Weis: Trip to Middle East “unbelievable” Save Email Print
Posted: 12:51 AM May 27, 2008
 Last Updated: 3:01 PM May 28, 2008
 Reporter: Angelo Di Carlo
Email Address: angelo.dicarlo@wndu.com
106 comments
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Charlie Weis spent Memorial Day at the White House visiting the President, after returning from a trip to the Middle East with four other college coaches.

"We went over there to help motivate the morale of the troops -- but I think we came home probably more inspired than even they were," Weis said Monday at the White House.

"I mean, it was just an unbelievable experience to watch the enthusiasm and the pride and the teamwork over there."

Joining Weis on the trip was Georgia coach Mark Richt, Miami coach Randy Shannon, Yale's Jack Siedlecki and Tommy Tuberville of Auburn.

"I'm so grateful to you all for going," President Bush said to the coaches. "And I'm really grateful that you expressed the gratitude of the American people."

Bush then introduced Weis, calling him "The Notre Dame man."

"We got something special going on over there because there wasn't one person, of the thousands and thousands of soldiers we met, that had one negative thing to say," Weis explained.

"That's almost overwhelming to think about it; not one."

Weis and the four other coaches spent plenty of time with the troops, evening coaching them in a flag football game.

"I think all five of us said we just wish we could have brought our players over there, you know, the 18-to-23-year-olds that we deal with, so they could see what maturity looks like at a young age and teamwork at its utmost," Weis said.

"It was just an invigorating experience, one that we'll always treasure the rest of our lives."
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Posted by: noone Location: mi on Jun 10, 2008 at 10:03 AM
ok, I may not like Weis personally....nothing to do with his job as coach, and nothing to do with ND. I had to comment again after coming back comment on the rudeness of Jake and Prude. Really? Jake, this is not a classroom, but a public forum. Who cares how things are spelled? When someone is obviously passionate about what they are typing....sometimes things get misspelled. And sometimes people just don't care. Read what they are trying to say....not how the spell it. And telling someone to learn how to read and write before engaging you in conversation again. Again....this is a public forum. Once you put a comment through...anyone can respond. If you want personal conversations, go somewhere else. And Prude....there isn't much to say to someone with a closed mind and old fashioned attitude. Just that you are really rude.
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Jun 9, 2008 at 07:00 PM
O.k. Jake, the rule of making a noun possessive can fall either way. An 's can be added to a proper noun even if an s is at the end of the name. This is old school. The newer rule is if the last name already has an s then an apostrophe can just be added. The key is staying consistent in writing with whichever rule you choose to use. But why are you bantering about grammar? Do you not have anything better to discuss? I'll recant the moron comment since we are both correct in he possessive usage. Don't tell me how many people to address in one post, just learn how to read. I made it perfectly clear who I was addressing and what I was addressing them for. PRUDE, go tell your mama that and see how fast you get a frying pan upside your head! Or maybe that is what you do best.... Cooking and cleaning that is, since it is obvious that you obviously don't have anything intelligent to add to this thread.
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Jun 9, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Jake, are you really that iliterate? The only time I have put two s in Weis's name is when it is possesive. Have we forgotten how to properly write? Moron.........don't try to school me on anything if you can't figure out that simple rule.
Posted by: Prude Location: S M on Jun 8, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Kimberly, quit fighting with the men and get back to cleaning the house and cooking dinner!
Posted by: Jake on Jun 8, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Kimberly, a typo is an inadvertent mistake, but making the same mistake over and over again only shows the inability to learn. Also, I saw after I posted you were speaking to Anon. You should reply to one person at a time; doing it otherwise is very vague. Now, for the third time, there's only ONE "S" in Weis even if you're making it plural possessive. Even this fool only has to be told that once! Next time do your homework before putting your nose in others conversations that have nothing to do with you.
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Jun 7, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Jake, yes I made a typo but you obviously don't comprehend well. Reread my last post. I was not addressing YOU on Weis's performance when I made those comments. Before you spout off, make sure you know what you are saying. I would hate to see you make yourself look like a bigger fool than you already do.
Posted by: Jake on Jun 6, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Kimberly, First, I would suggest you learn how to spell Weis' name before saying a single word. Second, my comment was to your boyfriend Rabid about going around acting like some internet bully. I said NOTHING of Weis' performance. Perhaps learn to read and write before engaging me for discussion again.
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Jun 6, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Jake, I would strongly suggest doing your homework before jumping in. these arguments go way back. Anon, We do point out Wies's flaws as well. You obviously have either not been around long enough or have conveniently forgotten what has been written in the past. But once again, this article had nothing to do with Weis's performance on the field or what he has done for many other people with disabilities. As you like to try to point out that we don't point out his flaws( which is a false statement), you have yet to point out anything good that the man has done. That is a two way street. Give credit where credit is due. Trust me, I will be one of the first to point out what I think Weis has done wrong on the feild or in real life. I don't see him with rose colored glasses. I am a realist.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Jun 6, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Anon, I am all for a good argument, but you sound like an idiot. You are telling us (domers like me) that we "have to justify why it's best....". Guess what, pal? We were the first to say that Charlie was screwing up, needed a reality check, etc. But we are still fans, that's what separates "people like us" and haters like YOU. We can say that you are not real fans because you were the ones ripping on the players and calling fro Charlie's head after one bad season. Read the archives- you will see you sound like an idiot by trying to tell people that people like me, Kimberly, and RIF do not acknowledge ND's flaws. People who have been around more than a month know this. So yeah, RIF (as well as most other intelligent people) can pretty much make an educated guess that anyone who posts under "anon" is a hater and not a real fan, based on their comments.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 6, 2008 at 12:04 PM
See, there it is! A "real fan". Hey, Rabid, I love my car, but that doesn't mean it has it's problems and may not be even close to the best. But, I still love it and I dont have to "prove" that its without flaws. Thats the difference with domers like you. Totally clueless and think that in order to support something, you have to justify why it's the best and or great. Not to mention, it is obvious that you live out some sort of self fulfilling prophecy of your own that you invented about how great you personally are at attacking "targets" and "clowns." You must not get much kudos from other people in real life to have to come on to an internet blog and do it to yourself. But, yeah, keep being the self-installed judge of who the "real" fans are and keep alienating yourself from those who really may be. Extremism behavior like yours is a dangerous thing.
Posted by: Prude Location: S M on Jun 6, 2008 at 12:00 PM
RIF, you are leader of the clowns! Shut up and get back to work.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jun 6, 2008 at 11:11 AM
No, I come here to comment, if you had a clue, which you don't. You would see that most times I am the one being provoked, for the simple fact that I am an Irish Fan and speak my mind. This is fun and now I have you to beat on, great. Give me something else to look up, did not work too well for you the first time. Your just another person who thinks I should not have an opinion, too bad. The "sad" thing here is you, following me around and making stupid comments, I will not show you any love go to your mom and pop for that. If you were any kind of an Irish fan you would be taking on these same people I am who are bashing Charlie Weis in this thread. Part time ND fans, real sad, and you must be the ring leader. Be an Irish man not an Irish maam, no offense to lady Irish fans. Kim, you see this clown, we have a new target, pretty east to hit though.
Posted by: Jake on Jun 5, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Wow, Rabid, do you just come here to get into arguments w/people? What's wrong, didn't get any attention as a child, that you have to come here and provoke others to get some attention? Just like a child behaving badly just to get some, any kind of attention. How sad for you!
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Jun 5, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Anon I can come up with plenty of stuff on my own! I just happen to agree with RIF about clowns. I also can't post what I really would like to say because I would be censored! Besides, I'll be happy to argue all you want when the season starts. I just don't feel like taking th time to play your little reindeer games right now. I have far better things to do then mince words with an enigma.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jun 5, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Toke it up anon, that's right. When did Kim say anything about the O-line?? If you are taking about Clausen, OK, he was a freshman last year and had no idea of the game speed at this level. He does now and if he plays like last year, expect to see DC starting.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 5, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Blame it on the O line....right. There has been plenty of great QB's that played behind crappy lines. More ND bull propaganda. Kimberly, can't come up with anything new on your lonesome?
Posted by: SNG Location: South Bend on Jun 4, 2008 at 11:43 PM
I think Coach Weis should be commended for taking time and traveling into a hostile area to visit with the troops. I also agree wtih RIF that if noone or anyone else making claims that Weis does not pay for work he hires then be specific and sight a case. If you can't prove it don't claim it. I am an Irish fan and I do believe they will have a good year, a great year if there is a vast improvement in the offensive line.
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Jun 4, 2008 at 09:38 PM
I have been sitting back reading these posts just shaking my head. What in God's green Earth is wrong with you people?! This is about our troops and paying respect to them. Weis did a great thing along with 4 other coaches. Why do you people have to turn this into a freakin' bash fest? It is not about football it is about people being honorable! Something a few of you obviously know nothing about! Clown school would be very proud of some of it's graduates who have posted here. You all can take a trip to Peru, IN and have a reunion at the clown hall of fame!
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jun 4, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Preach on Brother or Sister, whichever the case may be (hard to know for sure) You hit the nail on the head. Coach Weis gets a lot of flack from haters as well as ND supporters. I have given it to him too, when warranted. But, when a man takes the time to do what Charlie has done, he should be given credit. He has done a lot for the local community and I am sure he could care less about these comments people make about him. I hope he comes out and delivers us a "nasty" team this year and puts the haters out of thier misery. Funny thing is, when the Irish are back and they can't hate as much they will say "Go Irish" right along with the rest of us. Don't worry though the Rabid one never forgets a hater. I can hear the echoes now, "Here come the Irish!!!" and it still sounds as sweet as did 30 plus years ago. I should take a picture of my Ted Drake inspired tat, the ORIGINAL leprechaun, you know, before they took his stoogie away. I have an original watercolor from him, via my Grandfather
Posted by: MJ Location: South Bend on Jun 4, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Yes I am a Rabid supporter also as he speaks more truth than any of you fools here to bash Weis for doing something as honorable as this.... keep 'em in line buddy! As far as everyone bad mouthing Charlie, you have got to be kidding me! This guy has a heart as big as anyone here. Sure he might seem a bit arrogant at times but with a job as scrutinized as the one he holds, I bet there are not many people out there who would hold up as well as he has given the circumstances!
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jun 4, 2008 at 02:28 PM
NDF, I thought that might be the case. Pretty easy to tell it was not you. Nice catch Truth, glad to have you here! I think WNDU is saving me from myself and not posting a couple of comments from yesterday, thanks. Although Dr. Freud deserved what he got, self loathing, real nice if you know how to use it in context or for that matter what it means.
Posted by: Cliff Saxon Location: Altoona, AL on Jun 4, 2008 at 02:03 PM
At least he went over there to show his support to our troops, along with Auburn's Tommy Tuberville and Georgia's Mark Richt. I didn't see "Bama's Four Million Bucks Nick Sabutt (Saban) over there!
Posted by: The Truth Location: Mishawaka on Jun 4, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Yes I caught my all time favorite movie quote from the Gladiator. Some do take these comments personally. Odd, how no REAL names are used. Its just fun to read and pass the time away...Rabid (will the real one please stand up)..keep it coming.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Jun 4, 2008 at 11:34 AM
RIF- not me that posted that. I'm a victim of identity theft. I have no idea what the imposter is talking about.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Jun 4, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Hey ND Fan, 5:50 p.m.- stop posting under my name. ND Fan, SB is already taken as well, so try ND Fan, IN or something! While I agree about supporting the troops, I always like a good argument!
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jun 3, 2008 at 07:11 PM
ND Fan, the troops were thanked and supported by me in previous posts. What is "troops ND"? What does that mean??
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Jun 3, 2008 at 05:50 PM
This story should be about how great our troops ND is. Not anything else. The troops ND are is what's important here. We should be supporting the troops ND.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jun 3, 2008 at 05:02 PM
You assume way too much. You must have read a book to spout that non-sense. You speak like you know me, you don't. Yearning to keep bashing your stupid comments. Yeah, experience or benefit I lack, right. I have self loathing? OK Sigmund, did your high school counselor use that word with you and you thought it was cool. What makes you think I was not in the military, that is a bold statement from someone who knows jack and **** and jack just left town. When I am taking one of my four vacation WEEKS this year, I will be thinking of you and hoping you can pull your head from your a**. Listen, little lady, you want to play big bank, little bank with me, I will win. Clinically proven? wow, what a load of poo. I bet your eyes are brown and all of your friends have sprouted wings to stay above the poo you talk. While I continue to keep building market share in my company, you keep on thinking you have it good, not so much, Ronald. I walk on water, you just step in **** and don't know the dif.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 3, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Rabid, you weren't in the military either. So far, two things that in your opinion give you status in our society. You lack the experience or benefit of either of them. Where does that leave you? Yearning. Thats what. I am beginning to sense some self-loathing in you. Which has been clinically proven to lead to obsessions with things that can be used to easily fool others into holding higher opinions of them through superficial means. Take a deep look, "Rabid." Deep look.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jun 3, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Not everyone considers Clown School to be an education, that is more like vocational training. Gosh, you really are dumb. Prehaps you should join the military when you get old enough, learn some manners and respect. I bet our troops would teach you the meaning of "friendly fire" real, real quick. They won't suffer a fool as long as I will. Oh, wait, remember this when you go in "Don't ask, don't tell". Just because you wear heels does not mean they will let you bunk in the female barracks.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 3, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Wearing vintage Jordans means you have a good job? Not considering most of the characters who I see wearing them. Maybe one of them was you Rabid. You dont have a good job. You need an education for that, which you don't have.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jun 3, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Yeah, it does, what is your malfunction, are you 12? Burn, you should see a doctor about that, get a shot. Actually, wearing vintage Jordans means I have a GOOD JOB that pays well and I can afford them. Don't be such a hater, payless. You must be on the pipe if you think you have put the "burn" to anyone, other than your weiner, STD's, you should get a clue about them. Burn. Face. Game. Whatever, dork.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 2, 2008 at 04:11 PM
I guess wearing "vintage Jordans" makes you cool. Get a job? Okay, right after you leave 7th grade. Burn.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jun 2, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Not too sure how you get a giggle out of that. You are probably a Jordan hater too, figures. Are you upset that your mom buys your shoes from Walmart, looooossseeerrrr!!! LOL, HA!, A Tee Tee! What a dork, get a job.
Posted by: Pat Location: Shenandoah on Jun 2, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Recently, in Omaha, Nebraska, a 10 yr old boy named Garrett Schomer was killed in a freak accident. Garrett was a Notre Dame fan. Coach Weis sent an autographed ND football to the family, with his condolences. Whatever you may think of his coaching ability, or his perceived lack of civility, Charlie Weis deserves some thanks for visiting the troops, and doing good things. No one is perfect, and I guess that this is what bothers the fanatical anti-Weis crowd. Charlie Weis coaches football at Notre Dame. Period. If you expect him to be a saint, or go undefeated every season, look somewhere else. Maybe ND should hire the Pope...but that first loss he would be fired too. The troops come first, and that is what the coaches were doing...putting the troops first. Shallow thinking fanatics of any team should all think about this:What is more important than our troops and their families? Nothing. Garrett Schomer did not care about ND's record, he stuck by his favorite team. 2AD HOW.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 2, 2008 at 11:30 AM
"Vintage Jordans" HA! Looooooser
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jun 2, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Good one Prude, I will, as soon as I figure a way to get my foot out of yours.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jun 2, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Good one Prude, I will do that. Right after I figure out how to get my shoe out of yours. Those are vinatge Jordans too, clean em' up.
Posted by: Prude Location: S M on Jun 1, 2008 at 03:26 PM
RIf, get your head out of your butt.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on May 31, 2008 at 06:18 PM
To, The Truth, keep coming back, as the football season nears this action will keep heating up, thanks for the comment. Uh, whoever used my name, no, you can't do that here. WNDU will flag an IP addy and not post comments when they are from the same IP and just using different names. Also, people get a rise out of me all of the time, I have fun with it too, thanks. I have no idea why people think I get "mad" over these comments, it is fun for me. "Are you not entertained?" "Is this not why you are here?"
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan on May 31, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Rabid...ha. did you ever stop and think that maybe....one person is using several different names and just posting to get a rise out of you? It's actually been pretty fun:)
Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on May 30, 2008 at 04:45 PM
To Hubert....WOW!!! Great explanation!! Now, where is New Jerksey? Is that the state next to New Dork City?
Posted by: The Truth Location: Mishawaka on May 30, 2008 at 03:19 PM
I am rolling here in my office reading some of these comments...Hilarious, this is better than SNL...for sure. Rabid, your comment had me crying...
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on May 30, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Ron, what a simple little man you must be. I doubt you ever made anyone run and cry, ever. Also, how did I quit anything or for that matter ask for a break or to have anything handed to me? You have some issues and you should seek help. Are you upset because you made a "Gurantee" oops, don't you look like a joke. Your posts are the furthest thing from the way I am, I have no idea who you are thinking about taking to. You must be familiar with that running home crying mess, I'm not. If I was, I would be one of the fair weather fans who bash the Irish when they are not playing well, not how I'm built. I have heard no other Irish fan who is as vocal GOOD and BAD for the Irish, that is what being a real fan is about. You must not understand what that means or feels like. Don't judge me by a web blog, you have no idea. My Wife, kids, friends, family and colleagues all have nothing but respect for me. I think you need to take a nap, grumpy.
Posted by: bystander to the circus on May 30, 2008 at 01:32 PM
This has to be the most ridiculous display of immaturity I've ever seen! Get over yourselves.....realize this is about the troop, and who cares about Weiss, or Weis, or ND at all? Let the man have his moment, obviously someone thought it was newsworthy. And who cares if he paid his vendors, didn't pay his vendors, or if someone refuses to name names? It only matters to the man who did/didn't pay, and the company involved. LET IT ALL GO.
Posted by: Ron Location: SB on May 30, 2008 at 11:02 AM
LOL! Rabid, your last post reminds me of what a little kid would say right before he picks up his ball and runs home crying. That was great! Keep it up! Did you go to ND? Cause you sound like you could have with that attitude. If you don't get everything handed to you or any special breaks at all, you quit. Typical ND. Awesome.
Posted by: Economist Location: Michiana on May 30, 2008 at 10:38 AM
lets all see what the elasticity of demand is during the next football season. the stadium will be full, no one will be allowed to park a car on their lawn, water will be $3 a bottle in the stadium and the war will rage on.......Lets pray for some meaningful leadership at the state and national level to get this country moving in the right direction. Coaches making trips to visit troops just doesnt cut it in my book.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on May 30, 2008 at 07:44 AM
How about simply thanking Weis for supporting the troops and leaving all the other crap out of it? How about focusing on what's important? I'm no Weis fan but I'll certainly give him credit and thanks for doing something, anything, in support of the military.
Posted by: IrishFanNot Location: south bend on May 30, 2008 at 06:43 AM
Baby Huey takes a road trip, get over it....
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on May 29, 2008 at 06:49 PM
It just saddens me that this article is about our troops who are over fighting in terrible circumstances and the support that was shown to them by some very giving people and all you haters can think about is bashing Weis for what ever reason you have. This is about supporting those young men and women who are fighting for the safety of all people involved. If you want to bash something, why don't you complain about how everyone was LIED to about how this war started in the first place! How about thinking past the mole on the end of your nose and see the big picture. Weis takes the time to show his gratitude to those people who deserve everyones respect and all you can think about is a football record? How shallow minded can you be? Let loose of football record for just once and say thank you for doing the right thing! It is probably more than what some of you have ever done for our troops. For those of you who have served our country, THANK YOU and may God bless!
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on May 29, 2008 at 06:13 PM
One more thing for you Ron, Amused, and anyone else. Thank you for posting your c