A new book, “Teddy and the Gipper: A Fighting Irish Friendship” has captivated readers with its heartwarming tale of friendship, history, and community. Author Len Clark, Ph.D. — a Mobile Journalism Educator and Storyteller, DISC® Consultant and Extreme Leadership Coach and beat reporter for the University of Notre Dame — weaves a magical narrative that celebrates the bonds forged between Notre Dame’s past, present, and future generations.
“Red Smith, the famous Notre Dame graduate journalist said, ‘How do you write? You open a vein and bleed,’” said Clark. “That’s what I did. I bled all last fall. This book is what saved my life because the stories that had been built up in my brain and my experiences in my travels, they all came pouring out.”
“Teddy and the Gipper: A Fighting Irish Friendship” is a testament to the unifying power of the Fighting Irish spirit. Set against the Northwest Indiana backdrop of the early 20th century, the story expounds upon the adventures of Teddy Flynn and his canine companion ‘Snacks.’ After his father gets a job at the Studebaker plant, Flynn’s family treads eastbound from Chicago to South Bend. As their new life unfolds, the duo’s shared destiny leads them to the famous football field in the presence of the Golden Dome. It is there they meet local legends like George Gipp and Knute Rockne.
“It is Notre Dame historical fiction,” said Clark, “It is about Teddy leaving Chicago and his friend behind, the new friendships made, and the icons he meets along the way. There are a lot of historical aspects throughout it, including references to Father Cornelius Hagerty. The book goes back way further than the 1990 NBC television contact.”
Growing up in Portage, Clark was surrounded by the vibrant media scene of neighboring Chicago. He spent his nights scanning radio waves and listening to Notre Dame football. Such early exposure ignited a passion for radio that would shape his future. After mastering the intricacies of analog radio, Clark pursued higher education at several accredited universities, where he obtained two master’s degrees. His teaching positions at various institutions and his radio roots led to him hosting a talk show on public radio and covering Notre Dame athletics in the innovative style of mobile journalism—taking him across the nation and across the pond.
“I come from an analog background, but I speak with a digital accent, so I get the best of both worlds,” said Clark.
Clark’s extensive career in emerging media technologies and broadcasting coupled with his own enthusiasm for his alma mater paved the way for the historically rich children’s book. For Clark, however, it is more than just a book. It’s a passion project and a source of newfound hope.
“Last August, I was getting ready to go to Dublin to do my part for a media organization when I was taken aside by a partner and told that I no longer had a job,” said Clark. “Upon my return from Ireland, I was no longer credentialed to cover Notre Dame athletics. I had no severance and took a massive pay cut. I was hit financially and everything came crashing down. I started writing the book as an outlet to get away from my daily life, and it ended up saving my life.”
Clark created a riveting local classic; a work imbued beautifully with traditional Irish-American culture, Roman Catholic values, and familiar hints of blue and gold. It mirrors the trailblazing efforts of families who have come to the local cities and left an indelible mark on the prestigious university and the northwest region. For Clark himself, it was a revelation of overcoming unexpected hardships, all while rekindling his love for timeless Hoosier history.
“There are many people who write children’s books or Notre Dame books and they have great illustrations, but they sit closed on bookshelves,” said Clark. “We wanted to do something where now the book is aimed at people aged 9 to 93. We rolled it out very quickly for the Blue-Gold game. We will have a print copy, an electronic book, and a prep book coming out. The book will help support Portage Athletics. We’re also striving to work with the St. Joseph County Humane Society in honor of Snacks and to bring awareness of pet adoption to the community.”
“Teddy and the Gripper: A Fighting Irish Friendship” is intended to inspire the youth who attend Notre Dame football games. Clark is optimistic that the book will be available soon in the Notre Dame bookstore. The book also commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the Four Horsemen backfield, which is a historic 1924 game played in New York where Notre Dame beat Army 13-7 and four players, including Jim Crowly, Elmer Layden, Don Miller, and Harry Stuhldreher, were on horseback and photographed by Grantland Rice.
Outside of working toward building partnerships and promoting his latest work, Clark keeps busy with several projects. In his role as a teacher, Clark plans on designing a study abroad course and helping students learn more about Notre Dame Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).
“I’m really excited about all the projects,” said Clark. “I have to keep busy with all of the things that keep me going. Portage Township Schools, Network Indiana, and this book are the ones that keep my head above the water. I’m paying it forward and paying it back to those who have helped me along the way.”
To learn more about getting your copy of the book, which is set to ship in August 2024, or donation opportunities, visit teddyandthegipper.com.