Following back to back losses to Pitt and Tennessee, much negative press has been penned concerning the failings of coaches and players alike. As I watch the games week in and week out, I have noticed one team member who comes ready to play each week. His high energy and enthusiasm provides a spark to those around him. He never gives up hope, despite what the scoreboard says. His crushing tackles have brought the fans to their feet to cheer him time and again.

Let us salute our leprechaun, Mike Brown. A resident of O’Neill Hall, Mike was chosen from a field of eight finalists to spend his junior year wearing the green knickers and vest of the official mascot for the 1999 athletic season.

Watching Mike at work makes one tired. His hyperkinetic cheerleading leads him in a complete circle around Notre Dame stadium by the end of the game. He rarely stands still as he exhorts the crowd to cheer for the Irish. At the ASU game, two teenage girls behind me were quite frustrated by this; they wanted to take a picture of "that cute guy" but he wouldn’t stand still long enough for them to focus their camera. He has added new cheers, which we sorely need in a season when there has been precious little to cheer about. "When I say go, you say Irish..GO....IRISH...GOGO....IRISHIRISH," is one of my favorites.

Mike must have energy stores that I can only dream about. Not only does he attend and cheer at every ND pep rally, football game, and basketball game, he also maintains a high level of academic excellence in the classroom. He currently is carrying 3.00 GPA in the demanding major of Management Information Systems. He travels with the football team, which means missing classes on Fridays of away games. Perhaps his game day breakfast of Lucky Charms contributes to his inexhaustible spirit. He should be commended for having the energy just to get out of bed, not to mention cheering with such enthusiasm.

And then there are those memorable tackles.

Trojan and Spartan alike have felt the crushing blow of a Mike Brown hit. Sparky the ASU mascot was extinguished when Mike blindsided him and drove him into the turf, pitchfork and all. And the replay on CBS from the Pitt game clearly showed Mike tackling the Panther, causing his head to literally seperate from his body. We could use a tackler like that in our linebacking corps!

All kidding aside, Mike has done a tremendous job this year, representing Notre Dame athletics with style and verve. I noticed at the Navy game, someone had brought their baby to the game dressed as a leprechaun. Mike took the child from the stands, and allowed the parents to get a nice picture taken with him. That was classy; I’m sure it made the parent’s day. Little things like that have endeared Mike to the fans and student body alike. He even gets recognized by some of the cashiers at University Park Mall when he goes shopping!

So, if you see Mike around campus this week during the BC game, give a shout out to one of Notre Dame’s most recognized on-field personalities. He should be congratulated on a job well done representing ND this season. And Bob...seriously, give him a look at linebacker!