Rallying the Stedsmen...

Cook (R) putting the full court press on Bennis (L)

...is the order of the day. Mobilizing every head of hair at Steds for the upcoming battle with Malaria means pressing the case to join the cause wherever Stedsmen can be found. Whether it is the hallway or lounge, the classroom or the gym, or even if it is outside the entrance of LaFortune, Ben Cook, Mullet Commander in Chief, is making the case to his fellow Stedsmen to crown their heads with a coiffure from the glorious Eighties- the mullet. 

On his way to LaFortune, Andrew Bennis, Steds sophomore, was stopped by Cook who encouraged him to get "mullet-ed" this Thursday. Immediately following Cook's persuasive arguments and cajoling, I was able to ask Bennis a few questions. Here's what Bennis had to say...

St. Ed: Even though they have the locks, many young men are on the fence about joining the fight. Are you one of those young men, sitting in the proverbial fence?

Bennis: Last year, I was on the fence about getting my hair cut. I wasn’t sure if I had the cheekbones to pull it off. How wrong I was. This year, I have left the fence behind; it’s nothing but nets for me now. 

St. Ed: Okay, you’ll be sporting a mullet, but what can a mullet really do against malaria?

Bennis: The funds that we raise from this event will go to purchase mosquito nets for populations that are vulnerable to malaria. The nets keep mosquitos away, which is ironic, because mullets seem to have the opposite effect with women.

St. Ed: What message do you hope your mullet sends to the enemy?

Bennis: While nets provide physical protection from mosquitoes, our hope is that the mullets will simultaneously strike fear into their very tiny hearts. You know, a classic one-two punch. 

St. Ed: Is there anything you want to say to your folks and friends at home?

Bennis: To friends and family who can’t experience this distinguished event in person- the more money we raise, the more nets we can buy, the more people we can help, and the longer we will have the honor of sporting history’s finest hairstyle on campus. Any and all support would be greatly appreciated!

Maybe you can't get a mullet, but you CAN join the fight. Click HERE.

Just in time...

Meadowcraft, Harris and Merrick inspecting the merchandise 

...for the battle. As the Gentlemen prepare to once again wage war against malaria, they will do so in style. Arriving just in time for the start of Mullets Against Malaria Week, the mullet t-shirt frocket (t-shirt with a pocket in the front) is now available. The frocket is a powerful weapon in this battle, for it has the power to raise awareness, draw others to the cause as well as rally the troops. This year's frocket, design by sophomores Ben Cook and Devin Crudele, incorporates a motif from a classic movie from the 80's, "Back to the Future," as well as a child of the 80's, Fr. Ralph, sporting a classic mullet. Since he can't grow one, it's the least that Fr. Ralph could do for the cause. Still, on the malaria frocket, Brooks Meadowcraft said, "It's a lot easier to explain having a mullet to classmates as you can let the shirt do the talking. Still, never will a shirt be worn so many times in one week!"

To do your part in the war to defeat malaria, click HERE.

Day Four.

Down for the count: Sorin Hall

Day four, the final day of the Olympic Games, saw Steds traveling back to Sorin Hall. On this day of competition, the hand eye coordination of the Stedsmen was put to the test as they battled Sorin in Rocket League, a video racing game, in their non-descript "first floor common space room." While the spirits of both halls were high, Sorin's side quickly became deflated as they were, well, schooled, by Steds. In the end, Sorin was routed, and Steds won the competition AND the title, "Oldest Hall on Campus." Thanks to all the Steds Olympic organizers, participants, and fans for bring home the gold... the title that is our to begin with and we so richly deserve. On the win and taking of the title, Will Kelly, Steds sophomore, said, "Glad to win, but I am not surprised.”

Your Sunday picture...

Like the Serengeti: waiting for the rains 

...from Notre Dame. Here's a sight we are all familiar with, though we are accustomed to seeing it with the bluest of blue waters... the Hesburgh Memorial Library reflecting pool. Sight of the Steds Game Day Float, the reflecting pool has its water drained before the first freeze, and it reminds dry throughout the winter until, well, only God really knows when. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

A winner and a loser

During the winter, the pickings are slim on campus for our furry friends. Aside from the occasion handout from a generous student, our squirrels have to make do with whatever they can forage or remember where they buried that or this nut. But, when they do find something, it's like winning the lottery. Do they share with their fellow furry friends? Well, I think this picture tells us the answer. On finding something to eat, this squirrel said, "You don't want any of it. Really. It's not that good."

Day Three.

A reused picture, yes, but you get the idea of what it was on Wednesday

On day three, the Olympic Games returned to Steds with an egg toss which Sorin won, but the Stedsmen didn't lose their nerve nor composure. Why? Because there was still a haiku contest to be had. In short, Steds won that AND the day with a score 3-2. The haikus had to be recited aloud, without notes, and incorporate chosen themes, namely football and dining halls. Steds sophomore, Ben Cook was a leading poet as was Steds Assistant Rector and former Sorin Hall resident, Connor Bagwell. Steds freshman, Jack Olmanson, also gave critical inspiration. Unfortunately, since the haikus were recited aloud, without notes, we don’t have any written copies to share, though I have been told that if you had been there, the words spoken were sweet to the ear and balm for the wounded soul. On day three of these Olympic Games, Paddy Millican, Steds junior and Olympic Games organizer, said, "We made the best of a subpar situation for the egg toss. We held the event next to Steds in the parking lot that had ice on the ground and light from a nearby street lamp. Seven parking spots’ separation proved to be too far to toss an egg, apparently."

Day Two.

Swift and President Trzaska representing Steds

The Stedsmen traveled to Sorin for day two of the inter-hall Olympic Games. Games of day two consisted of various eating contests. While goodwill waft through the halls of Sorin, there was something else wafting in the air... controversy. Though no official challenge was lodged by the Steds Olympic delegation, Sorin, at the last minute, changed one of the eating contests from hot dogs to chicken nuggets. Still, the Stedsmen took the change in stride. As the games commenced, games of eating Saltines, nuggets, wings, and more, the lead changed hands several times, but in the end, Steds ate like never before to deliver a much needed win. On the win at Sorin, Dan Riley, Steds senior and RA, said, "I wasn't there, but I heard we won." John Swift, Steds freshman and Olympian, said, "Until now, I didn’t know it was physically possible to fit an entire chicken into a human stomach."

While Riley wasn't there, here is an eyewitness account from a Stedsmen, Paddy Millican, who WAS there. Enjoy.

STEDS COMES FROM BEHIND TO DEFEAT SORIN 5-4 IN EAT-OFF

There we were amidst the traps and snares of our enemies. Long had we planned to have a hot-dog eating contest this night, but in the eleventh hour, with scarcely cause or notice, our foul foes changed our contest to a three-part trial of chicken nuggets, Saltines, and hot wings! O perfidy! O treachery! O wretched fraud! Hardly could I comprehend what odds, once even between our two sides, were stacked thereby against us! Hope we had, but trepidation, too, in equal measure, as we marched somber into that den of vice.

The horns of the games blew, and the first trial—that of the chicken nuggets—began in earnest, our side nobly led by our president, Lord Trzaska, and Squire Swift of the Flounge. Fight though they did, the gluttons Sorin arrayed against them proved deep of belly and wide of mouth. The score stood 3-0 as the round of Saltines dawned.

No Stedsman, be he well- or ill-disposed towards our vice-president, Sir Lupo of Peewaukee, could call him easily daunted by competition. Thus, when Duty bid him rise and defend the honor of Hall and Founder, he so did. But to no avail. Sir Lupo was not a man accustomed to ravenous consumption: nay, he was always a man of moderate eating habits, and his foray into battle proved futile.

Sorin led four to nil, and in the shoes of our beloved warriors, lesser men might have shied from competition, especially against enemies so unswayed by honor and the ordinary limitations of the human appetite. Nevertheless, Thane Braeden Benedict, Rower of the North, stepped forth from the assembled throng and, with such ferocity that I myself quake in remembering it, dispatched his foe, giving Steds its first point of the match.

There remained one round of Saltines, and momentum, if it was with Steds, proved force enough to innervate Master Logan Arnold, who is known far and wide in this land for his prowess in distance running. Not content for glory in but one field of endeavor, he threw his coat to me, dear reader, and sat down. More crackers in one mouth I have never seen than in that of Master Arnold as he chewed! chewed! chewed! and in the execution of such fast chomping awed all assembled. In the nick of time, he swallowed the desiccated bolus and bore his clean mouth. 4-2! And not the best part had yet been reached.

Spice: what a bemusing mistress thou art. Men will risk and limb to bring thee back from the antipodes only to grimace and sweat when they consume thee as condiment! Such complexities had I scarce time to ponder as Brandon, Duke Ryan of East Madison, strode with stupefying confidence before us all and sat in a humble wooden chair that he made a veritable throne by his mere presence. The wings were placed before the two men, now bare-chested, and they tucked into the feast. One by one, dear reader, he tore sinew and tendon from bone and ligament and, scraping his teeth against the ossein to clean each wing to the referee’s satisfaction, tossed bone after bone into a pile that resembled a vulture-picked skeleton. Finally, as the jeers of our enemies subsided as they saw that our victory was nigh, he pitched his last bone away.

His fingers and face daubed red as if with the blood of a young calf slaughtered fresh by a gray wolf of the north, he rose to the adulation of his erstwhile subjects and those he serves still, and as if the magnitude of his deeds needed a final flourish, he refused to drink milk to soothe his burning maw. We cheered as never before as we realized what had been accomplished before our very eyes. Our backs against the wall, we scored five points in a row and bested a foe who had sought and failed pto outwit us with deceit and trickery. With high spirits and glad hearts, we departed for our dear home.

TL;DR

Joe Trzaska and John Swift lost a chicken-nugget-eating contest in a close match, which gave Sorin 3 points.

Matt Lupo also lost a close race to eat seven Saltines, but Braeden Benedict and Logan Arnold each won that contest handily, making it 4-2 Sorin.

Brandon Ryan absolutely smashed his competition in a contest to finish a box of hot wings and won us 3 points. So we came back from 4-0 to win 5-4. It was truly spectacular. Competition will resume tomorrow night in Steds at 8:00pm.

Our hero: Former President Brandon Ryan

Let the games...

Drawing like they never have drawn before

...begin! While the Olympics in South Korea are over two weeks away, Hall Olympics got underway this past Monday. In the past, these games were intra-hall competitions, with the various floors of St. Ed's battling it out for bragging rights. But today, these games are inter-hall games, with Steds competing against Sorin for the title of "oldest hall." Suffice it to say, there is much riding on these olympic dreams and games. After the pageantry of opening ceremonies had concluded, it was down to business in the Flounge with a game of Pictionary being played. The lead went back and forth, but sadly, in the end, Steds conceded the first olympic win to Sorin.  Still, spirits are running high as the games will continue over the next three days. On the disappointing loss, Paddy Millican, Steds junior and Inter-hall Olympic Games organizer, said, "It was a close match that we lost 5-3. Words were chosen at random, and our guys did very well at drawing some tough ones like 'pharmacist' and 'armada.' We showed up about twenty strong, so it was nice to see such a big turnout for the first event of the competition. We're going for gold!"

There's a fight...

Cook: Also a bored genius

...on the near horizon. Yes, a showdown is brewing between St. Ed's and malaria. It's a showdown where the stakes are real and so is the resolve and determination to win. And to win requires forethought and planning, and for St. Edward's the man who is at the fulcrum of it all is sophomore Ben Cook. A Southern Californian, aspiring architect, and tactician, Cook is marshaling Edwardian forces for this epic battle against this despised enemy. With the Hall's "D-Day" drawing near, I was able to sit down with Cook and ask him some questions.

St. Ed: How did you come to take command of the Hall’s campaign against malaria?

Cook: Last year, I made my debut performance in the Mullets against Malaria. My voluminous, luxurious locks had never looked better, and I felt a true calling deep within my hair follicles to fully commit myself to this fight.

St.Ed: Clearly, spirits are running high here at headquarters, but are the Stedsmen really prepared for the upcoming fight?

Cook: I believe Steds has never been shaggier or more prepared to don mullets with full force.

St.Ed: As you draw up your battle plans, will you employ the “strategery” of past leaders? 

Cook: My worthy predecessor, Matthew "Billy Ray Cyrus" Lupo, has paved the way and made my transition to power smooth and efficient. I aspire to follow in his footsteps as best I can, and use his mentorship and experience to my advantage. But still, I think that a good offense is a good offense.

St. Ed: How would you respond to those who say this year’s fight against malaria is like a bridge too far, or in other words, not winnable? 

Cook: Wars are won by winning battles. The worldwide war against malaria has been going on for centuries, and we, here at St. Edward's Hall, fight only a battle in that war. Our battle is one we take on year after year, and we have yet to lose. This time around is no exception. We're playing, or fighting, for keeps. It's personal.

St. Ed: If you had to create a stirring, yet pithy, slogan for the war effort, something that you could slap on a poster, what would that be?

Cook: Our battle cry for this campaign is one that motivates us every day at St. Ed's. It drives our every action, and reminds us why we do what we do. Put simply, it is, and always will be: "For the Kids."

If you would like to join the Gentlemen in this fight, click HERE.

They'll have...

S.A.T.: Many discussions and many problems solved

...another, thank you. This past Thursday the Gentlemen, twenty-one and older, were invited to attend St. Edward's Senior Afternoon Time or S.A.T. for short. Enjoying a selection of domestic and imported beers, served by an University bar tender of course, and Chick-Fil-A nugget trays, a college staple, the Gentlemen enjoyed the Flounge as they have never done so before. On the recent S.A.T., Jack Kill, Steds senior and RA, said, "SAT was a wonderful way to begin a new semester, especially for those of us who are coming to the end of our undergraduate educations. I will say, the whole event reminded me of those old-fashioned philosophical societies, as we all engaged in polemics about politics, victuals, and mullet care. A great event indeed!”

Your Sunday picture.

One is taller than all of them...

Despite it being a gloomy and cloudy Sunday, it's surprisingly warmer than it has been of late. Here's a look to the southeast from the corner of Riley and Hurley Halls with Cavanaugh Hall, the Snite Art Museum, the stadium, and Cushing Hall in the distance. May it be sunnier and warmer where you are, but let us all enjoy our Sunday wherever we may be!

Saturday's squirrel.

But still, less filling.

Sometimes you just need to take a break. That's what our furry friend did when he visited the local watering hole. After a busy day of gathering and begging, our furry friend needed a drink of water, and this puddle that materialized on the sidewalk outside of the Rockne will do just fine. On drinking from a puddle, this squirrel non-verbaled, "Refreshing. Tastes great!"

What's cooking...

Thumbs up Utley

..at Ed's? Many things, but nothing right now as Ed’s is still closed. But don’t worry! Ed’s will open this Sunday, offering all the favorites that the Stedsmen have come to know and enjoy. Still yet, the Stedsmen will enjoy the extraordinary customer service rendered by the C.S.R.- the Culinary Service Representative. C.S.R.s are a dedicated group of Stedsmen, who have been thoroughly trained in the sandwich and milkshake arts, providing sustenance to extinguish any late night cravings. On what make his customer service distinctive, Walker Utley, Steds sophomore and C.S.R., said, At Ed's, our main patrons are, for the most part, from the St. Edward's family. The fear of letting down a family member is why our customer service is unparalleled. That, and the threats from our manager, Joe Kimlinger."

Target: Malaria

Everyone must do his duty to defeat this enemy!

At the direction of the Hall President, Joe Trzaska, and the Vice Presidents, Matt Lupo and Joe Kimlinger, the Gentlemen are being mobilized to deliver on one of Trzaska's many campaign promises: a campaign against malaria. Once again, malaria, a disease transmitted by mosquitos that afflicts 207 million people worldwide, will be targeting using the power of the 80’s. 

The power of the 80's? Yes. Since August of last year, the Gentlemen have been growing their hair out so that it can be crafted and styled into the distinguished and unforgettable hairstyle from the 80’s… the mullet. It's brilliant. The campaign against malaria will weaponize mullets. But make no mistake about... sporting a mullet is no laughing matter as it is a sign of dedication to the cause and raising awareness AND funds for mosquito nets in malaria prone areas.

The new campaign will be launched on Thursday, February 1st, with t-shirts and haircutting in the Flounge. All proceeds will go to "Nothing But Nets."

If you would like to join the Gentlemen in this campaign, click HERE.

On Mullets Against Malaria, Jacob VandenBosch, former Stedsman and mullet wearer, said, “I’ve STILL never met a mullet that I didn’t like.” 

It's finally...

All for the students

...open. The Duncan Student Center is finally open. Located on the west side of the football stadium, the Duncan Student Center opened with much fanfare and is now serving up more space than ever for student exercising, eating, interviewing, lounging, procrastinating and much more. Wether it is to see the incorporation of the old wooden seats of stadium, the new eateries, or the new student gym, the Duncan Student Center is worth a visit. To learn more about this new building, click HERE. On the new student center, Patrick Sansone, Steds freshman, said, "I look forward to the Duncan student Center continuing to build the tightly knit community that we as Notre Dame Students pride ourselves on having."

They're...

The start of another semester...

... back! Yes, the Gentlemen have returned, and classes have started. Today was the first day of classes for the spring semester, and as they went to class, the Gentlemen endured a bitterly cold temperature that was actually below zero with the wild chill. Still despite the snow, ice, and bitterly cold temps, the love of Steds- and studying of course- kept the Gentlemen warm. On the start of the spring semester, Fr. Ralph said, "Let the matriculation commence!"

Your Sunday picture...

Where's that camel going?

... from Notre Dame. With the Epiphany now in the rear view, it is time to put away the Nativity sets. The Nativity set that was up at the Grotto has now been taken down and that means... Yup. You guessed it. We're in Ordinary Time once again. Enjoy your Ordinary Time and your Sunday wherever you may be!

What are the...

A Steds Reunion in Northern Virginia 

... Stedsmen up to during their Christmas Break? Steds seniors, Mickey Dwyer, Ryan Meder, and Kevin McCarthy, went to visit Ryan’s St. Mary’s girlfriend, Abby Krauss, in Manassas, VA. While much fun was had in the Northern Virginia environs, the visit was also a reunion of sorts. How? Abby’s dad, Greg, is a ’84 ND grad while her mom, Laurie, is a ’84 SMC grad. Still, Abby’s brother, Patrick, is also a ND grad, the class  of ’16. STILL YET, Greg and Pat are both Stedsmen!  On the happy reunion and reminiscing with the Steds seniors, Greg Krauss, said “Once a Stedsman, always a Stedsman!”

They're...

Stylish and classy 

...here! After a long wait, the St. Ed's knit winter hats have arrived. Their arrival couldn't be better as temps are going to take a deep dip later this week. Still, thanks to these hats the classroom commute will be just a bit warmer and classier. On the arrival of these stylish and classy winters hats, Devin Crudele, Steds apparel commissioner, said, "I’m very happy that after such a long wait the winter hats arrived in time to keep our soon to be mullets warm for the winter.”

Your Sunday picture...

An odd sight

... from Notre Dame. Here's an odd sight. Canadian geese camping out on South Quad! Usually the geese stay in Sts. Mary and Joseph's Lakes; however, the cold temps having them plopping down on the quad over an underground tunnel- where it is just a bit warmer. Stay warm, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Best of

...the Gentlemen's Monthly. Yes, three years ago today, here was today's posting. Look at how bland the walls once were. Enjoy this blast from the past, and thank God it is in the past!

Word in the hallway...

No one home.

...is that.. Wait. Everyone is still on Christmas Break. Come back next week when someone will be around to say something glib or give their two cents!

They were...

Bowlers: Trzaska, Gayheart, Youseff, Johnson, Turk and Kelly

...there! Taking a break from Christmas Break, a group of Steds juniors and sophomores made the trek to Orlando to see the Citrus Bowl. Once getting there, instead of enjoying sun and mid temps, they endured rain and cool temps. Still, they made the best of it. They took the lemons that Mother Nature gave them and made lemonade out of them. As they did, they enjoyed their time together AND enjoyed something that most Irish fans have not enjoyed under Coach Kelly- a bowl game win! On the Irish Citrus Bowl win, Paul Youseff, Steds sophomore, said, "We came, we saw, and we conquered."

Still yet, there were even more Stedsmen at the Citrus Bowl. In the stands added to fan power of the Irish were Brendan McCarthy '09, M.Ed. '11 and his wife, Brenna, along with Tony Piskurich '09, M.Ed '11 and his wife, Stephanie, AND Nate Uzas '09. 

True fans: The McCarthys, the Piskurichs and Uzas

Happy...

What a Sted's firework display would look like if we had one...

... New Year to you, Stedsmen, and to your families! May the New Year, 2018, be filled with prosperity, generous love for all, and an ND Day victory! If we do, win ND Day that is, a fireworks display like this for sure!