(Photo courtesy of ND Football Staff)
“When I run dry, I’ll stop awhile and think of you.” – Simon & Garfunkel
If you haven’t read last year’s camp blog, here is a link to it: https://nocrappyexcuses.com/index.php/2023/06/22/pot-o-gold-2023-notre-dame-football-fantasy-camp-6-4-6-8-23/
Like last year’s blog, I want to mention that this post will be a bit different. For years, I’ve gone into a lot of detail on everything related to that post. For this particular one, there are large parts that I’m not going to focus on. For the simple reason that I believe going through every single detail spoils the special aspect of this experience.
Also, there are several public items that I will reference:
[1] Mike Drosieko’s videos – Day 1 Recap (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O8zZDvdX8Q), Day 2 Recap (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfiLlfVx1oo), Day 3 Recap ()https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a1XkIxB_wA, Game Day Recap (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PHMhoYeLic).
[2] North American Golden Domers S2E20 (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VgB7e5e6Z6j8Qi8OGhRpy ).
[3] NDFFC Itinerary (https://fightingirish.com/notre-dame-football-fantasy-camp-information/) (this is now showing the 2024 version, but from memory the prior detailed 2023 one mirrored the compressed 2024 view).
To get a good overview of what went on in more detail, please take a look at [1] and [3]. The two combined, along with the below should give you a really good idea of what you’re in for if you can make camp work in 2025!
As I’ve mentioned in the past (and shared during camp), I first found the Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp (NFFC) in 2006. At that time, it was run by Global Football (Patrick Steenberge — who I learned during last year’s camp was a former ND player). At that time, it wasn’t feasible. 17 years later and multiple false starts, I was finally able to attend camp last year. During that 17 year interim, there were times that I feared my ‘borrowed time’ of vision would run out before I could attend at least once.
I was fortunate to have an opportunity to be back again this year for my Sophomore season. It was great to see so many familiar faces along with new ones. And yes, given my vision, I know how odd that sounds… 😀
One of the first familiar faces that I “saw” was Chris Zorich. I had enjoyed talking with him a lot last year, and he was one of the people who found me on the field after last year’s game. This year, he “bookended” things — in being one of the first people I saw at camp, and one of the last I saw before I came off the field this year. Always great to see him!
After talking with him, I went through the process of checking gear and doing the lifestyle photo shoot. I really like how they came out!
I know that when you hear someone say “I ran into [person] at the store”, you think , ‘hey, that’s great, you saw [person]’. But when I say I almost ran into Reggie Brooks in the locker room prior to the first practice, I mean that literally. 😀 Thankfully, my “seeing-eye Judge” helped to ensure that that didn’t happen. The photo with Reggie ended up getting shared by the Holtz’s Heroes Foundation after camp.
Day 2 also included a welcome by Coach Freeman and the coaches, along with meetings. It ended with an amazing talk by another ND alum (Bryant Young) after we had eaten dinner under the Dome.
Day 3 was our two-a-day practice day. Because of potential storms, both practices were at the IAC instead of just the afternoon one. After one of the practices, we had an opportunity to see what the new facilities will look like. Very, very, very impressive presentation by Ron Pawlus. It also included the blue-gold draft (I was on Gold again), meetings, and a visit to the Grotto.
Day 4 (game day) included our final practice / walk through, a meal at the training table, mass at the Basilica, and meetings with Coach Freeman prior to the game.
As mentioned in [1], there were a lot more people there this year. While the total count was 63 campers, I believe the player count was about 48. That’s in comparison to last year when there were about 30 players.
Last year, prior to the game, we had to do some quick work to get a proper pant/belt fit. This year, I had tried the pants on Day 1 and made an adjustment. So I thought I was fine for game day. However, there were issues with the flag belts not being long enough. So the solution of connecting two didn’t work properly for the first couple plays I was on the field. But I was able to sort it out relatively quickly.
The game was a defensive struggle this year, with both teams intercepting the opposing QBs. It also somehow featured a Mack truck on the field… Wait, my apologies; that was just Ron Jones.
With about a minute left, the Blue team was driving down for a score. After they didn’t convert on the 4th down, I was brought in for a final play, and scored an 80+ yard TD! I also won a MVP award later in the evening at the banquet!
As mentioned in [1], we gathered at Brothers. At some point in the evening, I was looking at my phone using VoiceOver. I have already let Andy know that his conspiracy theories in [2] will be properly addressed by my attorney, Miles T. Cat…. 😛 😀
I am extremely grateful to all of my ND brothers who helped me out throughout the week (especially Judge). I am also extremely grateful to Coach Freeman and the entire ND football program (including current players and alumni) for an amazing and special week.
Registration is open for 2025. Just remember, this one week in the sun makes up for months of having to eat raumen to make it work. I hope to have an opportunity to be back for my Junior season in 2025!
GO IRISH
