2026 ROckne awards
Riverside Ballroom
Green Bay, WI
Saturday, September 5, 2026
At the Riverside Ballroom, explore the historic East Side neighborhood that produced East High/Notre Dame greats Curly Lambeau, Jim Crowley, Red Hearden, and Red Smith. Enjoy a Wisconsin-themed “tailgate buffet.” And be inspired by some awesome Award winners.
Special guest speaker is Mike McCoy, unanimous Notre Dame All-American (1969), Green Bay Packer star (1970-76) and winner of the 2020 Rockne Inspiration Award. Your event host is Allison Hayes, veteran Notre Dame football journalist.
Honorees
It’s become a staple of the Notre Dame football season, as we honor another outstanding lineup of individuals who embody the best traits of Coach Rockne – this time, each with a key connection to northeastern Wisconsin.
- Leadership Award: Tom Clements ’75 quarterbacked the 1973 Irish to the national championship, starred in the Canadian Football League, then enjoyed a 25-year career as an NFL assistant, including 14 seasons with the Green Bay Packers as quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.
- Inspiration Award: Greg Blache ’72, who came to Notre Dame as a football recruit, but when sidelined by injuries, Ara Parseghian guided him into coaching and hired him as Notre Dame’s first Black assistant coach. He went on to a lengthy career in the NFL, including with the Green Bay Packers, Chicago, and Washington.
- Legacy Award: The Family of Thomas “Red” Hearden ’27, a football star from Green Bay East who followed Jim Crowley to Notre Dame and captained the 1926 Irish, then returned to Green Bay to coach at East, St. Norbert College, and with the Green Bay Packers.
- Legacy Award: The Family of Jack Vainisi ’50, who played one year of football at Notre Dame and then went to work for the Green Bay Packers, revolutionizing how college players were scouted and assisting in the drafting of numerous stars who won five NFL titles and two Super Bowls for Vince Lombardi.
- Champion Award: John Wroblewski ’03 and Josh Sciba ’07, head coach and assistant coach, respectively, of the 2026 Team USA women’s hockey Olympic Gold Medal team. Wroblewski is a native of Neenah, Wis. Sciba was recently named head coach of the new Detroit franchise in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
- Innovation Award: Louie Gentine ’97, current president and CEO of Sargento Foods, Inc. Louie took over from his father Lou Gentine ’70 in 2013 and has guided the company to continued growth and influence in the industry.
- Humanitarian Award: Dr. Robin Goldsmith ’87, president, chief medical officer, and co-founder of the St. Gianna Clinic in DePere, Wis. St. Gianna Clinic was given a formal decree as the first “Catholic teaching clinic” in the country. While at Notre Dame, Robin was a member of the women’s tennis team.
Additional Events
Notre Dame–Green Bay Football History Night
Thursday, Sept. 3
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Hagemeister Park, Green Bay
At the football history–themed Hagemeister Park restaurant and special event center in downtown, we’ll explore some of the most notable names that link Green Bay with Notre Dame. Authors who specialize in Curly Lambeau, Jim Crowley, and Jack Vainisi will share their stories and be available to sign and inscribe their books.
Free and open to the public, though we do ask that you pre-register if possible. Come early and order off the menu for some great food and beverage.
The Rockne Open
Friday, Sept. 4
10:00 a.m. start
North Shore Golf Club, Menasha
Come and play one of the most outstanding, gorgeous private golf courses the Midwest has to offer! Overlooking the banks of beautiful Lake Winnebago, North Shore Golf Club‘s wonderfully manicured layout provides challenges and rewards skill, all in a spectacular setting. We’ll have Notre Dame football superstars located to take your tee shot at key spots.
We will be joined by:
- Luther Bradley, recently voted by Blue & Gold Illustrated as Notre Dame’s #1 defensive back of the past 50 years. Two-time national champion. Winner of the 2018 Rockne Inspiration Award.
- Mike McCoy, Notre Dame All-American and 7-year Green Bay Packer star. Uplifting speaker to school groups and winner of the 2020 Rockne Inspiration Award.
- Dr. Bill Hurd, Notre Dame wide receiver and track and field All-American; worldwide achievement in medicine and philanthropy; winner of the 2025 Rockne Inspiration Award.
Your fee includes a box lunch and beverage, and you’ll be playing for prize coupons redeemable at North Shore’s pro shop.
Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin
Sunday, Sept. 6
Rockne Society “Champion Suite”
Lambeau Field
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Enjoy this historic game from the privacy and luxury of the Rockne Society’s exclulsive 40-yard-line Champion Suite.
Full food and beverage, easily accessible restrooms, and lively conversation with like-minded Fighting Irish supporters, including some Notre Dame football royalty!
For details, please email: [email protected] or call 612-242-3581.
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