Hats and Hoodies vs. Ritual and Respect

It is no secret that I am an ardent fan, a loyal listener and subscriber to Sacred Stories. In fact, my last post was about this very topic and how each video from the Notre Dame Alumni Association has shaped my Advent Journey in preparation for Christmas. But, I've lived long enough to know, nothing is above reproach—especially this blog and its author—and that includes a recent video reflection featuring Notre Dame senior, Chris Kavanaugh.

I have yet to find a testimony that doesn't inspire and invite me to prayer. But I admit when I see an athlete or coach approach the screen, I am that much more excited to hear their tale, consider their questions and reflect upon their connections. I am biased, but I was also disappointed and so distracted by the baseball hat Kavanaugh wore as he spoke, I missed his message.

You may find my complaint to be petty or unimportant. I don't. Hats, hoodies, caps and sunglasses need to be removed when speaking to an audience. Objectively speaking there is no reason that a man or a woman needs to wear a hat indoors. Out of doors is another question—sun, rain or wind?—a hat offers protection. But, when Kyle Shanahan, the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers wears his flat bill during a press conference, I shake my head.

Same Press Conference: GM John Lynch—no hat, Coach Shanahan—flat bill. 

Removing a hat is a sign of respect. It is a custom or norm that has been observed, primarily by men. Emily Post weighs in what I find to be valuable historical context and helpful direction:

Knowing when to remove a hat is as important as wearing the right hat for the occasion. If you were a medieval knight who failed to remove his helmet or lift his visor and identify himself the consequences could be fatal. Throughout history hats identified social standing and removing a hat was a gesture of respect. 

In the "old days," men took off their hats in Christian churches, when they entered someone's home, when greeting a boss, and always in the presence of a lady. While some of these customs are now historical footnotes, even in today's casual culture, men and women still remove their hats as a sign of respect. Cancer patients are exempt from hat rules. They may keep their hats or caps on at all times if they wish. 

Today, times are different. Still Post notes: Take hats off, including baseball caps …

• In someone's home
• At mealtimes, at the table
• While being introduced, indoors or out (unless it's frigid!)
• In a house of worship, unless a hat or head covering is required
• Indoors at work, especially in an office (unless required for the job)
• In public buildings such as a school, library, courthouse, or town hall
• In restaurants and coffee shops
• At a movie or any indoor performance
• When the national anthem is played
• When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade

Today, it's as if no rules apply. People wear hats anywhere and everywhere. For example, I recently attended a Christmas party where a friend wore his Yankees hat inside the home. I was slightly surprised he did this, while relieved that he took it off for Mass (which was held in the home as well). Yes, customs and norms can and do change over time, but many are worth keeping and/or learning more about. In addition to showing respect, taking a hat off allows one person to see another face to face. Wearing a baseball hat or hoodie, it's not hard to hide behind the lid. While it's not as overt an obstacle as sunglasses, this accessory does change a dynamic, even if slightly.

Baseball hats are not the only offender. On a regular basis, I have to remind students to put their hoodies down. In the latest episodes of Hard Knocks: NFC North, the number of athletes who speak to the camera with their hoodie still on their head is alarming. I truly do not know what that is about.

It is impossible to listen and view Kavanaugh's testimony and NOT know he is a member of the Fighting Irish Championship lacrosse team. I don't need to see his hat or read his sweatshirt to figure that out. It's a point of pride its inextricably linked to his Sacred Story. But I was sidetracked from his story by my question of Why. Why wear the hat? Why is it necessary? Will we see people wearing hats backwards or hoodies in the future? And Why didn't the director, producer, editor ask him to remove it? 

I  love the ritual of taking hats off to shake hands upon the completion of a round of golf. I like the effort it takes, the message it sends, the respect it offers—at no cost. To me, it speaks volume. It says "I see you. I thank you and you're welcome."

Respect, honor, intentionality, and authenticity always come at some cost.  Attention and effort play their part in building those virtues. One small way is to tap your cap and/or take it off. Another is to share your story. Many of those are sacred. Let's remove our hats, hoodies and glasses to share them...and as we listen.

Photo Credits
Lynch and Shanahan
Post Hats
Sacred Stories

You're With Us: A Message from the Notre Dame Football Chaplain for our Advent Journey

It's Advent—a time of penance and preparation. How are you getting your heart and home ready for Christmas? Like countless Notre Dame alumni, I make a point to watch and pray with Sacred Stories, created by the alumni association. I look forward to the daily drop on YouTube and other social media platforms—excited to see who will share their story. A few have been classmates and friends! Others are athletes, coaches, administrators and alumni. 

While each story is sacred, some are extra special. Many speak specifically to a Notre Dame audience, but most offer a message that is meant for all, regardless of your familiarity or connection to the university. Among my favorites for the Advent 2024 journey is the testimony from Day 2 by Father Nate Wills, C.S.C. I found his message particularly poignant for the first week of Advent, when we light the purple candle signifying hope.

Father Nate is the football chaplain for the Fighting Irish. This is well known as he is an active, noticeable and positive presence on the sidelines. In his Sacred Story, he takes us back to a memory from his rookie days in the role. 

Three words made all the difference. In true Holy Cross/Notre Dame fashion, I thought he would say "Come Holy Spirit." This is the prayer that the beloved past President, Father Ted Hesburgh C.S.C. urged others to pray. (NB: How I wish Father Ted had recorded a Sacred Story of his own; I don't even want to know if A.I. can help). Instead, his three words are "You're with us." I encourage you to watch here and now (or watch again).

What were we all to hear "You're with us?" How might we be different? How might our society change? I think of the school where I work. If every teenager heard this message and believed it, How would this community feel? 

"You're with us" reminds us of what Father Greg Boyle, SJ teaches: There is no 'them' and 'us.' There is only us. Unfortunately, we lose sight of this truth, and yet I believe Father Nate's testimonial is a message of hope. His recollection reminds me that there are those people who think to extend that spirit of welcome. I know those who have the courage to say those words—and I thank God for them. They give me hope. And we have a God who does the same. God offered hope in Christ Jesus In Matthew's Gospel, we read:

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” 

Father Nate puts this teaching into context with this holy time of year. He says,  

We’re one with him and we anticipate the coming of Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, anew this Advent season. Even though it can sometimes feel otherwise, we always belong to the Christian family into which we have been adopted.

We never walk alone. We’re with him, and he’s with us.

I love the image of the player walk in this video. It helps us to visualize the time and space when and where Father Nate felt alone. It also reminds us of what we will celebrate on Christmas Day: God with us. Not just me, not only you. Us. 

Our Prayer
For the times we feel uncertain, and in the moments we feel like an outsider.
When we split into groups or don’t know where to go. In places where we will doubt or panic—where uncertainty seems to reign, Let us remember to welcome the stranger, to include the lost, to harbor the lonely to smile to others. Give us the courage to say “You’re with us.”And the ability to join.


In this Advent season, we celebrate Jesus being born into the world because God loved us so much that he even wanted to share in our humanity, to be with us. Let us remember we are part of a Christian family that gives that same promise by our loving God: “You’re with us.”

We’re one with him and we anticipate the coming of Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, anew this Advent season. Even though it can sometimes feel otherwise, we always belong to the Christian family into which we have been adopted.

Past Posts from ND Alumni Association for Lent
2023 with Audric Estimé
Sacred Places at ND: Josh Lugg
Sacred Plaaces at ND: Sam Grewe

Photo Credits
Father Nate Prayer
Player Walk
Intro is from the Reflection

Among My Favorite "Things"—the Pick-Six

In a recent essay, a student wrote, "Well, it's a thing." I did not know how to respond to that. "A thing?" I asked. "I need some direction. Help me understand," I added. I found myself eating my own words this past week as I considered what I like best in sport and spirituality.

There are several reasons to savor the Notre Dame victory over USC, but one that stands out is that it featured one of my favorite "things" in sports. Yes, I am using the ambiguous word "thing," because I'm not sure how else to categorize it. Football fans know, that a Pick-6 is when a defensive player catches the ball from the quarterback and scores a touchdown for their team (six points). Recalling the two late in the fourth quarter invited me to revisit how we think about, categorize, appreciate, and celebrate what happens in athletics. Given that both sport and spirituality are dynamic—ever-changing, unfolding, evolving, and inspiring, this work is never done. To me, this is a good problem to have!

When I started teaching Sports and Spirituality, an elective course for seniors I created a “personal inventory.” The purpose of the poll is to take stock of the experiences in athletics and in the spiritual life that stand out among the others. Some do. You can see my list here!

In teaching and writing about this topic, I have come to understand that "Sports and Spirituality" is more meaningful and memorable when one can draw from their experience as an athlete or a sports fan to think more concretely about the spiritual life. In the same way that not all athletic disciplines need to be tedious, challenging, or painful, those in the spiritual life need not be either.

I enjoyed creating categories for each domain. Some students struggle with prompts like "I have read a great book about sports. It is..." or "I have seen a great movie about spirituality. It is..."  Others have an answer for each item on the list. 

This semester I asked my students to partner up and add to this list. Look at the cool categories they added! I made this request shortly after a friend sent this creative video of the two pick-sixes in the fourth quarter of the Notre Dame vs. USC game. One of the personal highlights of that game is that my friends and I sat in the end zone where we had an unobstructed view of each interception. 

As written on CBS Sports, "Notre Dame defensive back Christian Gray returned an interception 99 yards the other way for a touchdown with 3:39 remaining. On USC's following drive, Irish safety Xavier Watts returned an interception 101 yards the other way for Notre Dame's second defensive touchdown to seal the win." Not only did that put the Irish up by two possessions, it changed the momentum of the game. The Irish D made a statement, and then they did it less than 3 minutes later once again.

A pick-six is a remarkable feat. It's a bold act. I think it is one of the best "things" in sports. But how else might we categorize it: Momentum changer? Surprise move? Furthermore, I realize this claim is riding an emotional high given where and when it was completed. Give me some time and distance from the game and I might say the same thing. Maybe not. This is what makes sports...and spirituality fun.

Here is the new list authored by my students

Personal Inventory: Sports

• My favorite uniform in sports
• My favorite mid-range shooter

• My favorite sports brand


• My favorite Hall of Fame
in Sports 
• Favorite rivalry in sports


• Best MVP
in sport

• My favorite victory / emote dance
• My favorite team mascot



Personal Inventory: Spirituality

• My favorite Bible verse
• My favorite spiritual symbol
• My favorite way to pray
• My favorite person in the Bible
• My favorite Church/cathedral
• My favorite Religious Holiday

I love their ingenuity and creativity!

I moderate the Bowling Club at St. Ignatius, where I teach. Earlier this week, we had our holiday/ugly sweater/Christmas Cookie bowling night. One of my students turned to me and said "Ms. Stricherz, the guy next to us has a perfect game." I looked up at the scoreboard and sure enough, seven frames in, all I could see were Xs on the scoreboard. Other people in the alley realized what was happening and you could hear a semi-silent buzz as we looked on. Strike, strike, strike and strike. 300! We saw perfection. Our group gave this amateur a round of applause. His wife took his photo and gave him a hug. I wanted to do the same. I quickly looked up the odds of bowling a 300. For professionals, it's 450 to 1 but for the mortals like us, it is 11,500 to 1. Amazing!

Again, I began to wonder how I might categorize what I just saw on my personal inventory. Favorite perfect feat? Best in show? Excellent thing? I only want to put experiences like what happened at the LA Coliseum and on bowling night into some sort of context because it helps me to recall and remember an event in a particular space in time. Sports fans are blessed with said moments regularly. When people tell me the downside of sports, how they are tainted and corrupt, and the ways they clog the conversation—I don't totally disagree. But I also know how I feel when I have been a witness when I have seen something special or hit something so purely—that too can be spiritual. That's a good "thing." 

Photo Credits
Christian Gray
Xavier Watts

Agony and Ecstasy: Take-Aways from Notre Dame vs. USC

I don't have high blood pressure. 93 over 60 is on the low side. That being said, I am certain that my numbers were far different on Saturday, November 30, 2024 when I saw Notre Dame defeat USC 49-35  at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Attending this historic rivalry game is both a blessing and an agonizing experience. I find myself confronting interesting questions, important ones. Am I glutton for pain? Is it worth it? Why do I care? The purpose of this post is to offer but a few insights to which all sports fan can relate both in the positive and the negative. And the next time I see you, I hope you will add, amend and acknowledge some truth in it all.

It's personal.
I won't apologize. I can't. I hate USC. I didn't go to Cal or to UCLA. I'm a Notre Dame grad. We share this sentiment. The reasons for our shared disdain are abundant, but I'm supposed to take some high road (so I've been told) so I'll keep it brief. 

To a large degree, I have inherited these strong sentiments. My Dad and my uncle can't stand the Trojans. It's not for the infamous moniker "University of Spoiled Children" as much as it is for the number of National Championships they have cost ND. To their credit, they have great athletes who manifest their two word slogan: Fight On.

However, I don't like their athletes, their ethos or the way that they play. Chippy is one way to describe it. Furthermore, I do not appreciate that their fans boo the visiting team upon entering and exiting the field (at the start of the game, at the half, etc). That is unsportsmanlike conduct. Their is no penalty, except for the fact it speaks volumes about their character. I don't know what I would do if my team did that as a regular practice; it is not okay.

I know many alumni who are loud and proud of their school; I get that. Notre Dame alums are no different....but we are.

Quite the Headache
Unfortunately, I arrived on campus with a headache. No, I was not hungover. Despite taking three Advil, the discomfort did not subside. I found it symbolic. The USC marching band was directly across the stadium from where we were sitting. At times, I could hear my head pounding to the relentless beat of that drum. 

Their fight song is incessant. It seems to pause for but a few announcements and media spotlights. The Coliseum does play popular hype songs, but these are even interrupted for the band to play "Fight on." It's not hard to imagine the men of Troy going to war with that soundtrack in the background. I have always wondered if students and alumni appreciate it. Trojans: weigh in, please!

Number 13
Regular readers of this blog know that I am not a Caleb Williams fan. In fact, I actively root against him in the NFL for a multitude of reasons—again, which I have blogged about before. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw his return on the field for the retirement of his jersey. A transfer from Oklahoma, Williams played but two years for the Trojans. He won a Heisman. during his first year with the team and early on in his second year was supposed to win it again. Jayden Daniels took the prize.

Yes, he was the number one pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He holds a number of personal records and as written on the USC Trojans football website he "was instrumental in successfully turning around a program that went 4-8 in the 2021 season to an 11-3 team in 2022." But in his second season, the Trojans underperformed; they finished 8 and 5. There is room to celebrate individual achievements and success, but last time I checked football is a team sport. Some call it the ultimate team sport. I question the decision to retire his jersey this soon. You might not agree...it's certainly up for debate.

Speaking of debate...
We live in a new era of college sports. Once known as student-athletes, many of these young men and women are not amateurs. While they may not earn a salary, many—not all—receive compensation via booster gifts, agreements with companies to utilize their names, images, and likeness, and endorse products. They can also earn money through corporate sponsorships and support from other sources. In light of this reality, I have started to wonder, Given that these athletes are paid, should they be fined for the penalties they commit on the field?  And should the ND Assistant Coach who was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct get one, too?

I ask this question because as written on NFL Football Operations page, "The NFL uses the fine schedule to outline the league’s and the union’s expectations for players to conduct themselves in a way that honors the sport and respects the game, themselves, their fellow players, the fans and the league. The rules are intended to protect the players from unnecessary risk, promote player safety and emphasize sportsmanship and respect of teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and fans." I find the entire system and pay structure fascinating. Check it out. 

Actions have consequences and given what is at stake, I'm not convinced a financial penalty isn't worth further consideration. The fighting between OSU and Michigan this past weekend brings this into a new light. Still, if you find my question ridiculous or inappropriate, I understand. On some level it is and yet, the sheer amount of money swimming/driving/fueling the ecosystem of college football is too. 

Notable Change
NIL hasn't just changed the face of college sports for just the athletes, but it has shifted the apparel of the fans as well. In the past, all jerseys included but the school name and number. On Saturday, I couldn't help but take inventory of who wore what. Notable examples include:
#5 Te'0, #7 Estime, #9 Zibikowski, and of course #10 Hartman. 

It's nearly antithetical to Irish football to have names on the jersey (minus the Shamrock Series and the Bowl game) but they are for sale! I don't have strong opinions against them, it's just a trend in this new era. But so are the all white uniforms ND wore. To quote my friend, Andy "I don't hate the uniforms." How I love a good double negative.

Both Pick-Sixes happened right in front of our eyes.
This was taken after Xavier Watts ran the ball 99 yards for a TD securing the W

Accentuate the Positive
In spite of the agony, the ecstasy came in the form of not one but two pick-sixes late in the game leading the Irish to victory. Winning in enemy territory is never easy, especially at the Coliseum. It is always something to celebrate. Yes, we were hyped. See photo above.

Furthermore, a football game in Southern California in late November? Not too bad. It was sunny and 75 with a beautiful skyline. I loved the time with friends—making new memories— and interacting with other fans.

USC knows pageantry. Yes, I will complain about the band, but their uniforms, Trigger, and some of the on field recognitions are very impressive. For example, they acknowledged two USC grads who are members of the World Series Championship team, the LA Dodgers. Congratulations to Kyle Hurt and Mark Prior. Totally makes sense that you would be acknowledged at a game. Well played USC, well deserved gentlemen.

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was the Mass at Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso Catholic Center cohosted by the USC and ND Club of Los Angeles Alumni Associations. As stated on their website, it "is a home for Trojans of all ages who wish to learn and live out their Catholic faith." The Church was beautiful and in a modified round seating. The music was prayerful, the preaching was powerful (thanks to visiting co-presider Father Bob Dowd, C.S.C, the President of the University of Notre Dame). They have space adjacent to the church for communal gatherings, featuring indoor and outdoor seating. If I were at a student at USC, I would be drawn to this spiritual home. It is a gift to the larger Church. Thank you, Rick Caruso.

In Conclusion
I always debate whether or not to go to this game—every other Thanksgiving weekend. I know what I'm in for emotionally, financially, personally and even physically. Nothing is scripted. There are no guarantees. However, a chance to see my team in person, to spend time with dear friends and share Mass, a meal and a game?! So many blessings. Those are the numbers worth counting.

Photo Credits
White Uniforms
Our Savior/Caruso Center

2024 De La Salle Hall of Fame Ceremony: Many Irons in the Fire

Some teachers and coaches want to do away with extraordinary awards. I know some schools opt to forgo a sports hall of fame. I have heard their arguments. I understand their concerns. I believe however not only are they important and worthwhile, every teacher and coach in the building ought to attend. The De La Salle High School Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony reminds me why.

As written on the De La Salle website, every autumn,"we induct a new class of exceptional student-athletes who have grown into even more exceptional men. Each honoree is selected not just for their athletic talent and skill, but also for their work ethic, community involvement, and spirit of brotherhood." I take note of who has earned the inductions—remembering and/or reading more about their past achievements. I appreciate that they honor individual athletes, entire teams, coaches and one "distinguished alumni of the year." I take great pride in nominating the 2015 honoree, my dear friend Mary Frances' brother— Brigadier General Timothy P. McGuire '83, USMA '87.

The school makes a point of honoring the "class"at the Homecoming football game on Friday night and a ceremony that is open to all on Sunday. The Athletic Director, the tireless Leo Lopoz '94, welcomes family and friends of the inductees and of DLS. The President, David Holquin calls the group to a sacred silence. "Let us remember..." he says and begins with a prayer. Robert Bronstein, who has covered Bay Area high school sports for the past 33 years serves as the Master of Ceremonies. He introduces a pre-recorded video—a testimony from a coach, teacher, teammate, sibling or community member who speaks on the inductee's behalf. The honoree takes the stage, some for but a few minutes others for much more. Each one speaks in his own way—from the heart (Scooter Barry) or with copies notes (Coach Allocco), recalling memories, moments, lessons learned, what they loved and even what they want to forget ;-)

A number of these HOF members recall adversity and its role, import and significance in their journey. Whether it was being raised by a single parent, overcoming an injury, the personal and financial sacrifices to attend DLS, no one is exempt. Yes, some men were dealt a much different hand than others, but all found mentors and support on Winton Drive. This is no time for complaint. 

Two legendary coaches and friends: Bob Laduouceur and Frank Allocco

And this is exactly why teachers and coaches need to hear, and what we need to keep in the back of our minds. I have yet to attend this event— when or where an honoree has thanked his coaches and teachers for not holding them accountable. No one says, you listened to all of my excuses. You cut me slack every time I needed it. Standards? You had none. You won't hear this because their message is quite the opposite. I still remember one swimmer who thanked his math teacher, Scott Hirsch for all it took to get from the A- to the A. Excellence is never handed over; it's earned. Good job, Spartans...and of course, Mr. Hirsch DLS 2004 HOF inductee.

This message is not new but at this time of year, it's something I desperately need to hear. I had to tell a student last week "in the last month, the only two questions you have asked in this class are Can I go to the bathroom and You marked this question wrong. Can you change my grade?" Working with teenagers has its set of ongoing, unique challenges. Gatherings like the HOF ceremony however, remind us that kids may not appreciate standards and expectations in the moment, but they will rise to them. Some even beyond. 

So teachers and coaches, parents and administrators take heart. None of us do this alone. We are part of a much larger ecosystem and that is why a Hall of Fame ceremony is not a private event. It is something the larger community ought to celebrate and consider. Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." But there are many irons in that fire. Many, but not all were in attendance on October 27, 2024. Congratulations to the Class of 2024.

Photo Credits
De La Salle Honorees