I take the subway.

Every time someone finds out I’m a Notre Dame fan they ask, “Did you go there?” to which I respond, “Every year.”  Being an Irish subway alumnus is different than any other kind of fan, college or pro.  No other institution reaches out and connects with so many as do the Irish.  Knute Rockne barnstormed and promoted his teams across the country during a time where the Irish Catholic community needed something to follow and be proud of.  Since then, millions of Americans have hitched their wagons to the Fighting Irish, and they (for the most part) are NOT bandwagon fans.

At times, being a fan of Notre Dame football has been likened to being a Dallas Cowboys’ fan, a Yankee’s fan or any “Evil Empire” type team.  Fair or not, success brings envy as well as admiration.  For those who dislike and often despise the Irish, the past decade and a half has been a glorious time, and for Irish fans, it has been a time of “wait till next year” or “wait until this recruiting class matures.”  As much as I have criticized and blasted the Irish, hope always springs eternal when it comes to Notre Dame Football.

Unlike professional sports and multi-year, no cut, guaranteed contracts even with free agency, college sports always offer a fresh start with each incoming class.  Whether it’s because you’re Irish, Catholic, went to school in South Bend or any combination, there is a passion and connection.  Of course, there are many who are fans because of a dad, uncle, brother or some family member who you picked up the bug from.  I love the scene in Rudy where Pete, a neighbor kid, asked Mr. Ruettiger (who just passed away last month at the age of 89) if at half time they could switch over to the Indiana – Purdue game and Mr. Ruettiger responds “There’s only one team we watch in this house.”

I still remember when my friend Jimmer (Miami Hurricanes fan) called me after wandering down to a new bar he found called Shamrock Jack’s to sat, “You will love this place! It’s full of Notre Dame fans, losers just like you.”  I grew up watching the Irish with friends at our houses then at Irish bars like Molly Malone’s and George Cullen’s, (both now closed), and always felt like I was part of something special.  99.9% of the fans I have watched games with over the years did not go to Notre Dame for school and many of them have never been to South Bend for a game, but that does not make them any less passionate about “their” team.

For those who do take the memorable trips to Indiana to see what only the Notre Dame Campus and surrounding community can offer, there are several “can’t miss” things to do and see:  Corby’s Bar, The Linebacker and Legends and are just a few of the watering holes where fans can grab a bite or a pint before and after games.  Touchdown Jesus, the Golden Dome and the Grotto can be emotionally and spiritually, moving to some fans to the point of tears.  Not everyone will have the reaction that Rudy’s dad had but once you realize the legends who played there, you’d better hold on because no other place on earth has as much history and greatness in one spot.  And yes, that includes Yankee Stadium and Lambeau Field.

Of course, pop culture and the media have helped Notre Dame over the years, beginning with Knute Rockne getting games on the radio to today’s NBC deal with the Irish. Movies including Rudy and Knute Rockne All American with Ronald Reagan have broadened the fan appeal for the Irish.  When Irish fans hear the Gipper www.americanrhetoric.com/MovieSpeeches/moviespeechknuterockneallamerican.html  and hear the theme to Rudy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-09ayPX_KVs throats grow lumps and eyes fill with tears.  I’m sure Woody Hayes, Pete Carroll, Bear Bryant and Joe Paterno have delivered good speeches on occasion, but none come close to Knute Rockne’s famous speech.

Even a 20+ year National Championship drought cannot deter the hopes of Irish fans.  Without having a conference to play in (and I like that), anything less than a National Championship is falling short of our goal.  Wining records, big wins and bowl victories are nice, but not good enough.  Let’s face it…is there a better known college fight song than Notre Dame’s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7csGhMQoQms?

Until our next National Championship, just keep waking up the echoes.