THE KICKOFF. JULY 7, 2005. VOL 1 ISSUE 2.

Tradition.

11 National Championships.
7 Heisman Trophy Winners.
The Four Horsemen.
The Gipper.
Knute Rockne.

The list could go on and on...

These are all part of the illustrious history of ND football. A program so steeped in tradition -- it commands respect. So much so, that no matter where ND is ranked -- ask any opponent who they've marked on their schedule and they'll consistantly tell you one school -- year in & year out -- The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Tradition, it is what makes Our Lady the living legend that We, Alumni, have grown to adore. It is why a phenomena such as the Subway Alumni could exist. And, it is my first line response to any opponent who questions my loyalty to ND.

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After my first visit to ND, this idea of tradition became infectious and real, not just something I read about in SI. Just like the slap on the Play Like a Champion Today sign down the steps before a game, or the lighting of a candle at the grotto, I decided on that very first time to South Bend, that I needed a tradition. I needed a way to contribute something to the team... to do my part for the win...

I came up with a few, like wearing my lucky hat on game day and blaring the fightsong on I-80 as I approach... But none brought satisfaction -- or results -- like the most important, Friday night visit to the Linebacker Lounge.

When I'm in South Bend, I never miss... it's become my lucky charm (I'm 9 for 10, BTW, on wins, when I go out to the game and visit the Backer).

It started on my first trip out but solidified later that year with a very special meeting. I remember walking into The Linebacker Lounge and walking right into former Captain and All-American Ned Bolcar. Literally -- I walked into him. Before I could even form the words hello or sorry, he had handed my camera over to a buddy and posed for a few photos with me, all the while talking like we were old friends. It was awesome!

Now, Friday, when in South Bend, is spent at the Backer. Wearing my colors, prepared to defend the Blue and Gold, side-by-side, with other Alumni, on the off-chance that opposition or the occasional nay-sayer should wander in.

Spending my time at the LBL, bonding with other Alumni, discussing "keys to the game", I feel like somehow I am there doing my part -- in my own little way -- for the win.

It's true -- I'm there mostly for the tradition and for the comaraderie of fellow Alumni, but, I'm also there in preparation and, secretly, for the slight chance that my old buddy will show and remember. While I'm sure Mr. Bolcar has surely forgotten that night -- and me -- I did not. As a matter of fact, those pictures hang on the wall in my office, in a place of importance, right above those of my wedding and my Little Buddy and to the left of a great pic of The Big Dawg hugging Lou Holtz, but that's another story...

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What's your Pre-Game tradition? Let us know here.

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