Connecticut newspapers are full of articles about the Huskies losing to the Fighting Irish for the second time this season. In particular, the rushing of the court by the student body has come under attack. The same thing happened when UConn lost at Syracuse. Huskies players are frustrated that opposing student bodies are celebrating like they just won the National Championship instead of a regular-season game against the defending national champions.

SO WHAT!

I rushed the court when the Irish knocked off UCLA and its 88-game winning streak in 1974. Watch ESPN Sportcenter today and see the Tennessee student body doing the same thing after knocking off conference rival Florida. That is part of the tradition of a great collegiate sports program and should be applauded.

However, I cannot applaud the student body of Notre Dame. Chants against opposing players have always been a part of the game, but personal attacks are a sign of poor character. "We are ND" and "Here Come the Irish" spark spine-tingling pride for me in my Alma Mater. Cries of "Bastard Children" against opposing players and poor treatment of visiting fans, however, make me wonder how Notre Dame can claim to be a Christian university, never mind a leader.

Congratulations to Coach Doherty and the entire basketball team on its rise back to national prominence. I just hope the student body and the fans will join them with class and dignity.

Will Morrissey, '76

New London, Conn.

February 13, 2000

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