The University of Notre Dame, located in Indiana, is widely known for its prestigious athletic programs and rich history. When it comes to school spirit, one of the most recognizable symbols is the university's mascot. The first official mascot of Notre Dame was a live Irish Terrier named "Clashmore Mike." This energetic canine served as a source of inspiration and motivation for the Fighting Irish football team. Clashmore Mike made his debut in 1924, when he was presented as a gift from the sister of Geoffrey Browne, a student at the university. The spirited dog quickly won the hearts of fans and players alike, becoming an iconic symbol of Notre Dame's athletic prowess.
In the modern era, with Notre Dame fully in the mainstream of American higher education and its faculty, students, and alumni totally integrated into American life, the Catholic school’s affection for its Irish heritage has increased, possibly in reaction to the loss of its ethnic connections in other areas. Instead of the Irish terrier, the school mascot is the “Leprechaun.”
After graduating in 1923, he became a sportswriter in New York and noticed that some papers in that city had started calling the team Rockne s Ramblers, Rockne s Rovers, the Rambling Irish, and the Wandering Irish. In the modern era, with Notre Dame fully in the mainstream of American higher education and its faculty, students, and alumni totally integrated into American life, the Catholic school s affection for its Irish heritage has increased, possibly in reaction to the loss of its ethnic connections in other areas.
The spirited dog quickly won the hearts of fans and players alike, becoming an iconic symbol of Notre Dame's athletic prowess. Clashmore Mike attended countless football games, showcasing his loyalty and enthusiasm. He was a key part of the pre-game rituals, leading the team onto the field with his intrepid personality.
Michael Brown: My Years As The Notre Dame Leprechaun
Since 1965 the official mascot of Notre Dame university has been the Leprechaun. Dressed in tights and waving a shillelagh, the Leprechaun keeps the crowds revved up and help to improve morale when the going gets tough.
Michael Brown served as the Notre Dame leprechaun from 1999-2001 and was the first African-American to do so. He was urged to try out for the mascot spot by his roommates.
Mike Brown poses as the Fighting Irish leprechaun. (Mike Bennett)
Despite a lack of cheerleading experience, Brown got the job and used his energy and passion to excite Notre Dame fans.
"This was my very first pep rally. Oh my gosh, I remember it like it was yesterday. I started running, but I had a bad habit of not necessarily looking where I was going. And, so, there was a stack of megaphones directly to my left as I started The Wave. And I ran over the megaphones, tripped, fell hard, got back up and started running again. And, of course, I slipped again, in front of 12 or 13 thousand people. But, you know what, I got back up and just kept running. And so, yeah, a nice way to kick off your inaugural pep rally as a leprechaun."
In this edition of "In Their Own Words," Brown tells Only A Game about his time as Notre Dame's mascot and what it was like being the school's first African-American leprechaun.
To hear the full story, click the play button below the headline at the top of the page.
This segment aired on October 17, 2015.
Clashmore Mike's presence inspired the players to give their all on the field, creating an atmosphere of determination and vigor. The dog's unwavering dedication became a symbol of the university's fighting spirit, earning him the title of the first official mascot. Unfortunately, Clashmore Mike's time as the Notre Dame mascot was cut short. In 1928, he tragically passed away, leaving a void that needed to be filled. Although other mascots have come and gone over the years, Clashmore Mike will always hold a special place in the hearts of Notre Dame fans. Today, the university's mascot is the Leprechaun, a symbol deeply rooted in Irish folklore. However, the spirit and legacy of Clashmore Mike still linger in the halls of Notre Dame. His unwavering loyalty and indomitable spirit continue to inspire generations of students and athletes, keeping the Fighting Irish tradition alive..
Reviews for "Building a Legacy: The Future of Notre Dame's First Mascot"
1. John - Rating: 1/5
Notre Dame's decision to introduce a mascot is an utter disappointment. The Fighting Irish have always been known for their iconic logo and name, so adding a mascot feels like a desperate attempt to appeal to a younger audience. The leprechaun they chose is completely lacking in character and looks more like a generic cartoon character than a symbol of the university's rich history and tradition. It is a major letdown and a disservice to the legacy of Notre Dame.
2. Sarah - Rating: 2/5
I understand that mascots can be a fun and exciting addition to college sports, but Notre Dame's choice of a leprechaun as their mascot just falls flat. The design lacks creativity and seems like a lazy and stereotypical choice. I would have expected Notre Dame to come up with something more unique and representative of their culture and values. Overall, I feel like the mascot is an unnecessary addition that fails to enhance the spirit and identity of the university.
3. Mike - Rating: 1/5
The new mascot for Notre Dame is a complete disappointment. As a fan of the Fighting Irish, I expected something more powerful and fierce to represent our team. The leprechaun just doesn't strike fear or instill any sense of intimidation. It feels more like a gimmick than a symbol of pride and strength. I wish Notre Dame had put more thought and effort into creating a mascot that truly embodies the spirit of the team and the university. The leprechaun mascot falls short in every aspect.
4. Emily - Rating: 2/5
I have mixed feelings about the new Notre Dame mascot. While it is refreshing to see the university embrace the idea of having a mascot, the execution is lacking. The leprechaun design feels cliché and has been done countless times before. It would have been nice to see Notre Dame take a more innovative approach and create something truly unique that sets them apart from other colleges. Overall, the mascot feels underwhelming and fails to make a memorable impact.