Titles by John Heisler

<div>After making his mark in the Notre Dame record books as a running back and later joining the school&#39;s athletic department, Reggie Brooks knows what it means to live and breathe Fighting Irish football. In <em>If These Walls Could Talk: Notre Dame Fighting Irish</em>, Brooks provides insight into the inner sanctum of one of the most iconic college football programs, from The Snow Bowl under legendary coach Lou Holtz to the modern rosters guided by Brian Kelly.<br /><br /><strong>Featuring conversations with players and coaches past and present as well as off-the-wall anecdotes only Brooks can tell, this indispensable volume is your ticket to Notre Dame history.</strong></div>

When the game is on the line, some coaches tense up. They scream, they yell. But Mike Brey remains calm, having instilled confidence in his players and having built a system in which they have great freedom. Fueled with a competitive streak that belies his fun and easygoing demeanor, Brey has turned Notre Dame into a national contender. When he took over Notre Dame, the school had not reached the NCAA Tournament in a decade. Under Brey the Fighting Irish have qualified for the Big Dance 12 times in 17 seasons, reaching the Elite Eight in 2015 and 2016. And in 2018 he passed the legendary Digger Phelps to become the winningest coach in program history. In this autobiography Brey, the son of educators and athletes, depicts the culture he has created at Notre Dame while profiling his amazing basketball path, having learned from coaching legends Morgan Wootten and Mike Krzyzewski. From the whirlwind turn of events during Matt Doherty's departure that led to his hiring, to recruiting battles, to changing conference affiliations, to epic NCAA Tournament games against Kentucky and Wisconsin, to defeating Tobacco Road powers en route to winning in the ACC, Brey reflects on his remarkable life and career in Keeping It Loose. That includes growing up in the Beltway, teaching at DeMatha Catholic High School, coaching under Krzyzewski, and guiding Delaware into the NCAA Tournament. Brey shares insider stories and memories of Fighting Irish stars Troy Murphy, Luke Harangody, Jerian Grant, Bonzie Colson, and many more. You'll learn why the man described as the "loosest coach in America" is also one of its finest.

The storied Notre Dame football program has long been full of pride and passionate fans, as the Fighting Irish have provided decades of incredible memories for its legion of alumni and followers, and author John Heisler captures this tradition and others in this essential fanbook. Created for the serious football fan who wants to enhance their Fighting Irish IQ, this book reveals special stories and experiences from fans and memorable moments about past and present players and coaches. As a longtime ND employee in the sports information and athletic departments, author John Heisler shares what’s really important and he touches on some of the most famous games, players, and traditions in Fighting Irish history, including Knute Rockne’s “Win One for the Gipper” speech, the team’s game day walk from the Basilica to Notre Dame Stadium, Joe Montana’s legendary comeback performance in the 1979 Cotton Bowl, Indiana State Police Sergeant Tim McCarthy’s public safety messages, and the team’s storybook and inspirational 2012 season. From singing the Notre Dame Fight Song at the Friday night pep rally at the Joyce Center to taking in a game at historic Notre Dame Stadium, this guidebook covers all there is to Irish football, making a must read for any fan.

A 35-year veteran of Notre Dame’s athletic department chronicles one of the most exciting seasons in Fighting Irish football history, providing details on the team’s rise to a number 1 ranking and offering insights and anecdotes on team stars like Everett Golson and Manti Te’o as well as AP Coach of the Year Brian Kelly. Taking readers inside the locker room, to the practice field, and on the sidelines for game days, this book covers all aspects of the historic season—from the season opening with over Navy in Dublin, Ireland and the thrilling overtime win over Stanford to the ousting of rival USC to complete a perfect, undefeated season and secure a spot in the national championship game. Providing unprecedented access to the Notre Dame football program, this guide includes interviews with Irish coaches and staff, making it the book no Domer will want to be without.

Drawing insight from nearly 100 former players, coaches, and others directly tied to this storied and revered school, fans will read firsthand accounts about what being a part of the legendary football program means. The ultimate compendium of everything that is special about the University of Notre Dame and Fighting Irish football, this book includes the memories of everyone from John Lujack, Joe Montana, and Aaron Taylor, as well as other Fighting Irish greats. Some highlights include the 100 most important moments in Notre Dame football history, beloved landmarks and hang outs from the Notre Dame campus and South Bend area, the greatest players in the history of the program, and of course, the championship seasons. Fans will relish these retellings of the moments, games, and teams by the dozens of former players, coaches, and fans that are best qualified to share them.

With traditions, records, and Fighting Irish lore, this lively, detailed book explores the personalities, events, and facts every Notre Dame fan should know. It contains crucial information such as important dates, player nicknames, memorable moments, and outstanding achievements by singular players. This guide to all things Notre Dame covers the game day walk from the Basilica to the Stadium, Joe Montana's legendary comeback performance in the 1979 Cotton Bowl, and the history of the green jersey tradition.

<DIV><DIV>To be a fan of the Fighting Irish is to revere the tradition, understand the legend, and experience the pageantry of Notre Dame&#8212;all for the glory in the end zone. This collection illuminates the team&#39;s storied victories and dignified defeats, and proves once and for all why this school is the one by which all other college football programs are judged. Even the most casual Notre Dame football fans can recount the greatest Irish games: the landmark home victories over top-ranked teams in 1988 and 1993, the unforgettable 10-10 tie with Michigan State in 1966, Harry Oliver&#39;s epic 51-yard field goal, and the long list of bowl wins against the likes of Texas, Alabama, West Virginia, Colorado, Texas A&amp;M, and Florida. Not to be overlooked is the birth of the Four Horsemen, the &#34;Win One for the Gipper&#34; game, plus four straight seasons under Frank Leahy without a loss. Games are recounted in rich detail, supported by statistics, scoring summaries, and memorable quotations from the coaches and players involved. A bonus highlight DVD includes interviews and historic footage of some of the greatest Fighting Irish moments. </DIV></DIV>

<DIV>Written for every sports fan who follows the Fighting Irish, this account goes behind the scenes to peek into the private world of the players, coaches, and decision makers—all while eavesdropping on their personal conversations. From the Notre Dame locker room to the sidelines and inside the huddle, the book includes comments from Ara Parseghian, Ziggie Czarobski, and Frank Leahy, among others, allowing readers to relive the highlights and the celebrations.</DIV>

<DIV>Bringing the history of the University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish to life, this record details the team's landmark games and legendary personalities. Compiled are accounts from sportswriters over the past century that document the most memorable games, profile coaching and playing legends, uncover the mystique of Fighting Irish football, and explain the Notre Dame phenomenon.</DIV>