While the forecast for Saturday's season opening tussle with the Texas A&M Aggies calls for sunny skies and smoldering temperatures, four men will be feeling an even more intense heat.

Newly-appointed varsity football captains, linebacker Anthony Denman, defensive lineman Grant Irons and tight ends Jabari Halloway and Dan O'Leary have the hefty weight of a fallen program lying squarely upon their broad shoulders. It is their mission, their purpose as captains to raise that program back to its once lofty heights.

While being selected a captain of the Notre Dame football team is without question a fantastic honor, such an appointment also guarantees intense scrutiny and pressure.

"It's a dream come true," said Irons on being named a captain. "I couldn't ask for a better group of individuals to lead."

"Being named a captain shows that your teammates respect you," Denman added. "But there's pressure that comes with that, too. They're counting on you to make plays."

Irons, too, acknowledged the pressure he and his teammates are faced with.

"I think it comes with the territory," he said. "Any time you play football at the pinnacle of college football — Notre Dame — you feel the pressure to win."

Sparks have been flying in past seasons as the once lustrous golden dome has been tarnished by several consecutive rusty campaigns.

The captains must now jump headlong into the flames and face not only their critics but questions concerning their coach's job stability as well.

"I think there's more pressure, definitely," Denman said. "Any time you lose like we have, that's unacceptable. It is our responsibility to turn this around."

Rather than run from those expectations and questions, the 2000 captains plan to tackle head on the skeptics that will be with them throughout the fall.

"We welcome the pressure," Irons said. "It motivates us, and it makes every game more exciting. There's a lot of negativity, a lot of doubters, but we can't focus on them. We know we're better than they think we are. We believe."

Having four captains is rare, as most times the honor is bestowed upon the team's singular outstanding leader, but Irons and Denman think the idea has merit and feel that each has something to contribute.

"We're four different personalities and I think we fit this team and mix well together," Irons said. "I like to lead by example and through my emotions. Dan O'Leary is kind of like that too. Anthony and Jabari, they're a little quieter and they lead by example."

"I think we just have so many good leaders on this team," Denman said.

"Coach Davie thought it would be beneficial for all of us to get a chance."

Each of the captains is well aware that the only way to restore the program to respectability is to command respect on the gridiron, but each is also certain that a winning attitude begins in the locker room. Irons is confident not only in this year's team but also in the captains' ability to get the most out of it.

"Without a doubt it's the best team I've been a part of," said the star defensive lineman. "We're fortunate to have this group of guys, and we know we have to set a good example for them. Attitude really is everything."

Facing high expectations and a schedule that ranks among the nation's most difficult, the presence of these captains will be more important than ever.

It's quite possible that the fate of Notre Dame's season could hinge on the squad's ability to rally during a time of adversity, be it a fourth quarter deficit or a tough loss.

In those instances it's up to the squad's senior leaders to lead the charge.

"This team can handle the adversity," Irons said. "I know myself and the other captains will stay positive and I know the younger guys will follow our lead. We're not planning on giving up ever."

Davie's big brother program has proved instrumental in developing positive, never quit, attitudes in the team's younger players.

The program pairs an experienced veteran with a new recruit and has already served as the basis for several burgeoning friendships.

"It's a great thing," said Irons. "It gives us the chance to help the younger guys ease in to college life, and it's a good way to set an example and show them what a positive attitude is."

After wandering in college football's barren desert for the better part of a decade, this year's captains corps is determined to lead the program back to the promised land. However, even if the Irish do ambush the Aggies, they'll still have to part the "red sea" to reach the land of college football's elite.

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