My first trip to ND was in September of 1994.

I remember the phone call as if it were just yesterday -- it was my Uncle Richie.

"Hey Boy, we got one spot left on our bus trip to ND..."

"YES! YES! I'll take it..."

So three days later, I set out on the pilgrimmage I had dreamt of since the game , in 1987 vs. Pitt... you know the one I'm talking about... Terry Andrusak was knocked out and Tony Rice had to come in... that was the day I was converted.

I grabbed my duffle bag and had my dad drop me off at our meeting place -- O'Hagan's -- our corner bar.

The bus was packed with unfamiliar faces. It was a sea of blue and gold --some young, some old, some having cheered for ND for over 50 years.

During the 12 hour, overnight, bus ride movies like Rudy and Knute Rockne - All American played in the background as some of the vets told stories of national championships and last minute victories.

Pulling off I-80 the first thing I could see was the golden dome against the gray sky -- what a sight! There she was in all her glory -- the infamous Golden Dome... To this day, the air on my arms still stands up when I think about my first time.

Notre Dame beat the Boiler Makers that weekend and I took home my very first program-- a sort of diploma-- proving I graduated from fan to Alumni -- Subway Alumni.