Northwestern Indiana has certainly seen worse March mornings than one with temperatures in the 30s accompanied by some wind, but Notre Dame avoided even those elements as it opened spring practice in the Irish Athletics Center on Thursday. The IAC was used at points in the fall, but its greatest purpose is this portion of the year, when snow, cold rain or just typical Midwestern miserableness often forced Notre Dame into the cramped quarters of the Loftus Sports Center.
Worries over Irish health appear to have been exaggerated. While Notre Dame will be without a couple of linebackers for the spring and a few offensive linemen for at least another couple weeks, no unexpected injuries popped up since the Camping World Bowl.