Notre Dame’s students and fans are understandably frustrated after starting the season 0-3. Not only is this a historically bad start for the Fighting Irish, but their second loss also broke a 42-game win streak against unranked opponents. Through all this gloom, however, the team’s new head coach, Marcus Freeman, is giving them reason to celebrate: He’s converted to the Catholic faith.
The Fighting Irish’s community website, One Foot Down, tweeted its congratulations to Freeman on September 14. Catholic News Agency, however, notes that the ceremony took place in late August, before the football season began. One Foot Down noted that Freeman prepared for his initiation with Notre Dame’s chaplain, Fr. Nate Willis C.S.C., and was received into the Church by Fr. Bill Schooler of St. Pius X Catholic Church.