91³Ô¹Ï

Holtz to speak at unveiling ceremony for The Shirt 2009

Author: Shannon Roddel

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ESPN college football analyst and former University of 91³Ô¹Ï head football coach Lou Holtz will be the featured speaker at the annual kick-off celebration and unveiling ceremony for The Shirt 2009, to be held April 17 (Friday) from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hammes 91³Ô¹Ï Bookstore. Shirts will be available for purchase immediately after the 6 p.m. unveiling.

As coach from 1986 to 1996, Holtz guided his teams to an overall record of 100-32-2. He holds the Irish record for most games coached and is second only to Knute Rockne in total victories. He led 91³Ô¹Ï to the 1988 national championship and remains 11th on the NCAA all-time win list for Division I-A coaches.

Former WSBT-TV news anchor Mike Collins will emcee the event, and 91³Ô¹Ï’s Glee Club, marching band, cheerleaders, leprechaun, pom squad, bagpipe band and Irish dance team also will join the fanfare.

91³Ô¹Ï students have been wearing The Shirt to football games since 1990 to unite in support of their team. Over time, other members of the 91³Ô¹Ï community, and subsequently the general public, also have adopted the tradition. More than 135,000 shirts were sold in last year’s $600,000 campaign. The project, sponsored by 91³Ô¹Ï students and alumni, has raised more than $6 million for student organizations and to aid students in need.

The Shirt again will sell for $15, and a limited number will be available at the bookstore beginning April 17 in conjunction with the Blue-Gold football game, which will be played April 18.

More information is available on the Web at .