(This article appeared in the 11-4-02 issue of Irish Today.)

Running back/linebacker Travis Thomas has loved Notre Dame for many years. This weekend was a special one for him.

Thomas has been a fan of the Irish since the age of six and this past weekend was his first time seeing a game in South Bend. Irish Today talked with Thomas about his visit, his thoughts on the game and where his recruiting tour heads from here.

What did he think of the play on the field?

"Mistakes just killed them; the fumbles killed them," Thomas said. "It was a replay of what happened to my team last week. It was the first round of the playoffs and we just had too many fumbles and it killed us.  It's hard, I know how they felt."

While the results were not what he hoped for, nothing could spoil his trip. Thomas' itinerary was similar to the one that all incoming recruits go through on gameday.

"It started on Saturday at about 10:30," Thomas said.  "We had breakfast with the team, went to the game mass and then walked over to the stadium."

Once at the stadium, Thomas and the other recruits went into the conference room to get a quick talk from both Coach Willingham and Coach Mattison. What did Willingham tell them?

"He just welcomed us all and said that he hoped it was everything that we imagined it to be," Thomas said.  "He said to enjoy ourselves and that this was the time to ask any of the questions that we had because we may not get another chance. He was great."

The recruits then went into the locker room for the pregame and then took their seats for the game. After the game, they all went out to dinner with the coaches before meeting up with their hosts. 

At dinner, Coach Willingham told Thomas what he has told many young men this year. He told him exactly what is expected of a Notre Dame man.

"He expects you to give 100-percent all the time," Thomas said. "He expects honesty, hard work and a commitment to the team and the university. He also wants you to be a good person and be active in the community."

Who was Thomas' player host for the weekend?

"Vontez Duff," Thomas said. "He's a cool guy, a great guy. He gave me some good advice. He said, 'Follow your heart and come in with the right attitude and
just do it.' He also said to think about what you can do later in life with a degree from Notre Dame, which is true."

Thomas has two, possibly three, more trips left, including Boston College.

"I saw Bob Shoop," Thomas said of the Boston College coach that has been recruiting him. "They can't speak with you, since you're on another team's time, but he waved."

Thomas will be at Boston College on December 6th, Iowa on the 23rd of November and possibly Northwestern on November 15th. Boston College will definitely be his last trip.

When will he make his decision?

"Boston College is my last trip and I won't make a decision before that," Thomas said. "I'll decide my mid to late-December."

Until then, Thomas will be weighing his options and remembering his first Notre Dame game in person. Was it everything he expected?

"It was everything I expected and more," Thomas said.

What stands out the most about the Notre Dame environment?

"The fans," Thomas said. "The fans are so supportive; there is no backing down with them. Just like the players on the team, the fans never gave up."

Win, lose or draw, Notre Dame is a special place.  Travis Thomas learned that this weekend.