Notre Dame, IN (UHND) — Charlie Weis addressed the media Monday morning and spoke on several topics including personal changes, the format for practice this week, and the new facilities before answering questions. This article will be more of a news and notes article covering the major issues Coach Weis touched on.
The Guglielmino Athletics Complex
The first topic Weis talked about was the new Guglielmino complex and the benefits this structure gives the football team as well as the university. Weis said the Gug, “is a really big plus for the University of Notre Dame. It’s a big plus for the whole athletic department. I think it will be a big plus for the school. I think going from facilities that I believe were antiquated to now right at the top with everybody with the way Notre Dame should be and what they stand for, I think our players are very, very happy.”
Weis further stated that the new complex gives Notre Dame an edge in recruiting that they previously haven’t had. He said the Gug has been a, “critical factor in some of our so called early success.”
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On Personal Changes
The first change that Weis mentioned was the transfer of Freddie Parish. Weis did not give any details as to why or where Parish will be transferring, but did say that, “this is not an anti Notre Dame or anti Freddie Parish deal.”
Next Weis alerted the media that Travis Leitko won’t be with the team this fall. He did not rule out a return by Leitko at some point but he said that at this time he isn’t with the team and that’s all he can say at this time. The loss of Leitko leaves Notre Dame with only 2 defensive ends who have seen any playing experience.
On Play Calling
Weis was being as a question about who will be doing to which he gave a classic answer. “I’m calling the plays. That’s the end of that question,” was Weis’ response before the question was even completed. He let everyone know that he will be calling the plays as he has previously said he will do until he feels comfortable enough with Mike Haywood calling them.
On the format of practice this week
Weis told reporters that there was a conditioning test at 6:15 AM to which the players were awoke by the sound of an air horn. The players had a
