As a lifelong Notre Dame fan, I strongly identified with a lot of the tendencies John Sandburg described in his column "Why I Cheer." I've probably invested a bit too much in this team over the years, and it's very true that how the team does in Miami this coming January will have an incredible impact on my happiness that seems out of place when you consider the fact that I'm not actually playing in the game. I have to disagree, however, that our cheering "won't make a bit of difference," and that the biggest reason to root for Notre Dame is because doing so allows us to give up control in some aspect of our overly regimented lives.
Why cheer for Notre Dame if you're just doing so to give up control? Why not cheer for Alabama, USC or any other team out there? I cheer for Notre Dame because of the tremendous amount of pride I have in my school. I value our mission of merging world-class liberal education and research with a commitment to social justice; when our team takes the field to represent Our Lady's University, they stand as representatives of our University and that mission. I love my school, and it's that pride that makes me want to see the Irish excel not just in football, but in any activity we participate in. I'll always support representatives of ND.
We as fans can also have a tremendous impact through our support. Pretty simply, more cheering creates a louder and more imposing stadium and can force opposing teams into miscues. But more importantly, showing our support for our fellow students demonstrates the unity and familial atmosphere that makes Notre Dame special. We stand with each other, supporting our fellow students as they strive to pursue their goals. In doing so, we create a culture that values togetherness and pride. Any time I see someone wearing the monogram ND and representing us, I'll gladly stand up and cheer with pride as they show the rest of the world what we're all about.
Tom McGuire
junior
Siegfried Hall
Nov. 29
