The parking lot at Capriotti’s Catering was packed hours before Marcus Freeman’s scheduled arrival, as fans from throughout the region gathered to catch a glimpse of the Notre Dame football coach.

Freeman, who has become one of the most recognizable faces in college football, visited the area Wednesday as the featured guest of the Notre Dame Club of Schuylkill County. A crowd of more than 250 was on hand to hear him speak, take photos and celebrate their shared passion for the Fighting Irish.

The Chevy Tahoe carrying Freeman pulled into the venue just before noon, met with cheers and applause. Though he was running a bit behind after flying into Philadelphia International Airport, the energy never wavered.

“He’s absolutely worth the wait,” said Derek Flail, a Pennsylvania state trooper from Lake Hauto and a former North Schuylkill football standout. Wearing a Notre Dame pullover, Flail smiled like a kid on Christmas morning.

Freeman, stylish and relaxed, took time to sign autographs and pose for photos with those who had special tickets. He was approachable and engaging — and he impressed attendees with the same charm and confidence that have made him one of college football’s most popular coaches.

This marked the first time since March 1989 that a Notre Dame head football coach visited the Schuylkill County club. That year, Lou Holtz made the trip — and later led the Irish to a national title with a win over West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.

When informed of that coincidence, Freeman simply smiled.

“Hope it happens again,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.

Stephanie McCarroll, who organized the event, was thrilled with the turnout and the club’s recent success.

“We are one of 286 Notre Dame clubs around the country that are made up of non-alumni,” McCarroll said. “We’re made up of people who are passionate about Notre Dame and want to be part of it in some way.”

The Schuylkill County chapter has been named Club of the Year in its size category for the past three years, and recently earned recognition as the top club in the country. In addition to hosting events, the club has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable causes — including more than $12,000 last year for the American Cancer Society. Wednesday’s luncheon also featured a food drive to benefit 11 local pantries.

Freeman’s mother-in-law, Marie Downey, made the trip from Canton, Ohio — home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“You know where Canton is, don’t you?” she said with a laugh.

When told about Schuylkill County’s own NFL connection — including a display at the Hall honoring the Pottsville Maroons, who beat a team of Notre Dame All-Stars in 1925 — Downey was delighted.

“That’s interesting — oh, my,” she said. “My husband is a crazy Notre Dame fan!”

Many other local football fans and coaches were on hand, including coaching legend Dave “Whitey” Williams, who guided Mount Carmel to three state titles and coached current Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach.

“It’s great for our area to have a coach like Marcus Freeman visit,” Williams said. “I always preached that academics and athletics lead to success. It’s something I’ve lived by.”

Marian Catholic head coach Billy O’Gurek, entering his second season leading the football program, was equally excited.

“The recognition for the Schuylkill County Notre Dame Club is just great,” O’Gurek said. He also highlighted Jamie Ryan — a Marian graduate who went on to play at Notre Dame from 2002-06.

Freeman, who enters his fourth season leading the Irish, said he was encouraged by the team’s progress this spring and the emergence of a new quarterback.

“I think they’re going to do some great things for our program,” Freeman said. “Competition is what you want.”

Asked about visiting Penn State territory, Freeman didn’t hesitate.

“Notre Dame is a national brand,” said the former Ohio State linebacker. “And you’re reminded of that when you travel across the country.”

He was more reserved when asked about Name, Image and Likeness developments in college sports, but acknowledged its growing impact.

“We have some really intelligent people handling that,” Freeman said. “So we’ll see what the future holds.”

Can Notre Dame win a national championship in the NIL era?

“Why not?” Freeman said. “We got close this year. Every year, you’re trying to build your program and give yourself the best opportunity. There’s a strong belief and a lot of support that we can do it.”

Freeman also welcomed the idea of College Football Playoff expansion.

“The more, the merrier,” he said with a smile.

Before leaving, Freeman reflected on the passion of Notre Dame fans — even in small-town Pennsylvania.

“This is a reminder of the position I hold, and how passionate our university, fans, and alumni are about this football program,” he said.

The echoes of Notre Dame pride were alive and well — even in McAdoo, where the faithful gathered, the thunder shook once more.