2018 rockne awards
An Evening of Recognition and Celebration
The second annual Knute Rockne Spirit of Sports Awards Celebration, held Sept. 7, 2018, at the historic Palais Royale Ballroom in downtown South Bend, honored an outstanding lineup of individuals for their achievements in athletics...and in life.
More than 200 attendees gathered to enjoy an evening of conversation and congratulations. Among the comments from attendees:
"It was a magical night!....The speakers were all excellent, funny, inspiring...A very memorable evening."
" It was a great event in all respects...an absolutely wonderful time."
"The evening was perfect for the ND family."
For a brief video with highlights of the entire evening, click here.
For Jim Lefebvre's Opening Remarks, click here.
At the Awards Celebration, we previewed the upcoming Rockne documentary film in this presentation.
For a video of each Rockne Award presentation, click on the Award name. (Awards correspond to Rockne Award winners pictured above, from left):
INSPIRATION Award -- Luther Bradley, 1977 Notre Dame All-American, active in Youth for Christ ministry, in Detroit and nationally.
COURAGE Award -- Haley Scott DeMaria, former Notre Dame swimmer, author, inspirational speaker.
COMMUNICATION Award -- Bob Nagle, 43-year broadcast veteran, and voice of Fighting Irish women's basketball.
CHAMPION Award -- Coach Muffet McGraw, two-time and defending NCAA Champion, and Hall of Famer.
HERITAGE Award -- Jerry McKenna, renowned sculptor, whose work includes sculptures of ND national champion coaches at the Stadium.
LEGACY Award -- Bob Dorais, grandson of legendary ND quarterback Gus Dorais, who has co-authored a biography of his grandfather.
PERSEVERANCE Award -- Bill "Red" Mack, who rose from a childhood in a Pittsburgh area orphanage to play halfback for ND, and win a Super Bowl.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE Award -- Jan Blazi, long-time ND Athletic Dept. staffer, served as assistant to football coaches Parseghian to Willingham.
Earlier in the week, at a luncheon in Bettendorf, Iowa, the other 2018 Rockne Award was presented to:
LIVING LEGEND Award -- Johnny Lujack, at 93 the oldest living Heisman Trophy winner, having won the honor in 1947 for Notre Dame's national champs.
And, finally, the Closing Remarks and invitation to attend the 2019 Rockne Awards.
inspiring achievement in athletics...and in life.
Bringing Coach Rockne to the 21st Century
Our mission: To perpetuate and advance the name and legacy of Coach Knute Rockne and all that he stood for, honoring his life and all the lives he touched, by teaching, recognizing and supporting coaches and athletes in their pursuit of outstanding leadership, achievement and sportsmanship.
The 2017 Knute Rockne Spirit of Sports Awards Celebration -- A Smashing Success!!!
The inaugural Rockne Awards honored, from left:
Devoted Friend -- Art Decio
Champion -- Ryan Harris
Loyalty -- Coach Brian Boulac
Distinguished Service -- Roger Valdiserri
Humanitarian -- Dan Harshman
Perseverance -- Mike Oriard
Innovation -- Tom Reynolds
Courage -- Rocky Bleier
Take a look a the great Photo Gallery from the event.
Become a Founding Member of the Knute Rockne Memorial Society
Create a lasting legacy of support for the work of the Knute Rockne Memorial Society. Your supports joins with other to help the Society reach its goals of bringing Coach Rockne's principles and practices to a 21st century audience. See details an hit the DONATE button below.
Support the Knute Rockne Memorial Society TODAY
$500.00
Become a FOUNDING MEMBER of the Knute Rockne Memorial Society, and receive this limited edition print (retail value $100), signed and numbered by third-generation legacy Notre Dame artist Kathleen Keifer; also, a FOUNDING MEMBER certificate, recognition on all Rockne Society communications, and inclusion in credits of Rockne film.
All for a one-time $500 donation.