The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1959-01-02
EB(PoHflMs.Ik4
Football Wins
NOtre Dame Loses

4VA &0(h ~ Oil dloWGl u tC ulllu QuCStOu
why" the prestige of a great university-the Uni
versity of Notre Dame-was blemished last week.
The big gap caused by the little word unleashed
a torrent of words about the schools abrupt dismissal
OF hkeable Terry Brennan as head football coach.
Much OF fhis torrent OF words which flooded into
newspapers, magazines and over the air waves, was
literally sprinkIed with opinions-opinions striving
TO give fhe answer to that big question "why?"
Some of these opinions were tolerantly sympa-
thetic to the school. In these, it was noted that there
was no question that the school officials had the right
to determine who fills their staff.
However, most opinions went beyond a discussion
OF the university's right. Comments ranged the spec
trum that the dismissal was untimely -four DAYS
before Christmas to theories that king football was
Why was Brennan fired? Let's review a little
football history.
In the Frank Leahy era, when Notre Dame was
knocking them dead" left and right, there were
occasional expressions of concern that "the tail was
wagging the dog at Notre Dame.
Enter Terry Brennan at age rs with three years
high school coaching experience. Statements were
made that Notre Dame was an institution for learn.
ing, first. Athletics, especially football, was secondary.
10 back these statements, high academic stand
ards were made even higher. Athletic scholarships
were pared. Even so, Notre Dame would continue to
meet the best on the gridiron.
Well sir, things weren't too bad-Brennan guided
the Fighting Irish to a great 81 record in 1854. his
first season at the ND helm. However, the pundits
noted for the record that Brennan's material was
Coach Frank Leahy-trained.
Brennan kept silent and the following year he
coached Notre Dame to an 81 record. All was right
In the world and young Terry became known as the
hoy wonder" Apparently, the ND tradition of win
ming despite hiked academic standards and deem
phasis,' would continue.
Then disaster struck in 1856 when the leaions at
South Bend met defeat eight times in ten outings.
everyone expressed kind sympathy and apparently
"~forgave" the young coach since his team was hard
hit with key injuries during the season.
In 1857, Notre Dame stunned the sports world
by rocketing back with the top powers in posting a z
3 record which included upset wins over powerful
Army and mighty Oklahoma.
Because of the fine 1857 record, the return of
many lettermen including three All-Americans, and
BrennanS four years of experience, there was a lot of
talk that Notre Dame would regain the national
championship in 1858.
Brennan, no professional pessimist like Leahy.
was not SO sure that the Irish would fare well in 1858
and said so. This caused raised eyebrows and some
grumbling. The so-called faithful alumni just couldn't
be convinced.
As II happened, Brennan was right and Notre
Dame had TO settle for q 50 mark. Still, no. bad. con-
siderins the rugged opposition. A least. ihats what
many sports writer's said.
It gave Brennan a ~five-year record of 32-18. If
you ignored the black 1856 year, he had a 1910 mark
which is plenty good.
. Suddenly, however, crash went Brennan's
Notre Dame football coaching career. 1t was announc-
ed in terse terms that Terry had been dismissed IA
kinder term than "firedD. This was followed with
another announcement that Joe Kuharich, head coach
of the professional Washington Redskins had been
given a ~four-year contract.
Kuharich, a South Bend native and Notre Dame
grad, naturally expressed great joy in his appoint
ment. After all, he was given a ~fouryear contract
brennan always was hired on a year-to-year basis,
the Notre Dame coaching position is an enviable one
and he %fervently desired the job since his graduation
In 1888.
Next came word that a hard-core recruiting pro-
gram would be installed with enough athletic scholar
ships to provide sufficient talent so that Notre Dame
would be able to meet its tough opposition as an
equal.
However, nary a word was forthcoming from the
South Bend school as to 'why'' the entire series of
events was set in motion.
Others provided the answer. II may be wronu,
but . the consensus, as you dear reader may have
guessed or read earlier: De-emphasis is for the birds;
let the tsil wag fhe dog-fhe dog Is a Bit drowsy any
way Notre Dame Is going to win football games.
Even If school officials did come out with a diff
ferent reason now, the harm has been done Most will
not be convinced now that Notre Dame isn't lust an
other football school"ILvF
The friendly athletic rivalry