The sixth annual Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp culminated in a highly competitive flag game where each individual played his heart out for his team, and attending family, under a golden sky and pleasant temperatures in the House that Rockne Built, Notre Dame Stadium.

The first half was dominated by defense, after an opening play 55 yard halfback pass from the White Team’s Mike Brennan that went to the 11 yard line. The Blue team was able to thrwart any further advances, and took over on downs.

The teams exchanged long drives and interceptions, as well as booming punts, but neither was able to score. QB Serge Martinez of Blue had one of the highlight runs of the half as the 65-year-old doctor scrambled for a key first down. 

The second half opened much the same, but both coaching staffs decided to focus more on the ground as they tried to establish field position. Again though the determined play of men like John O’Neil and Scott Litwiller kept the offenses out of the end zone.

As it apppeared overtime would have to determince the outcome, QB Bud Johnson lofted a pass toward the end zone with :09 seconds remaining. While the two White team defenders lept at the goalline to knock it down, receiver Chris Secreto of Kirkland, Washington, was able to tip the ball up, where Brian Pieroni of Virginia grabbed it in the back of the end zone for the touchdown and secured the Blue Team’s 6-0 victory.

Another dramatic finish in Notre Dame Stadium was camplete, and the 50 men who participated in Fantasy Camp walked out knowing they had been a part of something very special.

Hot off the press… here’s how the Blue & Gold teams will line up on Saturday at 1.30pm in Notre Dame Stadium…

BLUE COACHING STAFF                                    GOLD COACHING STAFF

Coach Haywood                                                Coach Brown

Coach Powlus                                                    Coach Latina

Coach Tenuta                                                    Coach Parmalee

Coach Polian                                                      Coach Ianello

Coach Ware                                                        Coach Oliver

Coach Graham                                                   Coach Loney

Reggie Brooks                                                   Coach Tatum

Gary Potempa                                                   Mike McCoy

Frank Pomarico                                                Dave Casper

Scott Kowalkowski                                            Greg Marx

Terry Andrysiak                                                Tom Freeman

Jim Humbert                                                     Robin Weber

Chris Zorich                                                      Mirko Jurkovic

Frank Baggatta                                                  Robert Haberkorn

Joe Colgan                                                         Bob Johnson

Keith Cross                                                        Bart McGloin

Rick Peltz                                                           Tony Yelovich

Brian Boulac

BLUE TEAM PLAYERS                                    GOLD TEAM PLAYERS

#3            Bud Johnson                                   #3            Bud Shearer

#3            Dick Morehead                               #7            Artie Dumesnil, Jr.

#4            Tom Long                                       #7            Gene Faut, Jr.

#5            Joe Hession                                    #8            Vance Fuller

#6            Chris Secreto                                  #9            Chris Alley

#9            Frank Bagatta, Jr.                            #11            Stu Fortener

#10            Brian Pieroni                                  #12            Tim Sudduth

#10            Bruce Calligaro                              #15            Serge Martinez

#10            Michael Whelan                              #18            Mike Brennan

#13            Mark Thees                                    #21            John O’Neill

#14            Steve Filbert                                   #22            Mark Smith

#21            Kelley Ryan                                     #26            Gene Faut, Sr.

#34            Jeff Balitsos                                     #29            Patrick “P.T.” Brent

#41            Bill Robinson                                   #32             Jim Lucchesi

#50            Scot Litwiller                                    #37            Larry Leamy

#50            Steve Long                                       #47            Chris Cromer

#53            Nick Huber                                      #56            Dan Rodden

#58            Dave Libs                                         #60            Dennis Fenn

#77            Charlie Ruffolo                                 #61            Dan Heatherson

#84            Tim Kopp                                          #81            John Harris

#89             Tom Britz                                         #82            Brian Kopp

                                                                            #98            Dan Kindelt

So the family is back together again.

All drawn by a love for Notre Dame football and all things Irish, the Fantasy Camp veterans have returned and are already welcoming the freshmen, who might not know quite what to expect when they arrive in South Bend, but they can be assured it will be a heartfelt welcome.

“I was very unsure what to expect when I arrived for my freshman year and it was complete open arms from everyone,” says John O’Neill from Toronto, the sole Canadian at this year’s camp.

“They brought you in as if you’d been there for the three or four years that the camp had been running and now we meet in the spring or at a reunion game. There are constant emails throughout the year and like a big family, we are never out of contact for long.”

Now reunited at a place that is special in each of their hearts, the fantasy campers began the 2008 experience with a welcome from event organizer Patrick Steenberge and Monogram Club Executive Director Jim Fraleigh. The group ate dinner in the Monogram Room with the entire current day Notre Dame coaching staff and listened as a series of guest speakers helped inspire them for the week ahead.

Those addressing the group included Chris Zorich, Mirko Jurkovic, Ron Powlus, Roger Valdiserri, who was the Notre Dame SID for more than 38 years, and Frank Leahy. 

The seniors – those who are enrolled in the camp for a fourth year – received watches and other awards were also given out.

Read more about Canadian John O’Neill’s passion for the Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp at www.NFLCanada.com

They come from all corners of the United States – from as far away as Hawaii, Tennessee, Florida and Toronto – to become Notre Dame football players for a few days.

The 2008 class of the Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp that is already well underway in terms on excitement and enthusiasm truly kicks off when the campers hit the practice field in South Bend on Thursday morning. Determined though they are to impress the Notre Dame football coaching staff that will put them through drills and teach them fundamentals for the next two days, the 24 to 72-year-olds need to pace themselves.

“They have to make sure they leave something in the tank for Saturday,” explained former Notre Dame running back and veteran Fantasy Camp coach Reggie Brooks. “Every one of them will be keen to impress his fellow campers, his coaches and even himself on the first day. But these guys need to stay healthy for the game on Saturday and not over-excerpt themselves the first time they step on the practice field.”

The finale of the sixth annual Fantasy Camp at 1.30pm on Saturday will be a flag football game between a Blue and a Gold team to add some extra competitive spirit to the already passionate experience. An anticipated record crowd of more than 500 might seem dwarfed inside the 80,000-capacity Notre Dame Stadium, but that will not detract from the atmosphere.

“The response from family and fiends who want to see their husband, father or uncle pull on a Fighting Irish jersey and run onto the field to fulfill a dream has been overwhelming,” said event organizer Patrick Steenberge. “I played in this stadium in the 70s and when I hear the click-clack of cleats of the Fantasy Camp players as they run out of the tunnel, it gives me that same feeling of excitement that makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.”

The camp’s oldest participant is sophomore Artie Dumesnil from Terrytown, Louisiana, who signs in at 72 years young, closely followed by junior Larry Leamy, 71, from Marshall, MI. Traveling the shortest distance from home to the University campus are Steve Filbert, aged 59, from South Bend and Dan Heatherson, 61, from nearby Granger, IN. Freshman PT Brent has traveled the furthest – more than 4,300 miles from his home in Honolulu, HI.

The campers will interact with some of the legends of Notre Dame Football. They will have a team meeting with Head Coach Charlie Weis and dress in official team apparel for four practices, with instruction from current staff and former star players. They will have daily use of the varsity locker room in Notre Dame Stadium, and will eat, sleep and breathe just as the Fighting Irish football stars do during their season.

Lets hope the weather holds for the week of the sixth annual Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp.

On Sunday night with preparations well underway for the main event, organizer Patrick Steenberge and his staff from Notre Dame and Anthony Travel sat down to dinner on a perfect sunny evening that soon turned into a thunder and lightning storm.

But an hour or so later the rain, rumbles and flashes had blown through town and the University of Notre Dame basked in a beautiful sunny glow and shone beneath a spectacular double rainbow. This was the longest day of the year and even at 10pm the sun reflected off the picturesque Golden Dome.

Tuesday proved to be just as bright and sunny as the finishing touches were put to the camp preparations and the first campers began arriving in time for Wednesday’s opening activities.

If the campers wander into the Sports Heritage Hall they will be delighted to discover that their Notre Dame legacy has been recorded alongside the greats who have also graced Notre Dame Stadium. Immortalized alongside Rockne, Montana and Theismann is a Fantasy Camp team photo and commemorative ball.

“They’re in here alongside the stars, but I don’t make it onto the wall!” said Steenberge, who played for the Fighting Irish in the early seventies.

So the scene is set, the weather is perfect and now South bend awaits this year’s fantasy campers.

Whether they are college players at the top of their game, or middle-aged football fanatics simply living a dream to play at Notre Dame Stadium – excitement always builds during the countdown to game day.

On Wednesday, June 25, a group of 50 Fighting Irish devotees who are never too old to enjoy themselves on the football field will kick off the 2008 Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp.

And they are excited.

“So far I only have 55 people coming to the game,” joked Steve Filbert, aged 59 from South Bend, IN. “They’re just a few family and friends.”

Filbert is by no means the camp’s elder statesman, with 14 of his fellow determined athletes aged 60 or older. The oldest participant is sophomore Artie Dumesnil from Terrytown, Louisiana, who signs in at 72 years young, closely followed by junior Larry Leamy, 71, from Marshall, MI.

“You are never too old to put on a jersey and become a football player again,” said organizer Patrick Steenberge, himself a former Irish quarterback (’70-’71). “I never tire of seeing the look of excitement on the campers’ faces when they see their names above a locker, or tread where Notre Dame legends have gone before them.”

The entire Notre Dame coaching staff will pass on their cumulative wealth of knowledge to the Fantasy Camp participants as will several former Fighting Irish Stars, including: Mike McCoy (DT, All-American, NFL career with Green Bay, Oakland, NY Giants, Detroit), Frank Stams (LB, captain of the ‘88 national championship team), Terry Andrysiak (QB ’84-’87 who won his first three starts for the Irish), Kris Haines (WR, Joe Montana’s favorite target, NFL career with Chicago, Buffalo, Washington), Reggie Brooks (RB with the ‘88 national champions, NFL career with Washington, Tampa Bay), Dave Casper (TE, All-American, Hall of Fame NFL career with Oakland, 5 Pro Bowls)

Another former player who will swell the coaching ranks and who knows exactly how things tick within the Fighting Irish fraternity is former Notre Dame linebacker Scott Kowalkowski, who has taken part in previous camps and will return to South Bend this week.

“I truly had a wonderful time hanging out with the guys watching them live their lifelong dream of playing in Notre Dame Stadium,” said the former Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles veteran. “Before I coached at the camp, I had not been on the field since my senior year and was equally thrilled to have the opportunity to relive my college experience.”

And it is not only former college football stars who have a passion for the camp, but also businessmen who find time to live out their dreams on the football field, such as Marty Allen, Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Foundation.

“I have been involved in many large events over the years – particularly in my relationship with President Ford – but none was run more efficiently and effectively,” he said of the Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp. “The campers, the coaches, and staff were a delight to be with.”

For the sixth year in succession, an eclectic group of young at heart football enthusiasts, whose ages range from 24 to 72, will put themselves through three days of practices and meetings before playing a competitive 60-minute flag football game in Notre Dame Stadium. The field where they faithfully watch the stars of college football excel during the fall will become the platform for a unique moment of football glory of their own.

During the five days from June 25-29, the campers will interact with some of the legends of Notre Dame Football. They will have a team meeting with Head Coach Charlie Weis and dress in official team apparel for four practices, with instruction from current staff and former star players. They will have daily use of the varsity locker room in Notre Dame Stadium, and will eat, sleep and breathe, just as the Fighting Irish football stars do during their season.

A total of 26 veterans – classed as sophomores, juniors and seniors – will return to South Bend and joining them will be seven four-year and five-year Alumni Lettermen, a group of old hands still gripped by the Fighting Irish spirit who though not actually playing, want to be there to cheer on their friends. There are 17 freshmen from as far away as California, Florida, Hawaii and Texas who will be welcomed to the fantasy camp for the first time.

The unique Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp experience costs $5490 and is the ideal gift for that father, son or husband who has everything else!

 

SOUTH BEND, IN (Wednesday, April 16, 2008) – What is it that keeps bringing them back? Quite simply, the opportunity to live out football dreams on the hallowed turf of the University of Notre Dame is too much to resist for the returning veterans of the Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp.

 

A total of 26 veterans – classed as sophomores, juniors and seniors – will return to the sixth annual Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp, which will be held from June 25 to 29. Joining them will be seven four-year and five-year Alumni Lettermen, a group of old hands still gripped by the Fighting Irish spirit and though not actually playing, want to be there to cheer on their friends.

 

And the word is spreading. Already signed up as 2008 freshmen are 18 newcomers aged between 30 and 65 who will arrive in South Bend from as far away as California, Florida, Hawaii and Texas. The oldest 2008 Fantasy Camp participant, sophomore Artie Dumesnil from Terrytown, Louisiana, signs in at 72 years young, closely followed by 71-year-old junior Larry Leamy from Marshall, MI.

 

The popular camps, which have been run successfully since 2003 by former Notre Dame quarterback Patrick Steenberge (’70-’71), offer Irish fans a chance to play football where legends have gone before them – at Notre Dame Stadium.

 

“I am so thankful for the five years that I was able to be a part of Fantasy Camp,” said Robert Haberkorn, who has returned every summer to live out his fantasy of pulling on an Irish jersey to be coached by former Notre Dame players and coaches. “This is a wonderful experience, and the memories have been great.”

 

Haberkorn is one of the seven returning fanatics who are now eligible to ‘audit’ the camp, returning to Notre Dame as Alumni Lettermen, simply to savor the experience – yet again.

 

The Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp attendees will dress in official team apparel for four practices with instruction from current staff and former star players, have daily use of the varsity locker room in Notre Dame Stadium, and will dine in the Monogram Room, South Dining Hall, College Football Hall of Fame and Stadium Press Box.

 

The campers will be split into two teams and play a 60-minute flag game in the Stadium with authentic game jerseys and pants, listening as their names are called out by an announcer. The game day experience includes game officials, the stadium scoreboard, crowd noise music, a message from Sgt. Tim McCarthy, the football team photographer, and video footage of the whole unique experience.

 

Campers will meet and interact with some of the legends of Notre Dame Football, have a team meeting with Head Coach Charlie Weis, take home gifts such as an authentic home and away game jersey (with a choice of number) and pants, practice jersey, adidas cleats, cap, t-shirt, polo shirt, shorts, apparel bag, game video, team photo, and official Riddell ND Gold Helmet.

 

When bodies are weary after a day of practice, a single room is available in the historic Morris Inn on campus, with nightly hospitality and memorable stories shared by former players.

 

Among seven senior campers returning to experience the thrills of the Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp for a fourth time to are two players in their 60s, Dan Kindelt (62) from Woodland, CA, and Dick Morehead (61) of Jacksonville, FL.

 

Returning seniors:

Name	Age	Hometown	State	#
Dan Kindelt	62	Woodland	CA	98
Mike Brennan	38	Ocala	FL	18
Dick Morehead	61	Jacksonville	FL	3
John Harris	38	Holmdel	NJ	81
Mark Smith	48	Cleveland	TN	22
Chris Alley	43	Tazewell	VA	1
Chris Secreto	47	Kirkland	WA	6

 

The list of juniors includes one of the camp’s five Indiana residents in 53-year-old Joe Hession from Carmel. The camp’s true locals will be sophomores Steve Filbert and Dave Heatherson, who will travel the short distance to campus from South Bend and Gilbert respectively.

 

Junior Frank Bagatta Jr. will take part in the camp for a third year alongside his father Frank Sr., an Alumni Letterman. The family connection is proving a popular theme with other father and son pairings including sophomores Gene Faut Sr. (aged 66 from Tower Lakes, IL) and Gene Faut Jr. (aged 42 from Roselle, IL).

 

Junior Tim Kopp (aged 62 from Wrightsville, PA) so enjoyed his two years’ experiences at Fantasy Camp that he invited his son Brian Kopp (aged 35 from Deatsville, AL) to enroll as a freshman in 2008.

 

Continuing the family theme, the roster also includes the Long brothers Tom (46, from Dallas, TX) and Steve (44, from Highland Village, TX), both in their first year.

 

Returning juniors:

Name	Age	Hometown	State	#
Dan Rodden	54	Buffalo	IL	56
Joe Hession	53	Carmel	IN	5
Larry Leamy	71	Marshall	MI	37
Frank Bagatta Jr.	23	Commack	NY	9
Tim Kopp	62	Wrightsville	PA	84

 

Who better than the returning sophomores, the Notre Dame enthusiasts who are returning for a second Fantasy Camp, to put the experience into perspective? “Words just can’t describe it,” insists Chris Cromer from Rome, GA. “The kindness and hospitality of everyone involved with the camp was unbelievable.”

 

Returning sophomores:

Name	Age	Hometown	State	#
Tom Britz	67	Palm Springs	CA	89
Chris Cromer	37	Rome	GA	47
Gene Faut, Jr.	42	Roselle	IL	7
Gene Faut, Sr.	66	Tower Lakes	IL	26
Steve Filbert	59	South Bend	IN	14
Dan Heatherson	61	Granger	IN	61
Michael Whelan	47	Evansville	IN	10
Artie Dumesnil	72	Terrytown	LA	3
Dave Libs	67	Buchanan	MI	58
Scott Litwiller	45	Tulsa	OK	50
John O’Neill	40	Toronto	Ontario	21
Jeff Balitsos	36	Nashville	TN	34
Bran Pieroni	41	Chesapeake	VA	10

 

For the first time in 2008 the Fantasy Camp will welcome an Alumni Letterman class of veterans who have participated since the inaugural year, including 45-year-old Rob Johnson from Lititz, PA. He says: “Every year I tell my wife this can’t get any better and somehow it does thanks to the great job of Patrick and his team, but most importantly the new freshman coming in. We are a family and I am proud to be a part of it.”

 

Alumni Lettermen:

Name		Age	Hometown	State
Joe Colgan	50		Chicago	IL
Rick Peltz		39	Indianapolis	IN
Keith Cross		35	Holden	MA
Robert Haberkorn		47	Cape Girardeau	MO
Frank Bagatta, Sr.		55	Smithtown	NY
Bart McGloin		43	Wheatfield	NY
Rob Johnson		45	Lititz	PA

 

Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp Freshmen:

Name	Age	Hometown	State	#
Brian Kopp	35	Deatsville	AL	82
Bud Johnson	54	Los Alamitos	CA	3
Jim Lucchesi	65	San Francisco	CA	32
Bill Robinson	60	Melbourne	FL	41
Tim Sudduth	36	Atlanta	GA	12
PT Brent	65	Honolulu	HI	29
Dennis Fenn	58	Chicago	IL	60
Charlie Ruffolo	30	Chicago	IL	77
Stu Fortener	40	Overland Park	KS	11
Serge Martinez	65	Crestwood	KY	15
Bud Shearer	60	Hampstead	MD	3
Nick Huber	55	Jackson	MO	53
Bruce Calligaro	58	Ringwood	NJ	10
Mark Thees	47	Toledo	OH	13
Vance Fuller	54	York	PA	8
Steve Long	44	Highland Village	TX	50
Tom Long Kelley Ryan	46 54	Dallas Clemmons	TX NC	4 21

 

The unique Fantasy Camp experience costs $5490 and is the ideal gift for that father, son or husband who has everything else!