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!”