My Trip to South Bend Indiana to See a University of Notre Dame Football Game

Invited by the University of Notre Dame to visit the campus, and attend a football game, was the most exciting sports event of my life. A lifetime Notre Dame Fighting Irish football fan, attending a game at Joe Montana's alma mater was overwhelming. Walking on the campus, I envisioned Montana walking these same paths.

Of course, Montana is long gone, and the Notre Dame football team has seen better days. When I attended the game, it was Ron Powlus, not Joe Montana quarterbacking the team. Though it was almost 15 years ago, I still remember everything.

As the band played and the team ran onto the field, the stadium seemed to come alive, as the noise from inside seemed unattainable by humans. When the game started, I was confident I'd see a victory against Air Force. I was wrong. The Irish defense was unable to stop Air Force QB Bo Morgan, who played more like Bo Jackson that day, with all the running he did.

Here I'd come from Connecticut to South Bend Indiana, to watch the Irish lose. After the game I looked up at touchdown Jesus looking for answers, there were none. The crowd having apparently found their answer shouted repeatedly, "Powlus you suck" as the players left the field. As the crowd dispersed, I sat in my seat looking at the stadium, trying to catalog everything so I could take it with me. The loss didn't ruin my experience. I was able to watch, from a packed University stadium, one of the most decorated football teams play, and even though they loss, I got to see them. I felt like Rudy that day.

I've not been back to Notre Dame since, and am not sure if I ever will, although I keep suggesting Notre Dame to my sons, who are years away from thinking about college, but a mother can dream.