The Notre Dame Juggling Club is dedicated to, well, juggling. We also feel it is our duty to have fun and do service occasionally. We welcome jugglers of all skill levels, from those who can juggle a chainsaw, a bowling ball, and a machete, to those who can't clap without missing their own hands. Coordination is not mandatory to be able to juggle as many members can attest. If you have any questions or comments about this website or the Notre Dame juggling club, please, feel free to send e-mail to us at juggling@nd.edu.

The currently incarnation of the Notre Dame Juggling Club began in the spring of 1996 when Will Bennett, Mike Kowalski, Dave LaHeist, Patrick Mousaw, and Timothy Mousaw begain meeting weekly at the racquet ball courts of the Rockne Building. In the fall of 1996, they began a tradition of juggling for charity before the home football games. It was also at this time that they began to perform at various talent shows and other events under the name Juggle Fever. The talk about formally making a club began around this time. They declared themselves an unofficial club in an attempt to see how much interest there would be. The response was overwhelming and that solidified their decision to apply for club status for the next fall. Unfortunately, Will Bennett and Mike Kawolski graduated in the spring of 1997 and were unable to see the club attain official status with the University. The club would have been impossible without their efforts and we extend to them our thanks and gratitude.

Pat, Mike, Will, Tim, and Dave before their first Troop ND Talent Show

Will Bennett, Mike Kowalski, Dave LaHeist, Patrick Mousaw, and Timothy Mousaw performed under the name Juggle Fever twice in the fall of 1996. They first performed at the Troop ND Talent Show and won first prize. They also won first prize at the LaFortune Variety Show. That would be their last performance as an entire group but the name Juggle Fever would still be used by continuing members in later performances. These include the Troop ND Talent Show in the fall of 1997, Keenan Revue in spring 1997 and 1998, the Black Images talent show in the spring of 1997, Junior Parents Weekend in spring of 1998, and An Tostal in the spring of 1998.

About 80 people signed up to be in the juggling club in the fall of 1997. We were not able to get organized in time to have any meetings in the fall, though. We had a real treat on Novemeber 4, 1997 when Mark Nizer performed at Washington Hall. He gave a mind-blowing performance and we thank him for visiting our campus. We finally began meetings in the spring of 1998. Attendance at meetings wasn't spectacular because people had found other activities to participate in by then. But some people showed up regularly and those who showed up had lots of fun.

The webpage was designed around 1998 by Pat and Matthew Winter. Pat added much of the content and Matt worked on the style.

The Mousaw Twins graduated in 1999. In the following couple years, the club suffered from low attendance and participation. It would have all but died if not for the dedication of Beau Aldridge, Jason Quinn, and Judy Abid, who would go to meetings even if they were the only ones to show up! The Fall 2002 academic semester saw a turn-around for the juggling club. Jason and the new president, Matt, got about 60 people to sign up during Activities Night. The first meeting had a turnout of almost 20 people! Over the course of the semester, this number slowly declined but at least 10 people remained pretty die-hard. It was a good semester.

In late 2002 and early 2003, Jason performed a major renovation of the website and requested and recieved a LISTSERV list from the university. The mailing list greatly increased the quality of the transmission of information to the members as the list is much easier to manage and users can subscribe and unsubscribe themselves.

Following the graduation of Matt, the juggling club had a peaceful transfer of power to Sean Rose in 2003.

The Fall 2005 Semester started off well. Interest in the club seems unusually high and there has been quite a bit of buzz.

In November of 2005, it was brought to our attention that a juggling club existed at Notre Dame prior to the one currently in existence. We recieved the following e-mail:

I saw with interest the link to the Notre Dame Juggling Club. It's
great to see the club is doing well, getting involved in social
events and teaching others to juggle. I noted the club with interest
because two fellow Zahmbies and I started what I believe was the
first Notre Dame Juggling Club back in the Fall of 1986. Similar to
your experiences, we had great interest during club sign-ups (over
100 people expressing interest) and had a group of about 25 regularly
attend meetings -- prior to Winter anyway. I believe the club
survived at least another year but then I lost track. Sounds like you
independently started the club again which is fantastic.
                                                                                
If you have access to old issues of the Observer, check out the
Monday November 24, 1986 issue for a write-up of the club. The
highlight was my co-founder Bill Lane's and my performance at Logan
Center for kids, juggling to the tune of Dueling Banjos. Was a blast.
We also performed at the Zahm talent show (ZITS) in the Spring of
1987. I had visions of our juggling during halftime of an ND
basketball game but it didn't happen. Perhaps you can inquire and get
out there!
                                                                                
Keep up the excellent work and hope the club thrives. Best of luck!
                                                                                
Dave Zoretic, '87

In 2006, Jason Quinn and Sean Rose graduated leaving the club to a couple of inexperienced freshmen: Andrew Haynes and Mark Loehr. Some might say juggling club went into a downswing at this point, but it was still hanging in there.