Sept. 11, 2002
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Former University of Notre Dame split end Derrick Mayes and former Irish women’s basketball center Ruth Riley will sign autographs Saturday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Joyce Center Fieldhouse. Both players will be available to sign autographs for visiting fans as part of the “Notre Dame Experience,” an interactive fan festival for each of the 2002 home football games. The “Notre Dame Experience” combines the Notre Dame Alumni Association Hospitality Center with interactive inflatables, photo booths, autograph sessions, Notre Dame football trivia and stage activities.
Mayes starred at Notre Dame from 1992-95, helping the Irish to a stellar 36-10-2 (.771) record, a pair of finishes in the national top four, and victories over Texas A&M in the 1993 and 1994 Cotton Bowls. In 1995, the Indianapolis native was a second-team All-America pick by Football News and a third-team Associated Press All-America selection. Mayes still holds school records for touchdown receptions in a season (11) and a career (22), as well as career receiving yards (2,512).
Riley is one of the most decorated women’s basketball players in Notre Dame history. The Macy, Ind., product was a two-time AP All-American (2000, 2001) and the 2001 consensus National Player of the Year, leading the Irish to a 34-2 record and their first NCAA championship in ’01. The 6-5 Riley finished her storied career as Notre Dame’s all-time leader in eight different categories, including rebounds (1,007), blocked shots (370) and field goal percentage (.632), ranking among the top 15 in NCAA history in the latter category. She also is the only player in school history to register 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in her career. Riley recently completed her second season with the Miami Sol of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Gates to the Joyce Center Fieldhouse will open three hours prior to kickoff and will remain open until one hour after the game ends. Admission is free for all “Notre Dame Experience” events.
Notre Dame (2-0), which is ranked 20th in the latest AP poll and 21st in the most recent ESPN/USA Today coaches’ survey, returns to the gridiron at 1:30 p.m. (EST) Saturday against No. 7/6 Michigan at Notre Dame Stadium. That game will be televised nationally by NBC.
— ND —