Book Description

Praise for Holy Smokes! "Fr. Riehle was a good friend and integral part of my teams' successes, including two national football championships. Paul Dykewicz's well-researched and enjoyable book highlights his valuable contributions. You'll discover in these pages how fun, faith and effort can lead to happiness and success." -Ara Parseghian, Notre Dame football coach, 1964-1974; Won 1966 and 1973 national titles "Paul Dykewicz entertainingly captures the wisdom and guidance that Notre Dame's legendary sports chaplain offered for decades to athletes, coaches, students and so many others. Fr. Riehle served as a master motivator, a calming influence and a rock-like spiritual presence to help turn obstacles into opportunities." -Joe Theismann, quarterbacked Notre Dame and Super Bowl-winning Washington Redskins "A HUGE thank you and God bless you to Paul Dykewicz for inviting me to reminisce about Fr. Riehle in his book. Fr. Riehle was one of the coolest priests I have had the pleasure of knowing. He was also an essential cornerstone in my Notre Dame experience. His divine insight and real life experience were critical in helping me navigate the silent battles that often come with sudden fame at a young age. For this I am eternally grateful! You are going to enjoy this book and will be encouraged by the stories it brings to life about one of God's favorite sons... Fr. Riehle." -Raghib "Rocket" Ismail, a receiver and kick returner at Notre Dame and in the NFL "Paul Dykewicz impressively finds inspiring, calming and spirit-filled modern-day parables to share through the life and guidance of Notre Dame's championship chaplain." -Reggie Brooks, a former Notre Dame running back who rushed for 1,063 yards as NFL rookie "Fr. Riehle was a true Notre Dame man in every sense of the word. Paul Dykewicz's book uniquely captures Fr. Riehle's wit and wisdom and the impact he had on Notre Dame and its people." -Mike Brey, Notre Dame's basketball coach, 2000-Present "The amusing and compelling stories shared by Paul Dykewicz highlight the legacy of a special priest who served as a spiritual leader for more than 40 years at Notre Dame. I am among those fortunate enough to have known Fr. Riehle as a faithful friend, astute adviser, inspirational homilist and source of good-natured humor." -Richard "Digger" Phelps, former Notre Dame basketball coach, 1971-1991 "Paul Dykewicz's book about Fr. Riehle's life and his impact on the athletes at Notre Dame shows the many levels of spirituality, integrity and leadership that can happen when faith and sports unite in a healthy and sensible way. Dykewicz's telling of Riehle's story is a welcomed voice among the screaming voices and commentaries that we hear about our faith leaders and sports heroes these days. The book is a sweet reminder that each of us, like Fr. Riehle, has the ability to make a difference in the lives of others." -Paula McGee, PhD, an ordained minister and winner of two NCAA women's basketball titles "This book is ready for prime time, baby! Fr. Riehle was as special as they come." -Dick Vitale, ESPN basketball analyst Author Bio: Paul Dykewicz is a seasoned beat reporter, editor, columnist and commentator who has worked for a variety of local and national news organizations. A winner of numerous journalism awards, he works in Washington, D.C., and lives in Rockville, Maryland. Visit his website: www.PaulDykewicz.com.