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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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January 2005 |
Rudy scheduled to speak at National Gathering of United Methodist Men scheduled for Purdue
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Rudy Ruettiger is a short-stature man who struggled with dyslexia, but as a young man he dreamed of playing on the Notre Dame football team. The unlikely realization of that dream resulted in the movie "Rudy," one of the finest sports films ever produced.
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He will become the first Roman Catholic to be inducted into the John Wesley Society. |
Ruettiger will speak at the National Gathering of United Methodist Men to be held here at Purdue University on July 15-17, 2005. He also will become the first Roman Catholic to be inducted into the John Wesley Society, an honor bestowed on persons who have made major contributions to the faith community.
The Notre Dame graduate will be introduced by Evan Hunsberger, the young man who led an effort to have a World War II book of daily devotions republished for members of our armed forces today. The revised and updated book, Strength for Service to God and Country, includes a devotional by Ruettiger.
Ruettiger sought admission to Notre Dame as a transfer student, but each time he was rejected. Finally, however, he was accepted into the university and he tried out for the football squad. In spite of his small stature, the determined young man won a spot on the scout team, the group against which the varsity team ran its practice sessions.
His goal, however, was to play in a real game. During his two years at Notre Dame, Ruettiger won the respect of his teammates and of the coaches and ultimately his dream came true.
During the last moments of the last home game, he was sent out onto the field, where he tackled the Georgia Tech quarterback. When the game ended, Rudy's victorious teammates carried him off the field on their shoulders.
In 1976, Ruettiger received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Notre Dame. Since then, he has worked in a variety of occupations - from insurance sales to real estate to owning his own janitorial and real estate title companies - while, as he says, "chasing a dream" to have his story made into a film that might serve as an inspiration to others.
Nearly 20 years after winning admission into Notre Dame, Ruettiger finally saw his story begin to unfold in front of the cameras in 1992 as the "Rudy" production got underway in South Bend. On the set every day of production, Ruettiger served as a consultant and appears in the film as a fan in Knute Rockne Stadium.
Ruettiger now pursues a career as a speaker motivating others to realize their full potential. Come to the National Gathering of United Methodist Men at Purdue University on July 15-17, 2005.
For more information and a brochure about the Gather, log on to www.gcumm.org.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008