Rudy inspires Notre Dame students

By Larry Moyse | Sept. 3, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

SCOTTSDALE — Motivation and inspiration were very much alive as Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger walked onto the gymnasium floor Aug. 21 at Notre Dame Preparatory.

Ruettiger, a former University of Notre Dame football player, spent just 27 seconds of his college sports career on the field. The 1993 biographical film “Rudy” showed just how determined he was to play for the Fighting Irish.

He shared his enthusiasm with students as keynote speaker at Notre Dame’s annual fall sports festival. The crowd eagerly awaited his address, chanting “Rudy! Rudy!” as he walked onto the gym floor.

“Think big. Do not look behind, but always forward,” he said. “Talent is only 10 percent. Attitude is the other 90.”

Football taught him the advantages of being a good teammate who contributes to the total picture. He also talked about the importance of being a practicing Catholic.

Those 27 seconds on the field opened his eyes to the fact that in life, he could do anything he put his mind to, he said.

Legion of Christ Father Michael Goodyear, chaplain at the school, said Ruettiger “gave a boost in faith and personal drive.” At an earlier afternoon rally, the students gave Rudy a standing ovation, and several said that their outlook on the future was much different, brighter and optimistic.

Mike Mahon, the school’s athletic director, called Rudy’s theme of motivation “inspirational and applicable to everyone in the crowd.” Rudy said that “heading in the correct direction is as important as making the right decisions with the right people.”

And so the aura of “Rudy” played on as giggling cheerleaders and serious ball players waited in a line that filled a corridor and snaked out the door. They waited for a chance to get an autograph from a man who in 27 seconds sacked a quarterback, became the only player in Fighting Irish history to be carried off the field by fellow teammates, and moved on to inspire and motivate not only ball players, but all those who desire success.

Yet it was the parents who were the majority of those waiting for an autograph from the big guy, just as giddy as the youngsters, and perhaps waiting to tell of the success they achieved after watching a film called “Rudy.”

He never got the ball from his big game, but he still has his helmet, and continues to inspire and motivate to this day.