Leon J. Hart

As a eigth-grader, I first watched Leon Hart in a 1948 Notre Dame game and was impressed with his athletic skills; but, I was more impressed when I heard what an excellent student he was in the college of Engineering. He was an excellent role-model for an athlete.

As a freshman football player from Gary,Indiana, at right HB running plays against the varsity during the week in preparation for saturday varsity games, it was my job to block Leon. As I moved out to block him he would grab me by the shoulders, lift me off the ground and watch for the ball carrier. When he determined where the runner was going he would throw me away and you can picture the rest. We obviously didn't make any gains around Leon's end.Leon was the "gentle giant" of the '49 Nat'l...

My sincerest condolences to the entire Hart family upon the loss of Mr. Hart. I remember meeting him at one of the float construction sites for the Boys' Bowl Game in 1972 when he came up and introduced himself to me. I later had the privilege of having Kevin and Judd in my classes at Brother Rice during my time there (1972-81). You are in the thoughts and prayers of all the Christian Brothers who knew your family in Michigan and who now reside here in Chicago at St. Laurence and Brother...