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Last pep rally draws out mixed emotions

Posted by: Nadia Crow

The pep rally is supposed to pump up the team before the big game.  But after an up and down season and rumors about head coach Charlie Weis' future, some of the fans say they needed a bit of inspiration, too.        

Pep rallies are full of excitement with the band and cheers and high hopes for the coming game.  But some at tonight's rally some say they just want to finish out the season on a strong note and move forward.  And the future of the team was the center of debate.

"We're just here to have a good time," said Irish Fan Nickolas Suplizio.

Irish Fan Nickolas Suplizio joined a crowd of blue and gold supporters on the Irish Green to say goodbye to the football team's senior class and get pumped up for Saturday afternoon's game against UCONN. 

"I think they've got some wins left.  Two wins left," said Suplizio.           

But with the teams 6-4 record, Suplizio is one of the more optimistic fans in the crowd.  2nd Year Notre Dame student Alex Mirandola Mullen says her classmates are grumbling about the team's shaky season. 

"It just ruins the atmosphere of the campus," said Notre Dame Student Alex Mirandola Mullen.         

Even Notre Dame Almuna Jarrah Myers noticed the dark cloud hanging over Irish country. 

"It's a little down... campus is a little more dead than it should be for the last game," said Notre Dame Alumna Jarrah Myers.           

Notre Dame's history, faith, and strong academics seem to peril in comparison to what this crowd really cares about...winning.  And with four loses some fingers are pointing at head coach Charlie Weis. 

"We want to win tomorrow, but we're looking forward to having a new coach and doing a little better," said Mirandola Mullen.          

But Suplizio says Weis is N-D's future. 

"I think Weis is going to be around for a little bit longer .I think he's going to be ok," said Suplizio. 

Myers says it doesn't matter to her who coaches the team as long as he fits in with N-D culture.  She says Irish fans will rally despite what off-season decisions are made.

"I'm a true Irish fan so I'm going to support us completely," said Myers. 

Most of the fans I spoke with say they're going to try to get to bed early tonight so they can be ready to tailgate and root on the Irish Saturday.  Kickoff is at 2-30 at Notre Dame Stadium.