Going to the polls...

Let's the people have a say!

It’s Hall Election Day, and the Stedsmen are headed to the polls! Actually, the polls are coming to them as they can vote from the comfort of their via a Google invite, but that’s not important. What is important is that there are number of presidential tickets and candidates for several soon-to-be vacant Hall Government positions, namely president, senator, and student union board representative. After declaring their intentions last week, candidates outlined their platforms and positions at a special session of Tuesday’s Hall Government meeting. 

It’s a crowd field for president with several tickets running. Sophomore Cole Edwards is running for president with fellow sophomores, Brendan O'Donnell and Jack Barrett running with him as vice-presidents. Sophomore Matt Turk is also running for president with fellow sophomores, Will Connolly and Eddie Johnson, running with him as vice-presidents. Still, sophomore Walker Utley is seeking the presidency with freshmen Ben Merrick as his vice-president. Still YET, sophomores Sam Schaeffer and Devin Crudele are running for president and vice-president respectively. FINALLY, Eric Restic and Davis Lamb on for high office, running on a all athlete ticket.

For senate, freshman Jack usher is facing off again fellow freshman, Jack Olmanson

And for student union representative, it’s a another freshmen showdown with Matt Coffey, John Lucciola, and Chris Meissner all vying for the position.

On the election, soon-to-be lame president, Joe Trzaska, said, “St. Edward himself was a monarch, but St. Edward's Hall is a thriving democracy. Ironic! I'm very impressed by both the quality and quantity of tickets on the ballot this year."

They came...

Yerkes and O'Brien: People you don't want to meet in the ring

... they saw, and they boxed! Steds last two Bengal Bouts fighters, freshman Dan O'Brien and senior Patrick Yerkes made appearances at the Semi-Finals of Bengal Bouts held at the Duncan Student Center's Dahnke Ballroom. Amid a strong showing from Steds- a showing that was so boisterous and rowdy that had to be reprimanded- these two boxers held nothing back in the ring. The crowds were not disappointed as many good hits landed and both matches went for all three rounds. At the end of the night, Yerkes advanced to Finals while O'Brien went down in what should have been a split decision. Regardless, they have the admiration of us all for their skill and dedication! On the boxing as a freshman, Dan O'Brien said, "I couldn't be happier. All said, I had a great year in the program working with the coaches, captains, and my fellow Stedsmen. Currently, I'm ecstatic for Yerkes' final fight, and ready to come out swinging next year, " and as a senior, Yerkes said, "We made it!" 

Again, many thanks to all our Steds boxers, and the best of luck to Yerkes!

Gave it the...

Curling: You just had to be there

old college go they did. The Gentlemen gave it the old college go this past Sunday as they took to the ice at Notre Dame's Compton Ice Arena to curl. Yes, curl. Inspired by America's recent Olympic gold medal for curling, the Gentlemen decided to see what this "sport" from Scotland was all about. No previous knowledge or skill was required, only an open mind and spirit conducive to learning. 

On an evening filled with curling fun, Paddy Millican said, "It was one thing to watch the livestream of Matt Hamilton and company competing for gold at six in the morning but it was quite another to throw rocks ourselves. Talk is cheap, and it's easy to deride curling as a sport that only seems to demand athleticism from its players, but the strain that balancing in an extended position puts on your knees and the fatigue that quickly sets in when you're sweeping are no joke."

Fellow Stedsman, James Moreman, added, "My favorite memory from the evening: sliding a heartbreaking hammer right around a guard stone onto the button to win the frame. Second favorite: the way the instructor said "out" in his Canadian accent."

Still, the organizer of the event, Connor Bagwell, Steds Assistant Rector, said, "I think the most commonly heard phrase was ‘this is awesome.’ Everyone was pleasantly unable to describe why they had a wild grin on their face. Curling turned out to be exactly what I thought it would be: relaxing, requiring team vs. team strategy, and just technical enough to allow for long term satisfaction. Mission accomplished."

Crudele is in his curling zone

Schaeffer may not have the arm but does have the face for curling

Paying attention for once

Johnson overseeing some ice brushing

Welsch getting ready...

... and fires away

Posluszny and Swift doing more ice brushing

Seniors Olmanson and Kill taking a break

Blossfeld, Millican, Meadowcroft, Schaeffer, Swift, Gayheart and Trzaska

giving their approval.

Your Sunday picture...

A February view

... from Notre Dame. Here's a view of South Quad from the front door of the Rockne. One thing that this picture cannot convey is the how cold and windy it really is. The only clue of this would be looking at the flagpole. Notice how, thanks to the wind, the flag is flying! Stay warm, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Fr. Ehrman admiring the blossoms of the Witch Hazel

We take a break from Saturday's Squirrel to share some breaking news from campus. Spring is very near! How can such a bold claim be made? Biologist and theologian, Fr. Terry Ehrman, C.S.C., noticed during his walk around God Quad that the Witch Hazel tree was blooming. The Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) is small tree, a stout shrub really, and there is one such tree across from the west door of LaFortune. The unique thing about this tree is that it is the FIRST tree to bloom when winter fades. On the exciting find, Fr. Ehrman said, "Don't break out the shorts and flip flops just yet, but still, Spring is nearer than you think. Well, that's what the Witch Hazel is telling us."

A close up of the blossoms

It's better late...

Hu, Gambardella, Delfico, and Coffey the first to arrive...

...than never. While the lunar new year was celebrated last week, Steds finally got around to marking the celebration this week. To mark the Year of the Dog, a large selection of Chinese foods from JW Chen's, a local favorite, were served up in the Flounge along with an explanation of Chinese New Year's. Regardless if it is your year or not, everyone has a great time when Chinese is in te Flounge. On the celebration, Matt Coffey, Steds freshman, said, “I think Ed’s should serve Chinese more often!”

Still yet, Calvin Hu, Steds freshman, said, "Even though I didn’t get cash from those around me- traditional gift- Chinese New Year's at Steds was great! The Americanized Chinese food really made me feel as if I was back home in my parents’ Chinese restaurant in Mississippi."

A heartbreaker of...

Hats off to Team Steds

... an intra-mural hockey game it was. As they always do, the Gentlemen AND Gentleladies held nothing back on ice yesterday, giving the proverbial 110%, but unfortunately, it just wasn't enough. It was all very reminiscent of trying to make a 10 cent phone call at a pay phone, but all you had was a nickel! Sadly, in overtime, Team Steds went down 7-6. It's games like these that cut straight to the quick and are the hardest to get over, but there's no doubt that Team Steds will regroup and return next year in fine fighting form. On the season, Tim Sherman, coach and Steds senior, said, "We had an up and down year this year, more ups then downs. I'm proud of the way Blossfeld stepped between the pipes tonight in a position he has little experience in. This team is in good hands next year with Matt Ebertin at the helm and St. Ed smiling down on them all!"

Still, on assuming the mantle of goalie, Josh Blossfeld said, "As the Steds backup goalie, I was pressed into action in the playoffs against perennial powerhouse, Zahm. In a thrilling and ultimately disappointing game, we lost in overtime, 7-6. As indicated by the score, the goalie play was not the strong suit for either team, and using the Recsports old goalie pads definitely didn’t help, along with a minor injury I suffered at the start of the first period. Despite the final score, Steds played a great game, and we look forward to next season. The offseason starts now."

Gentlemen Boxers.

Guys you don't want to get in a fight with

To the relief of the ladies, this year’s Bengal Bouts started the day AFTER Valentine's Day. As Preliminaries got underway, St. Edward's was well represented, fielding SEVEN Gentleman boxers, who, like the Hall’s Bengal Bouts ad portrayed, brought class to the ring. Started by Knute Rockne, the Bengal Bouts support the Congregation of Holy Cross’ missions in Bangladesh, and this year marks the 87th year of the bouts and the special connection with missions. On the entering the ring for the first time this year…

John “Jaguar” Swift, Steds freshman, said, “There's really nothing you can do that can fully prepare you for the actual fight.  Walking out to Purcell is something that's really cool but can be very intimidating.  But once the fight actually started it felt exactly like a normal spar and everything is blocked out except your opponent and your corner.”

Daniel “Dan” O’Brien, Steds freshman, said, "I was focused on the fight until the last bell, but standing in the center of the ring afterwards and seeing all of the friends that came to see me get punched in the head was incredible. Boxing can be a hard sport to explain to people, so seeing people show up and care about how I have spent a couple hours every afternoon since November made me feel incredibly lucky, and incredibly grateful."

John “The Polish Hammer” Posluszny, Steds sophomore, said, “The adrenaline gets pumping as you walk out and hear everyone yelling your name. But once you’re in there, focus takes over and it becomes a mental game.”

Matt “Money Baby” Cyrs, Steds sophomore, said, “it's an adrenaline rush like nothing I've ever experienced before, being under the bright lights, just you and your opponent, knowing all your friends and family are there at your back to support you.”

Joe “Z” Trzaska, Steds junior and soon to be lame duck Hall President, said, "Any qualms I had about getting into the ring were quickly eased when I realized the overwhelming contingent of Stedsmen who'd come out in support.  Unfortunately, the same crowd couldn't slow my opponent's right hook this week, but I nevertheless greatly enjoyed this year's program."

Jack “License to” Kill, Steds senior and 3rd floor RA, said, “It was a wonderful experience to finally get in the ring. The crowd, the noise, the lights, the adrenaline. All of it building up over the months and weeks. And finally, the moment came to step in the ring, and the pent-up energy and emotion come rushing in...and smack you in the face. Literally.”

FINALLY…

Patrick “Payday” Yerkes, Steds senior, 4th floor RA, and Bengal Bouts promoter at Steds, said, "I was trying to stay calm, and be in the right mental place. I've been training on and off for 2 years to get in the ring, since I couldn't fight last year. So it was a big day for me. Very good to finally get in there and fight. But real disappointed with a lost."

Many, many thanks to all our Gentlemen boxers and their dedication to this worthy cause!

The final numbers are...

It's amazing!

...in, and the campaign against malaria was a resounding success! The final amount raised was $10,929- almost 10% over target! Yes. It's true. There were many detractors who said this was a goal too high, but in the end, the power of the mullet, the bravery of the boys, and the generosity of so many proved them wrong. Once again, the Gentlemen of St. Edward's thanks family, friends, and all people of good will who helped them achieve this milestone victory. On the final amount, Fr. Ralph said, "It's amazing! I never doubted the resolve of our boys nor the generosity of others committed to this righteous cause. Still, I think Commander Cook needs to be personally fêted as well as promoted to Captain Cook... has a nice ring to it... though I would advise him not to visit the Sandwich Islands anytime soon." 

ND Day...

Thorpe: Being responsible or procrastinating?

…funds at work! As funds continue to be dispersed, improvements are being seen in the Hall. Another improvement thanks to Notre Dame Day funds is the addition of new treadmill. Up until this semester, we had say good bye to our faithful and dependable treadmill. No one, not even Fr. Ralph, knew how old the treadmill was… it was always there. And when we had to part with our old friend, it was a sad day indeed. BUT… thanks to ND Day funds that sad goodbye has been turned into tears of joy as a NEW, well slightly used, treadmill was added to the Steds gym. On the arrival of the new treadmill, Dan Felton, Steds sophomore and avid user of the treadmill, said, “The Stedsmen are demolishing calories at an unforeseen rate on this new treadmill. Spring Break bods are better than ever!” Still, Steds sophomore, resident Texan and pictured above, Aidan Thorpe, said,"With this new treadmill I'm able to practice running away from all my responsibilities just like Michael Scott (from the TV show The Office) taught me. Also, with midterms fast approaching, there is no better coping mechanism than running the stress away and finally finding a productive way to further procrastinate studying."

Your Sunday picture...

A pretty sight

...from Notre Dame. We always see the Dome from the outside, but here's a unique view from the inside. Here's a view of the mural that Luigi Gregori painted as well as a number of the trumpe l'oeil on the walls and ceiling of the Main Building. Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

Wily to say the least...

Today's Saturday Squirrel comes from out east... Boston to be exact. Just like our furry friends here on campus, the squirrels, who call the Boston Commons home, are equally gregarious and convivial. But they are something else... wily... very wily. On a recent trip to Boston, Stedsman Connor Ryan '13 and his dad, Gavin, were approached by several squirrels, who, and I quote, were "exceptionally fat, having been to one too many tea parties." One squirrel non-verbaled, in an accent right of straight out of Good Will Hunting, "Hand over the pastries!"

Notre Dame Day funds...

Usher and Viner enjoying the new table and chairs

...at work! As funds continue to be dispersed, improvements are being seen inside and outside of the Hall. Another improvement thanks to Notre Dame Day funds raised this past spring have been spent to add much needed furniture to the Hall’s favorite group study lounge- the Gregorian. It's as a unnamed philosopher once said, "you cannot study if you do not have a place to study." So true, BUT thanks to this new table and chairs, the Gentlemen have just that- a place to study. 

On the new furniture, Jack Usher, Steds freshman and resident “cheesehead,” said, “Now there is even MORE study space to make me feel even MORE guilty about procrastinating!” while his fellow freshman, Noah Viner, Vermonter and lover of the great outdoors, said, “The Greg is always an ideal quiet space on any weeknight to be productive. This new table means even MORE space for MORE people do get MORE work done. More tables equals more productivity.

Still yet, Steds sophomore, Jack Barrett, said, “I normally ‘wood’n’t chair’ less about tables, but I will ‘chair’ish’ this new arrival forever. Or the classic Michael Scott, ‘oh how the turntables..’”

Barrett using the new table and chairs

Taking a break...

The life and times of modern students

...from studies and the winter. With unseasonably warm temps, the Gentlemen streamed outside to take advantage of the warmth. As they did, a group of Steds freshmen didn't want to part with their TV and video games,  and so, they brought it with them. Yes, they brought all of this with them when they went outside! Making camp at Plaza de St. Edward, the backyard patio, the freshmen continued their video games under clear blue skies, in fresh air, and with warm temperatures. On the playing of video games outside, Noah Viner, Steds freshman and sole Vermonter, said, "I love the great outdoors."

While the menu...

Ed the first of Ed's

...and level of service remains the same, there is something new at Ed's. Ed's now has some new culinary service representatives for the spring semester. Even though they have been trained in the culinary ways, these new faces have their work cut out for them- maintaining Ed's high culinary excellence all while maintaining a smile. One new face, Eddie Johnson, Steds sophomore and resident Southern gentleman, has an special advantage that no one else has ever had at Ed's. What's that special advantage? His name. On his advantage, Johnson said, "Being the first 'Ed' to work at Ed's is a tremendous honor and something that only my fellow 'Eds' out there can understand." 

A gentleman....

Quiet: Pondering in process!

...ponders. Indeed, a gentleman does ponders, and our Gentlemen are no different. The Gentlemen were convened for "A Gentleman Ponders" talk in the Gregorian Lounge where Meghan Sullivan, a Professor of Philosophy, gave a thought provoking talk that focused on philosophical problems and biases concerning time, modality, and rational planning. Even though post-discussion Chick-fil-A was at the ready, the discussion continued until finally a conclusion had to be called by the host, Paul Youssef, Steds sophomore. On the discussion of time biases, Youssef said, "I didn't know this before, but I have time biases."

Victory...

President Trzaska (R) and well-wishers congratulating Commander Cook (L)

... we have victory in our battle against malaria! The power of Steds mullets inflicted a serious blow to our enemy, and while the fight is over, the war will continue. Suffice it to say, the enemy hasn't seen the last of our brave boys and their powerful mullets. While we thank those who gave their follicles for the fight, we must give thanks to all those from who joined us in the fight, monitoring our progress, buoying our spirits, making donations, all of which made this campaign a success. Whether or not we donned a mullet, today's victory is something that we can be proud of and celebrate. On the victory, Ben Cook, Steds sophomore and commander of mullet forces, said, "This battle was not an easy one, but in true Steds form we handled it swiftly and with class. We are eternally grateful to our supporters on the home front. We may have been the face of the charge, but they carried us the whole way. Our mullets may be gone soon, but we stand alert, preparing for the next time duty calls."

Your Sunday picture...

Always the place to be...

...from Notre Dame. Here's a morning view of St. Edward's Park after a fresh snow fall. Originally having a water fountain, the Park now has the statute of St. Edward the Confessor, King of England and patron saint of the Founder, Fr. Edward Sorin, CSC. Regardless of the weather, the Park is always in season. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's squirrel.

Hello and goodbye

Our furry friends are quixotic little creatures. One moment, they are all chummy with you while the next moment they are standoffish. Other times, they are inquisitive, coming right up to you, and then all of sudden, they are skittish, running off as to avoid some impending doom. And that's exactly what Pat Digenan, Steds sophomore, experienced when he encountered a squirrel in St. Edward's Park who suddenly ran off to LaFortune as if there was a sale on Planter's peanuts. On the experience, Digenan said, "These squirrels only come out around this time of year. It's really something to see.”

VIDEO: To see this squirrel, click HERE.

Going out...

Haag, Donohue and Wenzel

...with a bang. Yes, the traditional end to the Christmas season, the Feast of the Presentation of Lord in the Temple, was marked with a tremendous send off thanks to Our Lady's Consort. Under the direction of Caleb Wenzel, the young men and women of the consort sang Vespers at Moreau Seminary while Fr. Ralph Haag presided. Singing psalms, anthems, and canticles, the Feast of the Presentation was celebrated in a most fitting, spiritual, and celebratory way. On singing Vespers, Gil Donohue, Stedsman and member of the consort, said, "Singing for Vespers for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord was a really beautiful way to end the Christmas season in prayer. Chant is some of the most beautiful music the Church has, and Caleb's psalm tones and antiphons were really lovely and great for drawing focus to the texts. It was also special because OLC formed and started rehearsing about year ago, and it was really nice to see how far this endeavor has come in enriching the musical and spiritual life on campus through sacred music."

There's no doubt...

Fr. Ralph, Danielle, and Sarah

...about it. The Gentlemen like their Girl Scout cookies! Thanks to nine year old Sarah, a shipment of over 115 boxes of Girl Scout cookies arrived at St. Edward's over the weekend. From Caramel DeLites to Thin Mints, the Gentlemen will be enjoy these tasty cookies as they take a break from the monotony of their matriculation and the harsh Notre Dame winter. And what was the most popular cookie at St. Ed's? Once again, it was Thin Mints. On making her cookie delivery to the Hall, Sarah said, “I’m glad to be in Girl Scout because it show us to be independent and strong, and I get to sell cookies to sell cookies to St. Ed's!”  

Mission accomplished: Victory!

A break from the fight.

Notre Dame: A Hockey school too

While the battle against malaria is still on going, let us take a break from the fighting. It's hard going for the Notre Dame Men's Basketball team. Injuries and tough breaks have made the season less than stellar, but there is a cause for boosting by Irish- the Notre Dame Men's Hockey team. While the football and basketball teams have stalled, the hockey team is skating to the top of their conference. Last week, Brian Conway '12, Stedsman and current PhD chemistry candidate at Penn State, was at the hockey game when the Irish traveled to Happy Valley to face off against the Nittany Lions. On the game, Conway said, "Penn State likes to think itself as “Hockey Valley”, and with weather in the single digits, it certainly felt like it. The Nittany Lions scored two quick goals to open the game, but after taking the lead in the second period, the Irish never looked back. In the end, the Irish edged out the Nittany Lions 5-3 to win." And on the win, Conway added, "While in my day we were a fencing school, I'm glad we've progressed to being a hockey school too."

He remembers...

Ryan: channeling the power and strength of the 80's

Even though Johnny Ryan entered the Congregation of Holy Cross' Old College Program, he hasn't forgotten his days at St. Edward's. When a resident, Ryan was swept up in the excitement and euphoria for the malaria war, and without any prompting, he joined his fellow Stedsmen and enlisted his follicles for the cause. And Ryan rocked a mullet like none other with no one able to repel the "80'sness" of his coiffure. While he may not be at front with our boys, Ryan has no regrets about the past and is still committed to doing his part in this war. On his mulleted past, Ryan said, "Shave my head into a mullet with my brothers in St. Ed's?  Is the Pope Catholic?  I would do it all over again if I had the chance: or the kids, all for the kids!"

Still yet, on sending a message of encouragement to at the front, Ryan went on to say, "It's times like these that I am reminded of Mel Gibson's story about the war for Scottish independence, Braveheart, and the many parallels of that story with that of our war against malaria. William Wallace's stirring words are so pertinent, and it is not a stretch to think him saying to us today, 'And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell malaria that it may take our lives, but it'll never take our MULLETS!!!'"

To help the boys and have them return home in time for Valentine's Day, click HERE.

Braveheart: also story of a war against malaria

Reinforcements...

Newsome: A powerful M.A.M. ally

...have joined the fray against malaria! Tyler Newsome, punter for the ND Football team and mullet aficionado, "cleaned up" his mullet and donned a Steds mullet shirt. In so doing, Newsome has opened up another front against malaria, bringing yet more attention to this fight. This development can only lead to the quicken of our enemy's demise and a swift "de-mulletizing" of the Stedsmen. On the news of unexpected reinforcements, Fr. Ralph said, "Every Stedsmen is doing his part for the war effort, and I am thankful- though not surprised- that others too, like Tyler, have joined. Clearly, no one is punting on this righteous cause!"

HELP OUR BOYS KNOCK OUT MALARIA... CLICK HERE.

Pictures of...

Cook: At the front of the battle... and of style too

...courage. Yes, our "mulleted boys" are pictures of courage, and our commander in this battle, Ben Cook, is a portrait of confidence. As the battle continues, Cook was able to send a brief message to the Steds base camp. On the battle, Cook communicated, "Our efforts have been strong, but we have a long way to go. We are around halfway to meeting our goal of our campaign, and we won't stop until we get there. We can't stop because... it's for the kids. The mullets this year are among the strongest we've seen in Steds history. I'm very proud to call myself a Gentleman as well as lead my fellow Gentlemen in battle."

On this Sunday, let us see these pictures and portraits of courage, bravery, and the power of the best decade ever- the 80's, and let's do our part in this fight. To help the boys and have them return home and "de-mulletize," click HERE.