Good post on UHND from Xavier's dad.

greyhammer90

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Another bunch of reasons why I love this school.

"This is a little off topic, but also football related. Last week, my son Xavier Murphy, ND '11, died. He was killed by something called Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. That's a disease that is just as scary as its name, and it took Xave from us with devastating speed. Xave was a faithful Catholic boy and a good student, and when he was accepted at ND four years ago, it was a dream come true for him and for our family. He was a very good high school football player, and tried to walk on as a receiver. When he was cut, he joined the management program, and worked his way up to serving last year as one of the team's head student managers. At the time of his death, he was working as an intern with Ryan Grooms and the team's equipment staff, and getting ready for grad school.

I know the program has received a lot of criticism in the past, for matters surrounding the death last year of Declan Sullivan, and for other issues. Undoubtedly, mistakes were made. All I can say is that the entire school, from Fr. Jenkins through Jack Swarbrick, through Coach Kelly (and Coach Weis) to all the students and faculty who knew Xavier, have shown enormous generosity of spirit and support for my family in our time of unfathomable tragedy. Xave absolutely loved ND, and Irish football, and I entirely see why.

Sorry to get off topic. Strictly speaking, this is only tangentially a football post. But I just remembered, even as I hope (and believe) we will punish the Trojans two nights from now, that I love ND football so much because I love this school, and everything it stands for. Rest in peace, Xave."
 
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mick2

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that kid accomplished more in his tragically short time on this planet than most will in a lifetime. cancer is a bitch. but his father and family have much to be proud of! R.I.P. Xavier
 

ndcoltsfan2010

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Wow. Great story. What a horrible loss though. Thoughts and prayers go out to this family.
 

NDinL.A.

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Wow is right. Can't imagine having to deal with what that father and that family is dealing with. RIP Xavier.

Thanks for sharing...
 
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Ben E.

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geez, how terrrible! i love how he speaks of "punishing" usc after enduring such a personal tragedy...RIP Xavier.
 
J

johnnykillz

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Win one for Xave!

Win one for the Gipper!

Go Irish!!!

(Thanks for the heartfelt story: It brought tears to my eyes. The team will be ready.)
 

BeauBenken

Shut up, Richard
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No doubt, this certainly is "another bunch of reasons I love this school".

One thing Notre Dame means is family...
...where people care about you, not just 'cause you win or 'cause things go well, but they genuinely care. - Lou Holtz

RIP Xavier
 

The Polish Irishman

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Good post by his father. Shows why ND is so special. Glad he will be remembered on Saturday night with the X on those great helmets. Shine On.
 

Ignats

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RIP Xave, we'll be holding up the X high for you during the Celtic Chant Saturday night.
 
H

HereComeTheIrish

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Something must have gotten into my eyes because they're all teary now. RIP Xavier. You'll be missed by many and the lives you've touched and the lessons you've taught them in strength, determination and grit will last each of them an eternity.

We Are....N.D.
 
M

Me2SouthBend

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All of you students that will be in attendance should cross your arms in the form of the letter X at a predetermined time in the pregame in tribute to a tremendous young man. God Bless Xave, his family and the Irish!
 

rikkitikki08

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Cancer is a son of ahh. Glad he got to do what many of us wish we could have done before he died. RIP X
 

jmurphy75

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After explaining to my family this afternoon about what had happened to Xavier and his family everyone in the room had a tear in their eye. What an unimaginable loss to ND and his family. After only reading about this young man and how he was regarded by friends and ND family I can only guess that he will be missed and his parents should be proud. As a new father I can only hope to raise my daughter as Xavier's parents did him, and that she be of such character and be held in such high regard as Xavier. My family's hearts and prayers will always be with the Murphy's and keep Xavier in our memories.
 

EddytoNow

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Nice tribute to Xavier from the student section today. A crossing of arms against the chest to make an X in tribute to Xavier. Those are the kind of things that make me keep coming back to ND even after losses like last week.
 
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