SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Tailgating is a cherished tradition before every Notre Dame game, often accompanied by heartwarming stories that enhance the spirit of the day. Chief Photojournalist Don Schoenfeld recently discovered a compelling tale that intertwines love with the deep-rooted connections fans have for both Notre Dame and the Navy.
Mike Robinson and Erica Donati shared their unique story, which began about four years ago on a Notre Dame Facebook page. “I dressed up in some kind of suit and put it on the Facebook page, and she commented on it,” Robinson recalled. Their initial interaction on social media sparked a friendship that soon blossomed into something more. “I just clicked on her page to kind of see who she was and asked her a question because she is from Memphis, Tennessee,” he explained. “I asked her why she was a Notre Dame fan, and from there, it just took off.” Fast forward to today, and the couple proudly boasts season tickets to Notre Dame games.
“We’re tailgaters at 7:30 or 8 o’clock in the morning from Fort Wayne and Memphis, Tennessee,” Robinson added, emphasizing the joy of game day traditions. Donati chimed in, sharing a bit of family history behind their Notre Dame fandom. “My grandfather, Pete Kehoe, was from Boston and was accepted into Notre Dame, but during the war, he chose to serve in the Navy instead.” She reflected on how her mother met her father after moving from Boston to Tennessee, further solidifying their family’s loyalty to the Fighting Irish. “We’ve been fanatics my whole life. We love Notre Dame. I’ve never been to a Navy-Notre Dame game,” Donati admitted.
Robinson echoed her thoughts, noting the rarity of Navy-Notre Dame matchups at home. “I’ve never been… they don’t play at home a lot,” he said. For Donati, attending this particular game is exciting, as it would have been one of her grandfather’s favorite events.
The Notre Dame-Navy game is steeped in history and tradition, and for fans like Robinson and Donati, it represents much more than just a football game. It symbolizes a shared love for family, connection, and deep-rooted loyalty to their teams.