On my way back to Notre Dame for the second round Bengal Bouts (boxing). First round consisted of 90 matches going on it two rings… for seven hours! I think I refereed 35 or 40 fights, well over 100 rounds. Legs were shot.
I was working with a school today on their MESSAGE. Trying for power, simplicity, compelling and more.
Just thinking back 44 years to what was probably the first ‘MESSAGE‘ I ever internalized.
Dominic J. ‘Nappy’ Napolitano founded the boxing program and the Bengal Bouts at Notre Dame in 1931, in conjunction with Knute Rockne – who wanted to create a better workout for his football players.
In the 1950’s, the proceeds from the tournament began going to the Holy Cross Missions in Bengal, now Bangladesh. Nappy captured in 48 words everything that the boxing program at Notre Dame represente
“STRONG BODIES FIGHT… SO THAT WEAK BODIES MAY BE NOURISHED.”
Even at 18 years old, every boxer can understand what that means.
The Bengal Bouts have generated over $1 Million to the Missions (including topping $100,000 last year for the first time) for the Holy Cross Priests, Brothers and Sisters who have been working in Bangladesh for over 150 years.
P.S. Here’s another powerful ‘MESSAGE‘ from Notre Dame that’s pretty memorable. Fr. Hesburgh used six words and a metaphor to capture the entire life of one of Notre Dame’s most famous professors and faculty members, Frank O’Malley.
“HIS BLOOD IS ON THE BRICKS.”
I’ve never forgotten that one either.
