Champions
Lou Holtz's Fighting Irish
by Bill Bilinski /Foreword and Afterword by Lou Holtz

Here is the full and remarkable story of how Lou Holtz took a team demoralized by Miami in its last game under Coach Gerry Faust and rebuilt and revitalized it. In his third season at its helm, Holtz led the Irish to a 12-0 record and the 1988 National Championship. It was a season punctuated by victories over the likes of Michigan, MSU, USC, Penn State, Miami and a decisive thrashing of West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.

South Bend Tribune reporter Bill Bilinski was the sportswriter closest to the Notre Dame football scene during the Holtz era. CHAMPIONS; his insights from the practice field to the post -game replays give vivid witness to how Coach Holtz restored the golden gridiron tradition of Notre Dame.

For good measure, Bilinski continues the story through the 1989 season when the Irish finished with 12 wins and one loss (Miami) and an upset of then #1 Colorado in the Orange Bowl. The Irish narrowly missed repeating as National Champions.

There are great memories in this book and true inspiration as well. “CHAMPIONS makes an excellent fan’s keepsake.”
—USA Today

“A fine sports book...Much, much insight.” —Larry King

Bilinski’s CHAMPIONS is a winner for Notre Dame fans.”
—Football News

Bill Bilinski is sports editor of the South Bend Tribune and The Irish Sports Report.

$10.00