IRISH INSIDER: For Novakov, Notre Dame still the only school
By LAUREN BECK
Sports Writer
When he was growing up, walk-on quarterback Dan Novakov lived every young Irish fan's dream.
Novakov, a senior from Dallas, Tex., was one of the kids scurrying around on game day wearing a Notre Dame jersey and gold pants —only he actually knew the guy whose number he sported.
The number on his replica jersey was 81, and it belonged to Tim Brown, 1987 recipient of the Heisman Trophy and fellow Dallas native who Novakov's father helped recruit.
Novakov met Brown and fell in love with the Irish at an early age, when his father, former Irish center Dan Novakov, Sr., brought the family to South Bend each year. Novakov was able not only to watch the games but also to go behind the scenes afterward.
"The neatest thing was going into the locker room after the game," said Novakov. "My grandfather and Coach [Lou] Holtz were good friends. When Notre Dame played in the Cotton Bowl I went to practice … I have autographs from those teams."
Novakov's grandfather also graduated from Notre Dame, as did two uncles, who also played football, a great uncle and a sister.
Notre Dame, and in particular Irish football, is such a part of the Novakov family's life that it's tough to put their experience with the school's tradition into words.
"I've never really known anything else because it's always been normal to me. Growing up, I didn't really know there was any other college," Novakov said.
When he was younger, Novakov wanted to be a basketball player, but he soon realized that Notre Dame football was in the cards for him.
He started playing football in junior high school and grew to like it more — enough to walk on to the Notre Dame football team and back into the locker room that captivated him as a child.
While it hasn't been easy, Novakov said he never thought twice about giving up.
"I've never quit anything in my life," he said.
Having a father who played college football has also helped him through his four seasons playing on the scout team.
"Overall it's so much more time and so much more intense than playing in high school. It's nice having someone who has gone through it, who understands and can offer advice," he said.
Novakov, Sr. said he values his experience with Notre Dame football and thinks his son is learning some of the same timeless lessons.
"You learn a lot more than football. You learn teamwork, how to deal with success, how to deal with failure, and how to deal with those weekly. … But really the important thing is to do your best and let the chips fall where they may," he said. "The greatest asset about Notre Dame is the people and being associated with them. The football players are really great people, good kids."
His son agreed, saying the friendships he has made with his teammates have been the biggest rewards of playing football.
As the younger Novakov carries on the family football tra]dition, he said this season has been a perfect way to end his experience.
"I don't think last year was much fun for anyone," he said. "So it's good to end on a good note and have a great year."
All Sports Stories for Friday, November 22, 2002
