Members of John Carroll University’s football team will travel to Dublin, Ireland, to compete against the Saint Norbert College Green Knights (De Pere, WI) during Labor Day weekend 2012. Ireland’s capital city is playing host to a showcase of football talent from Catholic colleges and universities (as well as high schools) from across the United States. The games are part of a series of American football competitions built around the matchup between the University of Notre Dame and the United States Naval Academy. “This would be phenomenal for any Division III football team,” said John Carroll University President Robert L. Niehoff, S.J., “and I am pleased that our players and our campus community have this opportunity to have an enriching experience.” In his announcement to the football team, Father Niehoff explained that families of the players and John Carroll alumni will also have the opportunity to travel with the team to Dublin and to attend the Notre Dame vs. Navy game. He said the trip is made possible thanks to generous financial support from John Carroll donors. In addition, the game is a great vehicle for the University to share its story more broadly—particularly its commitment to academics and athletics. “The John Carroll players will also participate in a community service experience,” Father Niehoff added, “which is a unique and meaningful way our students can learn and be immersed in another culture.” More details about the trip, including travel packages, will be available online at www.jcu.edu as early as St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2011. A video of the full press conference, along with player's reactions and interviews, can be seen on the JCU Athletics' website.
