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.