Saturday's loss against USF, of course, was disappointing. Even more disappointing and, actually insulting, though, was the lack of support demonstrated by some of the students. For many years, the Notre Dame student body has been proclaimed as the greatest student body in the world because of its spirit. Not any more. After the first delay, a very substantial number of students did not return. After the second delay, even fewer returned. In 1988 after Notre Dame beat Miami, Brent Musberger said there is no greater love affair than that between Notre Dame's student body and its football team. Somewhere a divorce appears to have occurred.
First, the students who left insulted the football team and the coaches, who have been working tirelessly for many weeks. Despite all the miscues, the team still placed itself in a position to win. A louder crowd of students could have been pivotal, but was not to be found. Unlike many students, the players never quit and deserved better.
Second, the students who left insulted the band, whose members also work tirelessly and lost the opportunity to present a great halftime show. The band kept spurring on a crowd that stayed far longer than many students. The band deserved better.
Third, the students who left insulted the remainder of the Notre Dame family, including their fellow students who stayed as well as alumni who collectively make financial and other sacrifices that assist many students who otherwise could not attend Notre Dame. These sacrifices are made without conditions but many of us alumni are dismayed by the disrespect and lack of sacrifice demonstrated by some on Saturday. We all deserved better.
This football team will only get better. But the reality is that it may have to play the remainder of its games without the support of a substantial number of students who apparently feel they have better things to do than support their football team. Pretty sad!
John F. Lushis Jr.
alumnus
Class of 1977
Sept. 5
