Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

It has been four years now and I am trying to think of something worthwhile to say and I have too much for one Salute. As far as basketball is concerned, it is what is. I wish our team could have won just a couple more games but you can’t win em’ all. I just would like to mention a few people that have helped me get where I am and a few people I am grateful to have met in my four years (I apologize for the inside jokes inside but these are some of my most cherished memories).

Mom and Dad: You have done everything for me and taught me a lot about how to be responsible for myself, and yes I know, I am still learning. But I want you both to know how much I actually appreciate how much you have done for me. I love you both very, very much.

Sean: you are my lil sis and I love you. I have always tried to measure myself up to you and because of this, I know I have accomplished so much more than I ever could have without you. You have taught me so much about the game of basketball and how much things like being disciplined, hardworking, aggressive, thinking before you act, and most of all, being committed to something actually apply to life. I love you very much and I am blessed to be your brother.

Eric: what can I say except it’s been a bumpy four years. We are now a part of the 2% of men’s basketball seniors to graduate in four years from Saint Mary’s University … in California. I will always remember harmonizing the National Anthem, coming to practice wearing John Randle, how we always had tennis elbow during the bad practices, and how much we hated Bethel together. Seriously though, you are my best friend and I cannot thank you enough for that. I hope when we get out of here we can remain close and still be the guys where ever we end up.

Yoseph Svec: I am honored to have met you here because you have taught me a new way to look at life. Because of such things like the long boarding trips and hiking in the bluffs and throwing the vortex in the RAC parking lot, I am able to appreciate the simple things in life. I am excited for the trips we will soon take and I have to admit, I think we are close to finding that paradise where the waves will never stop crashing in. Alohaaaaa!

Patrick: I am proud to share something in common with you, Irish pride. You’re a tough kid and I appreciate the way you stand up for yourself. You have been a good friend and a big part of me wants to fail a class so I can stick around here a little bit longer to hang out with you. There are a couple things I want you to be prepared for: Spring, 16-inch softball, and Saint Patrick’s Day (South Side down!).

I do not have enough words to say for the kind gents at 56 Saratoga, but I appreciate you taking me in from the cold streets and giving me a closet to sleep in and the occasional table scraps to eat. Thank you and good luck with the upcoming season.

Gary: I can hear the sound of your laugh piercing my ears as I write this. I will never be able to forget that and I cannot say whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. You have been a great friend to me Rachel and I am sad that you could not play basketball this year with us, but I am very excited to watch you pitch in a couple weeks. I also wanted to thank Linda and the rest of the family for the presents I have received in the mail and for looking out for me.

Luck and Thrill: It has been a pleasure to meet both of you folk and I have enjoyed stepping onto the court with you guys. You two have a bright couple of years left and I want you two know that you are the start of a change that is occurring in Saint Mary’s basketball and I hope you are proud of that. I would have liked to play a couple more years but “I’m dyin in this country a** town.”

Penguins: I know how much you hate to be grouped together so hopefully this will set you over the edge so we can finally rumble. I understand the lack of satisfaction you may have, but do not forget that basketball is not the center of the universe and I want you to enjoy your last hear and a half here. And I think it is about time we start warming up our arms for softball season, we have some teams to dominate in our near future.

BANK: You fellas have become a second family to me and I appreciate you guys keeping me around. I wish nothing but the best for all of you.

Brother Stephen: It is getting close to the end here, and I know how much I am going to miss that cheerful personality and that smiling face. You have been like a mother to me and you have always looked out for me. Honestly, I wonder how I would have turned out if I had never taken that riveting class of Intro to literature. All joking aside though, I am truly blessed to have had someone in my life like you. I appreciate the dinners that I have shared with you. You have taught me to look for the true meaning of things. I will never forget you and I will miss you when I depart from school and accept the job offer I have in a small town in Connecticut. Thank you Brother.

Last but not least, I wanted to thank coach Brad. You always had a way of finishing senten-