The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1959-01-23
Another Letter .

E0ltOr:
You have invited comments, relative to the unfortunate
dismissal of Terry Brennan, as coach of the Nore Dame
with that invitation and, being one of many thousand
subway alumnus of Notre Dame, herewith is an opinion ex-
pressed with the feeling of mixed emotions.
A few days prior to the season of Christmas, the authori-
ties of Nore Dame fired Brennan. Whether or not, Brennans
record, poor or bad, had anything to do with his dismissal, does
not enter into the picture.
The decision, made at the time it was, was in error. And
I must say this, as my opinion. And l say it with every respect,
for the authorities, the priests and lay people, for whom the
University relies upon for the education of its students.
Primarily. many years ago, Nofrs Dame University was
established by the Holy Cross Order Of Priests, as an eduea-
The unblemished history Of these priests and their success
os, In The field Of Notre Dame educational standards. re-
mains untouched. II should be. There has never been . mis-
take vnfoIded and THAT Is the way It should be.
So it has been, with Notre Dame football experiences,
over the many years Poor winning years? Yes. A few. Many
winning years with the spirit OF Notre Dame prevailing, has
seen happiness. Even to the creation of a subway alumni. /
count myself as a loyal member.
I guess it might be pointed out here, that Notre Dame
football followers have been used to winning teams. Also, used
to mediocre teams with a fighting spirit. Winning the hard
ones. Pulling one out of the fire at the last second of play.
Like the famous Ohio State game of1935That is one of many
reasons Notre Dame Is respected.
It has been the spirit of those teams that has made Notre
Dame football, as great and as wonderful as 1t has been all
these years. Fighters all, win or lose.
That is why Notre Dame has it's subway alumni, from Dor
der to border in this country. Catholic and nonCatholic. If the
alumni had anything to do with this incident, I'll bet the subway
trained cheering section was not involved.
This winning spirit has always been the impetus behind
the coaching OF Harper, Rockne, Anderson, Layden, Leahy and
sven Terrence Brennan. Brennan proved that point in the re-
renewal Army game of two years ago.
I've never heard Of = Nofre Dame feam pulling q boner
n sny Of Its losses. Maybe ovtclasssd on The occasion but
never dumb or Uneoaehed. Always refIeetins good training,
from the academic halls Of Notrs Dame University.
It Is with this feeling that one lonely and minute subway
alumnus must express his honest and unbiased opinion.
What was important were the feelings of Mr.. Brennan's
family at the approach OF Christmas. That feeling of sadness
must have stung deeply. Not the dismissal, but the timing of
the act. II the reasons were there strongly enough, why not
have announced 1t sooner?
do not believe that from the executive standpoint, Notre
Dame has ever srrored In vital decisions n errors must be
seuntsd, Than The timing Of this unfortunate incident must
b ehsIked up Is Number One.
Notre Dame has always emphasized the differential be-
tween academies and sports. Glass rooms have longer hours
Of study then the intricate signal system of the T formation.
That is the way it should be.
T Then out OF the clear sky, precedence of a seemingly
unwritten law, Is jerked from the code of ethics, leaving a
wondering Interpretation of what the score Is
which comes first now, the chicken or the egg?"
Spike Drugan.