This Just In ...

We still love Notre Dame

Posted by Kevin Fischer on Jan. 8, 2013

The Birmingham News calls it a “Title Wave.” The South Bend Tribune referred to it as a “heartbreak.”

Alabama’s convincing 42-14 win in the BCS Championship showed, as Irish coach Brian Kelly noted, Notre Dame’s need to get stronger and faster.

Losing to the Crimson Tide after finishing the regular season undefeated is not a disgrace. Alabama has an NFL offensive line blocking for two NFL running backs. The team has experience that has translated into such success the word “dynasty’ is now being applied.

Notre Dame did not play anywhere near the type of game they did the previous 12 games. They are back among the elite in their sport, and that’s good news for college football. Still, the crushing defeat is tough to take.

This Sunday when I usher at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Milwaukee’s south side (pictured above), a dear sweet lady whom I’ve known at the parish since I was a little boy will probably be in attendance accompanied by her son. She’s 94 years old, slower, of course, but still very sharp. Her late husband who used to usher with me worked on some engineering projects on the Notre Dame campus decades ago. And some of her sons and grandsons have either been students or worked there. She loves Notre Dame.

Every Sunday morning during football season when I arrive at her pew carrying the collection basket, we make faces at one another. If the Irish won the day before, it’s grins and thumbs up. If our boys lost, we shake our heads, grimace, frown.

It’s been a tough go for too many years for the Fighting Irish, but this delightful woman is always cheerful and optimistic. During one particularly rough stretch a few years ago she told me that we can hold our heads high because Notre Dame is still Notre Dame.

I sure hope she’s at Mass this Sunday. I'd love to see one of those “It’s ok, everything’s alright” smiles.

During the 125th year of Notre Dame Football, we have rallied around an exceptional team that has made us all proud. This memorable season has united the Notre Dame family, from Dublin to South Bend to South Beach. As never before, the Fighting Irish exemplified Notre Dame’s commitment to integrity and success on the field and in the classroom.   It’s only 235 days until we kick off the next season…   WE ARE ND!