My name is Mike Trivella, and I am a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame. I am nineteen years old, and grew up in suburbs of New Jersey, the part of New Jersey people tend to not see from the Jersey Turnpike. I’m currently in the Mendoza College of Business, but as of now I do not have a declared major (hoping for an epiphany sooner or later). I love to read, write and argue about sports, and have recently added soccer to my list of sports I love talking about, even if no one else in the U.S. really cares. I was not that involved in extracurriculars during my freshman year at ND, so I am very excited to come on and begin contributing to NextGen Journal.
Cutting the Nets Down in Jersey
April 25, 2012
As a final salute to the New Jersey Nets before they sell out and move to Brooklyn- and New Jerseyans have to pretend to root for the New York Knicks- here is a tribute to the Nets, Billy Joel style.
No Pain Now, But Later…
April 20, 2012
Professional sports are not, in the end, as important as the American public makes them out to be. We should expect pro athletes to sacrifice time and effort towards the ultimate goal of winning — we shouldn’t expect them to sacrifice their future livelihoods as well.
In Hopes the Tiger Has Returned
April 3, 2012
Most people only get one chance to be great, or to make a lasting impression. Those lucky few who get a second chance should not take it lightly, and it is my sincere hope that Tiger Woods makes the most out of his.
Coping with the Age of Uncertainty
March 23, 2012
Spring break is supposed to be that magical time of year when the worries of school and midterms fade away. I came back from break not really sure of what my position in the world is, or what the heck I am doing with my life.
Making Heroes out of Athletes
March 9, 2012
In the wake of the New Orleans Saints 'bounty' program, we should wonder: does it matter if sports figures are virtuous? Maybe, maybe not. But in a world that could use a few more heroes, virtuous, kind-hearted and compassionate sports figures may just provide the remedy.
What Do You Fight For?
February 24, 2012
We, as humans, are all called to participate in a higher cause. Despite what many think, this isn’t so hard to accomplish. As Bengal Bouts at the University of Notre Dame shows, it can be as easy as punching someone in the face.
National Signing Day— Soft Commitments are for Softies
February 1, 2012
Every college football team has hope for the future on February 1, represented by young men who have not yet graduated from high school. Sounds like a lot of responsibility for the kids to handle, doesn’t it? Maybe that's why our recruiting process is so messed up.
