Game Highlight …..

an absolute honor with my daughter

Monday was a tough day to be a Corrigan. Duke came out on top, as many suspected they would. But Corrigans live with a Leprechaun on our shoulder, good luck on speed dial, and “The Kid Lester” lurking around the next corner.
I say Duke came out on top because ND did not lose the game, and Duke did not beat the Irish. The game I watched was hard fought, respectful, and a well earned victory by the Blue Devils. Duke came out playing better, which is a relative statement, because anyone who was in the stadium can relate to the tension that clouded the first 15 mins for both teams. Duke led 2-0 at the end of one, which turned out to be the winning margin, but it was not until the second half that both teams just used their playbooks as “mere guidelines” and stretched out of their comfort zone to put on a show.
The last 10 mins was championship level lacrosse by both squads. Duke simply came out on top. I will forever teach every kid I coach that “Games take on their own identity”. Monday was 60 mins of Duke lacrosse, with Notre Dame pouring their heart into the day, and being able to be proud of what they accomplished in their comeback, their quarterfinal comeback, their season on the brink comeback, their “Oh my God, did we just play an instant classic vs Army to finish our regular season at home” comeback.
One thing I can say is that Memorial day weekend for me and my daughter Mary was unforgettable, and I cannot wait for it to Come Back.

Halftime of the championship game was something that was truly remarkable and inspiring. Memorial Day is special to all Americans. So, it was only fitting that the halftime entertainment was a drill team. The Marine Corp Silent Drill Team is a 24 man rifle platoon. They marched cohesively, yes. They even turned around a couple times, yes. Please be well aware that “this ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco, this ain’t no fooling around”. This group makes well regimented moves, and each move is a clear and deliberate action. There is a certain dignity with each movement, no leg kicks, no moms behind the scenes fixing hair and make-up. Dressed in their Marine Corp attire of white hats and pants, and black jackets, this group of patriots was “Straight Cash Hommies” regarding their fashion. The drill team leader was in front of the formation without a gun and was signaling the squad into formations and when to perform their handling tricks. The best trick performance was done between the drill leader and one of the members of the squad, when the drill leader managed to flip the gun behind his back to the soldier that had previously tossed him the gun. A good portion of the crowd remained in their seats for halftime to get a glimpse of the drill team despite the hot temperatures. Seeing them perform in person certainly brings triple the goose bumps that one gets just watching the opening scene in “A few Good Men”.