Father's Day Wishes From The 2020 Dads
This Father’s Day, we wanted to give some of the dads of the incoming freshman class the opportunity to say what they’re wishing for from their sons’ time at Notre Dame in the form of future Father’s Day gifts.
Offensive lineman Tosh Baker’s father, Danny, said he’s already been given a “tremendous gift” in his son just earning the opportunity to attend Notre Dame in the first place.
“It takes a lot of work to just get to this stage,” Mr. Baker says. “As far as future Father’s Day gifts, the greatest gift is to have your son achieve the milestones that he has set for himself. The opportunity to learn from those around and build that sense of community at Notre Dame, the opportunity to compete at the highest level, the satisfaction he will get when he earns his degree and the opportunity to play in the NFL.
“Those are all going to be great future Father’s Day Gifts.”
Wide receiver Jay Brunelle’s father, David (pictured above with his son years ago), is celebrating his birthday today in addition to Father’s Day. He didn’t need to think twice when asked what he hoped for Jay over the next few years.
“Easy,” he says. “Just like everything else. Leave with no regrets, knowing you gave it all you had.”
Quarterback Drew Pyne’s father, George, hopes his son makes the most of everything.
“My Father’s Day wish would be that he takes advantage of the entire Notre Dame experience, has fun, is a good teammate, makes friendships that last a lifetime and that he makes the most of his talents on and off the field,” he says.
Wide receiver Xavier Watts’ father, Jeff, hopes his son does the same.
“Best gift I would say is to just have him appreciate and take in the whole college and college football experience as a whole,” Mr. Watts says. “Enjoy the whole process of school, meeting new lifelong friends, and by the end, leaving Notre Dame a better overall man and football player than when he got there!
“Most of all to enjoy himself and his time there and have fun as this only happens once!”
Rob Carmody now has two sons who are Irish student-athletes with offensive lineman Michael joining Robby, who is entering his third year with the Notre Dame hoops program, on campus.
“Their diplomas are first and foremost but in terms of athletics, being great teammates and growing into leaders,” Mr. Carmody says of what he wishes for his boys.
“A national championship in both sports would be fairly cool too.”
