They gave it their...

Coach Felton (center, with hood on) and the Lady Purple Weasels

...best, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Yes, after being coached by Steds' very own Danny Felton, the Purple Weasels of Pasquerilla West saw their flag football season run out of gas just shy of the winning the championship game. Indeed, the loss was painful. With a bit of distance now between the loss and this interview, Coach Felton was able to say to me,

"I want people to know that I spent minimal time on my quest for finding a Yacht Dance date to maximum time on actually coaching. That clearly helped, but there was something else... a new offensive scheme. The scheme implemented a shotgun spread-offense (and as always due to the handsomeness of the coaching staff), and the Weasels adapted to it well. The Weasels executed our game plan to perfection and were able to defeat McGlinn 24-0 in the semi-finals. With that, the Weasels had a full head of steam heading into the championship game against PE."

After a drink of water, Coach Felton went on to say, "I didn't let the success of this season go to my head. I refused, respectfully, to talk to Notre Dame's Athletic Director about taking Brian Kelly's job until this season ends, so the rumors that many heard circulating were just not true. Still, if you wanted to watch a game with some real offense, then you needed to be at the ND Stadium this past Sunday and watched the Ladies Weasels. They may have loss, but they played one hella of game."

What did they do?

Wisconsin Adventure: Weber and Noble with photo bombers

For many Notre Dame students, Thanksgiving Break is more than just a break... it's an adventure. Of course, time is spent with family and friends; however, there's also just enough time to have an adventure. That was certainly the case with some Steds seniors who trekked up to Madison, Wisconsin to watch the Wisconsin Badgers take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Surprisingly, the game was great- good football that resulted in the Badgers coming out with the "W" and going to the Big 10 Championship. Still yet, there was also a surprise appearance by Dan Riley! Without doubt, it was an outstanding way to conclude a senior's last Thanksgiving Break. On the adventure, Ian Weber, Steds senior, said, "Who would have thought our last game in college would also be the best AND... it didn't involve the Irish." Yes, Ian... who would have thought it.

It just wouldn't be...

Roman and Perpetua

...Christmas without a Christmas tree. Indeed, it wouldn't! So, with the help of the Hall's Assistant Rectors, Tom Roman (pictured above) and Douglas Barnard, the Hall's Christmas tree made its arrival. In short order, the comely tree took up residence in the chapel, adding its beautiful pine fragrance to the sacred place. On the Christmas tree's arrival, Roman said, “When my gaze first set upon this noble tree, I couldn’t help but shed a tear. Not even the giant redwoods of California could rival this tree’s majesty, its grandeur, or its sublimity. I name this tree Perpetua. Not only will its branches remain ever green, but its presence will remain ever in our hearts.”

Here's a view Perpetua in the St. Ed's chapel...

...and looking pretty bare.

Your Sunday picture...

Sorin Hall is in the way...

...from Notre Dame. Here is a beautiful photo of the Basilica, Main Building and Mary from Bond Hall. This ND vista is always a sight of great beauty, even if Sorin Hall is in the way. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be! 

Saturday's Squirrel.

Welcome stranger...

Well, it may not be a picture of one of our furry friends, but still, it's picture of one of our feathered friends... who shows up at campus every now and then. Here's a picture of a "Hooded Merganser," a bird who migrates south and passes through campus every fall. On seeing the Hood Merganser, Fr. Terry Ehrman, CSC, said, "The Hooded Merganser is one of favorite birds."

Fall continues to...

A beauty in our sight

...dazzle and amaze us here at Notre Dame. Here's a Ginkgo tree that's on the north side of the Main Building and west side of St. Edward's. The clear blue sky and the setting fall sun work together to make tree vibrant with color. On this beautiful fall foliage, Fr. Ralph said, "Seeing this tree, I cannot help but be reminded of psalms... 'Let all creation praise the Lord!'"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful for the view...

The Gentlemen, as I am too, are thankful for all the laughs, Yacht Dances, and memorable times that make this place the special place that is. Thank you to all who help make the traditions endure and high jinxes continue. Carry on, and God's blessing upon you all!

Word in the hallway...

Get out... get out of here!

...is that it is time for Thanksgiving Break. Indeed, it is, and many Stedsmen have left, some leaving right after the football game. For those not headed home, don't worry. There will be a campus wide Thanksgiving Day, and Steds even own, Tom Roman, will lead any and all remaining Stedsmen to the South Dining Hall for an amazing Thanksgiving Day. One request... get me a doggy bag Tom!

Odd man out...

Hall Government in exile?

...Kurt Roemer is as he studies alone in the Gregorian mural room and study lounge. Why? Is it because of his caustic personality? If not, then perhaps an offensive oder? Is he just a loner? On his being alone, Roemer said, "That's the hall government working for the kids. While others sleep, go to class, or leave for Thanksgiving Break, the RHR (Ryan, Haley, Roemer) Administration remains hard at work trying to make dreams come true!"

A model for...

Making all of us feel bad...

...us all! Yes, that's what freshman James Moreman is. Sitting in the Gregorian mural room and study room, studying away, makes everyone feel that they should be doing something that they should be doing, being more productive, acting more responsibly, and so forth. On his diligent studying in the Gregorian, Moreman said, ""It's better when it doesn't smell like burnt Easy Mac." Indeed, it does... indeed, it does James.

Your Sunday picture...

The Log Chapel

...from Notre Dame. Here's a picture of the Log Chapel, the one and only building at Notre Dame at its founding in 1842. It's true. Fr. Sorin and seven Holy Cross brothers lived in the chapel's "attic" until Old College was built. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

FedEx squirrel: Lawyer up

Our furry friends never fail to surprise us. You really don't know when and where you will see them. This furry friend was spotted in LaFortune's FedEx store peddling pictures put on canvas. While the huge "Buy One, Get One Free" sticker does capture one's attention, perhaps even moving some of us to take advantage of the sale, our attention can't help but return to our friend in the tree. On seeing this furry friend, Fr. Ralph said, "We had an agreement. NO other photo shots with other outfits. This is breach of contract, and we'll see you in court."

Oh, the things...

Anything but banal...

...the Gentlemen write on their dry erase boards. Witty and insightful, and in this case, historical and downright insightful. Without doubt, the resident of 311 is not only a historian but also a modern day 'thought leader' for our days and times at St. Edward's. Will there be more to come from this sage? Stay tuned, and find out. I hope so...

Houston...

How long will the new microwave last?

...we have a problem. Yes, there was a huge problem recently in the second floor Gregorian study lounge. It appears that a freshman was unaware that he needed to add water to the bowl of Easy Mac & Cheese that he was cooking in the room's microwave. Suffice it to say, the smell of burnt "Easy Mac," let alone melted plastic, was stifling and overwhelming so much so that the room had to be abandoned for a couple of days and the microwave thrown away in a dumpster. Yes, that's right... a new microwave had to be purchased. On the recent cooking accident, Andrew Wentzel, Steds junior said, "Well, at least I'm not the reason it stinks in there anymore," while his roommate, Alex Cervantez, said, "Having to leave the Greg because of the awful smell was detrimental in so many ways. I understand everyone makes mistakes, but how do you mess up 'Easy Mac"? They put the word 'EASY" in the name for crying out loud." Still yet, an unnamed Stedsman, said, "Freshmen."

They played with...

Trying to win one for the Gipper...

...heart and honor until the very end! Sadly, the Steds inter-hall football team was defeated by Duncan Hall in semi-final action this past Sunday. With key players absent and with Coach Phineas sidelined due to injury, unfortunately, the balance was tipped in favor of Duncan. Still, the Steds squad did something that no Steds team had done in almost ten years... make to the semi-finals! A big thank you to Coach Phineas, the players, and dedicated fans for a fun and exciting run. On the inter-hall football season, an unnamed player said, "Next year..." Next year indeed!

Fall continues...

A beauty to behold...

...to dazzle, and the Steds Sugar Maple in the park hasn't failed to capture our attention. Providing great shade in the summer, the Steds tree has become a great blob of color... radiant red, orange and even yellow.  And against a bright blue sky, the colors only become more radiant. On the Steds Sugar Maple, an unnamed Steds resident said, "God's creation never fails to amaze us!" 

What are they doing...

Schelhorn: the best part of his week

...on a Monday? Yes, what are students doing on a Monday. Many things, but one popular and necessary thing to do is laundry. Without doubt, Sundays and Mondays are the most popular days to do laundry, and so, many stay away. Still, one brave soul, Alex Schelhorn, ventured into the Steds laundry room on Monday evening. On doing laundry, Schelhorn said, "There is no better feeling than putting on a shirt fresh out of the dryer. It's often the best part of my week."

Your Sunday picture...

A stunning view from St. Edward's Park

...from Notre Dame. Sometimes a photo says it all... and folks, I think that's the case here. Nothing better could be said. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Which one is Yoda?

Okay, these furry friends were not spotted on a quad at Notre Dame, but nevertheless, this doctored photo of squirrels in a Star Wars motif has to bring a laugh. But what's not a laughing matter, when squirrels get violent... and they can be because they are fiercely territorial. Was that the case in Florida? To read the story, click HERE. Still, when asked about the situation in Florida, a campus squirrel non-verbaled, "Stay away. That squirrel is NUTS!"

We didn't forget...

Steds seniors, Kempf, Ruggles, and Hilly, witnessing and savoring history. 

...that in the midst of Founder's Week celebrations, something, that many thought couldn't happen, happened. What happened? The Cubs won the World Series, and yup, you guessed it. Stedsmen were present for the festivities at Wrigleyville, festivities that went well into the early hours of the morning. On the win, Brandon Ruggles said, "People keep questioning whether this picture is photoshopped, but it really isn't. Our chests really are just that defined - shoutout to the Steds gym!" Still, on the win, Fr. Ralph said, "Good thing they didn't have morning classes."

At attention...

Remembering veterans 

...Notre Dame's ROTC members are. As is custom, members of the various ROTC programs at Notre Dame began their vigil at the University's War Memorial Fountain. With warm temps and plenty of sunshine, members of ROTC Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, took to their stations at the fountain, making for a powerful and meaning witness. On the vigil, Matt Cyrs, Steds freshman and Navy ROTC, said, "The ROTC Tri-Mil 24-hour vigil is extremely important to all midshipmen and cadets here at ND because it's an expression of our gratitude and appreciation to all those men and women who have faithfully served our country and paved the way for us to be where we are today.  It is those unnumbered soldiers who have truly made us the greatest country in the world."

We have...

You really need to BE Sticha...

...a budding, unknown artist at St. Ed's who goes by the name of Bensky. WHEN will he impart his craft, and WHERE will he leave his mark? Moreover, WHAT will his subject be, and WHAT is he trying to communicate? Who knows... after all he is an artist. On his recent piece left outside the room of John Sticha, Steds sophomore, Bensky said, "John Sticha is a work of art on his own. Where did he come from? What does he do? Why does he do the things he does. But wait... imagine YOU are John Sticha! Now the real mystery sets in." Deep Bensky... deep indeed.

Oh coach, oh...

Coaching from the couch: Coach Phineas

...coach! Don't worry, Coach Phineas is fine, but no question about it, he's not playing football anytime soon. In defeating Dunne, the Steds squad suffered a great loss as Coach Phineas suffered a season ending injuring. While Dunne is done, Steds is not down and out because Coach Phineas' resolve to win has never been stronger! On Coach Phineas being sidelined, Max Kempf, Steds senior and football player, said, "In the words of Ronald Reagan, 'win one for the gipper.' And that's what we're going to do this Sunday!"

All good things must...

St. Edward's: You've never looked better!

...come to an end. Yes, Founder's Week came to an end yesterday, but it didn't go out with a whimper. Following Mass, where the St. Edward medal was given, there was a brief, yet festive, Founder's Week Closing Soiree in the Flounge. Amid ice cream cakes and several varieties of ice cream as well as laughter and smiles, Stedsmen and invited guest closed Founder's Week 2016. On the soiree, Dougie Barnard '15, Assistant Rector and second year law student, said, "It was a sweet ending to a wonderful week!"

Your Sunday picture...

Hoping for endless fall...

...from Notre Dame. It's a glorious Sunday at Notre Dame with warm temps and beautiful colors. While the football season is a different story, the season of fall at Notre Dame has truly been amazing. You really couldn't ask for anything better! Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

It was a...

Playing for fun and glory

...beautiful day for playing badminton! The Gentlemen had great weather as they took to North Quad for the Shuttlecock Showdown. This cherished event was a showcase for the Gentlemen to show their skill with racquet and shuttlecock. And what skill they had... well some of them. The Showdown saw the rise and fall of many teams. Some teams were deposed of quickly while others had a prolonged exit... not giving up until the bloody end. In the end, freshmen, Sam Schaeffer and Will Kelly, defeated of team of seniors, Ben Cote and Andrew Noble, and won the Showdown. On the Shuttlecock Showdown, Kurt Roemer, Steds Vice-President and Showdown organizer, said, "The world's favorite event showcasing a true gentleman's sport didn't disappoint - the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat were ever present. What a day to be alive!"

Thoughts, memories, and musings...

The proud award winner, Wetzel, and with an equally proud Fr. Ralph

...were given by none other than by John Wetzel '16, the newest inductee into the Order of Gentleman. At the Founder's Week Dinner held in the Oak Room of South Dining Hall, Wetzel imparted not only words of wisdom but also some of his favorite stories from his days at Steds...a real treat. Later, Wetzel was recognized for his service to the Hall- offering his design talents and leadership for keeping modular furniture out of the Hall- and was inducted into the Hall's Order of Gentleman for "action faithful and honor clear to Hall and King." While he will be remembered along with other recipients by a plaque in the Hall's main lobby, Wetzel was given at the end of the dinner a small plaque and a specially minted coin commemorating this high honor. On the induction, John Ryan said, "In South Dining Hall's illustrious Oak Room, many have shared marvelous advice; but they all pale in comparison to John Wetzel, the newest inductee to the Order of Gentleman, who recounted for us his wonderful tales of serving Hall and King!"

Still, on HIS induction, Wetzel said, "Founder's Week is a truly time honored tradition, steeped in prestige, so it was truly an honor and a privilege to receive this award during this annual event. As always, it was great to come back to campus and see the current Stedsmen." 

A day in the park...

Taking a break from "gentlemenly" diversions to take a picture...

...has never been so fun, well, unless it's St. Edward's Park! It's true. St. Edward's does not belong to North Quad or God Quad rather we belong to St. Edward's Park, that green area just east of the Dome. Over time, our fountain may have disappeared, and we had to cede land for the building of Cavanaugh and Zahm Halls, but the fact remains, as does the deed, that the green space south of Hall is St. Edward's Park. Amid games of bocce and badminton and Capri Suns, Oreo cookies, and cigars, the Gentlemen of St. Ed's renewed their claim to this small tract of land as they celebrated "A Day in the Park." On the day, Joshua Blossfeld, Steds freshman, said, "The day in St. Ed's Park was a great time for all Stedsmen to relax and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Corn hole, badminton, cigars, and food... what else could one want? It was a great break from classwork and studying to enjoy company of fellow Gentlemen.”

Happy Founder's Week, and may the Founder smile on you always!

...and another one in the photo style of old.

They came, they saw...

Not one left!

... and they ate. On Tuesday morning of Founder's Week, the Gentlemen were treated to a "Breakfast of Champions" in the Flounge. No. This was NOT your John Belushi's SNL Breakfast of Champions, with little chocolate doughnuts, but rather a breakfast with fresh glazed doughnuts from Krispy Kreme and assorted morning beverages. Indeed, what better way to start one's morning than this? After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. On the Breakfast of Champions, Peter Schelble, Steds sophomore, said, "Although I may not have conquered that accounting exam this morning, I STILL felt like a champion after a Krispy Kreme doughnut and some chocolate milk!"

Rededication Day.

Another plaque for the wall

Founder's Week commenced with "Rededication Day.” Once again, Stedsmen gathered to rededicate the Rededication of the Rededication of… the Dedication of the Gregorian. Originally called the Sorin Society Room, it was forgotten and lost for a number of years. Rediscovered in the early 2000’s when a fake wall was removed, the mural was restored at great cost. Painted by Luigi Gregori- the artist who painted the University's Basilica and Main Building- the room was dedicated to his memory in 2006.

This year’s Rededication saw a reading about the room from the Scholastic in 1884, a phone call from Frank Soler, past hall president, as well as a passionate reading of Dr. Suess’ “Green Eggs and Green Ham” by Christopher Scott. Oh, yes. Thanks to Peter Fink and Colin Vaughan there was a trombone fanfare with the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

On the Rededication, Chris Scott said, “Founder's Week has gotten off to an exciting start, with the Rededication of our beloved Gregorian, affectionately known as the Greg. I am not sure if I like green eggs and ham, but I am sure that all of us, including myself, love the Greg and St. Edward's Hall, our wonderful home!” 

Welcome by Fr. Ralph...

...getting serious with the President, Brandon Ryan...

... with Chris Scott (in blue) giving a dramatic resuscitation...

...all in honor of Luigi!