Wake Up the Echoes

Kevin, Laura, Cody, and Nick goof off before the game.

We South Bend programmers have just experienced our first football weekend of the semester. Nothing could match the energy that began to filter onto campus as early as Thursday afternoon when the private jets of wealthy alumni (which we someday aspire to be) flew overhead en route to the South Bend Airport. Emotions ran high as conversations centered on the new Kelly era of Notre Dame football.

On Friday evening, many students and fans gathered in front of Dillon Hall for the long-awaited Dillon pep rally. Following some cheesy (and occasionally un-funny) acts, we witnessed Brian Kelly's first pep rally speech (clearly more peppy than that of his predecessor, a certain Charles J Weis). The day culminated in rousing cheers in front of the golden dome, where the traditional drummers' circle takes place at midnight. The stage was officially set for VICTORY!

Sarah, Cody, and Laura lovin' life in ND Stadium.

Finally, the day of anticipation arrived (It was like Christmas in September, minus the gifts... and Santa.)! During brunch, we were serenaded with "God Bless the Saxophones" and other cheers and songs. After watching the band step-off, we followed them to the stadium and took our seats (at about the 20 yard-line I might add!). Despite a rough first drive, the Fighting Irish pulled ahead in the first half. Between exciting moments of cheers and plays, we took time for a little conversation with our bleacher neighbors. The highlight of these moments came when the girls behind us complimented Nicholas on his fantastic eyelashes. 

The ND band, including our very own BMall, "Soaks up the Sun."

 After a halftime show that included "Dynamite" (Nick was dancing) and a song from Sheryl Crow (Cody's all time fav!), the Irish continued to dominate, and we won the game 23-12! 
 
We cannot help but hope that candlelight dinners of the future, like the one that followed this game, will all  be celebratory!