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Jul 12, 2010

A TRIBUTE TO COACH TOM PAGNA

Notre Dame recently lost one of her greatest loyal sons as Tom Pagna passed on last week.  Coach Pagna will be remembered as one of the greatest offensive coaches in Notre Dame Football history, having coached with Ara Parseghian for 11 years, helping the Fighting Irish win 95 games over that span including 2 Consensus National Championships and 5 Bowl victories in his final 6 seasons.  His offense was consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation, and he had a tremendous influence on several great quarterbacks including the ’64 Heisman winner John Huarte, as well as Terry Hanratty, Joe Theismann, and Tom Clements. Clearly, Notre Dame Football would not have been the same without Coach Pagna.

Even more importantly, Coach Pagna will be remembered as an inspiring leader, mentor, and friend to many.  A phenomenal writer and captivating speaker, he made countless contributions to the Notre Dame family, the surrounding community, and all those he came into contact with throughout his lifetime.

I was fortunate enough to meet Coach Pagna at the Notre Dame bookstore prior to a home game as he and Coach Parseghian signed several of their books while taking the time to meet and share stories with fans.  We only spoke briefly, but he was friendly and energetic with a kind smile that reflected a life well lived.  I hope his profound influence will continue at Notre Dame through his legacy which should serve as an example for future generations to live by.


To a great Notre Dame Man, we bid Coach Tom Pagna farewell and God bless.

2 comments:

2012 Notre Dame Football Schedule

2012 Notre Dame Football Schedule
Overall
12-1
Home
6-0
Away
4-0
Neutral
2-1
DateOpponent / EventLocationTime / Result
09/01/12vs. Navy Dublin, IrelandW, 50-10
09/08/12vs. PurdontNotre Dame, Ind.W, 20-17
09/15/12at SpartyEast Lansing, Mich.W, 20-3
09/22/12vs. SkunkbearsNotre Dame, Ind.W, 13-6
Shamrock Series
10/06/12vs. Da UChicago, Ill.W, 41-3
10/13/12vs. TreesNotre Dame, Ind.W, 20-13 (OT)
10/20/12vs. BYU Notre Dame, Ind.W, 17-14
10/27/12at Oklahoma Norman, Okla.W, 30-13
11/03/12vs. Pittsburgh Notre Dame, Ind.W, 29-26 (3OT)
11/10/12at Backup College Chestnut Hill, Mass.W, 21-6
11/17/12vs. Fake Worest Notre Dame, Ind.W, 38-0
11/24/12at U$C Los Angeles, Calif.W, 22-13
1/7/13vs. AlabamaBCS CHAMPIONSHIP
(Miami, Florida)
L, :(