By Ryan Ernst
Enquirer staff writer

Former St. Xavier quarterback Marty Mooney won the first Enquirer-Channel 9 Prep Football Player of the Year award in 2001. He eventually committed to Yale and spent a year at the Ivy League school before surfacing on Notre Dame's roster last year. The sophomore quarterback for the Irish recently took time to answer some questions from Enquirer reporter Ryan Ernst.

Q: The last we heard, you were at Yale. Why did you transfer?

A: I kind of grew up loving Notre Dame, but they didn't show much interest in me and Yale did. I just found out that Yale wasn't the place for me and Notre Dame was. It was strictly my thing. I wanted to go and give it a shot.

Q: Is coach (Tyrone) Willingham as serious as he seems in interviews?

A: He can be. He lightens things up from time to time, but he's a very business-oriented man and he like to get things done efficiently.

Q: What's the atmosphere like in South Bend after a big win, such as the Michigan game earlier this season?

A: It's unbelievable. That was probably one of the best things I've ever been a part of in sports, to be on the field when the fans charged the field after the win over Michigan.

Q: What's your favorite thing about Notre Dame?

A: Probably the people. There are just a lot of down-to-earth people, and they love their football. You can't beat the football Saturdays in South Bend. And there are so many great traditions. The walk across campus is really cool before the game. Everyone comes out and cheers the team on. Running out of the tunnel before a game is great. That's not

unique to Notre Dame, but it feels unique. And hitting the "Play like a champion today" sign, that's

really cool.

Q: Why doesn't Notre Dame recruit in Cincinnati as much as it used to? Have you said anything?

A: Not really, but no one's really asked me about it. I know they're looking at a couple guys from the area this year. But if they asked me, I'd definitely tell them there are some ballplayers down there.

Q: Where are you on the depth chart?

A: I'm about fourth or fifth string, kind of stuck down there. I dress for home games. Hopefully I can make the travel squad next year.

Q: Your St. X team put a hurting on (Notre Dame starting quarterback) Brady Quinn in the state semifinals your senior year. Do you ever remind him of that?

A: Sometimes. Generally I don't, but other guys on the team do. I just laugh. It's never a real serious type of conversation, though.

Q: Current St. X quarterback Robby Schoenhoft was a freshman when you were a senior. What do you think about the way he's developed?

A: Robby and I are very close. He's come a long way. I remember him as kind of a wide-eyed freshman, and he's really come a long way since then. I saw him last week against St. Francis (N.Y.) and he looked great. I'm really happy for him and all the things he's accomplished.

Q: You won the Enquirer's first Player of the Year award as a senior. Do you know where it is?

A: The actual trophy is down in the basement at my parents' house. My mom keeps all my stuff from my senior year down there. So it's behind the bar, displayed for everyone to see.