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!