39 More days. That's all that's left before the Number One Irish play for the National Championship in Miami. Fans have waited for this moment for a long time. Among them, a South Bend Man who is showing a few signs of his Irish Pride!
You could certainly say Chester Rybicki is passionate. Just listen to how he describes himself. "I'm an 80-year-old Notre Dame Sports Fanatic," he says." Or you can look at how he decorates his front lawn. "The first sign is over here," he says pointing to a row of signs in front of his house on Cleveland.
There are four simple signs. They're not elaborate, but they sure do bring Chester, and the thousands of drivers who pass by his house, a lot of joy.
"Whoa! Happy Days are here," Chester says. "Happy days are here again!"
Chester's been displaying these signs since the Charlie Weis days, but he's been a fan for a lot longer than that. "I remember as a small boy sneaking in to the stadium," he says. "In those days you could do it. Coach Leahy was coach. In those days football was more or less a party."
Chester has seen many Notre Dame coaches come and go. He admits it took him some time to warm up to the man who lead the Irish to this year's undefeated season. "The last two years I wasn't happy with him," he says. "This year I apologize for everything I've ever said about you man. Thanks. You're great!"
During his 80 years, Chester's witnessed Eight National Championships. Now he says all signs point to one more in January. "You know I asked the Lord, I says, Father before you take me, give me one more National Championship," he says. "Now I'm laying in bed wondering, be careful what you pray for you may get it."
