IRISH INSIDER: Halvorson hits the books and then the field
By MARK ZAVODNYIK
Sports Writer
Jason Halvorson didn't come to Notre Dame to play football. The walk-on senior defensive lineman from Burnsville, Minn., arrived at Notre Dame to focus on academics.
"I came to Notre Dame because it's a great academic institution, and I figured my football days were over," Halvorson said.
Halvorson spent his inaugural football season at Notre Dame in the student section like most undergrads. However after experiencing the aura and tradition of Notre Dame football from the stands, Halvorson knew that he needed to be a part of it on the field.
So at the end of his freshman year, Halvorson tried out at spring practice and made the squad. He has been living the dream of Notre Dame fans ever since.
From being in the locker room to playing in the games, Halvorson has been able to live out his dreams as a Notre Dame football player.
"You get goose bumps on the back of your neck running out of the tunnel, looking out into the 80,000-people sea of green," he said. "It's exhilarating."
This season Halvorson was on the sidelines for every home and away game. All of the hard work paid off when Halvorson got into the action for a play in Notre Dame's Oct. 5 victory over Stanford. However, the best part of being a Notre Dame football player for Halvorson has been the daily opportunity to follow in the footsteps of so many Irish greats, from George Gipp to Rocket Ismail, and the chance to wear a gold helmet.
"Making the football team is definitely one of my biggest football achievements," Halvorson said. "When I tried out freshman year, I didn't even expect to make the team."
Another achievement that Halvorson is very proud of is the scholarship that he earned for his senior year.
"I was totally surprised when Coach Willingham told me about the scholarship," Halvorson said.
This season Halvorson has had an opportunity to be part of the renaissance of Notre Dame football. New coach Tyrone Willingham has instilled in his players the importance of team unity.
"The team has really come together and set goals for itself," Halvorson said.
Willingham and his staff have also instilled a belief that the team can accomplish its goals. Halvorson talks about how this foundation of being goal-oriented is evident in all aspects of this team.
"From day one, Coach Willingham set a standard for us to achieve," Halvorson said. "We are trying everyday to achieve those standards that he set for us."
This season has been highlighted for the Irish by a win over Florida State at Tallahassee. For Halvorson, that game was the most exciting of his career.
"It was a riot to go down there and beat them at home," Halvorson said.
But the world doesn't end with football for Halvorson, who has bigger plans in state after graduation.
The science pre-professional major plans to attend medical school next year. Despite his difficult class schedule and lofty expectations, Halvorson said the opportunity to be a part of the Notre Dame football team has been worth juggling his responsibilities.
"It's hard, it hasn't been easy, but at the same time it has been really rewarding," he said.
As he approaches his final two games as a Notre Dame football player, Halvorson will be forced to look back at his career and think about how far he has come. In the end, he'll be able to say that he was a member of one of the most tradition-rich teams in all of collegiate athletics.
"It's fun just to be a part of it," Halvorson said. "To say that you are a part of something truly bigger than yourself."
All Sports Stories for Friday, November 22, 2002
