Kelly Answers Why Notre Dame Practiced During High Winds
(WSCR) - Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly discussed his decision to hold practice outdoors Wednesday during the high winds that caused Declan Sullivan his life. Sullivan was filming practice on a lift when a gust of wind knocked it over.
By RICK GANO
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said Saturday it was his decision to hold practice outdoors on a windy day when a student videographer died after the lift he was in fell over.
Kelly said he decided the Irish could have a productive and safe practice on their outdoor practice fields last Wednesday, despite the wind. The National Weather Service said the wind was gusting up to 51 mph at the time the tower that 20-year Declan Sullivan was in toppled to the ground.
Kelly said Notre Dame had systems in place that deal with safety issues at practice and those systems on that day failed and are being evaluated.
After Saturday's 28-27 loss to Tulsa, Kelly said dealing with Sullivan's death was the most difficult time of his life because he had gotten to know the student personally. He said he met with the young filmmaker's family before a Mass on campus Thursday.
A moment of silence was observed and a prayer offered before Saturday's game for Sullivan. Both teams wore shamrock decals with the letters DS on them.
Updated October 30, 2010
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