Devoted fans form "Belles Guard"
Sarah Rykowski
Inside Saint Mary's Sports
I knew they were dedicated, but I didn't know just how much until I realized that some fans will brave anything — even the worst of weather — to show support for Belles athletics.
It was a rainy, cold, blustery day, but they still showed up en masse in matching kilts. Their sole concessions to the horrible weather were umbrellas, which they were only too happy to share with some very wet and freezing Belles fans.
Call them the three musketeers if you like. They prefer to think of themselves as the Belles Guard.
Hence the wearing of the kilts.
Whatever they call themselves, you may be sure that they are loyal fans of the soccerbelles of Saint Mary's. Indeed, they are some of the most dedicated Belles fans ever witnessed. They are there, every home game, rain or shine, watching their friends play. And they are not above cheering for girls they don't know.
With baited excitement, they are always asking bystanders who just made that kick, or who just got knocked down. These are boys who love this game.
They are also anxious to learn soccer etiquette. Specifically, they have asked if it is appropriate to storm the field after a big win. This is where their hybrid of Belles-Irish spirit shows. For most students on both sides of the street, the football program rules above all other sports. These guys are no different. They cheer at each football game with the same intensity — if not more — than most Irish fans.
But in between cheering for the Irish each home Saturday in the stadium, they also take time to cheer in the Belles' corner. And these are guys you want in your corner.
Steven Christ, Tim Ponisciak and Jake Teske all ended up in the same section in Keough Hall last year as freshmen. After forming friendships with soccer players on the all-female of U.S. 31, an allegiance was born that brought students from both sides of the road together to cheer for each other's sports.
Sauce, Beef and Shakey, as they are often called by close acquaintances, would not have met the requirements of the Irish Guard of Notre Dame. Like many students at both schools, they respect the members of the Guard and the rigorous training that the Guard undergoes. This respect led them to believe that the Belles, particularly the soccer team, should have a similar institution.
To them, it was only right that the members of the Belles Guard should be Notre Dame students, who would support and protect the soccer Belles as a symbol of the unity and support between the two schools.
While at times the attendance of Belles fans at soccer games can be unimpressive, as long as these guys are in school across the street, the Belles will have at least three fans sitting in the stands: the three kilted musketeers of the Belles Guard.
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, October 10, 2000
