgers quarterback Joseph, who transferred from Old Dominion last January.

Wisconsin may test Notre Dame under the bright lights of Lambeau Field, but with Carr at the helm and the Irish offense flourishing, Notre Dame can bring home an early season win.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Wisconsin 17 Claire Watson We are back in September, a month that has shown both highs and lows for Freeman and the Notre Dame football program. The Irish head into their first game of the season with Freeman holding a massive chip on his shoulder from going 0-2 to start last, and I have no doubt that the team will come out swinging, especially with Carr anchoring the offense. That being said, the Irish should not underestimate Wisconsin, despite their lacking performance last year. With the addition of numerous transfers, Wisconsin poses a stronger threat, and the Notre Dame defense will need to remain strong to hold the Badger offense at bay. If the Irish defense produces an exemplary performance, and Carr is able to move the ball, Notre Dame will start 1-0.

Prediction: Notre Dame 35, Wisconsin 14

DECLAN LEE | The Observer

Head coach Marcus Freeman and sophomore quarterback CJ Carr sing the Alma Mater after a 25-10 win over Boston College on Nov. 1, 2025.

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