Filed under: Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Tragedy off the field, heartbreak on it.Rarely has the Notre Dame football program experienced a more emotional upheaval than the 72-hour span from Wednesday's practice through Saturday's 28-27 loss to Tulsa in Notre Dame Stadium.
From the death of student manager Declan Sullivan in a scissor lift accident to the heartbreaking loss to Tulsa (5-3), the Fighting Irish (4-5) finally reached their emotional breaking point.
"As a football coach, there have been more difficult weeks relative to the game itself," said Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly.
"But in terms of the tragedy that occurred, there's never been a more difficult time in my life."
As the university picked up the pieces in the aftermath of Sullivan's death and launched a full investigation into the culpability and chain of command that led to the tragedy, the Irish players had a tough time separating the emotions of Wednesday's tragedy and Saturday's devastating loss.
"It was difficult with the tragedy," said Irish linebacker Manti Te'o. "But we kept digging and we had to refocus. When something like that happens, you're in shock. We just kept going and did our best."
"There's really not a lot of words to describe the week," said safety Harrison Smith. "There were so many emotions that you usually don't feel. There's really nothing that can describe the pain and loss you feel for his family."
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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/10/30/somber-day-on-off-field-for-notre-dame/
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