Overview

Ara: The Life and Legacy of a Notre Dame Legend captures the personality, courage, and character of a great man who faced adversity on and off the field. Through his unprecedented access to Ara Parseghian’s personal files, author Mark O. Hubbard explores the coach’s innovative philosophy, organization, strategy, tactics, and motivational techniques with details to satisfy even the most knowledgeable football aficionado. Hubbard chronicles Ara’s childhood and Catholic upbringing, his success as a football player, and the development of his coaching credentials at Miami of Ohio and Northwestern before delving into his sensational career at the University of Notre Dame. From the moment Ara arrived on campus, the student body and the players were electrified, and Ara’s first season concluded with a dramatic reversal of the Fighting Irish’s fortunes as they competed for the national title. The Hall of Famer remains one of the most successful football coaches in Notre Dame history, amassing a career record of 95-17-4 and leading the Fighting Irish to undisputed national championships in 1966 and 1973. After retiring from coaching, Ara became a successful businessman and television commentator, but his finest hours were spent in humanitarian causes, raising millions of dollars for medical research after members of his family were stricken with multiple sclerosis and Niemann-Pick Type C. Peppered with historical context and humor, this lively biography of a Notre Dame legend will delight all sports fans, providing a chance to revisit college football’s golden age.

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9780268208516

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Reviews

“Mark Hubbard delivers a comprehensive account of Ara’s multifaceted life. He introduces us not just to the legendary coach but also to the son of immigrants, the mischievous prankster, the astute businessman, and the devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Amidst his family’s battles with illness, Ara emerged as a beacon of hope and healing. Hubbard paints a portrait of joy, heartbreak, selfless service, and inspiration, celebrating a life truly well lived.”—Gregory P. Crawford, president, Miami University “Ara gives you the incredible opportunity to get to know the man behind the legacy. The more you read, the more you appreciate all Ara Parseghian has accomplished. I was blessed to have Ara as my coach, and I'm the man I am today because of him.” —Joe Theismann, World Champion Quarterback

“Mark Hubbard delivers a comprehensive account of Ara’s multifaceted life. He introduces us not just to the legendary coach but also to the son of immigrants, the mischievous prankster, the astute businessman, and the devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Amidst his family’s battles with illness, Ara emerged as a beacon of hope and healing. Hubbard paints a portrait of joy, heartbreak, selfless service, and inspiration, celebrating a life truly well lived.”—Gregory P. Crawford, president, Miami University “Ara gives you the incredible opportunity to get to know the man behind the legacy. The more you read, the more you appreciate all Ara Parseghian has accomplished. I was blessed to have Ara as my coach, and I'm the man I am today because of him.” —Joe Theismann, World Champion Quarterback “When I met Ara Parseghian in 1964, little did I know the impact he would have on my life. In Ara: The Life and Legacy of a Notre Dame Legend, Mark O. Hubbard has captured Ara perfectly on and off the field.” —Terry Hanratty, Super Bowl IX and X Champion “I felt from my time as a player, and then as a combination fan, admirer, and friend, that I knew Ara quite well, and this book really captures the true Ara, as a coach and man. To read this book is to know the real Coach Parseghian, even if you never met him.” —Peter Shivarelli, manager of the rock band Chicago “This book is a remarkable tribute to the history of Ara Parseghian, his background, and his soul. It is a history for all Notre Dame fans.” —Katie Parseghian “Coaching is a sacred profession that gives you the opportunity to influence generations of young people. It isn’t always pretty, but it’s ultimately rewarding. This biography of my friend, Ara Parseghian, captures the raw essence of a legend and inspires us all to fight through any challenge to make a positive impact in this world.” —Lou Holtz, Notre Dame Football Head Coach, 1986-96

“Mark Hubbard delivers a comprehensive account of Ara’s multifaceted life. He introduces us not just to the legendary coach but also to the son of immigrants, the mischievous prankster, the astute businessman, and the devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Amidst his family’s battles with illness, Ara emerged as a beacon of hope and healing. Hubbard paints a portrait of joy, heartbreak, selfless service, and inspiration, celebrating a life truly well lived.”—Gregory P. Crawford, president, Miami University

“Mark O. Hubbard delivers a comprehensive account of Ara’s multifaceted life. He introduces us not just to the legendary coach but also to the son of immigrants, the mischievous prankster, the astute businessman, and the devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Amidst his family’s battles with illness, Ara emerged as a beacon of hope and healing. Hubbard paints a portrait of joy, heartbreak, selfless service, and inspiration, celebrating a life truly well lived.”—Gregory P. Crawford, president, Miami University “Ara gives you the incredible opportunity to get to know the man behind the legacy. The more you read, the more you appreciate all Ara Parseghian has accomplished. I was blessed to have Ara as my coach, and I'm the man I am today because of him.” —Joe Theismann, world champion quarterback “When I met Ara Parseghian in 1964, little did I know the impact he would have on my life. In Ara: The Life and Legacy of a Notre Dame Legend, Mark O. Hubbard has captured Ara perfectly on and off the field.” —Terry Hanratty, Super Bowl IX and X champion quarterback “I felt from my time as a player, and then as a combination fan, admirer, and friend, that I knew Ara quite well, and this book really captures the true Ara, as a coach and man. To read this book is to know the real Coach Parseghian, even if you never met him.” —Peter Schivarelli, manager of the rock band Chicago and former Fighting Irish football player “This book is a remarkable tribute to the history of Ara Parseghian, his background, and his soul. It is a history for all Notre Dame fans.” —Katie Parseghian, wife of Ara Parseghian “Coaching is a sacred profession that gives you the opportunity to influence generations of young people. It isn’t always pretty, but it’s ultimately rewarding. This biography of my friend, Ara Parseghian, captures the raw essence of a legend and inspires us all to fight through any challenge to make a positive impact in this world.” —Lou Holtz, Notre Dame Football Head Coach, 1986–96 ""Mark O. Hubbard’s book, Ara, about Notre Dame football coach Ara Parseghian, is an absorbing sweet read. For all his success, Parseghian has always been the most mysterious of Notre Dame’s legendary coaches. Hubbard unlocks the mystery with a bright and shining light. Any fan of football will love this."" —Buzz Bissinger, author of Friday Night Lights and The Mosquito Bowl ""'Ara made the entire difference. . . .He changed everything.' On the football field and off of it, as author Mark Hubbard’s book attests."" —South Bend Tribune ""An extraordinary life."" —Wall Street Journal

Author Information

Mark O. Hubbard is the author of Undisputed: Notre Dame, National Champions 1966 and the co-author of Forgotten Four: Notre Dame’s Greatest Backfield and the 1953 Undefeated Season. Rocky Bleier is a former Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back and four time Super Bowl champion.

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