Throwback Thursday: Golden Swan-Dive Special Edition

Irish Creed throws it back to the days of yore every Thursday 

by giving you a sample from my behind-the-scenes book 

Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun

This week's throwback comes from Chapter 5, in which I recall my encounter with a certain foam phony named Sparty:

SPECIAL EDITION UPDATE:  I'm signing copies of "Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" in the ND Bookstore from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Sep. 20 and 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sep. 21 (ND v. MSU Game Day).  

You can also catch me at Mulligan's Bar & Grill (across from the Backer on South Bend Ave.) both nights with more signed books on tap, along with a raffle for my authentic game-worn Leprechaun hat!  I'll be wearing my limited edition "Air Golden" t-shirt, pictured above.

..."Nothing will ease my pain until we ruthlessly beat Sparty into submission next Saturday."  I couldn't remember who I said that to, or what publication it appeared in, but a long talk with my supervisors about political correctness followed shortly after my heartfelt public statement.
...
Every Leprechaun knew that Sparty had always been our only natural enemy.  The extra significance of our mascot rivalry made showing him up on local television that much sweeter.  When WNDU-TV invited us to co-anchor their pre-game sports segment early Saturday morning they must have forgotten that Sparty couldn't speak.  I ended up running the show all by myself, while Sparty literally disappeared in front of the green screen as he attempted in vain to act out the weather like some deranged version of charades.  The best part of my newscasting debut came backstage when I discovered that four separate Michigan State students actually shared their role as Sparty.  Apparently, none of them could handle the rigors of a full game day on their own.
...
... I reserved some of my energy during the Step-Off Parade just in case I happened to find myself in an altercation with my nemesis at some point during the game.  He surprisingly kept his distance throughout the entire pre-game warm-up, so I decided to be a good little Leprechaun and let him go.  Public shaming on the local news was good enough for me.
...
... Golden must have thought our band would catch him when he celebrated the go-ahead score with a swan dive.  Instead, he ended up crushing the scrawny kid holding a french horn in the middle of the Michigan State band while Sparty stood by motionless.  I prayed that play would end up as the winning touchdown so ESPN could eature it on their Top-10 as well as their Not-Top-10.

Signed & Personalized Books Available Now:

www.LeprechaunBook.com

"Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" Preview Video

Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun: 
Behind the Face of the Fighting Irish

www.LeprechaunBook.com

Game Weekend Photos: Week 1

My first game weekend of the 2013 season got off to a great start when I found my brand new book looking almost as good as I do in green as it stood out boldly on several shelves inside the Notre Dame Bookstore.  Week one continued to please with blue skies, a greened-out student section, and an easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy Irish victory.  

Check out the photos below, and be sure to follow me on Twitter (@TheNDleprechaun) and/or Instagram (@theleprecon) for live updates and more exclusive shots.  

Signed & Personalized Copies of "Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" now available at www.LeprechaunBook.com.

Signed & Personalized Copies of "Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" now available at www.LeprechaunBook.com

Leprechaun Quote Countdown: #2

ONLY TWO MORE DAYS!

To celebrate the release of his book "Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" IRISH CREED writer / former Fightin' Irish Leprechaun Daniel Colt Collins is releasing 10 exclusive quotes leading up to the season opener in Notre Dame Stadium.

Quote #2 comes from chapter 5, which takes readers behind the scenes of an entire football season from the perspective of that little green guy on the sidelines:

"We walked through the main tunnel into an already packed house, with the student section filling up at asteady pace... My most important pregame task involved assembling the giant steel flagpole covered with fresh flakes of the same 24-karat gold the managers used to paint the football helmets.  I hooked it up to the monster blue and gold flag made from the same material as our football jerseys.  Less than five minutes remained on the pregame countdown clock.  Time to get in position for my big moment with the flag.  Just then, Jerome Bettis and Tim Brown walked by.  I casually said hello to my two favorite NFL players of all time.  Only at Notre Dame...

"Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun: Behind the Face of the Fighting Irish" is now available in the Notre Dame Bookstore and online at www.LeprechaunBook.com.

Every copy bought online comes personally autographed by Daniel Colt Collins.

  

Every online purchase also qualifies as an automatic entry into the Lucky Leprechaun Hat Sweepstakes, awarding one lucky fan with an autographed game-worn Notre Dame Fighting Irish Leprechaun Hat at the conclusion of football season.  

May the Luck of the Irish be with you!

www.LeprechaunBook.com

Leprechaun Quote Countdown: #3

Three.  More.  Days.

To celebrate the release of his book "Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" IRISH CREED writer / former Fightin' Irish Leprechaun Daniel Colt Collins is releasing 10 exclusive quotes leading up to the season opener in Notre Dame Stadium.

Quote #3 comes from chapter 5, which takes readers behind the scenes of an entire football season from the perspective of that little green guy on the sidelines:

"Dinner at Rocco's that night gave me a chance to carbo-load before my first game.  I signed an 8 x 10 for the owner Warren, making sure to include my ringing endorsement for the best pizza in the Midwest.  After walking over to the midnight drum circle on the steps of the Golden Dome with a posse that would've put the Beastie Boys to shame, I decided to call it a night.  As much as I wanted to raise an Irish toast to our upcoming victory, I had a long day ahead of me in the ninety-degree heat."

"Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun: Behind the Face of the Fighting Irish" is now available in the Notre Dame Bookstore and online at www.LeprechaunBook.com.

Every copy bought online comes personally autographed by Daniel Colt Collins.

  

Every online purchase also qualifies as an automatic entry into the Lucky Leprechaun Hat Sweepstakes, awarding one lucky fan with an autographed game-worn Notre Dame Fighting Irish Leprechaun Hat at the conclusion of football season.  

May the Luck of the Irish be with you!

www.LeprechaunBook.com

Leprechaun Quote Countdown: #4

4 days away...

To celebrate the release of his book "Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" IRISH CREED writer / former Fightin' Irish Leprechaun Daniel Colt Collins is releasing 10 exclusive quotes leading up to the season opener in Notre Dame Stadium.

Quote #4 comes from chapter 5, which captures what it feels like to lead a pep-rally on campus during opening weekend at Notre Dame:

"...'If you don't feel it yet, you will tomorrow.  If you don't feel it then, you might need to check in over at our health services building because you don't have a pulse.'  My first attempt at a joke in front of thousands didn't flop.  I liked where this was headed."

"Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun: Behind the Face of the Fighting Irish" is now available in the Notre Dame Bookstore and online at www.LeprechaunBook.com.

Every copy bought online comes personally autographed by Daniel Colt Collins.

  

Every online purchase also qualifies as an automatic entry into the Lucky Leprechaun Hat Sweepstakes, awarding one lucky fan with an autographed game-worn Notre Dame Fighting Irish Leprechaun Hat at the conclusion of football season.  

May the Luck of the Irish be with you!

www.LeprechaunBook.com

Leprechaun Quote Countdown: #5

5 days left until football season for the Fighting Irish...

To celebrate the release of his book "Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" IRISH CREED writer / former Fightin' Irish Leprechaun Daniel Colt Collins is releasing 10 exclusive quotes leading up to the season opener in Notre Dame Stadium.

Quote #5 comes from chapter 5, which captures the excitement on campus during opening weekend at Notre Dame:

"My voice echoed over the crowd, 'It's good to be back.  I can feel it in the air.  Every time I walk past our stadium... every time I look up at our Golden Dome... and every time I hear our marching band play our fight song... chills run up and down my spine.  It's a feeling I only get here at Notre Dame.  How many of you know just what I'm talkin' about?'  By their response, it sounded like most of them knew exactly what I was talking about."

"Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun: Behind the Face of the Fighting Irish" is now available in the Notre Dame Bookstore and online at www.LeprechaunBook.com.

Every copy bought online comes personally autographed by Daniel Colt Collins.

  

Every online purchase also qualifies as an automatic entry into the Lucky Leprechaun Hat Sweepstakes, awarding one lucky fan with an autographed game-worn Notre Dame Fighting Irish Leprechaun Hat at the conclusion of football season.  

May the Luck of the Irish be with you!

www.LeprechaunBook.com

Leprechaun Quote Countdown: #6

Only 6 days until football season for the Fighting Irish...

To celebrate the release of his book "Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" IRISH CREED writer / former Fightin' Irish Leprechaun Daniel Colt Collins is releasing 10 exclusive quotes leading up to the season opener in Notre Dame Stadium.

Quote #6 comes from chapter five, which captures the excitement of campus during opening weekend at Notre Dame:

"I let loose during my first pep-rally, 'Notre Daaame!  Make.  Some.  NOISE!  It's officially football season!  I said MAKE SOME NOISE!' Thousands of students wearing their respective dorm colors gathered closer to the stage while chanting "Here come the Irish!"  I let them take control of the crowd..."

"Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun: Behind the Face of the Fighting Irish" is now available in the Notre Dame Bookstore and online at www.LeprechaunBook.com.

Every copy bought online comes personally autographed by Daniel Colt Collins.

  

Every online purchase also qualifies as an automatic entry into the Lucky Leprechaun Hat Sweepstakes, awarding one lucky fan with an autographed game-worn Notre Dame Fighting Irish Leprechaun Hat at the conclusion of football season.  

May the Luck of the Irish be with you!

www.LeprechaunBook.com

Leprechaun Quote Countdown: Lucky #7

Just one week until football season for the Fighting Irish...

To celebrate the release of his book "Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" IRISH CREED writer / former Fightin' Irish Leprechaun Daniel Colt Collins is releasing 10 exclusive quotes leading up to the season opener in Notre Dame Stadium.

Quote #7 comes from Chapter 5, which takes readers behind the scenes of an entire football season from the perspective of that little green guy on the sidelines:

"I noticed a peculiar energy building on campus all week.  It reminded me of something I felt before, but I couldn't quite place it.  Then, while ceremoniously carving my initials into the lucky shillelagh like every Leprechaun before me, I suddenly knew what it was... The students, players, coaches, and fans were finally starting to believe again.  I sensed it.  Notre Dame was back."

"Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun: Behind the Face of the Fighting Irish" is now available in the Notre Dame Bookstore and online at www.LeprechaunBook.com.

Every copy bought online comes personally autographed by Daniel Colt Collins.

  

Every online purchase also qualifies as an automatic entry into the Lucky Leprechaun Hat Sweepstakes, awarding one lucky fan with an autographed game-worn Notre Dame Fighting Irish Leprechaun Hat at the conclusion of football season.  

May the Luck of the Irish be with you!

www.LeprechaunBook.com

Leprechaun Quote Countdown: #8

Only 8 days left until football season for the Fighting Irish...

To celebrate the release of his book "Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" IRISH CREED writer / former Fightin' Irish Leprechaun Daniel Colt Collins is releasing 10 exclusive quotes leading up to the season opener in Notre Dame Stadium.

Quote #8 comes from the book's prelude, which captures the moments leading up to the season-opening kickoff inside Notre Dame Stadium:

"...the familiar voice of Mike Collins blared over the loudspeakers: 'Heeeeeere come the Irish!'  Mike wasn't lying.  The Irish were coming right at me.  A flash of gold hit my eye as they burst out of the tunnel into the sunlight, and I was off to the races..."

"Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun: Behind the Face of the Fighting Irish" is now available in the Notre Dame Bookstore and online at www.LeprechaunBook.com.

Every copy bought online comes personally autographed by Daniel Colt Collins.

  

Every online purchase also qualifies as an automatic entry into the Lucky Leprechaun Hat Sweepstakes, awarding one lucky fan with an autographed game-worn Notre Dame Fighting Irish Leprechaun Hat at the conclusion of football season.  

May the Luck of the Irish be with you!

www.LeprechaunBook.com

Leprechaun Quote Countdown: #9

Only 9 days remain until football season for the Fighting Irish...

To celebrate the release of his book "Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun" IRISH CREED writer / former Fightin' Irish Leprechaun Daniel Colt Collins is releasing 10 exclusive quotes leading up to the season opener in Notre Dame Stadium.

Quote #9 comes from the book's prelude, which captures the moments leading up to the season-opening kickoff inside Notre Dame Stadium:

"Over 81,000 voices hushed in the ninety-degree heat, waiting to erupt on my cue... I could feel the weight of over 162,000 eyes bearing down on me... Only one thought filled my mind..."

"Life as the Notre Dame Leprechaun: Behind the Face of the Fighting Irish" is now available in the Notre Dame Bookstore and online at www.LeprechaunBook.com.

Every copy bought online comes personally autographed by Daniel Colt Collins.

  

Every online purchase also qualifies as an automatic entry into the Lucky Leprechaun Hat Sweepstakes, awarding one lucky fan with an autographed game-worn Notre Dame Fighting Irish Leprechaun Hat at the conclusion of football season.  

May the Luck of the Irish be with you!

www.LeprechaunBook.com

Windy City Weekend Recap: from a former Leprechaun

Irish Creed sought out former Fightin' Irish Leprechaun, and now current guest writer, David Zimmer ("Leprechaun Diz") to share his weekend experience with the Fightin' Irish Faithful after making the trip to Chicago for the Catholics v. Convicts matchup in Soldier Field.  Not only is David a great friend, and a true Notre Dame Man, but he has a knack for capturing the essence of what will go down as a weekend to remember for thousands of current and former Notre Dame students.    

Catch his Windy City Weekend Recap below, and check out the Irish Creed Exclusive Interview with Leprechaun Diz for some great perspective from someone who truly understands what the Fightin' Irish Spirit is all about: 
Part I Part II

As I woke up last Friday morning I knew that only a couple classes and an exam stood between me and a trip to see my beloved Fighting Irish take on the Miami Hurricanes at Soldier Field in Chicago. Unfortunately on my current campus of Purdue University, where I now attend veterinary school, there was no buzz about the upcoming Catholics vs. Convicts matchup and I was hard pressed to even get a college football conversation out of any of my fellow students. So, during lecture I made do by reading Irish Creed articles and following any recent tweets from @TheNDleprechaun. Luckily, I soon I found myself packing my monogram jacket, lucky suspenders, and faded old ND T-shirt as I prepared for the Windy City.

As I drove down Lake Shore Drive I witnessed the sun setting and the city come alive as if to express its joy that it could once again welcome home a dominant Notre Dame football team. The city lights replaced the setting sun and the monstrous shadow of that spaceship they call Soldier Field loomed overhead as I passed into the city. Arriving at a friend’s apartment in Lincoln Park (home to a solid population of Irish alums) my phone exploded with texts from old friends who were spreading the word of what bars everyone would be at to celebrate our reunion in Chi Town. It wasn’t long before we reached the bars and I got my first glimpse of exactly how many Domers had made the trip to Chicago for the game. Two bars on opposite corners were overflowing with Irish students past and present as lines snaked around the edges of the buildings. When I arrived at the door the bouncer asked me in an exasperated tone, “What’s the occasion? We haven’t been this busy in years.” I simply informed him, “Notre Dame is in town for a football game. And wherever we have a game, this is what a city should expect.”

The following morning I awoke to the sounds of Cathy Richardson belting out the lyrics to “Here Come the Irish” as I joined my friends in jigging around the apartment like six year olds on Christmas morning. As we got ready to hit the Soldier Field parking lot we turned on College Gameday in time to catch Manti Te’o explaining to the nation what it truly means to be a part of a university and college football team that treats its own like family.

Out in the parking lots it was a blur of old friends, Irish faithful, and excited fans as we prepared to descend en masse on the stadium. As I had scavenged tickets at the last minute from a family friend, I made my way to the upper decks of the stadium not sure what to expect. As I looked down on the field I realized that there is not a bad seat in that stadium, especially when it’s hosting our smashmouth football team.  

As the game played on I found that I couldn’t be more pleased with the other fans I got to share my gametime experience with. Even in Section 440, Row 36 (second row from the top), we did pushups for every score, screamed our hearts out on every key play, and never sat down for the entire game. When fans all the way in top of the stadium participate like that, it says something about your university and your football team.

The game ended in dominating fashion and the following day I packed up to head back home for another week of tedious schoolwork, now seemingly a method of passing time between Irish football games. And as I once more drove down Lake Shore Drive, this time heading in the opposite direction, I found myself marveling at the sun as it shown down on this beautiful city. 

I realized that with a 5-0 start, College Gameday coming to The House That Rockne Built, and a chance to beat up on the Stanford Cardinal, the sun was definitely shining down on the Fighting Irish as well.

David Zimmer

Notre Dame Leprechaun 2010-2012

IC Exclusive: Interview with the Leprechaun

Each spring, a new student is chosen to become the Face of the Fightin’ Irish during the following year. Not only must the chosen one exhibit extraordinary skills and embody the tough, edgy spirit of the Fightin’ Irish, but he must be really really ridiculously good looking as well. 

Ironically, this Irish Creed Exclusive interview with the handsomest of all college mascots comes during the week leading up to 

#7 Notre Dame v. #17 Stanford

a matchup to be featured on College Gameday during which the ugliest of all college mascots will visit our campus (that is, if the Indiana State Excise Police don’t get to "the drunken tree" first).

Check out the exclusive interview with this year's Leprechaun below, followed by a UND.com video recapping last spring's Leprechaun Tryouts:

The Stanford Tree, who often attempts to drink away
 the pain of his jealousy due to our Leprechaun's
good looks, is no stranger to the breathalyzer

The Notre Dame Leprechaun, on the other hand,
can't help but smile as he is constantly recognized
by beautiful celebrities for his handsome charm.

Introducing your 2012-2013 Fightin’ Irish Leprechaun: 

Name: Bryce Burton
Hometown: Newburgh, IN
Height: 5'7" (5'8" on a good day)
Favorite Food: a good steak

How long have you been a Notre Dame fan, and when did you first know you wanted to become the Leprechaun?

My family used to take a vacation during the fall of each year. When I was 9 or 10, I remember watching a football game with my dad and questioning which team we were supporting. My father looked at me as if he had failed in raising me. I was instructed that we always support Notre Dame and he went on to discuss with me the history and pageantry of the school. I have been a fan ever since and vowed to him that night that I would attend Notre Dame as a student. 

How did the real Irish receive you during your recent trip to Ireland? Did they welcome you as a symbol of their fightin' spirit, or did they treat you like a crude caricature of their nationality?

The Irish could not have been more accommodating. They were so welcoming to me and the cheerleaders, and all of the fans that made the trip. Ireland was such a good experience and one that I will never forget. On Friday before the game I thought we would be attending a pep rally, but it turned out to be a great spectacle that blended Irish heritage and the spirit of Notre Dame. Events like that really showed how much they appreciated us being there. 

What is the one lasting memory you will take away from the game in Dublin? 

I think the most lasting memory will be walking through the streets of Dublin and seeing Notre Dame fans literally everywhere I looked. They made the trip simply because they love the university, and support like that makes me very proud to attend this school.


Does your red hair make you more authentic as a leprechaun? 

I believe my red hair absolutely makes me more authentic. I am actually saddened that Notre Dame went away from their original mascot logo that had red hair. He also had a pipe, which I can understand Notre Dame moving away from. I have seen a lot more of the vintage logos in the bookstore lately so maybe I can make a push to bring it back full time. 

How many pushups can you do without stopping? 

I can do about 100 pushups without stopping. We cannot be called the Fighting Irish and have a weak Leprechaun. 

How does it feel to represent Notre Dame as the face of the Fightin' Irish? 

I love this university, so being able to travel the country, and even to Ireland, to spread the spirit of this place is an opportunity I take very seriously and cherish. I know that when I travel, for many people their interaction with me might be the only time they get to experience Notre Dame, and it may be the only event they use to form their entire perception of the university. As such, I take many measures to make sure each interaction is especially memorable. 

What one message do you have for the Fightin' Irish Faithful?

It’s no secret that for the past 20 years on the football field Notre Dame has not experienced the kind of success we would have all hoped for... but each year the university is constantly talked about and when we win, or even when we lose, the media blows up. There is a reason that the BCS will make special deals with us and that conferences will not make us commit our football team. This is because of the fans. They ensure that we are relevant. We have sold out over 200 straight games and sent thirty thousand people to Ireland. This is why top recruits and coaches still want to come here…. and this is why Notre Dame will once again rule over college football. Our spirit makes this place so special. So, keep it up! 

What though the odds be great or small, old Notre Dame will win over all.