IRISH CREED EXCLUSIVE: THE LEPRECHAUN - PART I

The Notre Dame Leprechaun:  

King of all Mascots, 
Face of the Fightin’ Irish, 
Protector of the Spirit of Notre Dame, 

and The Real Reason Sparty is Green with Envy.

Two years ago, I enjoyed the honor of suiting up in Kelly Green every Saturday to lead the charge as our boys in Blue and Gold rushed out of the tunnel and into battle.  At the end of my senior year, I passed the lucky shillelagh (originally brought from Ireland to Notre Dame by a past leprechaun who is now a Holy Cross priest - can't make that stuff up!) to my brother-in-arms Leprechaun Dizz. We interviewed Dizzy prior to Year One of the Kelly Campaign (catch Part I and Part II here), and now in Year Two we present to you, in two segments, an IRISH CREED EXCLUSIVE WITH THE LEPRECHAUN:

Leprechaun Mike

Leprechaun Mike is a senior Mechanical Engineer from Eden Prairie, Minnesota.  He claims to be an International Leprechaun / Man of Mystery, since his parents live in Zϋrich, Switzerland for the time being, and his sister is studying abroad in Perth, Australia.  He ensures me, however, that his whole family will be watching (either in person or on TV) on game day.

TheNDleprechaun: Mike has been the namesake of Notre Dame mascots since well before our kind began showing up at games.  Do you take any special pride in sharing your first name with the winningest college mascot of all-time?  How would you feel about a possible return of the Irish Terrier in combination with the Leprechaun?

MIKE:  Absolutely!  Having the same name as Clashmore Mike is a great honor.  And I would gladly welcome a furry companion.  Besides both being extremely slobbery (although cute) at the end of big games hopefully we would share luck in common too!

TheNDleprechaun:  You saw your fair share of championship caliber teams as the Blue Leprechaun last year.  What was the best memory you took away from that?  Do you plan on continuing your winning ways when you take over as the Gold Leprechaun for football and men's basketball?  Are you THE key to bringing back the Luck of the Irish?

MIKE:  Last year was an incredible experience.  Not only was I able to experience some amazing runs by our sports teams but I was able to meet different Irish fans from all over, and win over a few new ones too.  I especially loved seeing our Women’s Soccer team defy all the skeptics and take down Stanford for the national championship.  In the same way, seeing our Women’s Basketball team take down Tennessee for the first time ever, and then follow that up by beating UCONN in Indy, in March, was something else.  Those are some games that have already gone down as greats in Irish sports history.  As much as I would like to take credit for the victories, the key to the Luck of the Irish lies in the support of all the Irish fans and in having that Fighting Irish Spirit.  As far as winning goes this year, don’t worry about that.  At Notre Dame we’re all about tradition.  When you look at a few of the more recent championship seasons (’66, ’77, ’88) I think it only makes sense to continue that trend and add one in ’11!

TheNDleprechaun:  How many times a week do you eat Lucky Charms?

MIKE:  That’s a great question! I’m still working out my eating habits for this year.  How’s this for a plan, 12 times a week.  One for each national championship (including this year, of course).  Then again, I’ll have to be careful to make sure I can still fit into my Leprechaun suit come Saturday!

TheNDleprechaun:  What are you looking forward to most on September 3?

MIKE:  I think every Leprechaun dreams about step-off from the Main Building.  Leading all of the Irish fans to Notre Dame Stadium and following that up by taking the team out on our historic field for the best season of Fighting Irish Football yet is a 1-2 punch that has my heart pumping now!

TheNDleprechaun:  Have you ever been to New Orleans?  Do you plan on visiting in January?

MIKE:  I’ve never been to New Orleans, but come to think of it South Bend can be a little chilly around then…and I think I overheard Coach Kelly talking about heading down south around then too!

TheNDleprechaun:  The stash of gold I hid two years ago is running thin... can I get a loan?

MIKE:  Haha!  Once a leprechaun, always a leprechaun! I’ll see what I can do…

TheNDleprechaun:  We interviewed Leprechaun Diz last year, and he represented the Fighting Irish proudly during Coach Kelly's first season.  What did you learn from him last year, and how will it help you be the best Leprechaun you can be this year?

MIKE:  I learned so much from Leprechaun Diz last year, and he definitely left me some big little Leprechaun shoes to fill.  He really knew how to interact with the fans and get everyone riled up.  His passion and unwavering belief in the Irish is something I will carry with me this year to help me be the best Leprechaun I can be!

Leprechaun Mike poses with the National Champions of Women's Soccer

Thanks to Clashmore Mike for taking time out of his gameday preparations to share his thoughts with the fans.  We look forward to seeing him do his thing out there for the first time on what we Leprechauns like to call “The Big Stage.”  May the Luck of the Irish be with you, Mike!

Be sure to check back with IRISH CREED for PART II of this Exclusive!  While your at it, show your current Leprechaun some Twitter-Love by following him @FightinIrishLep

Sending out an S.O.S.

I have to admit that I was unable to review Saturday's loss to Navy, the post-game comments made by either side, or pretty much anything related to Notre Dame football until three separate events changed my perspective today.

http://www.allisonwagnerphotography.com/

The first took place in South Dining Hall, where I happily ate my go-to meal between law school classes after a long fall break without the mexican wraps I have perfected over the 5 years I have been eating there.  As I went right-right (you Domers know what I'm talking about) I saw one of my friends on the team.  After we talked and laughed and went our separate ways, I realized that I hadn't even thought about how badly the team had just gotten beat or how miserable I had been afterwards.  I know this particular player goes all out every game and invests a tremendous amount of emotional energy into every play.  If he can keep his head up and his spirits high, so can all of us fans.  After all, as fans, the only way we can contribute to the success of our team is by showing loyal support and getting loud at the games (I'll save my thoughts on our consistent failure to fulfill either of these duties as of late for another post).  I guess my message to everyone wallowing in their own pity-parties is this:  Help us Save Our Ship by keeping the faith and staying loyal.

The second took place when I got home from class and checked our blog for comments.  I wasn't expecting anything profound due to the pessemistic vibes I've been catching from ND Nation lately, but instead I read these words from a self-proscribed "Navy Type":

"As a kid in the 1940's I never missed a radio broadcast of Notre Dame's football games - never thinking that someday I'd be at a school that played them.  Some years later, then a Mid, I clearly remember sitting in the stands and feeling the deep respect we all had for ND.  Sure - we wanted to win, but no matter, we always came away with a respect for what ND was, is - and I know, always will be, not only in football, but in all you do."    -Jim ... USNA '54

Opposing fans don't usually post very nice things on enemy blogs.  Navy fans and Notre Dame fans don't follow the "usual" trend, though.  I'd like to thank Jim for reminding me of the big picture.

The third event was simple.  Since the weather is changing quickly in South Bend and shorts will no longer be an option in a few weeks, I went for a run.  Nothing in the world can compare to our campus on a crisp fall day when the leaves are changing and the crisp smell of autumn is in the air.  Nothing, that is, except the perfect moment when the Band of the Fighting Irish unexpectedly strikes up the Victory March just as you are passing between Notre Dame Stadium and Touchdown Jesus.  Let's just say my vision was a little blurrier during the remainder of my run.  I still have no idea how it happens, but every time I begin to doubt the continuing power of the Notre Dame mystique, a moment like that comes along and unexpectedly rocks my perspective back into focus.

We may have been shipwrecked by Navy on Saturday, and our football program may be sending out an S.O.S. right now, but something tells me that staying the course will prove worthwhile once we weather the storm.

GO IRISH!  BEAT HURRICANES!  

(No, not those Hurricanes, the Golden ones)

Irish Creed Exclusive: Interview with 2009-2010 Notre Dame Drum Major

The Band of the Fighting Irish... those words alone stir deep emotions inside the hearts of lifelong fans. Its unmistakable sound can make hair on the backs of necks stand straight up for miles around, rattle the foundations of stadiums across the nation, overawe inferior opponents with dreadful intimidation, and literally shake down thunder from the sky. Started in 1846, the University of Notre Dame Marching Band has become synonymous with the Spirit of Notre Dame. Anyone who has ever heard the echoes of drums or the brass blast of the Notre Dame Victory March fill our entire campus with energy knows just how crucial every member of our band is to our glorious tradition.

Irish Creed writer TheNDleprechaun was fortunate enough to catch up with a good friend who led the most famous band in the land last year to ask him a few questions about his experience. Here it is, an Irish Creed exclusive featuring 2009-2010 Drum Major Aaron Hernandez:


LEP: Aaron, thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions for the Fighting Irish Faithful. Can you share a quick background about the path that brought you to Notre Dame and how you became one of the most recognizable symbols of the Notre Dame Football tradition?

AH: Well my path was an unconventional one for sure. For years I had been an ardent Longhorn fan and it was a well-known fact that I'd be going to UT when I graduated. About half of my closet was burnt-orange! I never thought I could get into Notre Dame, much less make any type of contribution to the school. Well after a very disappointing visit to UT and not getting any recruitment mail from them, I decided (with influence from my High School principal Dr. G) that it was time to expand my school search.

The decision came down to Notre Dame and Harvard. ND flew me out for a visit in April of 2006 and I signed the scholarship papers right there. I was sold. Who wouldn't be? Best decision of my life. Then I later made my next best life decision which was to join the Notre Dame Band. I was a pretty blessed decision-maker in 2006!

LEP: Leading the Band of the Fighting Irish as Drum Major is an incredible honor. What process is involved in earning the position, and what are the necessary qualifications?

AH: You're right, it's a huge honor and I owe everything I ever accomplished in that organization to the incredible peers I had. Let me tell you something, no better group of young adults on campus. I would do anything for that group.

The audition takes place over a month long period that covers a marching routine, conducting routine and several interviews. It starts at about 35-40 people and we eventually get down to the Drum Major and two Assistant Drum Majors. This past year it was me, my great friend John Queally and our new team member Noah Franske. They were both awesome to work with.

You gotta be able to march, conduct and show leadership qualities. I would say when I auditioned every one of the people trying out covered all of those bases. Every person in that band is so talented and driven, which makes it very humbling that I was chosen. Like I said, I owe all my success to those great band members.

LEP: The Band of the Fighting Irish is the oldest and most prestigious collegiate marching band in the nation. Tell us what it means to carry on that proud tradition as a Drum Major.

AH: We have a motto in band: "Tradition, Excellence and Family." It's always been my opinion that our program is the best of its kind. As far as tradition goes, it was really neat getting in touch with old Drum Majors (like the great Hunter Young from the '05 season) and looking back into the archives to see the lineage. It's awesome to think you're one of only a handful of people that got this gig, especially when you're following someone as great as Lauren Nolan ('08 season DM).

But those two things (tradition and excellence) mean nothing without family. That band is my family. I remember conducting Concert on the Steps throughout the year and how special it was to be able to do that with thousands out on Bond Quad. The tradition was neat and having a great band that knocks you over with sound was awesome, but nothing compares to the feeling that goes through your veins when you look into those members' eyes and you don't see them as just band members; you see them as family. It sends chills down my spine just thinking about those faces. What a great group of people.

LEP: The Notre Dame Victory March is widely known as the most recognizable fight song of all time. I will never forget the first time I ever heard it on campus as a new student. I almost leapt out of my skin when I heard the drum line, and when the Fight Song began I would have ran through a wall for Notre Dame. When did you first hear our fight song, and when was the most memorable time you played it at Notre Dame?

AH: I can't quite remember the first time I heard the song, because of its wide popularity. I probably heard it watching Rudy as a kid or maybe even from a local high school band. I can remember the first time I played it as it was my audition piece for band at ND. I still remember when I got through the piece the whole way. I called my mom out to the back and played it with a recording in the background. Don't judge…

The most memorable time playing it at ND was in the tunnel of the stadium when we played Washington this past year. They were talking smack the week leading up to the game and it was about our fight song. Never get our band members upset, they'll come after you, and boy did they ever that day. When both teams were done with warm-ups, ND came up the tunnel and we played the fight song for our boys. Usually we stop and stay silent as the visitors come through, but that day they were going to hear us loud and clear. We were going to send a message to them and that message was to never pick a fight with the Band of the Fighting Irish. It was BY FAR the loudest rendition of the fight song I had ever heard and we were playing it right in their faces. When we cut the song off, every single band member started yelling and jumping. It was the most pumped I have ever seen our organization before a game. What a moment.

LEP: Everyone knows about the storied rivalries between Notre Dame and USC or Notre Dame and Michigan. Plenty other universities wish they could be our rivals as well (Backup College, Purdont, etc.). Does the Band of the Fighting Irish have its own particular rivals? If so, what other bands became our biggest rivals during your time as Drum Major?

AH: A wise person once told me: "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all...except if it deals with USC. Then shout it out!"

We get booed so badly in some places and other bands feel the same pain, so the bands kind of develop the best sportsmanship out of anyone on game day. Take Michigan for instance: Awful fans and the football team is loaded with jerks but that Michigan Band treated us so well every time we saw them. They would even come over to the band building after a game at home and we'd hang out with them. I met some pretty cool people, including their drum major Cody Martin (who like me was from Texas!!). Same goes for Michigan State: Disgusting fans, jerk football team, fantastic band. They were always such a pleasant bunch.

This great sportsmanship went for other bands too that we had the pleasure to work with: UCLA, Purdue, UConn, North Carolina, Duke and Penn State come to mind. They were all very talented too.

The exception to this rule is USC. “Cal Southern” is already known for its less than moral football program (and they fully deserved that billing after interacting with their players/coaches), but their fans were some of the nicest people we ever dealt with. Usually the fans treat the band terribly, but theirs were great. Their band, however, was anything but great. We've gotten the bird from their members, had obscenities shouted at us, and have even got in shoving matches with them (which they of course didn't stand a chance in). Furthermore, they were hands down the least talented band we ever came across. We'd absolutely wipe the floor with them year in and year out. Our staff made it no secret that this was the goal too. At the ND pep rally in LA, our director got on the stage and told the crowd of a couple thousand people that we'd "wipe the floor with that band" the next night. He drew a raucous reaction from the crowd and we completely out-did them in their own stadium. The USC crowd gave us a standing ovation and gave the Trojan Band a whole lot of silence. It was easy to see why. You've got a group of high school band kids dressed in cheap capes, plastic helmets and tacky sunglasses versus the Band of the Fighting Irish. No contest… I'll take our band against anyone, any day.

LEP: Finally, I believe the Band of the Fighting Irish to be the single most crucial element of the tremendous spirit that exists at Notre Dame. The band drives the energy of the student body, and our teams feed off that energy. How would you describe the Spirit of Notre Dame, and what is the best way for the band, the students, and everyone involved to revive that spirit in 2010?

AH: Many people label 2009 as kind of a disappointment, but I think it was a win for spirit. Week in and week out, that stadium was rocking. A football assistant I know even pointed to the Washington thriller in 2009 as being "louder than USC in 2005." (I'll say that a lot of that noise came from a very angry Irish Band!) Sure, the nail-biting games helped out plenty but I'd say our football crowd was finally starting to get away from the "wine and cheese" group they are so well-known for being. It's great to finally see our stadium on par with some other hostile football environments that I've visited over the years. That Washington game was noisier than any of my visits to Penn State, Michigan or Michigan State.

That being said, one thing that has to happen for our spirit to improve is a change to pep rallies. The Rally on the Green is just plain not working. People used to complain about the JACC rallies being lame and corporate. I personally always loved them with the whole lights-out effect and such. I bet those people who complained would gladly welcome them back after a year of this "Irish Green" debacle.

The Irish Green pep rallies were just embarrassing. I literally counted about 5 students at several pep rallies this year. The best pep rally of the entire year was at the Alamo in front of an amped-up Texas crowd. I think our best pep rally of the year should not be away from Notre Dame before playing a cupcake team. I am not sure what the reasoning is behind the Irish Green, but it sure does put a damper on the whole game day experience. I don’t think achieve the Spirit we're looking for until we get rid of these buzz kills. It is too far away for the students, clearly not focused on the students, and it's too awkward of a venue.

I am going to be at Marquette Law School this year and I'll be back for a game or two. I fully expect our spirit to pick up right from where we left off last year. We've got a great band, a great new drum major in Glynnis Garry, and a great new football coach! Even if we're stuck with those Irish Green rallies for now, all those things more than make up for it. I hope all of you Irish fans are ready for an exciting season! The band is going to bring the noise and you had better do the same! Make ND a hornet's nest for all of our opponents this year. Get Your IRISH UP!

Thanks again Aaron, we could not have said it better ourselves. With all the anticipation mounting on campus and our band leading the way, our fans have a real chance to turn the house that Rockne built into one of the most intimidating stadiums that our opponents will have to deal with in 2010.

As an added bonus feature, check out this OK Go music video featuring the extremely talented Band of the Fighting Irish, complete with a close-up of Aaron at the 2:40 mark: