St. Norbert College head coach Jim Purtill address his players after practice
The St. Norbert College Green Knights get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Ireland this week to play football. We’re not talking about the European version of football either, also known as “soccer” in the U.S., but American football. They will compete against Ohio’s John Carroll University this Friday at 1:30 pm CDT in South Dublin at the Donnybrook Stadium.
This game along with six other games, including Navy vs Notre Dame on Saturday are part of a huge weekend of American football in Ireland which, according to Green Knight’s head coach Jim Purtill, is being promoted and treated like the Superbowl.
G.I.F.T. (Global International Football Tournament) 2012 is a tournament put on by Global Football, which helps to bring American football to all countries using tournaments like G.I.F.T. or Bowl of the Stars. Global Football is run by a former Notre Dame quarterback and has helped organized American football games through-out Europe and Central America.
Donnybrook Stadium, where the Green Knights will play, has a capacity of 6,000 people and will likely be sold-out. This is more than double the capacity of the Donald J. Schneider Stadium (capacity around 2,400), where the Green Knights play. This does not phase the team one bit according to senior tight end Bryon Betts.
Audio: Bryon Betts talks about team’s focus for Ireland game :10
The general feeling from the Green Knights team is, while this is an amazing opportunity, the game against John Carroll University is the primary focus and everything else will come after the game.
Coach Purtill reinforced this statement when asked about St. Norbert College’s expectations, he said, “…[our] expectations are to win the football game.”
Purtill also commented on the atmosphere that is expected while in Ireland during their time there.
Audio: Head Coach Jim Purtill talks about atmosphere for Ireland game :18
James Tringali attempts a pass in practice
This will be the first big game for sophomore James Tringali, who replaces the graduated Mike Fabrizio as quarterback. Tringali may not have the same experience as Fabrizio,
but he has the confidence and praise from his teammates and coach Purtill.
Audio: Betts on Tringali’s expectations :10
Audio: Coach Purtill on Tringali and all QBs :16
Senior running back Austin Williams is another player who’s making a return to a big game. Williams, who was sidelined by an injury last year, has high expectations for the Green Knights this Friday and for the rest of the season.
Audio: Williams on team outlook for 2012 :16
Information on how to watch the game can be found on a press release issued by St. Norbert College, which can be located here.