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Irish Men's Lacrosse Teams Up With Todd Rundgren for Dickinson Academy Special

Sept. 28, 2016

By Robby Hamman

NOTRE DAME, Ind. –
The Notre Dame lacrosse program and Dickinson Intermediate Fine Arts Academy have developed a special bond over the past nine years, as members of the team routinely make the 15-minute drive to the school to participate in a mentorship program with the middle school students.

Tuesday’s session was extra special for all involved, as famed musician Todd Rundgren joined the group for a jam session with both members from the lacrosse program and Dickinson students.

“My foundation does a lot of this type of thing,” said Rundgren. “We are encouraging music programs, starting as young as possible. I spend a lot of time visiting music programs and even though the focus of today isn’t necessarily music, everyone has an interest in it and I want to show what I love with them and encourage them.”

@toddrundgren playing w/Sophomores Mike Marchese & Mitch Olinger at Dickinson School as part of @playing4peace Mentoring Program #CCC pic.twitter.com/jAnfCJ9ZHt

– Notre Dame Lacrosse (@NDlacrosse) September 27, 2016

Rundgren has had seven Top 40 hits, including “Hello It’s Me,” “Can We Still Be Friends?” and “Bang the Drum All Day.” The Philadelphia native has also recorded hits with his bands Nazz and Utopia and is a noted producer and engineer for other artists in the industry.

Sophomore goalkeeper Michael Marchese played the acoustic guitar with Rundgren for the students, an experience he will never forget.

“It was awesome,” said Marchese. “I looked him up last night and his body of work is just absolutely incredible. From playing with Ringo Starr to all of the other bands he has worked with, it’s awesome to be in his presence and be able to ask him some questions about music. It was definitely an honor to meet him as a casual musician and lover of music.”

Marchese and the rest of the team have greatly benefitted from the partnership with Dickinson, as the students they mentor have made a big impact on their lives.

“It’s a good break from school, practice and everything because you are always so concerned on what’s going on with yourself and your schedule and it’s great to hear what another kid is doing,” said Marchese. “It takes stress off your day when you can come out and help with their homework and see how they are doing. I think the giving back part helps us more than it helps them.”

— ND —

The University of Notre Dame men’s lacrosse team pursues excellence on and off the field through the three pillars in which the program is built: Character, Culture & Community. These three foundational values guide the promise of the program, which is to provide its student-athletes with the most compelling and enriching experience in all of college athletics. Through academics, competition, service and travel, the program aims to immerse its players in situations that enhance their student-athlete experience to help them become the people, students and teammates they aspire to be.

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