By Marshall K. Mcclelland

Once upon a time there lived, within sight of the friendly glow of the Golden Dome of Notre Dame University, a little boy who had impossible dreams. It was in the days of the immortal football coach, Knute Rockne. The little boy would hang around the gate of Cartier Field and the members of the Fighting Irish would "sneak" him into the practice sessions. Coach Rockne would look the other way and pretend he hadn't noticed the small trespasser.

The boy saw himself on the field, blocking, tackling, running, giving every ounce of his energy to prove himself worthy of being a Notre Dame player.

His dream continued to grow. After starring as one of Coach Rockne's "boys," he would become the master coach's number-one assistant. Together they would make Notre Dame invincible, the champion of champions. Then, just maybe, some day Coach Rockne would say, "Okay, son, it's your turn now!"

It was a wonderful dream, this dream of ten-year-old Joseph Lawrence Kuharich, who was born in and grew up in South Bend, Indiana. What happened to that dream proves once again that every boy should be encouraged to do some dreaming, no matter how impossible his goals may seem.

Nothing could stop young Joe Kuharich. Not the daily five-mile hike from his home to Notre Dame's campus. Not the small-ness of his size, which was such that his talk of becoming a football player caused much adult laughter. Not his father's complete lack of interest in the sport despite Joe's desire to star in it.

Joe's father was a hard worker. A Croatian immigrant, he appreciated the great and equal opportunities in the United States for everyone to succeed in life. He was a fair man, but given to direct opinions.

Joe's father scolded him many times. "Listen to me, Joe, you should be working hard to make something of yourself. Forget this silly game of football!"
Joe begged to play football in school at South Bend's Riley High. His father finally gave in, but he warned Joe, "The first time your school grades are not better than average, that means no more football!"

Joe knew his father meant his warning and so his grades stayed high. He was the lightest lineman on the school team, but his terrific spirit made him the best guard the school ever had. Always he was thinking ahead to Notre Dame. When he graduated from Riley in 1934, he was ready to move to the Irish campus. However, times were difficult and there was no money available for Joe's college fees. The only way he could get into Notre Dame was on a scholarship. Now, whoever heard of a 147-pound guard getting a college football scholarship?

The fabulous Knute Rockne was gone, killed in a tragic airplane crash. Elmer Layden had succeeded him as head coach. Joe haunted Coach Layden's office. After several weeks, Coach Layden surrendered to Joe's campaign and arranged his scholarship.

Then, another problem quickly arose. Joe had to have $65.00 for certain entrance fees not covered by his scholarship. He had never seen that much money at one time. When he sadly reported this news to his father, the elder Kuharich did not say a word but produced an old wooden box and withdrew from it $65.00 in cash. In future days, Joe's father would become his number-one fan!

Joe "grew up" on the college football field. Within two years he developed into a solid 197-pound six-footer. In his junior and senior years, he was outstanding as a first-string lineman for the Fighting Irish. After his graduation, which was with scholastic honors, he played in the All-Star Football Game in Chicago.

Joe started his coaching career at the Vincentian Institute in Albany, N.Y. Then came two years of playing professional football with the Chicago Cardinals. World War II erupted and Joe entered the Navy. After the war he returned to the Cards for one season. The next year he received what he feels was one of the most rewarding offers of his life. Dr. Jock Sutherland appointed Joe an assistant on the coaching staff of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In 1947, Joe accepted the head coaching job of San Francisco University's football team. He proceeded to develop one of the all-time top college teams, the undefeated Dons of 1951. From this one team came eight brilliant professional players, including Ollie Matson and Ed Brown.

From this success, Joe went on to coach the Chicago Cardinals in 1952. During 1953, he scouted for talent for several pro teams. In 1954, he was named line coach for the Washington Redskins and in August of that same year took over as head coach.

He was honored as Pro Coach of the Year in 1955. Through 1956-57-58, Joe's Redskins, although they failed to win the league crown, were the most spirited, fighting team in the National Football League. Joe became recognized as one of football's truly outstanding coaches. His inspirational drive and his teaching ability helped many great players to achieve still greater heights. Eddie Le Baron, Vic Janowicz, Jim Podoley, and Al Dorow were a few touched by the Kuharich magic.

In 1959, Joe returned to Notre Dame where he took up the position of head football coach of the Fighting Irish.

He left Notre Dame in 1963 and returned to the world of professional football. He became a supervisor of officials of the National Football League in 1963, and in 1964, he began coaching the Philadelphia Eagles.

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