Letters to the Editor: Notre Dame fans thank OU for hospitality

Editor’s Note: Over the weekend, The Daily received an influx of letters from grateful Notre Dame fans expressing appreciation for Sooner hospitality.

I had the pleasure of attending the Notre Dame vs. OU game. Hats off to the students and fans in Norman. You should be proud of the hospitality and spirit your students, fans and alumni displayed. I look forward to your visit to Notre Dame next year. You can expect the same treatment there. (The bad news is that there are few bars and restaurants across the street from campus, so stock up for tailgating.)

Mike Greene, Notre Dame class of 1969

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On the way home from the game on Sunday, I finally got around to reading a copy of The Daily, and I saw the half page ad from President David Boren encouraging all Oklahoma fans to be great hosts to your visitors from Notre Dame. I want to say “Mission Accomplished!” Everyone we met before, during and after the game was extraordinarily friendly and welcoming.

Y’all could not have been nicer. Thank you for making it a great weekend. We look forward to the game next year, where we promise you another spirited football game and, more importantly, we promise to be competitive in the warm welcome we give to the Boomer Sooners.

Mark Rolfes, Notre Dame class of 1984

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My family and I were at OU for the Notre Dame game. We came to Norman maybe not expecting a victory but still wanting to be part of what we had always heard was a great game-day experience. And we were not disappointed.

It started with a gracious gesture from an OU couple who gave my daughter a ride to the game from the Oklahoma City airport and then invited us all to their tailgate right outside the stadium. And it just kept getting better (thanks Grant).

All of the fans we met were extremely cordial. “Welcome” was a word we heard over and over. People went out of their way to welcome us and give us history and background on the university as we took a pregame tour, including your beautiful library building.

And as difficult as it must have been, the folks we met there were just as gracious after what was a most disappointing outcome to the game for them.

Classy is the only way to describe the whole day. Beautiful campus, great stadium atmosphere and loyal Sooner fans made it known before, during and after the game.

College football at its best.

We look forward to welcoming the Sooner nation to the Notre Dame campus next year.

Sal Leccese, Notre Dame 1964

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As a Notre Dame fan, I attended the game Oct. 27 with my son. We came away more impressed with how accommodating, considerate and genuinely nice the fans of the University of Oklahoma are.

I had numerous interactions with OU fans, and came away very impressed. I would like to publicly thank the fans for their hospitality and wish OU good luck for the rest of the season.

Mike Shetterly

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Having never been to Norman or Oklahoma and only ever having read the President’s letter to “host ND fans with respect” and Coach Bob Stoops echoing the president’s sentiments, I must say I think the comments were completely unnecessary. What an absolutely wonderful atmosphere with the classiest fans I have ever been around. Regardless of the outcome of the game, OU fans should be proud of the way they represent their University.

Well done! Notre Dame looks forward to hosting all of you next year. Boomer Sooner!

Mike Mikiciuk, Notre Dame 2002

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I would like to congratulate the OU community on the wonderful welcome they gave Notre Dame fans this past weekend. Our two adult sons traveled to Norman for the game and could not say enough good about OU’s fans.

From one of our son’s Facebook page: Oklahoma fans are hands down the most hospitable fan base I have ever encountered. Very, very classy, even after the game. An extremely fun fan base as well. I hope South Bend returns the favor next year when the Sooners come to Notre Dame.

Thank you for your wonderful display of sportsmanship — so refreshing to see in a world where this is not always the norm. Best of luck to the Sooners!

Betsy McCorry