Have you ever wondered your lucky charms off by wondering
whom that little green-dressed fella is that hangs out with
Notre Dame’s cheerleaders? He’s known as the Notre
Dame Leprechaun and serves as the Fighting Irish’s
number one fan.
Since the mythical Leprechaun exhibits shyness and an
ability to hide, there are many people who have little
knowledge of what one is. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
defines a leprechaun as a mischievous elf of Irish folklore.
Before the Notre Dame Leprechaun can take the field to
cheer for the Irish, he must compete against other mascot
hopefuls seeking to make their competitors green with envy.
Candidates complete a week-long training period where
they learn Leprechaun responsibilities.
Once the formal tryout is held, candidates participate in a
formal interview process with the board of judges that
includes university administration, coaches and alumni
association members. Questions range from academic
aptitude to why the individual wants to be the Leprechaun.
Once all questions are answered, the candidates jump into
the Leprechaun uniform for the pep rally portion of the
judging. After delivering a spirited speech to the crowd, the
competing students must stand tall against a series of
tough questions generated by area media members. The
final phase places the candidates in a game situation where
they are given a scenario and are judged on how they
respond.
Despite the small stature of the typical Notre Dame
Leprechaun, the mascot stands tall as a symbol for the
school. “It’s truly an honor and I’m humbled to be able to
represent the university,” said 1998 football Leprechaun
Matthew Bozzelli.
“It’s been an absolute joy to represent such a wonderful
family and to see in the faces of our alumni and fans what
the Notre Dame spirit means to them. To me I’m the
personification of that spirit and it’s an honor.”
|
|
|
Notre Dame Mascot |
|
|
Notre Dame's Leprechaun does
push-ups Irish style.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
The Leprechaun keeps Irish spirits high
|
|
|
