Help Us Preserve Notre Dame History

Fans of Notre Dame, its football program and its history: I need you.

Steve Boda, a NCAA statistician and historian for 40 years, has compiled the only known comprehensive record of Notre Dame football, dating back to the team's first game in 1887. His files contain the all-time lineups, including every Irish player who played at least one second as well as game accounts, play charts and much more.

Mr. Boda has passed away and his collection is up for sale. I am a Notre Dame alumnus who holds a deep respect for my alma mater's history. I feel compelled to do my part to ensure that this collection remains in the hands of people who understand its importance and whose only motive is to make this information available to future generations.

It is my intention to raise enough money to cover the cost of the eBay auction - currently $11,191.64 - as well as the fees associated with GoFundMe & WePay, who will be processing the bids. Any money in excess of our goal will be put toward the cost of a truck rental to pick the files up in Olathe, Kansas.

The plan is to purchase the files, pick them up, digitize them, provide electronic copies to all our donators and then donate the originals to the Notre Dame archives. A fellow Notre Dame fan has already graciously offered to pick up the files and drive them to campus.

Please: Watch the video here and read the article about Boda's life and the auction here. If you feel moved as I do, we would appreciate your donation. Any amount will bring us closer to our goal. Share with fellow Notre Dame alums, friends and fans. We have 7 days to show there's enough interest to move forward with this purchase.

Important: You will NOT be charged unless our campaign meets or exceeds its goal. It's important you show your support so that we can build momentum. If friends and fans of the University of Kansas can raise $4.3 million to purchase Naismith's original rules of basketball, surely Notre Dame supporters can raise $12,209 to purchase a vital piece of our history.

Questions? Contact me on Facebook or Twitter or leave a comment below.