UPON FURTHER REVIEW TODD D. BURLAGE
"M
AY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION
PLEASE! This is Tim McCarthy for
the Indiana State Police."
No two sentences in the history of
Notre Dame Stadium will ever quiet a
crowd faster than when Sgt. McCarthy
grabbed the public address mic at Notre
Dame Stadium to deliver his fourth-
quarter traffic safety tip, or should we
say quip.
"Fans … please keep your trip home as
safe as possible by driving with caution,
courtesy and common sense. Take your time,
stay alert, and above all do not mix drinking
and driving. Remember: Driving half lit …
is not very bright!"
For 55 years, McCarthy captivated his
audience at the stadium with a sober-
ing and important reminder that was
always capped by a catchy pun.
After delivering his quirky message
during nearly every home game since
1961, McCarthy made his final safety an-
nouncement Saturday during the Mas-
sachusetts game.
"It's been a heck of a run," McCarthy
said, "but it's time to step aside."
McCarthy's style and message be-
came so ingrained into the Notre Dame
game-day experience, the university
honored the former Indiana State Police
officer and Porter County Sheriff on the
field Saturday for what he calls, "a gim-
mick that worked."
With more than 300 quips over 55
years to choose from, finding the best,
and worst, of McCarthy's collection is
next to impossible, but still fun to try.
"Weaving in and out of traffic can make
you a basket case!"
"Tearing up the highway could be the end
of the road!"
"Driving like a turkey is a fowl way to
drive!"
"Never drive faster than your guardian
angel can fly!"
McCarthy's 10-second stadium tradi-
Notre Dame Says Good-Bye
To A Stadium Legend
Sgt. Tim McCarthy (right) — seen here with public
address announcer Mike Collins (left) — served as
Notre Dame Stadium's safety education officer for
55 years.
PHOTO BY MIKE BENNETT/COURTESY NOTRE DAME MEDIA RELATIONS
