The gas tank...

Steds A: down and out; but not defeated

... finally ran empty for the Steds A team. In the first game of the inter-hall tourney, Steds, the number 15th seed, faced off against the 2nd seed team, Stanford. From the start, it was fast and physical game with Stanford taking a six point lead. But Steds didn't give up nor did they back down. At half time, when the chips where really down, the Steds squad did not lose hope because Will Connelly, coach and player, delivered an inspirational and stirring speech. Coach's words really resonated with the team as they came out shooting for the stars and rebounding like the '82 Philadelphia 76'ers. 

Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough, and Stanford won. On the basketball journey, Brooks Meadowcroft, the only retiring senior player of team, said, "Bittersweet night tonight as I ended my basketball career for Steds. We were a bit outmanned by the Griffins of Stanford but our team never gave up and that’s all you can ask for. Our team has a bright future with a young core taking the helm and a deep group of juniors. I look forward to following along for years to come. Now to focus on bookstore basketball season."

A masterpiece...

 With an invite like that, how could you not go?

... that will always remain timeless. Recently, the University sent invitations for Reunion Weekend, and the Stedsmen of the Class of 2014 got an early Christmas gift. On the front of the invitation was none other than the Steds pre-game float! No joking. The Steds Float was on the front of the invitation. Choosing this photo was not an accident. As the Float brought the residents of the University's most storied residence hall together, now it would bring together an ENTIRE class! On this beautifully crafted invite, Bobby Weltner '14, Stedsman and founder of the Float, said, “I am proud to see The Float honored as the cover photo on the 2014 Reunion invite. It serves as a reminder of one of the many contributions that our 2014 Stedsmen made to the hall and the University as a whole. The fact that the Alumni Association has chosen a fun and lively Steds tradition to market its biggest event of the year speaks to how Stedsmen stand at the spiritual heart of Our Lady’s University. My only complaint - I want compensation for the use of my image for marketing purposes!”

We have...

A Rocky in our times: O'Brien (blue)

... a winner! Last night in the semi-finals of Bengal Bouts, Dan O'Brien defeated his opponent in the 171 lbs. weight division not only to advance to the Finals but also to the delight of his Steds fan base. While Dan could not hear his fans, rest assured, it was present, and though smaller than his opponent's, it was ruckus. Asked to dial it back not once but twice, the O'Brien fan base was loud and boisterus. So loud were they, I am sure they would like to take some partial credit in O'Brien's unanimous decision. On watching O'Brien box in the semi-finals, Fr. Ralph said, "It was electric. Watching Dan, I felt as if I was in the ring! Standing amidst the fan base, I found myself swinging my arms and a sailor's mouth escaping from my very mouth. How could it not? The pride of Steds was on the line. I am putting money that I don't have down on this boxer... he's going all the way!"

Remember the...

Steds B team ballers

... Steds B team! Yes, remember the Steds B team for basketball because they are a rising power in the inter-mural basketball scene. The proverbial dark horse, the Steds B team has broken from the back of the pack through consistent and dependable play, adhering to the fundamentals of dribbling, passing, and shooting. And that adherence has paid off handsomely, especially in play against Fisher Hall. Steds took down Fisher with a score of 40 to 35. After going 2-1 in the regular season Steds B is heading to the playoffs. Stayed tuned. When asked after the game what he believed was the key to the Gentlemen’s triumph, senior Chris Brady simply said, “Grit and grind.” 

Your Sunday picture...

An icy view

... from Notre Dame. While we have gotten a good amount of snow and cloudy days at Notre Dame, we have also gotten a fair amount of ice. Here's a view of Mary and the Golden Dome after a recent drizzling of freezing rain. Beautiful, but very dangerous. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

The jury never convened 

Our nation is fixated on groundhogs, their shadows, and their alleged ability to predict the length of winter. In doing so, we have unknowingly, or worst yet knowingly, placed all of our eggs in one basket. But what about our furry friends? Do they have something to say about their shadows and winter? In an effort to hedge possible losses by an incorrect Phil the Groundhog, we found a squirrel on God Quad who was willing to share her insights. On seeing her shadow, this squirrel non-verbaled, "What's that black thing?" and then ran away.

Victory...

President Edwards (L) and Vice President Barrett congratulating 

Commanders Swift and Herlihy 

... we have victory in our battle against malaria! The power of Steds mullets could not be rebuffed, and the enemy is on the retreat. With the nets that will be purchased through donations, the enemy will cede more territory, and soon, malaria will have no place to hide. Suffice it to say, that day isn’t here, and so, our fight is not over, the war will continue. Indeed, the enemy will see our brave boys and their powerful mullets again! But for now, it’s back to headquarters for some r&r and a haircut.

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, Commander John Swift said, "It took a lot of blood, sweat, and shears, but we have come out victorious! Thank you to one and all who joined us in the fight. We couldn't have done it without you!"

Still yet, Commander Joe Herlihy added, "“It was a hard fought fight. Hair was lost, money was raised, and our goal was reached. The cause of malaria prevention has more money than it did three weeks ago, and we have the great Steds family and friends to thank for that. I am grateful, and it makes me proud to be where I am. Thank you!” 

Senior Afternoon Tea...

S.A.T. : hold the lumps please

... was once again served up for all twenty-one years old of the Hall. With the Flounge reserved, seniors took a break from their labors and enjoyed not only each other's company but also domestic and imported beers. If that wasn't enough, there was more... catering from Chipotle! Even though the tortillas were forgotten to be put out, the break from Chick-Fil-A food was greatly appreciated. Stories were shared, laughs were had, and no leftovers were left... and no one was thirsty. On the Senior Afternoon Tea, Jack Barrett, Steds junior, who is twenty-one, and Steds Vice President, said, "Here in Steds we drink and eat in class."

A break from...

Kimlinger (far right, kneeling) and the Steds Green Machine

... the front lines in the battle against malaria takes us to the hockey rink where the Steds inter-hall team has been once again seeking inter-hall glory for King and Hall. Always playing by the rules and demonstrating good sportsmanship at all times, the Steds quad was blindsided by the biased actions of RecSports administrators who found a way to slow down the our Hall's hockey powerhouse machine. What did RecSports did they do? They pitted two halls against one by combining Carrol and Stanford Halls into one team to take on our Gentlemen. 

Though biased and unfair, it was a fantastic game. But in the end, the muscle of the legendary Steds senior, Matt Ebertin, the speed of the young and talented sophomore, Johnny Welsch, and even the power of the world-renowned senior, Nick Leisen, and his slap shot fell short in vanquishing the combined hall team.

As they should be, the combined team was overjoyed in defeating Steds. On the other team's joy, Steds senior and hockey captain, Nick Kimlinger, said, "How lucky were they, you ask?  Well, I heard on the ice tonight by an anonymous AND real member of Stanford/Carroll team say, 'Man, you guys are way faster than us... have harder shots... have way better hair... and you're way cooler than we are. Seriously, just like way cooler.  We're VERY lucky to be winning right now. I wish I was in Steds; like you guys are so cool!'  You can't make this stuff up!  Steds is not broken, just bent, and you won't want to meet this green machine in the playoffs. "

Even this squirrel...

Multitasking: Taking a handout AND a stand

... is doing his part in the battle against malaria. Yes, everyone, and we mean everyone, even our furry friends, must do their in this war. Walking outside Steds, this furry friend was enjoying a winter handout of mixed nuts (thanks to O'Donnells), but he was doing more than just enjoying free food. He was also taking a stand against the enemy by wearing his tail in an ancient hairstyle that went through a renaissance during the 80's- the mohawk. On standing with Steds in this fight, our furry friend non-verbaled, "We love free handouts of mixed nuts, but we all hate malaria!"

To help our boys and to do your duty stopping malaria, click HERE.

A helping hand...

Swift and Herlihy: Excited and grateful for the help

... in the battle against malaria was received today. Hearing of the bravery of our Gentlemen, Girl Scout Troop 48476 mobilized, offering their support and, more importantly, their cookies. Yes, what better way to strengthen and refresh resolves of those fighting against the enemy than with Girl Scout cookies. Indeed, these cookies may be the very thing that help the Gentlemen turn the tide in this long and protracted conflict. 

On the aide shipment from the Girl Scouts, John Swift said, "Just what we needed. I heard that Girl Scout cookies are the only food other than celery with negative calories," while Joe Herlihy added, “As I’ve previously been quoted saying ‘Nothing is more intimidating than a man willing to sacrifice love and affection for such a good cause.’ We now have the SUPPORT of the future women of America, the Girl Scouts. This Mullets Against Malaria is truly a WIN-WIN in every sense of the phrase.” 

To help our boys and to do your duty stopping malaria, click HERE.

Your Sunday picture...

Winter at its best

... from Notre Dame. While it's not Notre Dame's campus, it's close to it... Lake Michigan. While it's cold and snowy, beauty can be found, and here's one such find. Here' a beautiful winter sunset on Lake Michigan. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be.

Everyone needs to...

Haag to Molyneaux: No. I have a deferment of some sort

... do his duty to Hall and King in this epic battle against against malaria. Even Fr. Ralph, the rector, must do his part in the fight, and that's what Steds junior, Peter Molyneaux, sought to do. With nothing more than his charm and his 80's mullet, which has to be the best one to ever grace St. Edward's Hall, Peter made an impassioned plea for the rector to demonstrate his solidarity with the brave boys in mullets. Sadly, in the end, Molyneaux's peer pressure could not get the commitment from Fr. Ralph that he was hoping for, but he didn't walk away completely empty handed. On the impassioned plea, Fr. Ralph said, "I commend Peter and his magnificent mullet for going the extra mile to get everyone, even those at the home front, to do their part in this epic battle. Even though I could not commit to a mullet, I STILL wanted to be like all the cool kids, and I was inspired by this exchange to do what I could do. All I can say now is that I regret that I only have three racing stripes! Death to malaria!"

         To help our boys and to do your duty stopping malaria, click HERE.

Haag: Doing his part with racing stripes...on both sides!

Let's take a break...

Steds fighters and lovers: A Valentine's Day Special

... from the battle against malaria. Yes, let us take a break so that we can tell you about the 98th Bengal Bouts. With preliminary matches starting today, Valentine's Day, Steds entered nine boxers with high hopes for all of them. Our boxers started their training in the fall, and now, after months of discipline, commitment to practice and exercising regimes, it was time for them to get into ring. Regardless of the outcome, the Gentlemen of St. Edward's acknowledged and commend their fellow Gentlemen boxers' dedication and courage. Good luck to all of you! On watching his roommate, Dan "Pilgrim" O'Brien, win in the second round of his bout, John Lucciola, said, "I blinked, and it was over." Indeed, it was John... indeed it was!

  The Pilgrim (gold trunks) is boxing for keeps

Say it...

How could you not wear this?

... and say it loud! Nothing more says that one is taking a stand against malaria than wearing this handsome t-shirt. With the help of Devin Crudele, this couture design by Joe Herlihy and John Swift has caught the eye of many, rallying spirits and strengthening resolves to be a part of this noble cause.  As Stedsmen of all ages don mullets and these attractive t-shirts, how could malaria prevail in this battle? On the handsome t-shirts, Fr. Ralph said, "The design is simple, balanced, and no holds barred. It communicates that this battle is for keeps. If I was malaria, then I would back off. I hate malaria!"

        To help our boys and to do your duty stopping malaria, click HERE.

Oh, captain, our...

Who is this?

... captain. Where has our captain gone? Yes, what happened to our Hall President, Cole Edwards? We all saw him take a seat, but then, he disappeared. All of a sudden, in his place, we saw someone else, sporting pink curlers. Murmurs among us arose, and questions of "What have you done with him?" and "Where is our President?" were raised. 

But then, as the stylist performed her craft, our beloved leader slowly appeared before our very eyes, wearing the most magnificent mullet one could see or wish for. The masses breathed a sigh of relief, and then, knowing all was well, the masses made a mad dash to Ed's for paninis and pizza sticks. On his disappearance, reappearance, and transformation, Edwards said, "After my glorious mullet had taken full form, I soon realized just how much power the hairdo had bestowed upon me. My speed and agility have increased tenfold, and I can now harvest the sun's energy for fuel. I can see through walls, and my grades have never been better. It is no wonder that this look is so timeless."

To help our boys, get Edwards out of that Trans Am, and to do your duty stopping malaria, click HERE.

Oh, it really is Cole...

...and he's too cool for school...

...and he's now looking for a Trans Am with a sun roof.

The battle continues...

Harris signing up to do his duty...

... against malaria! It's going to be a long and tough fight! Once again, many a Steds Gentleman answered the call to do their duty to King and Hall and receive a mullet. Thanks to the Hall Photographer, Luke Golichowski, pictures of our brave boys having their mops of hair crafted into mullets were taken. While it looks simple, it's really not. One just doesn't get a mullet. It takes dedication and patience to grow one's hair, and then, on top of that, it takes courage to wear it. We salute all of that and so much more! Yet, at the same time we don't want to over look the contributions made by those boys who may not have had enough hair for a mullet but nevertheless offered what follicles they could and received racing stripes. Shaved in various designs from the simple line to the complicated Steds crown, these boys also wanted to do their duty. 

On having racing stripes, Alex Morrison, Steds freshman, said, "Although we weren’t willing to grow our locks to the glorious extent of some of the other Gentlemen in Steds, we tried to at least participate in MAM through getting a few racing stripes or z’s carved into our scalps.  We can’t wait to see Father Ralph to get his as well, " while fellow freshman, Westen Mulqueen, said, “Our racing stripes were due to our inability to grow the glorious mane that was seen in our fellow Stedsmen; however, we did our our best to support by shaving two racing stripes on each side!”

                 To help our boys and to do your duty stopping malaria, click HERE.

... as Lofton might be having second thoughts while Susco smiles on...

... and Jack Ryan gives detailed instructions...

... and then crowds appeared to see true commitment as Joe (seated)...

...closed his eyes and...

...rocked a "skullet"...

... but Gambardella passed and chose something else to show his support...

...all while DiLella received a normal haircut? Say it ain't so!

Your Sunday picture...

Ehrman examining...

... from Notre Dame. Fr. Terry Ehrman, CSC, theologian and botanist is examining one of the many witch hazel bushes about campus. The interesting thing about the witch hazel is that it is the earliest of the bushes and trees to bloom, and when it does, it means that winter's end is at hand. But I say, given its track record from last year, who cares if it is blooming! It was so off last year, I think that only Fr. Terry will be looking at its blooms for now on. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

... and sees blooms of hope. Misplaced hope?

Saturday Squirrel.

Taking a load off

With the warming weather, our furry friends are making their presence seen and felt about campus. Emerging from their leaf nests high above us in the trees, the squirrels are once again scurrying about doing this or that thing, investigating and sniffing about, looking for a hand out, and much more. And that's exactly what was happening with this squirrel, who after a busy day of something, decided to take a break from it all on a bench. On what he was doing, this squirrel non-verbaled, "What does it look like I am doing? I making use of this bench!"

A break from...

Red hot: Steds basketball

... the battle. With many of our brave Gentlemen off at the front battling the enemy, let us take a break from the war for moment, for there is much going on at the home front. With the spring semester, there is a flurry on inter-hall sports tourneys going on, and Steds is in all of them! History was made as the Steds inter-hall basketball team picked up their first regular season win in TWO years. And it was a real nail bitter. Steds was down 3 with a minute left, but Steds rallied and outscored their opponents 7-1 to pick up at 46-43 victory over Duncan. Junior Will Connolly hit a 3 to tie the game, and Sophomore Josh Gambardella tipped in the winning bucket on the next possession. Michael Brannan lead all scorers with 27 points (and 0 assists) followed by Connolly with 8 and Jack Usher with 7. Steds will play for first place in their division against Siegfried on Sunday evening. On the victory, Will Connolly, Steds junior and team captain, said, "Blogworthy? I don’t know. Noteworthy? Absolutely." 

To war!

The brave, the mulleted: Steds 2019

The few, the brave, the mulleted! Tonight, in the Flounge, many a brave and committed Stedsmen crafted their locks of hair into the iconic hairstyle of the 80's, the mullet. Often described as "business in the front, party in the back," the mullet has a power that no other hairstyle from 80's has... the power to take out malaria.

Our brave and mulleted boys have gone off to the front to once again battle a foe who wrecks havoc on so many across the globe. Armed with nothing more than a mullet and an effervescent spirit, these young men are doing all they can to vanish an enemy through raising funds for mosquito nets. On the seeing the mullets as well as the bravery on these men of St. Edward's, Joe Herlihy, Steds sophomore and commander of the fight, declared, "It is a proven fact college women find men with longer hair more attractive. Nothing is more intimidating than a man willing to sacrifice love and affection for such a good cause. Let their hair flow and pride swell until malaria is no more!"

To support our boys and do your part in stopping malaria, click HERE.

Support our boys!

Rallying the...

Swift looking for new recruits as Distefano, Jordan, Raarup, and Nash look on

... Gentlemen is the order of the day, the day before Mullets Against Malaria (MAM). Determined to defeat malaria, John Swift, Steds sophomore and one of the commanders of Steds MAM efforts, is recruiting everyone who has a follicle to cut to join the battle. Among the general populace of the Hall there is excitement and fanfare for this much anticipated moment, but yet, at the same time, quietly, there is a healthy amount of fear and trepidation among those heading off to the front with mullets. Questions of "What can a mullet really achieve?" and "Are my follicles really needed?" arise in minds of the young and inexperienced.

As they headed off somewhere, Swift stopped a group of freshmen and gave an edifying and moving "elevator speech" in the Steds Lobby, instilling courage and dispelling any and all hesitation of getting a mullet. On Swift's rousing words, 

Luke Distefano exclaimed, "I hate malaria!" while Lorenzo Jordan added, "I didn't know mullets were so powerful!"

Still yet, Axel Raarup said, ""I have awaited this day since the minute I set foot in South Bend. My hair can finally be sculpted into the righteous style that has beckoned me for years; the mullet. Malaria doesn't stand a chance."

Finally, C.J. Nash added, "I was strove for a Bon Jovi mullet this year, but I didn’t have the power. I’ll settle for Billy Ray Cyrus. But next year will be a different story.”

To support our boys and do your part in stopping malaria, click HERE.

It was Christmas...

Cooking again: Molyneaux and Kelly 

... all over again this past week as a brand new microwave arrived in the Steds 4th floor study lounge- the Sky Lounge. The previous microwave had a good run, but it recently succumb to its age. Still, some regulars in the lounge would go further saying the microwave's demise was the result of a sad and tragic late night popcorn accident. But thanks to ND Day and the generous funds raised through that very special day, a new microwave was procured, and once again, 4th floor residents were able to cook microwavable foodstuffs to their hearts content AND at all hours. On the new microwave, Peter Molyneaux, Steds junior and 4th floor wisdom person, said, "I was worried I was going to have to make the trek all the way down to the second floor every time I wanted popcorn or easy Mac, but thanks to this new microwave I can avoid the unnecessary exercise," while his fellow Steds junior, added, "I can finally return to my strictly ramen diet."

The days are short...

It's for keeps...

... and the hair is long. That can mean only one thing... Mullets Against Malaria! Yes, the Gentlemen have grown their hair out so that they might meet malaria on the battlefield once again. In command of Steds follicle forces are two sophomores, John Swift and Joe Herlihy. 

Last week, we heard from Herlihy, but today, we hear from the other commander on the efforts to rally the forces and vanquish the enemy. Today, we hear from John Swift, a Steds Missourian and College of Science student, who has taken some time away from Headquarters to give us this interview.

St. Ed: What’s Mullets Against Malaria all about?

Swift: There are two crucial aspects of Mullets Against Malaria.  Mullets and malaria.  One is a legendary hairstyle that peaked in popularity during the 80's but now is only sported by the bravest of souls.  The other is a deadly illness that kills over 1 million individuals each year, mainly children under the age of 5 in sub-saharan Africa.  The Gentlemen of St. Edward's Hall spend months growing out their hair each year and then cut it into a mullet.  At the same time members of the hall help to raise money to donate to Nothing But Nets, a charity that helps provide life saving supplies and treatments to people at risk for malaria.  The more money that is raised the longer we keep the mullets, adding an extra day for every $1,000 raised.

St. Ed: Are there any hidden challenges to growing a mullet?

Swift: There are some great challenges facing the men who decide to sport the mullet.  One must grow his hair out for months in advance, so many people's hair is longer than it has ever been in their life.  Many parents and relatives can be quite disapproving of the long hair as well.  Additionally, extra time and money must be spent to keep the long hair looking good.

St. Ed: How long will Steds wage its campaign against malaria, moreover, we will win?

Swift: There will always be Steds. The same cannot be said about malaria.

St. Ed: What would you say to encourage others to join the Gentlemen in this fight?

Swift: And the same backfield, Cole, you and Turk, Herlihy, and Swift. Now the success of any fundraiser men is based on team-play - the same as you've shown all year. Sacrifice; unselfish sacrifice! Malaria they say is pretty good; but I think we're better! And I think if we get ourselves keyed up to a point, and when we're confident of that, why the results will take care of themselves.

All right, now. On the kickoff - if we receive, the hair will drop back to the shoulders and grow long -- that old Steds style. If we cut our hair early - which malaria wants - let's grow it out fast - just as fast as you can grow. And then we go on defense. And on defense - I want the center in and out of that line - according to the situation. Use your old head! And I want you guards charging through as far as you can go - on every play. Expect the mosquito right over you every time.

And the tackles - I want you to go in a yard and a half - and then check yourselves. Spread your feet - squat down low - and be ready with your mullet, so you’ll end malaria. But I want the ends in there fast every haircut. Every haircut, but under control. And you men in the backfield there, I want you to analyze it before you move. If there’s a mosquito, wait ‘til you see the mosquito in the air - and then go and get it! And when we get it, boys, that's when we go on offense. And that's when we go to ‘em - and, don't forget, we're gonna pick on one last mosquito that is weak.

We're going inside of ‘em, we're going outside of ‘em - inside of ‘em! outside of ‘em! - and when we get them on the run once, we're going to keep ‘em on the run. And we're not going to cut our hair unless it’s into a mullet. But don't forget, men - we're gonna get ‘em on the run, we're gonna go, go, go, go! - and we aren't going to stop until we end malaria! And don't forget, men - today is the day we're gonna win. They can't bite us - and that's how it goes... The first platoon men - go in there and fight, fight, fight, fight, fight! What do you say, men!

To support our boys and do your part in stopping malaria, click HERE.

Your Sunday picture...

Highs and lows at St. Ed's Hall

... from Notre Dame. Last week we saw temperatures that were -40F, but today, as we start a new week, it's 50F! After being bundled up for the last couple of days, the rise in temperature is being celebrating by breaking out summer shorts.  Oh, but no one should think that winter is over just yet even if the groundhog didn't see his shadow. Later this week, temps will fall back into the mid 20's! Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

Birds, birds, and more birds.

With the squirrels on hiatus, and we have an opportunity to focus on some other friends... our friends with feathers. With the weather warming up and the water of St. Joseph's Lake becoming unfrozen, it has become a haven for hundreds, and I mean hundreds, of birds. On the multitude of birds at Notre Dame, Fr. Terry Ehrman, CSC, theologian and botanist, said, "Walking around the lakes you cannot help but feel that you're a set for an Alfred Hitchcock film."

BIRD VIDEO: CLICK HERE

There is a rising...

Ready for the ring: O'Brien, Matt Cyrs, Lorenzo Jordan, and John Swift

... force at Steds. Quietly and patiently, this force has been gathering strength, and it is now ready to be unleashed. This force is none other than the Steds Bengal Bout boxers who have been honing their skills since the late fall. At the helm of directing the Hall's boxing efforts is Steds sophomore, Dan O'Brien, who is no stranger to the ring. Last year, as a freshman, O'Brien made it all the way to the semi-finals, losing in a split decision. While he may have lost, O'Brien's resolve is stronger than ever, and he'll be back in the ring in two weeks time. And he's managed to get a large number of fellow Stedsmen to join him. In between class and practice, I was able to catch up with O'Brien and ask him a few questions. 

St. Ed: What have you been doing to prepare yourself for this year’s Bengal Bouts?

O’Brien: In addition to attending all practices and sparring captains and seniors as often as possible, I have adopted a strict pilates regimen and have begun dabbling in hot yoga.

St. Ed: Now, you have also been assisting a sizable number of Steds boxers in their training. Why do we have so many boxers this year, and how are they shaping up? 

O’Brien: This year, in addition to the triumphant return of all Stedsmen who fought last year, a significant number of freshman committed to the program. The first year of any combat sport requires turning a significant amount of information and technique into reflexes and muscle memory. The first year boxers have been showing significant progress in this area for the same reason they committed in the first place: a willingness to sweat, suffer, and fundraise.

St. Ed: As you train yourself and have others under your tutelage, do you find inspiration from other boxers and do they influence your boxing style?

O’Brien: Absolutely. Every boxer, regardless of experience level, should treat every drill and workout as an opportunity to add more weapons to their arsenal. I can confidently say that I have learned as much from our new boxers as they have learned from me. 

St. Ed: Has the recent extreme cold weather affected your training routine?

O’Brien: It has only made my normal routine more unpleasant... The weather will change before I do. 

St. Ed: What are you looking forward to after you win your Bengal Bouts’ weight class?

O’Brien: First and foremost I would like to thank my third-grade bully Simon Mayhew for imparting me with the necessary discipline and aggression to become a champion. If I were to be privileged enough to win a championship fight this year, I look forward to a crisp handshake from Fr. Ralph and a double order of spicy nuggets and mozzarella sticks from Ed's.

Good luck to Dan and all of our Steds Bengal Bouts boxers!