A Omaha, Neb. businessman — and fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish — has revealed himself as the owner of the Shillelagh trophy once used by Notre Dame and Northwestern University.
Joe Hoovestol paid $12,344.33 to RR Auction to acquire the one-of-a-kind item, which was inexplicably discarded by the Northwestern Wildcats sometime in the mid-1970s, but saved from the landfill by an keen-eyed employee.
Here’s a brief interview with Hoovestol, conducted via e-mail Friday. Pictures of the walking stick (or, if you prefer, cane or cudgel) are provided by the owner.