Cleveland, OH (February 26, 2013) – The Northern Ohio Honda Dealers are welcoming a man who best represents the traits of dedication, perseverance and hard work to the Cleveland Auto Show, presented by AutoTrader.com. He was also the subject of a blockbuster film from Tristar Productions.
On Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., show attendees will get the chance to meet Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger in the Honda display.
“We think that Rudy best exemplifies what our association is all about,” said Mark Lyon, general manager of Jay Honda and a board member of the Northern Ohio Honda Dealers. “He personifies the dedication and hard work that elevated our association and its member dealers to the high degree of success that both enjoy today.”
Against all odds on a gridiron in South Bend, Indiana, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger in a scant 27 seconds carved his name into history books as perhaps the most famous graduate of the University of Notre Dame. The son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success. Today, he is one of the most popular motivational speakers in the United States.
It took years of fierce determination to overcome obstacles and criticisms, yet Rudy achieved his first dream - to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish.
Despite being much smaller than most of the players on the team, he persevered through painful practices for two years, playing on the scout team against the first string Irish offense, preparing them for the next week’s games.
Despite being singled out for his heart and determination, he never got the chance to take the field as a member of the team due to his diminutive size and NCAA restrictions on the number of players who could dress for a game. Finally, he was given the chance to dress for the last game of his senior year. Toward the end of the game, with the issue decided and other seniors taking the field, fans started cheering his name “RU-DY, RU-DY.”
With the fans on their feet still cheering, “RU-DY, RU-DY, he sacked the quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the only play in the only game of his college football career. He is the only player in the school's history to be carried off the field on his teammates' shoulders.
In 1993, Tristar Productions immortalized his life story with the blockbuster film, “Rudy.” Today, a highly sought after motivational speaker, “Rudy” shares the speaking platform with great leaders and speakers including President George Bush, First Lady Barbara Bush, Peter Lowe, Joe Montana, General Colin Powell, Christopher Reeve, and Zig Ziglar, among others.
“We’re proud to bring Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger to the Cleveland Auto Show,” Lyon added. “He is an inspiration to young and old alike.”
Of course, Rudy isn’t the only star that will be in the Honda booth. You’ll also be able to see the entire Honda vehicle lineup including the redesigned 2013 Accord and 2013 Civic, both of which are made right here in Ohio.
The Cleveland Auto Show opens its doors to the public at the I-X Center on Saturday, Feb. 23, and runs through Sunday March 3, 2013. The show runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $10.50 for seniors and pre-teens. Children six and under get in free. Parking is free for the duration of the show, courtesy of your franchised new motor vehicle dealers.
If you would like more information on the Cleveland Auto Show, or if you would like to purchase e-tickets online with no convenience charge courtesy of Huntington Bank, head to www.clevelandautoshow.com, and click on “Buy Tickets”.
