MORAVIA - For high school athletes there is more to it than just playing a game: There is also the future to consider.

Athletic directors Terry Palmer of Moravia and Pat Riley of Southern Cayuga decided it was time to shed some light on the path.

"A lot of parents and students didn't know how to approach colleges to get noticed," Palmer said. "In a small community we need something like this." The Associated Press

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Charlie Weis promises to give Notre Dame an arrogant attitude and turn the Fighting Irish into an intelligent, hard-working, nasty football team.

"I hate to include the 'nasty,' but that is part of being a winning football team," Weis said as he was introduced Monday as the new Irish coach.

Weis says his job is to raise expectations and win games.

Simple, but not easy.

Notre Dame hasn't posted back-to-back winning seasons since 1997-98 under Bob Davie. Tough academic standards and a difficult schedule have been blamed for the demise of the nation's most storied football program.

Weis, who will remain as offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots through the end of the season, said he doesn't believe any of that.

"I think that the people who complain about those things are looking for excuses," Weis said.

He wants to instill in the players an arrogance that they can win anywhere against anyone.

"That's the way I have to get the kids thinking, because once they are thinking like that it doesn't make any difference," he said. "You can call any play in the world, on offense or defense, but if the kids know the play is going to work, they are going to make it work. You'll look like a genius, but you have to sell the fact to them. Don't make excuses."

Weis replaces Tyrone Willingham, who was fired after going 21-15 in three seasons at Notre Dame. Just days after letting Willingham go, Notre Dame officials flew to Utah to meet with Utes coach Urban Meyer. They returned empty handed and Meyer decided to take an offer from Florida.

Athletic director Kevin White said he interviewed five candidates about the job opening, talked contract details with two, but only offered the job to Weis. He said Weis was the most impressive candidate.

"I like his demeanor. I like his passion. I like his body of knowledge," White said. "He's coached a lot of different positions. You put the whole package together, it says what we want to hear."

Weis said as a former student he understands the "idiosyncrasies" of being in South Bend.

Weis said he has a plan of how he will divide his time between the Patriots and Irish, but he wouldn't divulge it Monday.

Weis said he wouldn't be in Phoenix for Notre Dame's game against Oregon State in the Insight Bowl, saying he doesn't think it would be fair to the players.

He hopes to be at Notre Dame a long time.

"I don't come here to leave and take a job in the NFL in three years. This is not a stepping stone. This is an end-all for our family," he said. "When we come to Notre Dame, we come here with the intent of retiring here."