Joe Boland
Joe Boland was both a Notre Dame athlete and a broadcaster, helping promote Fighting Irish sports across the country through a radio network he helped create.
Boland graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame, where he played offensive tackle under the legendary coach Knute Rockne. Notably, Boland played in the 1925 Rose Bowl, Notre Dame’s first appearance in the game. He left football after a severe leg injury in October 1926.
After he graduated from Notre Dame, Boland ventured into coaching college football. In 1929, Boland became the head coach of St. Thomas. Then, from 1934-1940, he served as the offensive line coach under Elmer Layden at Notre Dame.
Boland left coaching in 1940 and moved into the world of broadcast. He joined WCCO in Minneapolis, followed by WGN in Chicago.
In 1942, Boland returned to South Bend and joined WSBT as a full-time sports announcer. His determination and passion showed quickly, and Boland was promoted to Director of Sports for both WSBT and later, WSBT-TV.
In 1947, Boland established the Irish Network, which was instrumental in broadcasting Notre Dame football games to over 190 radio stations across the country, as well as globally through the Armed Forces Radio. This initiative significantly expanded the reach of college football broadcasts.
He also served as a play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cardinals pro football team, showcasing his versatility in sports commentary.
Boland's impact on sports broadcasting was profound, earning him recognition as a pioneering figure in the field.
He passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55 due to a heart attack on February 26, 1960. The night before he died, Boland broadcast a high school sectional basketball game.
He left behind a legacy that influenced both sports journalism and college athletics. His contributions have been honored by various institutions, including his induction into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame on June 7th, 2024, and his induction into South Bend Alumni in 2007.
January 2025