IRISH INSIDER: Faine's backup accepts playing out of the spotlight
By JOE LICANDRO
Sports Writer
Ryan Scarola isn't used to playing in the spotlight.
The fifth-year back-up center has played in every game the past two seasons, but usually only in his special teams capacity. But at Michigan State this year, the time arrived for Scarola to step up us Jeff Faine's backup. When the starting Irish center left the game briefly after spraining his ankle, Scarola took to the field.
"I'd never really played center in a game before," Scarola said. "I was really excited to get a chance to play."
Being Faine's backup is not a position that would afford one much playing time, but Scarola believes he has learned much from the experience.
"You have to be ready," he said. "Your nerves kind of go away and instinct takes over. You never know. It teaches you a good lesson."
Scarola has not regretted one moment of his time on the football squad.
"It's a dream to play here," the pschycology major said. "I think that motivates everybody. Playing football, which you love [is part of the motivation], but I think it's a dream to play here especially."
Additionally, his positive attitude and duty to the team have made his experience rewarding.
"I enjoy what I do," Scarola said. "I like playing here. I like everything about it."
Scarola has always enjoyed football, and Notre Dame has been part of his life ever since he was a baby.
Scarola's father, a Notre Dame graduate, proposed to his mother during a game at Notre Dame Stadium. So despite being an export from Export, Penn., he has always had Irish blood.
Although Scarola did not see any playing time in his capacity as backup center during his freshman year, his sophomore year brought some playing time as well as his first career start against Kansas.
Scarola is still amazed from his first-ever experience running out of the tunnel into the Notre Dame Stadium.
"The most unforgettable [moment] was probably the Michigan game my freshman year, coming out of the tunnel," Scarola said. Despite knowing that he would not be playing in that game, Scarola said the day still stands out as one of his best Notre Dame memories.
"You don't really realize what it's like to walk out into the Stadium until you actually do it," Scarola said. "That's probably the most memorable thing for me."
Scarola is relishing every moment of this, his last season donning the blue and gold.
"You can't put a price on playing here," Scarola said. "It's unforgettable."
All Sports Stories for Friday, November 22, 2002
