Whatever team you root for, there always is someone who has a deeper knowledge of it than you could dream of. Consequently, that person wins the utmost respect of people connected to the team. In the case of Notre Dame athletics, that person was Blue & Gold senior editor Lou Smogyi. Sadly, Smogyi died suddenly of an apparent heart attack Saturday at age 58.
The news was shocking to many in the Notre Dame athletics community, and Twitter tributes began to pour in. Among those expressing sadness were Brian Kelly, Mike Brey, Tommy Rees, Ryan Humphrey, Brian Polian, and Jack Nolan:
We will miss Lou’s unmatched love of Notre Dame Football Tradition and History. I will miss him correcting us all on facts regarding ND Football. Mostly, we will simply miss his kind and gracious way. Gone too soon. Rest easy Lou, Our Lady is at your side! Blue and Gold forever! https://t.co/BokmwFDGZd
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) April 18, 2021
My thoughts and prayers to Lou’s family, friends and co-workers.
Lou was my Notre Dame historian and was truly dedicated to his craft and covering the University that he loved. https://t.co/fMKva4nT87
— Mike Brey (@NDMikeBrey) April 18, 2021
It’s never easy to lose a member of the Notre Dame community. We will forever miss Lou’s gift of story telling, but even more so the kindness & fairness in which he treated us all. Prayers with Lou and his loved ones.
— Tommy Rees (@T_Rees11) April 18, 2021
Praying for Lou’s Family!! Please make sure that we tell our loved ones what they mean to us while we have the opportunity. You will be missed Lou. 🙏🏿🙏🏿 https://t.co/MzcEVug9QG
— Ryan Humphrey (@NDRyanHumphrey) April 18, 2021
I am very sorry to learn about the passing of Lou Somogyi. In the 9+ years I've been with ND football, he was one of the easiest guys to work with. He was honest, asked smart questions, and listened to the answers. He was a professional. My best to his family and friends.
— Brian Polian (@BrianPolian) April 18, 2021
Stunned. Lou has been a good friend for 39 years. I learned something every time I spoke w/him or read one of his articles. He was not afraid to tackle tough subjects about the University he loved, but he was always fair, a rarity today. The ND greats in heaven will welcome him. https://t.co/lWqjY6T8wp
— Jack Nolan (@NDJackNolan) April 18, 2021
It never is easy to lose someone with encyclopedic knowledge about the thing they love. Those of us who write about Notre Dame know that we never will be able to duplicate what Somogyi contributed during his time covering the Irish. However, we can honor his legacy by striving for the excellence he did, and we owe at least that much to you readers.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.