Notre Dame fans were proud and happy about Saturday's 33-7 victory over the University of Washington - especially those who traveled many miles to see the game in person.
Students who made the trip to Seattle for the game noticed an outpouring of Notre Dame spirit - and little enthusiasm from Washington fans.
Junior Ken Hamilton said: "We were doing a lot of cheering in the Notre Dame section. We were screaming. People around me were doing push-ups."
Sophomore Mackenzie Keller added: "The Washington fans cleared out pretty quickly after the game started.
"It was the least hostile away game environment I've ever been in, probably because the Washington fans realized they were going to lose from the start."
The students who attended the game enjoyed visiting Seattle and the experience of an away game.
"It was honestly fantastic," Hamilton said. "I'm in the band, so this was my first time to actually watch a game."
"I've always wanted to go to an away game," Hamilton said. "This game fell during fall break and the band wasn't traveling, so there was that availability."
Hamilton flew to Washington with Holy Cross Senior David Flores, who is in the band's drum line with Hamilton. The two stayed with friends of Flores.
"Seattle is a beautiful town, a great place," Hamilton said. "I wish we could have stayed for longer."
Hamilton and Flores arrived in Seattle Friday night and returned Sunday night.
Keller said, "I've always wanted to see the West Coast because my roommate is from Portland, Ore. and since this game was over fall break, it was the perfect situation."
Keller, with a group of friends, flew to Portland and then drove to Seattle.
"We ran into another group of Notre Dame fans we knew from school," Keller said. "It was fun to be so far away and still have that feeling of Notre Dame community."
"I think the Notre Dame fans were really excited to get our first away victory, even over a lesser team."
