Larry Dolan talks 'football ... family' to Streaks

"I'm a baseball guy.  What do I have to tell you about football?" began Larry Dolan, owner of Cleveland's Major League Baseball team, appearing as a guest speaker before the varsity Blue Streaks.  "The last time I had anything to do with football (at St. Ignatius High and as a freshman at Notre Dame), it was the single wing, 'hut one, two, three' and snap."

So he shifted to his family, one that has had such an impact on John Carroll.  "You know Dolan Hall," he said.  "Dolan Hall to me is Uncle Tom, my Dad's brother."  He went on to describe how Tom Dolan had built a fortune and had been so generous with it.  Likewise, he told how his brother Charles, teaming with Helen, had pioneered cable television, built their own fortune, and inspired the lead gift in the construction of the Dolan Center for Science and Technology.

Then he returned to football, bringing family with it.  "Our father died when I was in grade school, so my brother came to every single football game I played in."  Later, Charles' inclusion of Larry in his early success helped Larry establish his own thriving law practice and subsequent wealth.  "You know what the sweetest moment in football is?" he asked.  "The huddle.  You've played three quarters.  You're tired and cold.  It's 4th and 2.  But you feel so close to those guys, you'd do anything for them.  You love them like family ... Eventually you'll go your separate ways, but there will be another huddle, the one you'll have with your (own) family, whether it includes wives, children, uncles, nieces.  Those people that fill your life.  Make sure you're ready for that huddle.  Make sure you contribute to it."