Wenger to apply for sixth year at Notre Dame

By Brian Hamilton

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- One bowl game destination would have been three hours from a battalion of family and friends. And the bowl that Notre Dame wound up in features an opponent from his backyard.

So Dan Wenger knew either way that his December would be bittersweet, for more than the obvious reason.

"Obviously I want to see us do well and want to see us win," the senior center said. "At the same time I want to be in there and be a part of it. But it is what it is right now."

Wenger is hoping to change what it is in the future. He confirmed Tuesday that he indeed will petition the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility after missing all of 2010 with multiple concussions that threatened his career.
Entering the season, Wenger had played in 29 games for the Irish and only two offensive players entering 2010 had more career starts than his 19. But the concussions suffered during preseason camp sidelined the Coral Springs, Fla., native for the entire year, with Wenger making more visits to specialists than to the huddle.

Irish coach Brian Kelly indicated along the way that Wenger's career was in jeopardy, but that the player and his family would have to make a decision on what avenue to pursue. Evidently they have chosen to attempt a comeback

"The plan is to appeal for a sixth year," Wenger said. "We can't do anything until our season is over, so after the Sun Bowl, we'll get working on it and get all the paperwork squared away and send it in and wait to hear back. If it's a go, we'll see me back here next year."

Broadly, a player must demonstrate to the NCAA that he lost two years of competition to injury in order to win a sixth year of eligibility. Whether Wenger can win that argument -- and a chance to participate in bowl preparation rather than just watch it -- remains to be seen.

"Obviously it's all up to the NCAA," Wenger said. "Hopefully they'll let me give it another shot. I couldn't really tell you what the chances are. I am really optimistic, trying to keep a positive attitude about it. I keep telling myself, I'm going to get it, I'm going to get it. Whatever happens, it's meant to happen the way it is."

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/12/wenger-to-apply-for-sixth-year-at-notre-dame.html

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