Diving into the captivating past while contemplating the present and future of Notre Dame Football.
Episodes
Tuesday Aug 04, 2020
Tuesday Aug 04, 2020
Man, does five years count as nostalgia? Do you remember the 2015 game against Virginia when Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer was pressed into action...and heroically led the Irish in one of their most spellbinding games of the millennia? You do, huh? Well, do you remember just how exciting that affair was?! Alex waxes poetic about one of his personal favorite quarterbacks in recent Irish memory, using the backdrop of an unforgettable game. Buckle in, Fighting Irish fans, this is a good one!
Tuesday Jul 21, 2020
Tuesday Jul 21, 2020
Today, Alex attempts to breakdown a question that has been asked a number of times over the years...is 'Fighting Irish' an offensive team name? Though it seems rather cut-and-dry, Alex attempts to contextualize the issue in both the past and present day to have an honest discussion on the wider topic.
Oh, and an obligatory Covid-19 update as well! This is a situation everyone, including Onward to Victory, will continue to report on.
Enjoy!
Monday Jul 06, 2020
Monday Jul 06, 2020
Remember hearing about how Notre Dame students took on the Ku Klux Klan in the streets of South Bend in 1924? You don't? Well, buckle up and prepare for an incredibly interesting and compelling episode of Onward to Victory!
By the 1920's the Klan's corrosive, bigoted influence had infiltrated nearly every corner of Indiana. Statewide Klan leaders set South Bend in the cross-hairs, home of one of the most reputable Catholic universities in the country. A perfect target for the Klan and their anti-Catholic stance (one of many groups targeted at this time).
Would the students just roll over, or would there be some resistance? Listen to find out!
Monday Jun 22, 2020
Monday Jun 22, 2020
Pretty hard to believe, but the show is one year old! Thank you to every one of the loyal listeners, who make it all possible. It's a cavalcade of fun with episode twenty-five, including:
-A review of Jeff Harrell's new Knute Rockne biography titled "Rockne of Ages".
-With the help of One Foot Down of SB Nation, power ranking the top five ND players heading into the 2020 season.
-Ever wonder what goes into creating and crafting episode? Alex gives you a look behind Onward to Victory's humble curtain!
Thanks all! Here's to another great year!
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
Buckle in, and prepare for a 'profile in courage' as we look at the University of Notre Dame and John F. Kennedy's inexorable connection!
In addition, Alex goes over the latest in Notre Dame scheduling news for the fall.
Stay well, all!
Tuesday May 12, 2020
Tuesday May 12, 2020
A show 'first' is always exciting, and episode twenty-three is the first Onward to Victory 'community collaborative project', where we tackle what the 'spirit of Notre Dame' means to us. Why is it so special? What are the hallmarks of the spirit? How is it that it binds us together so tightly?
Alex brings in a number of famous, historical Notre Dame figures to 'speak' on the topic, gives his two cents, and, best of all, shares what a number of very special listeners wrote in on the topic on why the spirit of Notre is special to them. It was truly a collaborative project...and, frankly, I think it's pretty damn cool. Enjoy!
Tuesday Apr 28, 2020
Tuesday Apr 28, 2020
The 85th annual NFL Draft is complete! Who of the Irish were selected? Where did they go? How will they fit? And, perhaps most importantly, who is going to replace them in the blue and gold? Get all your answers in episode twenty-two!
In addition, what does the 'Spirit of Notre Dame' mean to you? Let the show know...you just may win something!
Thursday Apr 16, 2020
Thursday Apr 16, 2020
If you have been alive any time between 1993 and now, there is approximately a 92.5% chance you have watched the movie Rudy. Okay, so I have no clue if that statistic is correct, but the tale of the undersized walk-on who was able to break in with the Notre Dame football team is truly timeless. As is the movie. But, have you ever heard the story of how Rudy actually became a movie? At times, the movie actually being made felt like a longer shot than Rudy himself seeing the game that Saturday against Georgia Tech! Tune in and learn about the arduous, winding path Rudy took to get to the big screen!
Tuesday Mar 31, 2020
Tuesday Mar 31, 2020
Grab a seat! Today, Alex raps about a true classic in the annals of Irish history - Joe Montana and the 1979 Cotton Bowl! Needless to say, never has a bowl of chicken soup played such a pivotal role in the outcome of a football game, season, and a star player's legacy! This is a heck of a story - I hope you enjoy it.
Don't hesitate to reach out to the show any way you'd like. I hope everyone is staying healthy and as well as can be expected during this trying time. Stay up, Irish fans! Brighter days are coming.
Friday Mar 20, 2020
Friday Mar 20, 2020
The third episode of the month?! Phew!
Irish coach Knute Rockne and baseball slugger Babe Ruth's ascent to fame almost perfectly coincided with each other's, and were even the subject of a couple famous photographs. So what's the story here? Ever wonder where and when cross-promoting between sports became much more prevalent? I give you Exhibit A and B...Knute Rockne and Babe Ruth! Today, Alex sets the two legends on a collision course, where they were only destined to meet.
I hope everyone is staying well. I know there are many baseball fans in the audience who are now coping with the postponement of Opening Day. Given that, I hope this episode can scratch the baseball as well as the Irish itch!
Enjoy!
Thursday Mar 12, 2020
Thursday Mar 12, 2020
With such a long tradition of producing quality college and NFL-caliber tight ends at Notre Dame, you ever wonder who were among the first in line? Allow me to introduce Jim Mutscheller, the subject of today's episode! Punishing blocker? Check. Possession pass catcher? Check. Red zone threat? Triple-check. Follow a thrilling college then professional career, all while Mutscheller redefined the tight end position.
I think you will all enjoy this one. Please take all precautions to stay safe and healthy as we ride this Coronavirus storm out!
Monday Mar 02, 2020
Monday Mar 02, 2020
Episode seventeen! Today, Alex makes a pilgrimage to South Bend, Indiana to have a sit down with Jeff Harrell, author of the upcoming, groundbreaking, subversive Knute Rockne biography, titled 'Rockne of Ages'.
This episode, recorded at the legendary Augie's Locker Room, serves as something of an addendum to episode ten, which was last November's 'True Crime' episode about Coach Rockne's plane crash and the theory that it was perpetrated by Al Capone's mob. But boy, Rocke of Ages is going to be so much more!
Sit back and enjoy some against the grain-type of ND talk with Jeff and Alex. You're sure to enjoy!
Sunday Feb 16, 2020
Sunday Feb 16, 2020
The third and final part of the Notre Dame and the Civil War series! Today, Alex tackles the tale of William Tecumseh Sherman, famous Union Civil War general, who also had a deep connection to the University of Notre Dame.
Hopefully you have enjoyed the Civil War miniseries! Please let the show a message if you'd like for any of your thoughts to be read over the next episode!
Tuesday Jan 21, 2020
Tuesday Jan 21, 2020
Episode fifteen is part two of Onward to Victory's Notre Dame and the Civil War three-part series!
For today's episode, Alex hones in possibly the most famous priest of the American Civil War, Father William Corby, and his incredibly significant connection and contributions to the University of Notre Dame.
It's another story of faith, bravery, and commitment as we walk through the conflict through the eyes of an unarmed non-combatant, who served on the front lines in a completely different capacity!
I hope you enjoy this one - there's also some tips on Corby sights around campus!
PS: Forgive the scratchy voice - it wasn't feeling 100% I guess!
Tuesday Jan 07, 2020
Tuesday Jan 07, 2020
How about it? Episode fourteen!
11-2! For the eighth time in school history, we have won 11 games! Congrats, fellas! Congrats to us fans too, for digging such an awesome program. Well, now what? I guess since it's the 'off-season' now, let's do something different. If you're a loyal listener of the show, you may realize I am bit of a history nerd who enjoys to contextualize Notre Dame historically, both from a football and non-football standpoint within these episodes.
With that being said, let's go on a bit of a journey, back over 150 years to the American Civil War!
I am proud to present Notre Dame and the Civil War - Part One: The Student-Turned-Soldier.
As the placard suggests, this will be a three-part series. I sincerely hope you enjoy it. Onward to Victory!
Thursday Dec 12, 2019
Thursday Dec 12, 2019
It's a cavalcade of facts, statistics, opinion, insight, and analysis as Alex looks back at the 2019 regular season and looks forward to the 2019 Camping World Bowl against Iowa State!
Contained within this episode:
*Perspectives on the Camping World Bowl Selection
*2019 Regular season statistical recap
*Thoughts on coach Brian Kelly’s job performance
*A look into the school record book
*George Gipp Minute
Monday Dec 02, 2019
Monday Dec 02, 2019
In episode twelve, Alex will take a quick glance at the 2019 Irish, now that the regular season has officially concluded, and give a an even quicker glance at the 2020 schedule.
For the feature, Alex looks at the time Canadian Football League defeated the National Football League, with former Irish wide receiver Raghib 'Rocket' Ismail in the cross-hairs of the contest! A fun, light story involving one of the most explosive Notre Dame players in history.
The debut of the 'George Gipp Minute', where Alex can gush about The Gipper, and share one of his many cool stories...for roughly one minute.
Enjoy!
Sunday Nov 17, 2019
Sunday Nov 17, 2019
What started as an innocent episode about the origin of Cartier Field, Notre Dame Football's first home stadium, turned into an absolutely thrilling and memorable dive into the life of Joe Savoldi, All-American fullback for Notre Dame, having played from 1927-1930. You seriously do not want to miss this, as most of us can only hope to pack as much life as Savoldi, who scored the first Irish touchdown at Notre Dame Stadium, managed to in his years.
Sunday Nov 03, 2019
Sunday Nov 03, 2019
Today, Alex takes a deep dive into the mysterious side of the tragic death of legendary Irish football coach Knute Rockne...incorporating a heavy dose of good old-fashioned true crime! Was the beloved coach the victim in a nefarious plot...deviously facilitated by the mob? Alex searched high and low to give a fair and honest appraisal of the oft-discussed event. Listen now and come to your own conclusion!
Seriously though, what do you think?! Share your thoughts with the show through Facebook Messenger or email at OnwardToVictoryPodcast@gmail.com
If you do (or if you simply share this episode on Facebook), there will be a drawing of all participants to win an autographed 4x6 photograph of Irish Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Lujack!
Sunday Oct 20, 2019
Sunday Oct 20, 2019
Well, how about it? Episode nine already! Today, Alex digs into the life and football pursuits of all-time great Irish halfback Emil Sitko...who Alex proudly notes is from his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana!
Sitko, though an utterly fantastic runner for the Irish, is still extremely unheralded to this day, outside of the die-hard Irish circles. In fact, he accomplished something that literally no one else in Irish football history has - listen to find out!
Also featured in the episode are the top five 'pleasant surprises' of the 2019 season, at the halfway mark. Enjoy!
Sunday Oct 06, 2019
Sunday Oct 06, 2019
Oh boy! A new episode!
In today's episode, Alex looks back at 1993's 'Game of the Century', #1 Florida State at #2 Notre Dame. What a ride that was - with a little bit of everything thrown in. The instant classic lived up to the hype, and was instantly vaulted into many pundit's 'best game ever'-type lists.
In addition, should college athletes be paid? Get one dude's opinion on this hot-button issue.
Sunday Sep 22, 2019
Sunday Sep 22, 2019
Episode Seven!
Did you know that Notre Dame's Leprechaun has been the program's official on-field mascot since 1965? You did? Okay, how about this - did you know for over four decades before the Leprechaun, the official on-field mascot was an Irish Terrier?!?
Join the program and learn all about it!
Sunday Sep 08, 2019
Sunday Sep 08, 2019
Episode Six!
As the result of a listener's choice poll, we will be covering the origin of the famous Father Ted and MLK Jr. photograph - as well as backgrounds on both individuals!
As an added bonus, you will get to meet one of the coolest six-year old Irish fans around!
Thursday Aug 15, 2019
Thursday Aug 15, 2019
Episode Five!
Onward to Victory will be breaking down the schedule, roster, and all that training camp chatter! Get yourself ready for the 2019 season by giving the episode a listen - impress your friends and family with all your newfound knowledge!
Don't hesitate to subscribe, like, or follow!
Sunday Jul 28, 2019
Sunday Jul 28, 2019
In the fourth episode, Alex digs into the personality and playing career of George Gipp, Notre Dame's first All-American selection!
Be prepared to hopefully learn a thing or two about one of the most celebrated Irish football players of all time. His life and legacy are, without question, a thrill ride. I had a lot of fun with this one, and I hope you enjoy!
Sunday Jul 14, 2019
Sunday Jul 14, 2019
Episode Three!
Alex takes a stroll down memory lane back to 2012, where a contest against Stanford and an entire season hung in the balance - and an epic goal line stand that will be forever immortalized!
Also, Alex discusses five players who may be on the verge of becoming mainstays for the Irish on Saturdays - those who may be new to the program, have flown under the radar, or are ready to breakout.
Sunday Jun 30, 2019
Sunday Jun 30, 2019
Episode Two!
-Alex has the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Jim 'Augie' Augustine, owner of the South Bend-based Notre Dame specialty store 'Augie's Locker Room' to talk some Irish. Sit back and enjoy this one!
-We will have a good bit of fun with our question of the day, which tackles how President Theodore Roosevelt helped create a Notre Dame football dynasty.
-Towards the end of the episode, the first contest winner will be announced!
Thursday Jun 13, 2019
Thursday Jun 13, 2019
DEBUT EPISODE! Today, host and founder Alex talks about the following:
-Intro and housekeeping items for the show (including a giveaway!).
-'Angelo Bertelli: A Heisman at Iwo Jima'
-Question of the Day: What are the top three reasons the Irish can return to the College Football Playoff in 2019?
Please share with anyone who you think may find this interesting! Thank you!
Update: At the 28:54 mark of the episode, I should have said '70%', instead of '70'.