The echoes of cheers and the thrumming excitement of college football come alive at the University of Notre Dame, especially as the Fighting Irish prepare to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the much-anticipated national championship game. Under the leadership of Marcus Freeman, who has become synonymous with what it means to be part of the Notre Dame family, there's more to this game than just football.
Freeman, who took the reins of the football program on December 3, 2021, has reinvigorated old traditions, including the cherished ritual of attending Mass before home games. "When I was made head coach, it was something I had talked to the administration about, about when the decision was made to not have pregame Mass and what we had to do to change it… It was… important to me to change it," Freeman remarked during the lead-up to the national championship game, reflecting on his personal connection and the significance of faith at Notre Dame.
It is important to note Freeman’s own faith transformation; he was baptized as Catholic only after joining the Notre Dame program. His commitment to deepening this aspect of his life resonates throughout the team and among the larger community. According to Freeman, "I think being at the University of Notre Dame — it's a place where growing your faith is encouraged." This atmosphere cultivates a unity demonstrating how sports and faith can intertwine seamlessly.
For many, Notre Dame extends beyond just being another college football team. It embodies family traditions and shared heritage, especially for those with roots tracing back to Irish immigrants. A Boston-based fan articulated this sentiment, saying, "I never had anything against Notre Dame. They were neither here nor there. But the most confusing part was why so many people, so far from Indiana, wore Notre Dame gear and acted like South Bend was a suburb of Boston." This intrinsic connection fosters loyalty among alumni and supporters alike.
But not everyone views Notre Dame through rose-colored glasses. A Michigan fan grudgingly admits, after years of rivalry and animosity, he finds himself rooting for Notre Dame against their common adversary, Ohio State. He contends, “To hell with Notre Dame” was once his mantra, but he recognizes it’s time to let go of such bitterness. "I hope to see Notre Dame beat the Buckeyes soundly on Monday, with Coach Holtz in attendance," he expressed, encapsulating the complex emotions surrounding college football fandom.
The experience of watching games at Notre Dame Stadium is deeply layered with tradition and nostalgia. One writer compared it to iconic venues like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. “You can practically feel the ghosts of greats past,” they elaborated, underscoring how rich history envelops fans and players alike, even as the team’s national championships dwindle amid memories of past glory.
What draws both admiration and jealousy often aligns with the essence of college sports fandom. The unwavering faithfulness of supporters, even when the team struggles, stirs intrigue. A fan pointed out the paradox of ardent support for a team with no major championship victories for decades – “They’re consistently relevant — even when they're not,” he noted, echoing the sentiment of countless fans entranced by the hope and perseverance inherent within this illustrious program.
A significant element influencing Notre Dame's cultural resonance is the impact of past coaches and players on the present identity of the program. The previous head coach, Brian Kelly, had his own share of controversies attached to the program, with fans recalling him as “the ultimate sleazeball,” emphasizing how Freeman’s arrival has restored respectability and integrity.
The long-standing rivalry with Ohio State has now reached heightened tensions, especially against the backdrop of Freeman's fresh leadership. The University of Notre Dame aims not just at on-field victory but also at embracing values like community service, faith, and moral integrity.
Representing this dual legacy is Andrew Budzinski, a former Notre Dame Leprechaun turned priest, who articulated his experience during the transformational role of being an athletic mascot and now serving as a minister. Budzinski emphasized, "The Leprechaun is a representative of the university. When little kids see me at church as the priest wearing the vestments, sometimes they will say, 'Oh, it's Jesus.'” This captures both the exuberance of athletic identity and solemn religious duty.
The 2023 national championship game serves as not only a sporting event but also as a celebration of those bonds cultivated through faith, pride, and tradition. It’s about being part of something larger than oneself and representing ideals effortlessly woven through the fabric of American sports culture.
So, as the Fighting Irish gear up to tackle the Buckeyes under the bright lights, the connection between faith, community, and football echoes louder than ever — from Freeman's inspirational leadership to the fervent support of die-hard fans. It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about cherishing the heritage of striving for excellence and rooting for one another.