We remember...

Remember the Founder

...the Founder, especially today, the anniversary of his death, October 31st. Buried in the Holy Cross Cemetery, the community cemetery for the Congregation of Holy Cross, located on the north side of St. Mary's Lake, Fr. Sorin's grave is front and center of all others. Even though Fr. Sorin did not want this, it is only fitting, for without him, none of this would be! Fr. Sorin, we are always in your debt. Requiescat in pace!

Giving it...

... their all, they did. Yes, the Steds flag football team gave it their all and then some this past Tuesday at Ricci Fields. Unfortunately, that and the throwing the proverbial kitchen sink at the opponent was not enough to prevent defeat. Sadly, the Gentlemen were defeated by a team from Stanford, going down forty-two to twenty. While tasting defeat much like that of the ND football team this past weekend in Ann Arbor, the Gentlemen maintained their composure and remained true to their name. Still yet, thanks to ND Day funded uniforms, they also looked sharp doing so. On the flag football season, Joe Sweilem, Steds sophomore and resident Chicagoan, said, “The opposing team played very well and put up a great fight. We left it all out there on the field. In the end, I couldn’t ask for a better time with the guys.”

They said...

Harris: Can't find at Sears 

... it couldn't be done, but who are they? And what do they know? Because he did it! Yes, Jake Harris,  Steds resident San Diegan and Hall Apparel Commissioner, released his couture Hall apparel line for the fall just before the start of break. It is a collection of Hall favorites with items like the quarter zip fleece and Steds crewneck sweater, but there's more. In Harris' offering there is a new, green Under Armour dry fit athletic shirt. Without any doubt, this collection is a triumph, capturing the spirit of today's Steds but honoring its storied past. On releasing the 2019 Steds Fall Apparel Collection, Harris said, "I’m just trying to ensure that the Stedsmen stand out on campus."

I saw the sign...

Do you see the sign?

... and it opened up my eyes! Yes, a sign was in the sky outside Steds on the night of the Michigan game, and it opened my eyes to the possibility of a football miracle at the Big House. The sign in the sky was not man made, rather it was the clouds capturing the shadow of Dome made by the lights from Washington Hall. The sign was there one moment, and then, it was gone! While it buoyed the spirits of the Stedsmen watching the game in Flounge, unfortunately, it wasn't enough to turn the tide in favor of the Irish. On the game, an unnamed Stedsman said, "God wanted us to win. Mary clearly wanted us to win. But Mother Nature and Brian Kelly did not."

Your Sunday picture...

Soaking it up until the end.

... from Notre Dame. Fall Break draws to an end, but what a break it was. Wherever and whatever our Stedsmen did for break, hopefully it has renewed and reinvigorated their spirits to have a strong finish  to the semester. On the last day of break, here is a late afternoon view of Lake Michigan. Yes, even St. Ed got a bit of a break. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

Taking forty winks...

Where do our furry friends sleep? I don't know, but I can tell you where another furry friend sleeps. Walking around St. Joseph's Lake, a hole was spotted in a tree. At first, the creature inside was thought to a large bat, but upon closer inspection, it was identified as a raccoon. Who knew raccoons sleep in trees? Being nocturnal, this raccoon was unavailable for comment; however, a passing squirrel non-verbaled, "It's amazing what he's done with that tree hole. I am jealous!"

The breaking continues.

Breaking well... enjoying dinner...

Yes, our Steds seniors are still enjoying their Fall Break. Leaving Nashville, our seniors made their way north to our nation's "mitten state"... Michigan. Enjoying the hospitality of the Blossfelds, our seniors are continuing their rest and relaxation, taking in the sights and sounds of the Detroit Metro area. Chauffeured around by Dan and BettyJane in the "Bloss Bus," a rented fifteen passenger bus, the seniors have gone apple picking, Kensington Park, and Detroit. But something else is going on amid the fun. Our seniors are preparing for Saturday's game! On hosting the Steds seniors, BettyJane said, "We rented the ‘Bloss Bus’ so all the kids could ride together, especially our son Josh in his injuried state. We’re their personal Uber drivers! I love to cook, and we both enjoy being with our kids and their friends…so this is a labor of love. The Steds Gentlemen have been polite, appreciative, and a lot of fun!"

... and lounging around...

...but an earlier start the next day...

... all smiles on the Bloss Bus...

... stopping by the local watering hole...

... enjoying a little snooze...

...but thanks to the Crudeles, still remembering to leave the shoes at the door!

Where and what are they doing...

Breaking well... watching a Nashville Predators game...

... on their break? That question was raised yesterday, and it has to be asked once again. Where and what are our Stedsmen doing on their Fall Break. Today, we learn that a number of our seniors have traveled to the South to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Following Devin Crudele, a Steds senior, and his brother, Kyle, a Steds sophomore, home, this group of eleven seniors has enjoyed lazy days but busy nights, of course, taking in all the sights, sounds, even tastes, of Nashville. Who knew there was so much to do when on Fall Break? But all of this has been enjoyed with a healthy dose of Southern hospitality thanks to their hosts, Tony and Diane Crudele. On hosting the Steds seniors, Diane said, "We have enjoyed seeing the strong bond shared by all and getting to know the wonderful young Gentlemen who will be soon graduating. They have represented St. Ed’s well!"

... floating in a different way...

... enjoying downtown...

... and the local cuisine of Hattie B's...

... but remembering to leave their shoes at the door!

Where are they...

Lofton, Distefano, Mariano and Gluckow are all smiles...

... and what are they doing? Yes, where and what are our Stedsmen up to during their Fall Break?  Steds sophomores Keenan Lofton, Luke Distefano, and Jed Mariano followed their Stedsman Ben Gluckow home, leaving their books, routines, and exhaustion behind. Unencumbered, these Stedsmen enjoyed the beautiful "fallscapes" of Northern New Jersey and the hospitality of Kristi and Paul Gluckow.  On hosting Ben and his friends, Paul Gluckow, said, " They certainly were able to get some needed R&R at the start of the Fall Break. We thoroughly enjoyed having the Stedsmen at our house for a couple days!" 

... because it's not the DH!

What is happening...

Lighting up a tree and hitting a nerve...

... on campus when students are away? Not much, but some things are happening. Many trees and shrubs needing trimming and pruning have been trimmed and pruned. Hallway carpets in residence halls are being thoroughly shampooed and power washed. The list can go on, but there is one other important thing that is happening about campus. What is that you ask? The hanging of Christmas lights of course! The pine tree on the west side of the Main Building, the de facto Christmas tree for the University, had its lights festooned among its branches, ensuring the Christmas spirit will be alive on campus. On the hanging of Christmas lights, Fr. Ralph said, "I am sure this tree will be a pretty sight, being awash in multicolored light, but I have to wonder. The Dome can have its tree, but why can't Steds? Yes, why can't Steds have a tree for Christmas? Someone needs to look into that, just saying."

They deserve...

Get out of here...really. Get out.

...a break. They really do. The Fall Semester is half over, and so, it's time for a break and celebrate the milestone that this is. So, put down your books, stop your writing of one page reflections and papers, stop your trekking about campus. Yes, stop all of this and more, and take a break from your academic labors and throw yourself into Fall Break. And if it is last, then relish it all the more you seniors! What am I doing? Well, keep on reading the blog, and you might find out. To all Stedsmen, break well!

Your Sunday picture...

What a day

... from Notre Dame. Here is a view of a picturesque Autumn sky of white clouds against a bright blue sky. Taken from underneath the canopy of pine trees at the south end of God Quad, the Notre Dame Law School and South Quad were awash in partly cloudy sunlight making for the perfect fall day. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

Yummy.

With the days growing shorter and winter getting a bit closer, our furry friends are looking to put on some weight for those colder days that are ahead. This furry friend was spotted outside of the Main Building dining on what appeared to be a small corn cob, but after closer examination was determined to be a piece of very, very stale bread. On eating stale bread, this squirrel non-verbaled, "Yes, it's very stale, but I need to rack up some pounds. Plus, it's great at getting rid of my plaque problem." 

Click HERE for a video, and listen closely and hear how stale the bread was.

How can he...

Susco: Post-midterm relaxation 

... not smile? Yes, how can Steds junior Chris Susco not smile when all his midterm exams are done? And when done with midterms, what does one, like Chris, do? Go to the Huddle at the La Fortune Student Center of course. And that's exactly what Susco did on his way home to Steds after his last midterm exam. Doing some conspicuous consumption at the Huddle, he returned home with a Coke, dipped pretzels, and Doritos. On finishing his exams, Susco said, "Being done with midterms means I can get fired up for Fall Break. I am starting with the Doritos."

The cost...

And we thought he was only a terror on the football field.

... of victory has a high price. Someone who understands this is Steds senior and football captain, Josh Blossfeld. As Steds took down Goliath, the combined team of Keenan and Zahm, Blossfeld was taken from the field, bruised and injured. As he was helped to the safety of the sidelines, there can be no doubt that it was a painful moment for our brave captain. Still, it was also a rallying point for the remaining Steds players, spurring them on to play harder and seize the victory for their injured captain.  When Blossfeld scooted through the Steds lobby recently, I was able to ask him about that memorable day.

St.Ed: Josh, what happened?

Blossfeld: During a punt, I was hit low and my knee bent inwards. I had to miss the rest of the game and eventually was diagnosed with a tibial plateau fracture, essentially a broken knee that will require 6 weeks in an immobilization brace to heal.

St.Ed: Some have said that you tried to play your next game, also your last game, in a mobility scooter but were prevented by RecSports officials. Is that true?

Blossfeld: Yes, we were planning a deep route for me in the wheelchair... a “Kenny Kawaguchi” style for any Backyard Sports aficionados out there. Apparently, that’s an “illegal accessory” on the field, whatever that means.

St.Ed: Would you say your injury describes the Steds inter-hall football season in general... a lot of hurt and ache?

Blossfeld: The play where I got hurt accurately describes most of my football seasons in Steds: a promising start, a devastating ending, but still a victory over Zahm.

St. Ed: Well said indeed. Still, as you and other senior football players walk off the field into that "great sunset," what remains for Steds football fans to buoy their spirits until next year? 

Blossfeld: Steds football has a bright future, with plenty of talent for the future and a great returning core of players. Regardless of the result, we will always be the best dressed team on Ricci Fields- Steds jerseys never go out of style! 

Oh, captain... my captain!

Holding...

On a roll: Gallagher, Dieterich, Haggestad

(kneeling) Gonzalo, McClimon, and Dahnke

... nothing back. While the Steds inter-hall football team is having its go, other Stedsmen are also having their go on the football field too. But instead of playing tackle football like the Steds inter-hall team, this Steds team is playing flag football. Perhaps they have aspirations of being called up to "the majors" or are just looking to keep the "freshman fifteen" off, whatever the reason may be, one thing is clear. This all Steds freshmen team is playing for wins only. With a record of 3 and 1, this Steds flag football squad composed of Tommy Gallagher, Will Dieterich, Nick Haggestad, Brian Gonzalo, Drew McClimon, and Ryan Dahnke, is a force to reckon with. And even when they aren't at full strength, playing with a man down, that's the still case. Keenan Hall found that out when Steds,  playing with a man down, demolished them by a score of 27 to 18. In the end, the leadership of Haggestad, Dahnke's unstoppable pass rush, and Dieterich’s hands, proved too much for the Knights of Keenan. On the the decisive win, Haggestad said, “Steds is where champions are made. Here, you either bring home the trophy or have no home to come back to.”

Dodging...

Unstoppable: Walsh, Moriarty, Walsh, 

and Bergstrom (kneeling) with the Ladies of PW

... whatever is thrown their way! This intra-mural dodgeball team composed of agile sophomores from PW and Steds are fast on their feet, secure in their catches, and dead on in their shot taking on the dodge ball court. Their spirit demonstrates that Steds will rise to any physical challenge on any court, field, or diamond, and their skill and prowess tells why they will. They're just so darn good at whatever they do. So- to the competition- it's best to back off and stay at home!

On their success, Brendan Moriarty, Steds dodgeballer and resident Michiganer, said, " Grit, skill, determination, and heart are all things that describe this team. An incredibly talented starting lineup, plus the late addition of Jared Walsh, has led us to an UNDEFEATED 3-0 regular season. We expect to continue our success in the upcoming playoffs," while fellow Michiganer, Jacob Smith, said, “As Patches O’Houlihan once said, 'If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.' And as of right now, our team is dodging wrenches with the best of them. We just hope to be able to translate this success into the playoffs in the upcoming weeks."

Finally, ace up the sleeve, Jared Walsh added, "We’ll bring back the trophy to Steds when we win it all!"

A day for...

Everyday is my day!

... me. Yesterday was the Feast of St. Edward the Confessor, King of England and patron saint of the Founder... Fr. Edward Sorin, CSC. Since its inception, the University has celebrated  this day as "Founder's Day." Back in the day, students had the day off from classes, "iced cream" was served, games were played, and St. Edward's residents sent "congratulatory" cards to Fr. Sorin. Matter of fact, one lucky resident was selected to recite a poem, especially penned for this auspicious day, to Fr. Sorin! On this special day, Fr. Ralph, Rector of St. Edward's Hall, said, “I have said it before, and I’ll say it again. We may not get the day off as they did in the past, but nevertheless, I am taking it off!"

Also to note...

It was announced today that Logan Arnold '19 is the 2019-2020 inductee into the Order of Gentlemen, an award given for service to Hall and King.

Congratulations Logan!

Your Sunday picture...

Beautiful as ever

... from Notre Dame. Here's a fall sunrise from late last week as seen from St. Mary's Lake. Walking about the lakes in the morning, Fr. Ralph snapped this photo of the Library and the Basilica and not only is the sky bright with color but also the lake. On seeing the photo and learning that Fr. Ralph took it, Deb Ryan, Steds mom of Connor '13 and Brandon Ryan '18, said, "Watch out Matt Cashore!" Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

Furry friends beware!

Actually, our furry friends do not want to have a run with this guy. Yes, this juvenile hawk has taken up residence on God Quad and even has a favorite perch right outside the LaFortune Student Center. This feathery friend isn't looking for muffin tops or hand outs of any kind. No, he's looking for our furry friends! On having a hawk take up residence on campus, a campus squirrel, non-verbaled, "There goes the neighborhood."

David versus...

Steds forming their game plan at Half Time...

... Goliath. That is what many called last week's inter-hall football game that saw Steds take on a combined Keenan-Zahm team. While both Keenan and Zahm are larger than Steds, one thing is for certain... they have half the spirit, talent and tenacity of Steds. Steds, fielding its own inter-hall football team, rose to the challenge, giving their opponent, "Goliath," a real opponent to contend with. And it was more than they could handle, as Steds took them down like the Biblical giant by a score of seven to six. It was a hard fought fight indeed, with team captain Jake Blossfeld being injured and helped off the field, but it was also the first victory of the season. Congratulations to our Gentlemen in green and gold! On seeing the win in person, Maureen Cyrs, mother of Senior Matt Cyrs, said, "They made St. Edward's proud," while Matt Cyrs, son of Maureen Cyrs, said, "It was a good rivalry win!" 

...while the Brothers Crudele pose...

... and Devin Crudele then got Utley, Blossfeld, and Cyrs to pose too.

Caught...

Borchert and Haag: Go Irish!

... in the lots. There are many things going on during Game Day Saturday... the Steds Float, the ND Marching Band concert, campus hamburger and brat concession stands, Bookstore shopping, and much more. But now, we know something else that is going on. Yes, thanks to Andrew Borchert '15 we know what Fr. Ralph is doing on Game Day. Fr. Ralph tailgates! Caught in the act by former RA Borchert, Fr. Ralph was cooperative, candid, and when asked to take a picture, he was most obliging. On busting Fr. Ralph tailgating in the Stadium Lot, Borchert said, “He said it was his first time. Still, it was great conversation with great company before a dominant ND victory!”

Finally...

Haag: It's all Cashore and his camera...

... Project SoHo Chic is complete! While the paint, carpet and furniture were completed and installed before the start of the school year, the final touch, the pictures for the newly renovated Flounge were finally placed this past Friday. Ordered from the University on-line photo shelter, a total of five prints taken by University Photographer, Matt Cashore, were selected by former Hall President Cole Edwards and current Hall President Josh Gambardella and framed by the official Steds' frame company, the Frame Factory. The pictures selected for the Flounge really do reflect the espirit de corp and voie de vrie of Notre Dame's oldest and most storied residence hall. Running into Matt Cashore outside of the Main Building this afternoon, Fr. Ralph invited Cashore to the Flounge to see the final product. On seeing his work adorning the wall of Steds, Cashore said, "It's amazing to see my work printed and framed like this. It's looks great. It's an honor!"

... has made our Flounge...

... complete.

Paying a...

A homecoming: General and Mrs. McMonagle

... visit. On Bowling Green weekend, Steds junior Patrick Sansone gave a tour of the Hall to retired General McMonagle and his wife Carol. Why? The general, a graduate of ’53, was a Stedsman! Having been some time his last visit, the general was delighted to be back in familiar surroundings and was especially keen to see the Chapel, the Greg, and his old room. What room did the general live in during his undergraduate days? Well, it doesn’t exist anymore as it is now the Gentlemen's Billiards Room! On his visit, the general said, “When I was at ND, students changed residence halls each year. I was in Steds my first year, and it was my favorite!” 

On hosting, Sansone said, “The general had an amazing memory and was telling us about the layout of Steds during his time, He even recounted all who lived in the rooms up and down the first floor. Being back in Steds was a real highlight for him, and I was happy to assist!”

Your Sunday picture...

Soak it in...

... from Notre Dame. Here's a view of campus looking across St. Joseph's Lake from Moreau Seminary. With the arrival of fall, campus has gotten pleasantly cooler not to mention more picturesque. Suffice it to say, walking around the lakes is prettier than ever. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

Laetiporus sulphureous: It's what for dinner

The wooded areas of St. Mary and St. Joseph's Lakes are chalk full of wildlife AND fungi. Some times the fungi are difficult to see because they are underneath a rotting tree while other times it is just the opposite. Such is the case with Laetiporus sulphureus- better known as chicken of the woods. Why is it called that? Because it really does tastes like chicken! With bright pores that are yellow and orange, chicken of the woods stands out like a sore thumb, and if you run across it in the woods on a walk, you have a real treat from Mother Nature. On being told by Fr. Terry that this fungus was edible, Fr. Ralph said, "Thanks, but I don't like chicken."

Seeing where...

Kade: All ears with mom and dad

... dad lived. Yes, on Bowling Green Weekend as well as the weekend of his baptism at the Log Chapel, James "Kade" Williams IV stopped by St. Edward's Hall with his mom, Liz Douville Williams '12,  and dad, Dr. Jay Williams III '12. Jay was an RA at Steds, and Liz of PW was at Steds so much that she was the proverbial "sixth" man of the Steds RA team. As mom and dad made a visit to Steds to walk down memory lane, Kade was all ears, and well, thumbs too. On seeing his dad immortalized on the Steds portico, Kade non-verbaled, "I want to be like my dad!" Yes you do Kade... yes you do!

Keeping them...

Up to snuff: C.S.R. Giugliano

... on their toes! You can always find the "extraordinary ordinary" at Ed's with its late night, comfort food offerings of pizza sticks, paninis, milkshakes, and smoothies. But how can we ensure that the "extraordinary ordinary" does not become the "ordinary ordinary"? Ordinarily, a hall wouldn't worry about this, but this is Ed's, and this is of paramount concern to its manager, sandwich artists, and culinary service representatives. To ensure that the high standards of the best campus eatery are kept, constant testing methods are employed. The manager of Ed's, Parker Imlay, might stop by during a shift, or customer feedback may be solicited through various and sundry ways- namely in Venmo payment comments. But once in awhile, something more dramatic must be employed. 

Last night was one of those nights. When a customer stop by ordering $2 worth of pizza sticks and asked for change, culinary service representative, Mark Giugliano, thought something was out of place, and he was right. Giugliano noticed that customer was paying with none other than an Abraham Lincoln $1million dollar note. On catching the oddity, Giugliano said, "We all know that Chester Arthur is on the $1million dollar note! Plus, this is exactly how much money Ed’s lost last year!" Good eye kid... good eye kid.

Running...

Steds XC: Brendan Moriarty, Greg McKenna, Seth Catternach, 

Michael Hendrickson, and Kendrick Peterson  

...  Stedsmen! Yes, these Stedsmen are running Steds Cross Country in the University's the inter-hall competition. While Steds has always fielded a team, a partial one, the results have been mixed over the years. But this year, it’s a different story. This year is the first time that Steds fielded a complete team where no one had to run twice. Still, there was a phenomenal showing from the first year members, and thanks to them, Steds collectively dominated at least thirty competitors from across campus. Steds is a rising XC power for sure. On the performance of the team, Kendrick Peterson, Steds senior and team captain, said, “We thank the seniors for finishing strong this year, and we wish them the best running forward!“ while Michael Hendrickson, Steds freshman and XC newcomer said of his running performance, "I was running away from the other Steds runners.. they smelled.”

Oh say does that...

Laurie: Look up and see...

... green and gold banner wave? Indeed, it does and DID above the McKeon Family tailgate this past Game Day Weekend. Amid the sea of tailgaters and flags flying in the Stadium and Joyce lots, there was a tailgate flying the Steds colors, beckoning all Stedsmen (of age) to the calm and safety of their tailgate tent. Those flying the Steds flag was none other than Dave and Laurie McKeon '84 '87 and '12, faithful tailgaters and parents of none other than Stedsmen Chris McKeon '14 and Pete McKeon '18. Yes, Pete, like his mom before him, is an Assistant Rector... he of Steds and she of Lewis Hall. On flying the Steds flag, Laurie, resident of Lewis Hall for seven years straight and mother of six Domers, said, "Since 2010, the Family McKeon has been honored to be a part of the St. Ed’s Family. Because of our love of Fr. Ralph and all of the Stedsmen, past, present and future, we proudly fly the St. Edward’s Hall flag over the McKeon tailgates at every home game. Gentlemen, if you are looking for a hot meal and a cold beverage on game day, come find us in the Joyce Lot and we will treat you like the kings you are. Look for the flags!"

Video: click HERE.

... unabashedly Steds!