Notre Dame still “plays like a champion”

It’s been quite some time since my last post, but after the publicized events of the Reggie Bush scandal and Derek Jeter’s Oscar award-winning “hit,” I couldn’t resist.

"Play like a champion today" locker room sign. Image source: http://revkevgcc.wordpress.com

Even though those situations are great topics, I’ve decided to focus on something very near and dear to my heart–the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The past three weeks have been heart wrenching for all Notre Dame fans; however, even after several disappointing seasons, Notre Dame still remains a high-profile football program. But why? How does a team that has not won the National Championship since 1988 still win over the hearts of millions?

The answer is simple– tradition, Rudy and loyalty.

Tradition: the Four Horsemen lead the way

I cannot express how important tradition is to any institution or program. Trust me, I am the daughter of two coaches! Tradition is the back bone and driving force to the future, and Notre Dame symbolizes that very concept.

The Four Horsemen: The founding fathers of Fighting Irish football. Image source: http://horsemen.sultaninfo.com

Don’t believe me? Look up the Four Horsemen and the coaching greats like Knute Rockne, Frank Leahy or my favorite, Lou Holtz. The game of football itself cannot be discussed without mentioning those names.

What about Touchdown Jesus? The Notre Dame Victory March song? The Golden Dome? Does “Play like a champion today” ring a bell?

If you still aren’t buying into my reasoning, ask yourself this: What is the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of Notre Dame? (And I pray it’s not the Justin Bieber of the Fighting Irish, Brady Quinn!)

That is what branding is all about. Much of the time, Notre Dame is referenced as a vintage, old-school football program that exudes tradition, which dates back to the late 1800s.

Tradition and history go hand in hand. It is about thriving on those characteristics that make a particular program one-of-a-kind, and Notre Dame has accomplished that very task.

Rudy: every little boys’ (or in my case, one little girl’s) dream

Rudy has become an iconic sports movie that illustrates the journey to achieve one’s dream. It is a film that is inspiring on all levels. It doesn’t matter if you are 99 or 6, Rudy speaks to all generations.

Rudy has become one of the most iconic football films of all time. Image source: http://www.givememyremote.com

The film and its story embodies the definition of achieving the impossible.  Notre Dame has been labeled as the place where dreams come true, where tradition lives and where legends begin their stories. Not only did Rudy boost Notre Dame’s image, it showcased its rich tradition and its devotion to excellence.

Last year I gave my younger brother a framed Rudy poster for Christmas. It read: “When people say dreams don’t come true, tell them about Rudy.”

Everyone wants to achieve their dreams. That’s the ultimate goal. When kids are exposed to this movie at a young age, they are hooked on the Notre Dame tradition and the notion of dreaming.

Individuals associate Rudy with their dreams, which in the end, associates Notre Dame with Rudy. It’s a domino effect.

Loyalty: “Cheer, cheer for Old Notre Dame…”

It’s as obvious as Joan River’s Botox that Notre Dame hasn’t exactly had the “luck of the Irish” this season. That’s life and that’s football.

Of course there will be bumps in the road, but the trip is much smoother when fans are along for the ride. I don’t think people realize how vital fans are to athletic programs. Loyal fans keep the faith alive and fuel the tradition. Heck, Notre Dame has its own publication, Blue and Gold, where die-hard fans can get the latest information about the program. My papa is a long-time subscriber!

It must be the girl in me, but it tickles my heart to see old men get emotional about Notre Dame football because it means more than a game to them. To those individuals, Notre Dame football represents a brotherhood, memories, youth and the passion to dream.

I am a firm believer that the image of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will withhold the tests of time because it represents the Mecca of dreams, “while her loyal sons are marching onward to victory!”

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