Thoughts on Weis and Notre Dame Motivation | Irish2's Blog

What Notre Dame's T-Shirt Should REALLY Say

My wife and I were discussing Charlie's new motivational t-shirt - "Dive Right In." Well, since we have spent some time on JUST that very chore over the years [coming up with motivational sayings for team seasons], we feel Charlie "missed the boat" (if everyone will pardon a feeble attempt at a pun).

Despite Weis's desire to never again mention last year's debacle - that 3-9 season - we believe the core of this year's football campaign should focus on doing something about proving they are the SAME team, but that record is NOT indicative of how good they really are! [And from what we read in the interviews with the players and everyone else EXCEPT Charlie - it seems to be!] Hence, the food-for-motivation!

A good t-shirt & motivational mantra to chant during warm-ups, during laps, during practice closings would go something like this: 3-9 in 2007 on the front of the shirt; 9-3 in 2008 on the back of the t-shirt with the statement: "Let's turn it around!"

In doing this simple step, Charlie embraces 2007 rather than trying to dismiss it, develops a team goal or objective that is possible to achieve given the schedule, acquires a mantra for the players and coaches to use as a constant reminder and show of support for one another "against the outside world."

People say motivation only works until the ball is kicked. Depends on the coach. The timing of the reminders in a game or competition. The belief in the goal behind the motivation. For instance: Jason Lezak going for the gold in his leg of the relay - the Miracle on Ice in 1980 - Notre Dame's come-from-behind-win against MSU in 2006 - Rockne's boys against Army in 1928.

Motivation - underused, oversold, but mostly MISunderstood.

Food-for-thought as ND begins its Renaissance.