Ed Ricciuti already enjoys fond memories of Fighting Irish football, but the Killingworth resident wouldn't mind one more.
Ricciuti, a 1959 University of Notre Dame graduate, will be watching tonight's Bowl Championship Series title game and cheering for his alma mater against Alabama.
"I usually watch Notre Dame games with only my wife present because I cannot tolerate distractions. Sometimes I lock the door," he said.
He'll make an exception this time, as he plans to watch the game with fellow Notre Dame alums Dan O'Sullivan of Killingworth and his daughter, Patti.
Ricciuti was a student at the Catholic school in Indiana when in 1956 the legendary Paul Hornung became the only player from a losing team to win the Heisman Trophy (Notre Dame finished the year 2-8).
A three-time boxing champion at the school, Ricciuti worked alongside members of the football team during his senior year. "In those days, the football team would train with us to keep in shape," he said.
While at the school Ricciuti trained such football greats as Dick Lynch and Monty Stickles.
Years later, Ricciuti was given a football by Notre Dame boxing coach Dominick Napolitano that was used by quarterback Joe Montana in the team's 49-19 win over USC in 1977.
Interestingtly, Ricciuti's wife, Chiqui, has family roots in Alabama.
"No matter," he said. "My wife is as rabid a Notre Dame fan as I."
No. 1 Notre Dame vs. No. 2 Alabama will air on ESPN at 8 p.m.
Editor's note: Ed Ricciuti is a former Patch contributor. You can read his column, Outdoors With Ed Ricciuti, by clicking here.
