Your Sunday picture...

Always beautiful 

... from Notre Dame. Again, thanks to Fr. Terry Ehrman, CSC, botanist and theologian, we have another unique view from campus. From his office, Fr. Terry captured this view of Jupiter, the Moon, and Venus with Mary, the Dome and Basilica ALL against a sunset. Can you see the planets? Jupiter is to the right and Venus to the left. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Please go home...

Visitors to campus are always welcomed, but during the football season, some who live on campus, namely our furry friends, don't like it when visitors overstay their welcome. That's what a Steds parent experience on Sunday after a football game. Gavin Ryan, father of Connor and Brandon Ryan, said, "In the middle of my Sunday walk, I found myself in front of the oldest and most storied residence hall in Notre Dame history. To my surprise, a squirrel starred at me, a glare really, and then non-verbaled, 'Hey, on Sunday after another glorious Irish football victory, shouldn’t all parents/alumni/senior citizens be OFF campus and back home?' Indeed they should, and thus we are off to the airport!"

It was an emotional...

Dear friends: new and old

... day yesterday at St. Edward's Hall because what was lost has been been found. After a hiatus, our beloved Flounge stapler returned to its station atop the trash can next to the printer. Where did it go? Who knows. Why did it return all of asudden? Who cares. All that matters is our stapler has returned. Still, important to note is that our old fashion is slightly damaged to the point where it will have to be retired. But have no fear, there is another stapler taking up the post, and we are confident that it will serve us well. On the stapler's return and retirement, Matt Lupo, Steds senior, said, "We can all breathe a sigh of relief. Plus, another relief is knowing, as Fr. Ralph said, that our old friend is going to a farm up state and enjoy the company of other retired staplers."

What's wrong...

Meadowcroft: studying or drafting a new line up?

... with this picture? Why is the Steds baseball coach, Brooks Meadowcroft, studying studiously in room? Shouldn't he and the Boys in Green and Gold be out on the baseball diamond? Indeed, they should, but clearly they are not. Why? Well, the first time they were playing but then there was "lightning." When they went out to play again, it was something else that stopped them... malfunction lights. Next, it was "wet conditions" that cancelled the game. Finally, when they could play, the first round of exams was occurring, and unfortunately, Steds had to forfeit, being one man short to field a team. But after all of this, playing only three endings and forfeiting one game, Steds is in the playoffs! On the making the playoffs, Coach Meadowcroft said, "Of course, we're excited, but who knows. We may still be trying to finish this season in January." 

Coach Meadowcroft went on to say, "This can’t be me in the above photo as I don’t remember ever doing any work here."

Clearly the pressure and stress from the playoff season is getting to him!

Who let the...

Lupo with fan favorite Scooby Doo

... dog out? Folks, he's back... Scooby Doo! Yes, resurrecting an old Hall tradition started in 2006 by former Hall President (but at that time a freshman) Fritz Schoenhut, the "Steds Halftime Show with special appearance by Scooby Doo" is back at Steds inter-hall football games! While a cherished tradition, it fell by the wayside due to several poor inter-hall football seasons as well as due to the fact that the original costume literally disintegrated. Not shirking from the burden of office, Vice President Brendan O'Donnell took up the cause, donning the costume and giving it all he had on the field for the Steds "Gold Machine." While O'Donnell's inspired theatrics brought smiles and laughs, he failed to inspire the Steds inter-hall football team as they were defeated by O'Neill Hall in a surprise 6 to 0 loss. On his big debut, O’Donnell said, “Before my track meets, a coach of mine would tell me, “O'Donnell, Let the big dog eat." These sage words have always stuck with me, but now, I have the opportunity to live them out once again. So, I become the dog, and maybe one day, I’ll eat too, tasting sweet victory.”

Bowling Monday.

Strikes and spares with a lot of bravado 

What better way to end a Monday than with some bowling. Bowlers of all skill levels took to the local lanes of Strikes and Spares and enjoyed some friendly, but quietly competitive, bowling. Yes, some bowlers gave it the old college go while others brought their own bowling bag complete with three sets of balls. Some saw their score improve steadily while others, like AR Frank Spesia, plateaued in mediocrity. Some had graceful swings, and others had, well, anything but that. Someone who really hit his stride tonight was freshman Luke Distefano. Managing to get his swing under control, Distefano tore up lane seventeen with a steady streak of spares and strikes, including two strikes in row in the tenth frame... all at the prompting of his fellow bowler Axel Raarup! After throwing two strikes in the 10th, Distefano went for a third, but did he make it? Watch the video below! On his success the bowling wunderkind Distefano said, "It's all about getting a light ball and throwing it with power."

VIDEO: Distefano Going For Three Strikes

Your Sunday picture...

A sight to behold

... from Notre Dame. Thanks to Fr. Terry Ehrman, CSC, botanist and theologian, we have this most unique view from campus. Peering beyond the trees of campus, Fr. Terry has ventured into sky gazing and captured this stunning view of Venus, Mary, and the Dome all against a sunset. Can you see Venus? Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Pretty in yellow

We take a break from our furry friends to spend some time with our friends who will soon be gone. Today, we turn our attention to the butterflies on campus, and they really are all about campus. Still, one place where you can always encounter them is at the butterfly bush that is located in the shadow of the Dome and St. Edward's Hall... if it stretches that far. Regardless, the fragrant purple flowers of this bush attract butterflies and all types of wind insects. With several of these bushes about campus, you're most likely going to run into a butterfly or two. On the butterfly bush, Fr. Terry said, "It's not native to this area, and we really shouldn't have it here. The problem is that butterflies come to this bush at the expense of native plants, thus leaving them unpollinated. Then again, the bush does add of bit of color to campus." 

Fr. Terry looking for interesting insects

More stories...

Who let them in?: Leyden, Crudele and Travis

... from Michigan weekend never hurt. Indeed, there were so many things happening that Saturday, and it is only now, with it in the rear view mirror, that some of these stories are coming to light. An example of this would be Stedsmen going behind the scenes of ESPN Gameday. Discharging their duties with the Hall's Float, sophomores, Sean Leyden and Eli Travis, and freshman Kyle Crudele, returned to the Library Quad and were ushered beyond the barricaded masses to a special V.I.P. area. From there, the trio enjoyed a most unique perspective, taking in the crowd, the signage, and not to mention, the live broadcast. On going behind the scenes, Crudele said, "Going behind the scenes at College Gameday was awesome. We were literally an arms length away from the people you see on TV every week. It was also awesome to see all the love Notre Dame got and the hatred towards Michigan." Still, Travis also added, "It was ecstatic. Being able to see the entire production and Lee Corso that close was an awesome experience.”

Ask, and you shall...

Grill Lovers: Donnelly and Merrick

... have it done! After faithfully serving the Hall for the past ten years, the portable charcoal grill under the green tarp grilled its last as it rusted out. But thanks to Notre Dame Day this is not the end of the story. A new portable grill was ordered and Friday cookouts at Plaza St. Edward (the backyard patio) were saved. Still, there was one major problem. The grill needed to be assembled. Fearing that this would be a bit too much for him, Fr. Ralph asked the Hall President, Cole Edwards, for assistance. President Edwards then turned to the Commissioner for Grilling, Peter Haley, for assistance who then turned to his fellow sophomores, Charlie Donnelly and Ben Merrick, for assistance. Unbeknownst to Fr. Ralph, Donnelly and Merrick assembled the grill by themselves... and correctly too! On the assembling of the grill, Fr. Ralph said, "The Gentlemen of St. Edward's never fail to raise to the occasion- whatever it might be- for King and Hall, and Donnelly and Merrick are testament to that. My heartfelt thanks to both of them! Now, only if I had another ten of each of them, I could control this University!"

A Sunday...

The Gold Machine: Steds Football

... pick me up. That's what many needed after Saturday's close call against Vanderbilt. Yes, a pick me up to buoy spirits, renew hope, and strengthen resolve... and that's exactly what the Steds inter-Hall football team delivered at Stepan Fields on Sunday. Taking on Knott Hall, the Steds football team opened up the season and held nothing. With a roster full of talent and experience, Steds coaches started freshmen Henry Bergstrom as quarterback- something that has never been done- while moving senior Joe Kimlinger, former quarterback, to receiver. This move, along with the skills of many other players, 
delivered a 17-6 victory over Knott. Even though the score doesn’t indicate it, the contest was an absolute domination on the part of Steds. If it weren’t for a few errant throws here or a few dropped passes there, Steds would have ran up the score. 

On the opening game, Bergstrom said, "One could cay it was an intervention of divine mercy for Knott allowing them to score, but I will look back at the game as a classic case of 'week one kinks.' We have a more balanced offense this year with a lot of new aspects, so once we solidify all of that we will be in good shape for a deep playoff run. Iam very excited and honored to be apart of the team this year. Don’t be surprised if you see the Gentlemen in Notre Dame Stadium in a couple weeks."

Bergstrom went on to say, "I have three special shoutouts before I sign off.

First is to the defense as a whole, they will be special this year. Led by Joe Trzaska and Mark Miclean, Knott got absolutely nothing going until a garbage time Hail Mary when our second stringers were in. There’s something about them that reminds me of legendary units like the 85 Bears, 2015 Seahawks, and 2018 Fighting Irish. Expect this dominance to continue. 

Second is to my fellow Minnesotan, Joe Kimlinger. After playing Quarterback last year, he slid over to Running Back for this season. We weren’t sure how that move was going to affect the team but I think his 100 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns settled our minds. Oh, and he also played free safety the whole game. Just an absolute beast.

My final shoutout is to kicker Chris Brady. The former soccer player absolutely drilled a 35 yard field goal and two extra points. I mean right down the middle. As a Vikings fan I know the importance of good kickers, and how much it can cost you… So we are glad to have Chris booting balls for us this season. 

I am very excited and honored to be apart of the team this year. Don’t be surprised if you see the Gentlemen in Notre Dame Stadium in a couple weeks.

The Gold Machine keeps on rolling!"


BUT THERE'S MORE....

There was a Steds mom, Sandy Sweilem, in the crowd, watching the Gold Machine and her son, freshman Joe Sweilem #18. On seeing her son play, Sandy said, "What a great day watching St. Ed’s first dorm football game! They worked so well together and won their first game! We drove and saw our son Joe play... way to go Joe :) I can’t wait to see St. Ed’s win their next three games. 

VIDEO: STEDS FOOTBALL WARM UP

Joe and his big debut

Cheer, cheer for old...

Donnelly making a big splash on a big TV

…Notre Dame. That’s what Steds sophomore Charlie Donnelly does and encourages others to do the same. As a member of the Notre Dame Cheerleading squad, Donnelly has leveraged his competitive swimming skills into cheering and now can be seen not in the pool but rather on the quads, courts, parking lots, and football field to get the Irish cheering for their teams. Suffice it to say, being a member of ND Cheerleading, Game Day Saturdays are just not the same, or are they? On recently being spotted on the ND Stadium’s jumbotron at last week’s game against Vanderbilt, Donnelly said,  “Cheering our boys to victory doesn’t hold a candle to floating with the Stedsmen earlier that day; no amount of white spandex will change that.”

Study abroad...

Kelly and Rahill going neolithic 

... but also traveling abroad too. While juniors Will Kelly and Dan Rahill are studying abroad at Notre Dame's Global Gateway in London, they have managed to take a break from their rigorous studies to travel. Traveling to Wiltshire, Kelly and Rahill took in Stonehenge and learned a bit about neolithic England. Judging by their smiles, it seems that studying abroad is treating these two Stedsmen quite well. On her son studying abroad in London, Jill Kelly said, "William leaves for Lithuania this evening." Oh, to be a student again.

Your Sunday picture...

Working on the air conditioning

... from Notre Dame. Here's a view of Mary and the Dome coming up from the Grotto. While the skies are blue with wispy clouds about, the temps are hot once again. Thankfully, there's no humidity, but a break in the temps once and for all would be very much appreciated. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

A Saturday reflection...

1st Steds Float of 2018

... on a past Saturday. Even though it is Vanderbilt weekend, here's a picture from the first Steds Float on Game Saturday against Michigan. After a dip in the Hesburgh Memorial Library reflecting pool, which by the way was captured by ESPN's GameDay, the Stedsmen assembled in St. Edward's Park to immortalize the moment with a photo taken by the Hall Photographer and Senior, Luke Golichowski. On being on campus and seeing the Float (not to mention participating in it too), former Stedsmen and founder of the Float, Bobby Weltner '14, said, "“Eight years ago, I brought floating to St. Ed’s with the vision that it would become a staple of the Notre Dame football weekend experience and the dream that it would one day be documented by ESPN as such. That day has arrived, and boy, I am proud of my Gentlemen for it.”

What is that...

Turk and Barret: Showing their respect

... hanging from room 311? The Steds flag of course! When permission to hang the Steds flag from the window was given, the residents of room 311 immediately put out their Steds flag. But something was wrong. Their flag wasn't big enough. Yes, the standard Steds flag was just too small. What to do? Enter the Hall's Steds flag. The largest flag around, the Steds Hall flag was loaned to room 311, drawing attention and much wanted looks to the oldest and most storied residence hall of Notre Dame. On the hanging of the Hall's Steds flag, Matt Turk, Steds junior said, "Seeing it makes me well up with emotion," while his fellow junior, Jack Barret, said, "You gotta respect the flag."

S.A.T.s...

Blossfeld (white tank) listening to Johnson (red shirt) pontificate about something

... would normally have the Stedsmen hitting the study books; however, Steds S.A.T.s have them putting the books down and heading off to the Flounge. Yes, that's right. The Stedsmen are putting their books down and flocking to the Flounge for a little Thursday break with food and beer. S.A.T. are Senior Afternoon Time is opportunity for all seniors and those who are twenty-one to enjoy a respite, catch up with friends, and talk about the upcoming Steds inter-Hall football season... which by the way sounds like it's going to be a real winner. Even when the Chick-Fil-A ran and the University bartend had closed the bar, the conversations continued on. Whether you stayed for a short while or for the entirety, an enjoyable time was had by all. On the attending his first S.A.T., Josh Blossfeld, Steds junior and football player, said, "S.A.T. represents a great bonding opportunity for the upperclassmen and Father Ralph to share stories and memories over good food and drink!"

What's cooking...

Come and get it!

... at Ed's? Nothing but the usual... good food. Yes, good food is what Stedsmen and others will find at Ed's. With everything prepared fresh and served with a smile, demand for paninis, pizza sticks, and everything else at Ed's has gone through the roof. So, no surprise that on a Wednesday night there was considerable traffic and a crowd at Ed's. Was there a special? Was there a new offering? On the traffic and crowd at Ed's, Joe Herlihy, Ed's consumer service worker, said, "Ed's is booming once more, pizza Sticks exploding with 'good fats', milkshakes dripping with Vitamin D fortified whole milk, panini's stuffed with only the leanest parts of a pig. Ed's, simply put, is the healthiest dining experience on campus, and these Stedsmen know it"

The mystery...

Who are you?!

... deepens. During the summer, you, the readership of the Gentlemen's Monthly were asked to assist in solving a mystery. Yes, a passionate plea was made to discover the name of the driver with Illinois plates that said "STEDS." In case you missed this, click HERE. Unfortunately, no one was able to assist in solving the mystery, but now, we have a new mystery. Who is the driver with Illinois plates that say "RALPH." On these unique license plates, Fr. Ralph said, "I don't own a car, and if I did, I am glad that I am not living in Illinois. Still, I would like to meet this driver as I have never met a Ralph who I didn't like."

Victory! We have...

Sensitive Soulmates: Posluszny, Connors, and Digenan 

... victory! The two year losing streak against Zahm in the Battle for the Shadow is over! Thanks to the Steds team of Sensitive Soulmates, composed of juniors John "Poz" Poslusnzy, Greg Connors, and Pat Digenan, a "W" was secured on the Steds basketball court Friday night. Under portable lights brought in especially for tourney and with a new basketball hoop, Sensitive Soulmates quickly found themselves behind the proverbial eight ball, opening with 10 to 3 deficit. But for King and Hall, the Soulmates rallied to take all the glory of basketball court that court had give, finishing with a 12 to10 victory! It was unbelievable! You had to be there, and if you weren't, well, there's next year. On what gave the Sensitive Soulmates the edge in the game, Digenan said, "It's Poz playing like an ant. He knows how to weasel his way through small spaces on the basketball court."

Congratulations to our winners and all of our Steds ballers who tanked it up off and on the court!

Players and fans size up the competition...

...others took a breather as...

... Eli and Charlie maned the grills.

Your Sunday picture...

The ND skyline with an ominous sky

... from Notre Dame. Last week, several strong storms went through the area. The storms brought a lot of rain and slightly cooler temps, but unfortunately, the humidity stayed around like an unwelcomed Michigan fan at a ND tailgate. As the storms passed through, a picture was taken of Mary, the Dome, and the Basilica steeple- and St. Edward's- from the 11th floor of Flanner Hall. The contrast is striking. The storms and humidity have passed, and the sun and cooler temps have now arrived. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday's Squirrel.

I see you...

Sometimes our furry friends are bold and brash while at other times they are just the opposite. Instead of being in your face, they are reserved and shy. And it is a furry friend like this that is often watching us as we go about our day. We don't see him, but rest assured, he sees us. Perhaps, he's hoping we drop a muffin or discard a half eaten apple at a trash can? Whatever it is, we're being watched. On watching us from a pine tree in God Quad, this squirrel non-verbaled, "You did see me. I wasn't here." 

Day three...

Hall stapler: Please return quickly

... without a stapler. Many of us gave little thought to the stapler in our midst. It was always there. Using the hall printer, we printed our class PowerPoints slides, papers, and whatnot, and then, with the least bit of thought, we hit the stapler, stapling our printed treasures and heading off to class in sweet bliss. But tragedy struck this week as our trusted and beloved stapler disappeared without a trace. Oh, stapler... my stapler! Where have you gone? On the missing stapler, no Stedsmen could muster any words to express their sadness and dismay.

If you know or have any knowledge that leads to the safe return of the Hall stapler, please contact Fr. Ralph. You may be eligible for a reward.

It's time...

Smith: All smiles and tanking it

...to awaken a fierce rivalry. Yes, it is time to let loose the rivalry between Steds and Zahm on the basketball court to determine which hall has the distinction of being first in the shadow of Mary and the Dome. Yes, it is time for every Gentleman, regardless of his basketball skills, to form a team of three and take to the court in the backyard of Steds which, by the way, has a brand new hoop. 

As teams advance or crash out, a cookout would be hosted by and for all Gentlemen players. Finally, in what will surely be a Steds vs Steds final, the championship game will be played under the lights, portable ones, of the Steds court that have been brought in with the help of Steds dad for this most special event.

On playing in the FIFTH Battle for the Shadow tourney and sporting the official Steds BFS tank, Jacob Smith, Steds freshmen and baller, said, "Basketball is the tool with which St. Ed’s will destroy Zahm.”

I can't argue with that... Good luck to all players!

They're back...

The Boys in Green and Gold: Steds Baseball

... at it. Yes, the Steds Hall Baseball team has taken to the field under the lights to play America's pastime. The season started with a showdown against Pangborn Hall (currently housing Morrissey Hall) and saw Steds take an early two nothing lead with Steds junior, Joe Corcoran, scoring the first run. But with a few wild pitches and a couple of rookie mistakes, Morrissey tied it up. Then, when both teams had found their groove, there was a "light strike," and the game was then postponed. 

Taking to the diamond one last time, Steds senior Joe Kimlinger said, "The boys played their hearts out. Everything they had was left on the field. Brooks Meadowcroft, leading the Stedsmen on the bump, was so lights out that the heavens took notice, and when they began to take "flash photographs," we were forced to postpone the game. Now, I don't want to jinx anything since we have yet to play the rest of the game, but at the point of cancellation, Brooks thus far achieved a particular accolade that rhymes with "go get 'er".  By the time the lightning had lit up the skies, the boys in green and gold had yet to light up their bats, but I think it was obvious to the two spectators in attendance (including our fearless leader Fr. Ralph and former President Trzaska) that the hits were soon to come.  Stay tuned for the next segment of Steds vs. Morrissey.”

On the game being postponed, Coach Brooks Meadowcroft, Steds senior, said, “Morrissey, scared of the inevitable beat down that was occurring, made a point to locate a 'lightning bolt' in the sky that couldn’t have been more than a mere camera flash in the next state over- Ohio. In the end, the only thing they can do is postpone the inevitable- a victory by the Gentlemen.”

After the game...

Coach Brey with the Stedsmen of '14

... the Stedsmen enjoyed the long week. Well, former Stedsmen certainly did as they took advantage of the long holiday weekend. Celebrating the win the 24-17 over Michigan, Stedsmen from the Class 2014 went to the local Ruth’s Chris where they ran into none other than Coach Mike Brey of the ND Men’s Basketball team. While they were in the process of buying him a drink, he was in the process of doing the same for them. That night, class was all around for sure. On the evening, Chris McKeon ’14 said, “The evening was a testament to the unBREYkable bonds of Steds!” 

Indeed, Chris… unBREYkable indeed!

It's open...

Crudele and Harris: making it fresh at Ed's 

...again! Yes, opening earlier than ever, Ed's had it's eight grand opening to the applause, cheers and even tears of the Stedsmen. Under the direction of Devin Crudele, Steds junior, campus' favorite hall eatery is once again open for business, serving up paninis, smoothies, milkshakes, pizza and mozzarella sticks. And all of this is done with a smile! Still, there is something new on this year's menu- personal pizzas. With so many options, without even having to leave the convenience of the Hall, why would anyone want to go LaFun or even hike over to the Duncan Student Center? On the opening night, Crudele said, "It was everything I could for... the food was great, everyone was happy, and no workers suffered any burns."

Your Sunday picture...

Shining brighter!

...from Notre Dame. After yesterday's victory over Michigan, Mary and the Dome seem to shine just a bit brighter today. While that may be the case, it is a different story for the students who are moving just a bit more slowly today. Still, it is a beautiful Sunday. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Game Day!

Does that water leave a stain?

Game Day would not the same without the Steds Float. The Float, a run through the Hesburgh Memorial Library reflecting pool, happens every home game Saturday. Sporting pool inflatables, the Stedsmen take to the reflecting pool to support and cheer on the unsung heroes of Game Day, the ND Marching Band. Today's Float was captured by ESPN's Game Day, and the Stedsmen turned out and put on a great show for the camera and national TV. On the Float, Jack Ryan Williams said, "The only bluer thing than the water of the reflecting pool was the spirits of Michigan fans on the ride home. Roll Steds!"