Leprechauns entertain the crowd
By JUSTIN KRIVICKAS
News Writer
Cheering on the crowds in a traditional green suit, the Notre Dame Leprechaun has become a legendary symbol of Irish spirit. This figure is the ambassador of the University both on and off the field and can be seen at most varsity sporting events.
To ensure that most sports can have the Leprechaun present, the University now has two positions: a Varsity and Olympic leprechaun. Varsity Leprechaun Michael Macaluso performs at football games, men's basketball games and pep rallies, while Olympic Leprechaun John Bisanz performs at men's and women's soccer, volleyball and women's basketball games.
Watching Notre Dame football games as a kid, I thought the Leprechaun had the best job in the world," said Bisanz, "You really can't beat being out on the playing field with the athletes you've admired for so long and joining the Notre Dame faithful in support of them."
The Leprechaun can be seen in the national spotlight at parades and benefits. "To be honest, those visits are my favorite part of the job," said Macaluso, "because it's the time when I get to really interact with different people."
The selection process to become the Leprechaun is long and detailed. The first facet includes writing a one-page essay and involve three weeks of practicing with the cheerleading squad in early April. Outgoing varsity Leprechaun Adam Urra worked with the group and exposed them to situations that arise, such as interviews with the media and interaction with opposing fans.
"We also did a lot of physical training to get used to the rigors of being the Leprechaun," said Bisanz.
The selection panel consists of an athletic department member, an alumnus, a member of the university administration, a staff member, a former Leprechaun and the cheer coach.
The culmination of the three-week tryout process ends with a mock pep rally for the Leprechaun hopefuls and a formal interview with a panel of judges to answer questions about the University.
Once two Leprechauns are selected from this arduous tryout, the work just begins for them. Practice is four days a week for two hours each day. Also, there are mandatory lifting sessions three to four days a week for an hour.
"With the preparation, games and community commitments, being the Leprechaun is a pretty work intensive position," said Bisanz. "But it is completely rewarding and the work pays off. Being the Leprechaun primarily requires an insatiable love for Notre Dame and I've had that ever since I can remember. I am just going to try my best to keep the fans fired up and wanting to come back for more."
Scholarships are not given out for the holders of the Leprechaun position. Additionally, a Leprechaun must participate for three years on the cheer squad in order to attain a monogram. Many sports give monograms for playing only one year or even one play. Monogramming, a distinguished honor for Notre Dame athletes, requires three years of hard work.
Even though students must participate in countless hours of practice, the downsides to being the Leprechaun has not deterred Macaluso and Bisanz.
"I've always loved this University and its athletic program and I thought becoming the Leprechaun was the best opportunity to share that love with others," said Bisanz.
Macaluso remembers when he first wanted to be the Leprechaun.
"Watching Mike Brown and the cheerleaders as a freshman, I thought it looked like so much fun and something that would be very worthwhile and an amazing experience," he said. "I was just looking to have fun with [my] time here at Notre Dame."
Last year, Macaluso served as the Olympic Leprechaun, which he said greatly prepared him for the Varsity position.
"The most important part about this job, though, is being willing and able to show your love and enthusiasm for Notre Dame," he said. " There's a ton of Notre Dame nuts out there, and I'm just another one of them."
"I know that I'll have the support and help of the cheerleaders and my coaches whenever I find myself in a tough situation," said Macaluso.
Bisanz added, "I can't wait for next year to get started and begin what looks to be another successful year in Notre Dame athletics."
"Every time I'm in that suit, on a court or field, I know I'm not out there just for me," Macaluso said. "I'm there for the fans — to make them have a good time and to represent Notre Dame and all it stands for. Over a century of fans, alumni, teams, faculty, students, service, and Catholic faith, the Leprechauns are the foremost collegiate icon in the country, and not only that, we represent the best university in the country."
All News Stories for Friday, April 26, 2002
