Onward to Victory: A Notre Dame Football Podcast

101: Talkin' Four Horsemen with Author Jim Lefebvre!

Welcome back to Onward to Victory! Today, host Alex Painter is joined by author Jim Lefebvre to talk about Notre Dame's famed Four Horsemen backfield. Lefebvre's award-winning work Loyal Sons: The Story of the Four Horsemen and Notre Dame Football's 1924 Champions remains the gold standard in Horsemen scholarship. Tune in to learn more about the Horsemen, their legacy, and the environment and happenstance which allowed them to propel to national fame. Enjoy!

One-Hundred: From Podcast to Pages - Louis Salmon's Notre Dame Legacy

Wow! One-hundred episodes on the nose! I'll be. Very happy, thrilled, honored, and all the above to share more about my book "Louis Salmon: All-American" today! After four years of writing and research, which started as an episode of this show, I can't wait for folks to learn more about Lou, who was Notre Dame football's first All-American back in 1903. I'll even read a short excerpt from the work. Thank you for five years, one-hundred episodes, and a whole book's worth of support. Means the world, truly.

Interested in picking up a copy of the book? Head over to Paypal.me/onwardtovictory or drop me a line at onwardtovictorypodcast@gmail.com!

Ninety-Nine: 2024 Season Preview!

For a sixth consecutive year, Onward to Victory brings you a season preview! Join host Alex Painter and special guest pundit Colton Painter on a breakdown of the current team, position group by position group, the schedule, and other brotherly hi-jinx! We are on the cusp of another go-round, Irish fans. Let Onward to Victory get you prepared for the upcoming season! 

 

NOTE: We had some audio issues during the recording. Bear with us! Enjoy!

Ninety-Eight: From the Gridiron to Olympic Podium - The Tom Lieb Story

Happy Olympic Season to those who celebrate! Today on the show, join host Alex Painter on a dive on Tom Lieb, a standout Notre Dame football player, assistant (and sometimes acting head!) coach, and...Olympian medalist in the discus!

100 years ago this year, Tom not only crossed the pond to compete in the Paris Summer Olympics, but he also returned to coach perhaps the most famous offensive line in college football history! Enjoy the story of a Notre Dame legend not oft-told!

Ninety-Seven: Fifth Anniversary Special with Irish Legend Vagas Ferguson

Wow! How'd we get so lucky?! Legendary Notre Dame running back (see: National Champion, Consensus All-American, and Cotton Bowl MVP) Vagas Ferguson joins host Alex Painter show today to ring in the five-year anniversary of your favorite Notre Dame football podcast. I think you'll really enjoy it!

Hope you enjoy. Here's to five more great years of Notre Dame legacy, lore, and legends. Take care, Irish fans!

Ninety-Six: Gridiron Glory to War Hero - Remembering Jack Chevigny

Today, and in honor of the Memorial Day holiday, host Alex Painter delves into the storied life of Notre Dame halfback and coach Jack Chevigny, who gave the last full measure on the beach of Iwo Jima during World War II. Hope you enjoy this one, Irish fans.

Ninety-Five: One-Year Wonders: Notre Dame Football's One-Year Head Coaches

What an offering! Ever curious about Notre Dame's one-year head coaches? No? Yes? Well, I'm here to tell you that some of these guys were (and still are!) integral pieces of the program as they carried the early years of Notre Dame football often squarely on their shoulders! Take in the fascinating history of the one-year Notre Dame football coaches, and their crucial place in the history of the program. Enjoy!

 

Ninety-Four: 'Come on you Mules, the Horsemen are Waiting!' - Notre Dame's Seven Mules

I bet you have heard of the 'Four Horsemen'...so what about the Seven Mules? Join the show today as host Alex Painter breaks down the other unit on the 1924 team, the impeccable offensive line known as the 'Seven Mules'! Delightfully random, this group made an indelible mark on Notre Dame history exactly a century ago - and has been unfortunately a bit obscured since. Hope you enjoy!

Ninety-Three: "From Famine to Fighting Irish" - Notre Dame and the Potato Famine

Today, join host Alex Painter as he does a dive on the harrowing Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1852 and how it helped Notre Dame subsist throughout the 19th century, as well as gain an identity they've never lost. The episode provides some necessary context to both the history of the university and the country alike!

Enjoy, Irish fans!

Ninety-Two: The Rise, Fall, and Rise of Pat O'Dea - Notre Dame Head Coach and 'Kangaroo Kicker'

Wowee! Irish fans, you don't want to miss this one. Today, join host Alex Painter as he tells the tale of a Australian Rules Football player who made good on the college scene, claiming national fame as a player...and then he ended up as Notre Dame's head coach during the pre-Rockne era! But...The story only begins there. Tune in today!

Ninety-One: ’From the Gridiron to the G-Men’: John R. Flynn’s Pursuit of Justice with Eliot Ness

A real crackerjack of an episode today! Meet John R. Flynn, a lineman on some of those ultra memorable Knute Rockne teams, who would later team up with the most famous crime fighter of the 20th century - Eliot Ness!

Tune in today to learn of Ness and Flynn's escapades and to learn more about the times that defined them. Enjoy!

Ninety: A Brief History of the Puzzling Film ’John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!’

Whoah - what a trip! Today, host Alex Painter tackles the strange, litigious story of the 1965 film 'John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!'. The film, though inherently ridiculous, was taken to court by Notre Dame officials in an attempt to stop its release. What's the story here? Find out today on Onward to Victory!

Eighty-Nine: ’Sacred Showdowns’: Notre Dame’s Meetings with Native Foes

Welcome! Today, for the second straight year, Onward to Victory designates a November offering to commemorate Native American Heritage Month. Join host Alex Painter as he not only outlines the history of Notre Dame squaring off against Native American institutions back in 1910s, 20s, and 30s, but also the overlooked significance of the meetings. Enjoy, Irish fans! 

Eighty-Eight: ’Faugh A Ballagh!’ - Father William Corby and the Irish Brigade

To celebrate the icon's 190th birthday month - Onward to Victory tackles Father William Corby and the famed Irish Brigade of the American Civil War. Corby served as a beacon of inspiration for the gritty outfit, and provided encouragement and spiritual guidance at some of their most pressing moments - including one that will be forever immortalized on campus. Don't miss this one, Irish fans!

Eighty-Seven: Talkin’ Irish with Legendary Journalist Len Clark!

Look out, Irish fans - we have a high-flyer joining the show today! Onward to Victory welcomes Len Clark to the show. Len is a veteran journalist who has covered Notre Dame as well as anyone in recent memory. 

Join Len and host Alex Painter as they tackle a myriad of topics as it pertains to your beloved Fighting Irish. If you didn't already know, Len is a fantastic storyteller with a wide breadth of experience and perspective to draw from. You won't want to miss this one!

Eighty-Six: ’Scaling the Ivy Wall’ - Notre Dame’s History Against the Ivy League Conference

Phew - talk about a random episode! Even so, this is a good one (save an allergy-ridden host). Join Alex as he discusses the intersection of Notre Dame and Ivy League Football. Don't sleep on this one, Irish fans - it's a nice walk through Notre Dame history!

 

Iconic Sights of Notre Dame - Part Two: The Presbytery

Nestled between some of the biggest landmarks on Notre Dame's campus is an assuming yellow brick building called The Presbytery. Join host Alex Painter today to learn more about one of the oldest structures on campus, which played a pivotal part of Notre Dame founder Father Edward Sorin's life and death. Enjoy!

 

Want to learn more? There is a fantastic article written by Notre Dame alumnus Margaret Fosmoe in the Notre Dame Magazine and can be found here. Cover photo by Matt Cashore.

Eighty-Four: 2023 Season Preview!

Woohoo! Today is the day! Join Onward to Victory host Alex Painter and special co-host Colton Painter as they breakdown the Irish roster, schedule, and sleepers for the 2023 season. Get in the spirit of the season with this special 'sode, courtesy of your pals at Onward to Victory!

 

This episode is proudly presented by WCScreens.com and sponsored by the show's Consensus All-Americans.

Eighty-Three: Myron Pottios and the Early History of the Linebacker Lounge

For this episode, pretend your a patron in the famed Linebacker Lounge and raise a glass! Join host Alex Painter for this dive on the origins of perhaps the most famous of all the Notre Dame bars, the Linebacker Lounge, and its intimate connection with Irish football. 

Cheers, Irish fans!

Eighty-Two: Anniversary Special with Irish Legend Terry Hanratty

Here comes the big one! Notre Dame legend Terry Hanratty (QB 1966-1968) joins the show to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the show. An interview for the ages, Terry talks candidly about his time at Notre Dame, some of his favorite teammates, his time spent as a professional, and his thoughts on sports today. 

You don't want to miss this one! Enjoy!

Eighty-One: The Gentleman of Notre Dame - Insights on Four Horseman and Unheralded Head Coach Elmer Layden

A great one for you today, Irish fans! Learn more about the life and career of Notre Dame man Elmer Layden. Though he was certainly a member of the 1924 backfield, famously known as 'The Four Horsemen', he was also so much more. 

Join host Alex Painter and check in today to learn more about this somewhat obscured head coach of Notre Dame - you surely won't regret it! Cheers!

Eighty: ’Spring Fling’ - Playing Catch-Up

Glad to be back! After a month off podcasting, I gotta say, I missed it terribly! Today, join host Alex Painter for a recap of the Blue/Gold Game from both a family and fan perspective, as well as having the opportunity to meet Head Coach Marcus Freeman in, of all places, Alex's hometown of Richmond, Indiana. 

We are indeed playing a bit of 'catch-up' today, but look out for a great summer here with Onward to Victory.

Seventy-Nine: Alex’s Irish Anecdotes - Volume Three

An idea so nice, let's try it thrice! Welcome to the third edition of Alex's Irish Anecdotes. One episode, four short stories, including:

-When the first bicycle reached Notre Dame's campus

-A generational rock star's close connection with the Fighting Irish

-Knute Rockne...professional football player?

-A short history of campus tradition the Bengal Bouts!

Enjoy, Irish fans!

Seventy-Eight: Notre Dame on the Diamond - The Fascinating Origins and History of Fighting Irish Baseball

In honor of Spring Training, the World Baseball Classic, and the beginning of the college baseball season, join host Alex Painter on a dive into the origins of baseball at Notre Dame campus, and a memorable ride to the present day! 

For a university synonymous with the gridiron, get a load of all this amazing history on the diamond today!

Enjoy!

Iconic Sights of Notre Dame - Part One: ’Touchdown Jesus’

As the show puts some energy towards the officially unofficial 'podcast tour' of campus by way of the 'Iconic Sights...' miniseries, the Word of Life mural on the Hesburgh Library, better known as 'Touchdown Jesus' seemed like a grand place to start! 

Join host (and de facto tour guide) Alex Painter as he runs down the history of the library and the spectacular mural which made it famous!

Enjoy the show? Please like, subscribe to receive all the latest updates. Please visit Paypal.me/onwardtovictory or Patreon.com/OnwardToVictoryPodcast to chip in and help the show!

Notre Dame & the Civil War - Part Five: The Saint Mary’s Sister-Nurses and the ’Stationmaster’

A show tradition continues! Tune in and learn about the sisters of Saint Mary's, who served in battlefield and military hospitals as nurses, and their indelible impact on the Northern war effort! Truly an inspiring story.

Additionally, Alex shares the tale of Thomas Bulla, an ardent abolitionist and 'stationmaster' on the Underground Railroad who lived on the modern-day Notre Dame campus!

Enjoy, Irish and history fans alike!

Seventy-Five: ’All-Time Great’? The Legacy of Ian Book among all Irish QBs

2023 marks three years since the end of Ian Book's tenure as a Notre Dame quarterback. Yes, football is the ultimate team sport, but, fair or unfair, it is the quarterback who is largely credited with both the team's successes and failures. That being said, it's high time we have the discussion of his place among all the Notre Dame greats at the position! You may be surprised of the assessment.

Enjoy the show and want to plink a few coins in the collection plate? Visit paypal.me/onwardtovictory or patreon.com/onwardtovictorypodcast to make a contribution.

Thanks for listening!

Seventy-Four: A History of Notre Dame Head Coaches Converting to Catholicism

In September 2022, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman did something that no Irish head coach had done in ninety-seven years...he converted to Catholicism! The last guy who did was a pretty good coach too, I'd say!

Whether this is important to you personally or not, I guarantee you'll enjoy this very interesting parallel between these two men! Enjoy, Irish fans!

Seventy-Three: John Huarte - Notre Dame’s Improbable Heisman

Winning a Heisman before earning a varsity letter? Who knew?! Today, host Alex Painter does a deep dive into the playing career of Notre Dame quarterback John Huarte - easily one of the most improbable Heisman Trophy winners in history. Not only did Huarte come out of Notre Dame with the most coveted of all awards, but he also helped turn the tide of Notre Dame football - which was in peril of losing some shine off the golden helmets at the time.

Before the Huarte story, Alex also recaps the 2022 year for Onward to Victory.

Enjoy!

Seventy-Two: Onward to Victory Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

Today, Onward to Victory has a special charge - celebrating a few Native American athletes who have (or will!) made a huge impact on our beloved Fighting Irish. Learn about the following:

Wynter Jock, an incoming women's lacrosse player and member of the Mohawk tribe - who just signed her letter of intent! She's breaking down barriers as she sees them, and we can't wait to see her suit up for the Irish!

The first openly Native American player in the football program, Tommy Yarr was an All-American Rockne-era center, as well as part Snohomish on Washington State. 

Perhaps the true breaker of baseball's color barrier in 1897, who knows the name Louis Sockalexis? You're in for a treat. Who would have thought the member of the Penobscot tribe began that legendary year at South Bend?

Enjoy, Irish fans. 

Want to donate to the show? Please visit paypal.me/onwardtvictory or patreon.com/onwardtovictorypodcast - thank you, kindly!

Seventy-One: The Greatest Game on the Gridiron for the Galivanting George Gipp

We all know George Gipp...but do we all *know* George Gipp? Join host Alex Painter as he attempts to peel back the many fascinating layers of the Gipper himself, using his best and most memorable game as the backdrop to the episode! Gipp is perhaps best known as the first player in program history to be selected to Walter Camp All-American First-Team.

George Gipp was truly a one-of-a-kind. Enjoy, Irish fans!

Want to donate to your favorite Notre Dame football podcast? Please visit paypal.me/onwardtovictory

Seventy: The Cemeteries of Notre Dame - A Halloween Special

Just in time for Halloween, join host Alex Painter for a tasteful, historical overview of the cemeteries on Notre Dame's campus - which are nearly as old as the school itself! 

As a pleasant bonus, Notre Dame's cemeteries find a rich context within a general discussion of the prevalence of cemeteries on college campuses. 

Want to plink a few coins in Onward to Victory's virtual tip jar? Please visit paypal.me/onwardtovictory

Sixty-Nine: ’Talkin’ Irish with Artist Kathleen Keifer’

Buckle up those chinstraps, Irish fans! Today, Alex is joined by Notre Dame alumna and artist Kathleen Keifer, whose vast portfolio includes a countless number of timeless pieces dedicated to preserving the spirit of Notre Dame and celebrating her football team. 

Enjoy her and Alex's conversation, which details not only her career and inspirations as an artist, but encapsulates her pure, unadulterated love for the Irish!

Sixty-Eight: ’The Tragedy & the Triumph’ - The Stories of Ralph Dimick and George Philbrook

For today's selection, we head back to the time 'before Rockne' to celebrate a duo of friends and teammates who helped turn the tide of the Notre Dame football - and who just may have stirred up some serious eligibility controversy along the way! To be fair, there were very few rules regarding this then.

Dimick and Philbrook, members of the excellent 1909 team that was first dubbed the 'Fighting Irish', distinguished themselves as Notre Dame men. One died an incredibly tragic death, while the other experienced the triumph of a lifetime just mere months later. Enjoy!

Want to help the show? Please subscribe, share, or even donate at Paypal.Me/OnwardToVictory

 

Sixty-Seven: 2022 Season Preview

Buckle up those chinstraps, Irish fans - it's the fourth annual season preview episode! Join hosts Alex Painter and Matt Gehring as they break down, position group by position group, your 2022 Fighting Irish. 

Also included in the preview is preseason team awards, record predictions, and our hosts 'sound off' on a few topics of their choice. You simply can't miss this one as you ready yourself for the 2022 campaign! Enjoy!

Want to donate to the show and become a 'Consensus All-American'? Please visit paypal.me/onwardtovictory or patreon.com/onwardtovictorypodcast ! 

Sixty-Six: ’I Carried My Weight’ - The Life & Legacy of Jim Lynch

On July 21, 2022, the Notre Dame football program lost an all-time great in linebacker Jim Lynch, who served as captain of the 1966 national championship team and enjoyed a long, productive professional career after that.

But Jim was so much more - he was a humble, blue-collared kid from Lima, Ohio, and the model of a Notre Dame man. He was a beacon of servant leadership, and many said a fountain of kindness. 

Jim Lynch is also a member of my family, or, I should say I am lucky enough to be a member of his. Enjoy this tribute to an Irish great.

Want to donate to show? Please visit paypal.me/onwardtovictory or patreon.com/onwardtovictorypodcast !

Sixty-Five: Alex’s Irish Anecdotes - Volume Two

Let's get after it! After rave reviews on the first one, a second helping of Alex's Irish Anecdotes seemed appropriate. Strap-in as we discuss:

-Inventor/Innovator/Philanthropist John Brisben Walker...an 1860s Notre Dame man (which that took a bit of unraveling), a jack-of-all-trades, including editor of Cosmopolitan Magazine?! Learn more about this fascinating man.

-How about the time that the ever-controversial 'Snake Dance' took over campus, much to chagrin of university administration?

-2022 marks 100 years of Notre Dame football on the radio. Learn more about the humble beginnings the school and the medium.

-An ode to Johnny 'One-Play' O'Brien, an Irish hero of far more consequence than anyone could possibly believe.

Enjoy, Irish fans! Wanna tip the show and become a Consensus All-American? Visit Paypal.me/onwardtovictory or patreon.com/onwardtovictorypodcast to support!

Sixty-Four: Alex’s Irish Anecdotes - Volume One

Presenting the first volume of Alex's Irish Anecdotes! Featuring five short stories, you'll want to check out these can't-miss topics, including:

*The (very) early football history on Notre Dame's campus, including the grand prize for the winning team.

*Egregious errors in the media guide as far as head coaching records? Gah!

*Whoah, Notre Dame once missed 20 extra points in a single game? What's the scoop?!

*Who's the best Irish quarterback you (probably) haven't heard of? Check it out!

*The Great Milk Riot of 1952! Epic!

Enjoy, Irish fans!

 

Sixty-Three: A Third Anniversary with ’Father Sorin and the Great Fire of 1879’

Happy third anniversary to...us? Yes, us! Enjoy a special tale today of the time that Notre Dame, led by their intrepid former president Father Edward Sorin, managed to turn one of the most cataclysmic events in their history into one of the most enduringly positive.

Thanks for the ride. Here's to year four! 

Visit Paypal.Me/OnwardtoVictory for a t-shirt designed and printed by WCScreens.com.

Sixty-Two: ’Manti Madness’ - Celebrating the Ten-Year Anniversary of Manti Te’o and the Legendary 2012 Season

Today, Alex and co-contributor Matt Gehring walk through one of the most spellbinding episodes in program history; the march to 2012 BCS National Championship Game, the larger-than-life Manti Te'o, and his subsequent girlfriend scandal.

Alex and Matt try to give a candid, yet distinctly human look at the legacy of the season and Manti's integral part in it. You don't want to miss this one!

Enjoy, Irish fans!

Sixty-One: Frank E. Hering - Remembering the ’Father’ of Notre Dame Football and Mother’s Day

Happy Mother's Day! Who would've thought that this very special holiday had such a close connection to Notre Dame football? 

Enjoy this episode about Frank E. Hering, who not only brought the football program to prominence, but others at Notre Dame as well. Additionally, he was an early pioneer of Mother's Day. What a show-off! 

Cheers!

Sixty: The Fighting Fundraising Irish? One Game with the Rockne All-Stars

Another Rockne themed episode? You bet! Today, in observance of the 91st anniversary of best coach in college football history's sudden and untimely 1931 death, we discuss Notre Dame football's philanthropic exhibition games in the final months of Coach Rockne's life. 

Sound boring? Phooey! You'd be missing out on this critical, not often told chapter of Notre Dame football history. Enjoy!

 

Fifty-Nine: ’Grace and Gumption’ - The Chet Grant Story

Irish fans, I hope you enjoy this latest installment about one of the most unheralded figures in Notre Dame football history...Chet Grant! 

Chet is...well, hard to explain in just a sentence or two. Between covering the Irish, playing for Coach Rockne, coaching under a Four Horseman, becoming the program's first historian, and writing a compelling history of early  Notre Dame football, Chet takes the cake as the biggest Note Dame fan ever. 

But he was so much more than that. He knew what it meant to be a Notre Dame man. He was a living incarnate of the spirit of Notre Dame. Even standing just 5'6 and tipping the scales at 138 pounds as a player, he was larger than life.

Sadly, Chet has been widely forgotten.  Let's start changing that today.

-Alex

Fifty-Eight: The State of the Program Address

Just in time for President's Day, Onward to Victory discusses the 'State of the Program' as the Fighting Irish heads into the 2022 spring season.

Oh, and a very special day - a new member of the OTV team is making a debut! Folks, you are going to love new contributor Matt Gehring's insight and knowledge into the program. Not only will Matt, who is a veteran at covering the Irish, be joining for select episodes, but he will be helping with the brand new website as well! Psst, head over to OnwardToVictory.blog! 

Alex and Matt will be discussing the new 2022 class, coaching staff, and upcoming schedule, among many other topics of interest!

Fifty-Seven: Remembering Terry Brennan and the Upset of a Generation

Our offseason 'march' continues with Alex telling the tale of the Terry Brenna Era, including perhaps the most epic, improbable win in Notre Dame football history. 

Terry Brennan was the youngest man ever to take the reins of the Notre Dame football program - he was 25 when he succeeded the legendary Frank Leahy. Despite his age, and the obvious challenges of the position, he was always cool, calm, and collected. Enjoy, Irish fans!

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Fifty-Six: The Origin of Cartier Field - ’The First Home of the Irish’

In an episode host Alex Painter calls a 'palate cleanser' after a disappointing Fiesta Bowl, pull up a locker room stool and learn about Cartier Field - which served as the home field of the Irish from 1899-1928. 

The origins of the facility are fascinating - and tell the story of the state of Irish athletics at the time. Discover how the field has ties back to the very first Notre Dame football team, and how the Irish were nearly unbeatable at home. 

Enjoy!

 

Fifty-Five: Finding Hope and Perspective Within the Brian Kelly Era

Is it possible? Of course, Irish fans! Join Alex as he attempts to shed, despite the former coach's dastardly exit, a bit of insight and perspective on the Kelly Era's true place in Notre Dame history...even with minimal swear words.

Enjoy, Irish fans. 

Fifty-Four: Gridiron Groundbreakers of the Fighting Irish Part Three - Clifton Brown

Despite all the excitement surrounding the program this week (which is lightly discussed), we have some serious work to do! Today, Alex recalls and discusses the legacy of the first Black quarterback to start a game for Notre Dame...Cliff Brown.

What challenges did he (and other Black quarterbacks) face at this time? Historically, and particularly in the early 1970s, this was not an easy proposition across college football. 

Together, we can restore Cliff's legacy as one of the most culturally significant players in Irish football history. Enjoy!

EDIT: at the approximate 15:30 mark, I mistakenly say that Brown is 'six-foot, 100-pounds'. Since Brown was not actually a twig, he was in reality 'six-foot, 190-pounds'. 

 

Fifty-Three: Project 1871 - Life as a Notre Dame Student 150 Years Ago

Today, Alex unpacks what life was like for a Notre Dame student...in 1871!

Sharpen up those pencils and polish those apples - we are heading to college! You don't want to miss this immersive experience as we hurtle through time to see what being a 'Golden Domer' meant in 150 years ago. 

Enjoy, Irish fans!

Fifty-Two: An Ode to Avery Davis: ‘The Heart of the Fighting Irish‘

Well, I suppose this will blow the lid off who the host's favorite current player is!

No matter - join Alex as he breaks down the awe-inspiring career of the program-first, unflappable Avery Davis. Who, despite being one of the very best at his position in the country, has played multiple spots for the Irish, wherever he's been asked and whatever it took, all for your Irish.

Enjoy this one about a modern pillar of the program!