What do Servite, Mater Dei, dress-up days, monk-style haircuts and an old car all have to do with each other? Two words: Rivalry Week. Last week was Servite’s beloved tradition of spirited activities leading up to their big football game against Mater Dei. Bonfilius Prior, Patrick Hassett ’26, added, “Rivalry Week is so important to the Servite Community because it is a bonding experience for everyone. From freshmen to alumni, everyone is united through experiences from long-standing traditions such as Friar cuts, to newer ones like the car smash.”
The week kicked off with spirited dress-up days. On Monday, students wore class colors; on Tuesday, they had Mass to honor the canonization of St. Carlo Acutis; on Wednesday, the Friars had pajama day; on Thursday was jersey day; and to round off the week, spirit dress (Servite wear). Throughout the week, a distinct sound echoed through the quad of Servite: Yacht Rock.
Wednesday and Thursday were the revered friar-cut days. Upperclassmen stood in the quad, razors in hand, waiting for some brave underclassmen to step up and get a monk-style haircut. However, not all of their haircuts were perfect circles; to say the least, no two Friars’ cuts are the same. Andre Padilla ‘29 got his inaugural friar cut last Wednesday. He said, “Getting a friar cut made me feel like a real Friar and made me respect the traditions of Servite High School.”
To finish out the school week, the Friars took on their beloved tradition of destroying a used car painted in Mater Dei colors. No one really knows where the car comes from; it just appears in the parking lot every year. Regardless, the Friars did some serious damage. After the seniors got their first hits, students waited in line to take their swing at the car.
With all the anticipation built, only one thing was left: the game. On Saturday, Oct. 18, the Friars took on the Monarchs at Eddie West Field in Santa Ana at 7 p.m. Even though they didn’t come out on top, Servite’s award-winning student section, the Asylum, brought great energy and fun to the game. Manettus Prior and Asylum Leader Gavin Barnard ‘26 commented on his favorite part of Rivalry Week: “My favorite part of Rivalry Week is seeing the whole school hyped up for the football game. The week truly shows how everyone embodies the Servite spirit.”
They had a great showing at the game, as most of the student body attended, dressed in their “pro-dress” outfits consisting of torn white button-down shirts, black ties and copious amounts of war paint. The Asylum also donned a red and white coffin and several smoke machines to add to the ambiance.
All in all, Rivalry Week 2025 was another to remember. Hopefully, next year, Servite will break Mater Dei’s win streak!
