Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I am not reI am not really sure where all the time has gone, but I guess it is time to say my goodbyes. The last three years have flown bye and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Being a part of this team and this program is something I am never going to forget. I remember the first day I met the after transferring here, we all went to Cotter High School for a captain’s practice and Dave Krieger proceeded to call Andrew Warren, “Steve”, after Rew hit a line drive into Dave’s ribs. Once everyone got done laughing I knew these were going to be a great bunch of guys to be with.
   
I want to start out by thanking the coaching staff. Coach Winecke, thank you for the opportunity to play college baseball. It has been an experience I will never forget. Your passion for the game of baseball is evident in your coaching. Your love for this program one of a kind, and does not go unnoticed. Coach Jake, I think I speak for a lot of people when I say, you are the guy. We have had some great times together this year. Thank you for all you have brought to this program. Coach Schmidt, it was a pleasure playing with you and a pleasure being coached by you. Thank you for taking time out of you busy Menards schedule to help us out. But really thank you for a great year.
   
Next, I want to move on to the most important people in my life, my family.  You all have played such an important role in my life and I could never thank you enough for all you have done. Dad, you are the reason I fell in love with sports in the first place. I could never thank you enough for all you and Mom sacrificed just so your kids could have the opportunity to be athletes. All the weekends you could have been doing something else, you were driving all over the state to football games, hockey games, and baseball games. You did it because you loved your children, and even though sometimes it may not have seemed like it we appreciated it. You were always willing to hit me extra groundballs and throw me extra batting practice whenever I wanted it and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without that. This does not just go for sports either. You have been there for me in life. I know that when I am having a rough day I can call you and you always have great advice for me. You have not just been a father to be but I can honestly call you one of my best friends. Whenever I want to go hunting or fishing I know I will always have someone to go with. Again Dad I thank you so much for everything you have done for me, I truly wouldn’t be the person I am today without you and Mom. Thank you and I love you.
   
Mom, I know you are no with us physically today, but I know you are here in spirit. I could never thank you enough for everything you have done for me. Who could ever forget about the person that would stay home from work with you and care for you when you were sick, and the person who no matter what you broke playing ball in the house, would forgive you and still make you lunch. You taught me so many life lessons. You taught me to never give up, no matter how hard something might knock you down. You are the strongest woman I have ever met. I can’t even imagine what you went through and the pain you endured, but never once did I hear you complain or sympathize for yourself. That is a quality I will never forget about you. You loved you family more than anything, no matter what we needed or when we needed it you would get it for us. You taught me to live life to its fullest and enjoy it. I miss you Mom, there is not a day that goes bye that I don’t think of you or look at my picture of you on my nightstand. I wish you could have been here today, but I know that you are out of pain and in a much better place. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I love you and I will never forget you.
   
Dan, Scott, Melia and McCoy, I don’t even know where to start with you guys. You have all done so much for me over the years that I could never repay you. Dan and Scott I know it is not easy growing up with a little brother, especially a better looking one. I am sure there was many times where both of you wanted to kill me but I very much appreciate that you didn’t. Thank you for always letting me tag along with you guys to sporting events, and pretty much everywhere else you went. I owe a lot of my love for sports to you guys as well. Both of you were always willing to go out in the back yard and play catch and help me develop as an athlete. Whenever Scott had a new pitch he wanted to show us, we would end up chasing it half way down the block into the neighbor’s yard. As I grew older you both showed tons of support by coming to my games, even when you would rush to get off work so you could make it, and I would be sitting in the penalty box most of the time! Sorry about that Dan! We have gone through a lot together and I wouldn’t change any of it. I don’t think you guys realize how much I look up to you and how great of role models you have been for me. You are more than just my brothers you are two of my best friends. Thank you both so much for everything. I love you guys. Melia, I always wondered what it would be like to have a sister. When you came into the family I got a taste of what it was like. I am not going to lie, after living with all boys my whole life it was a little different. But now I have gotten used to it and I love it. I know I can always come to you for advice and you always are willing to listen. Thank you for all you have done for me over the years. Love you. McCoy I know you are not able to read this buddy, but you are a new bundle of joy in my life. I can’t wait to watch you grow up. I can see already that you are going to give Mom and Dad a run for their money!
    OK guys, I will take my fine. Brittany I want to thank you so much for everything you have done for me. You are my biggest fan and without you I wouldn’t have been able to go through the things I have. You have always been there to support me and you don’t realize how much that means to me, and how much I appreciate what you do for me. You are my best friend and I love you. Thank You!
   
Baseball has been game I have loved ever since I was a kid. You could always find me at one of my brother’s baseball games or just hitting a ball around the back yard. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a college athlete. This is something I will never forget and will take with me for the rest of my life. Baseball has taught me many valuable lessons about life that have helped me become the person I am today. I often think about how boring college would have been without baseball and I owe all that to my teammates.
    I want to start by talking to my fellow seniors. We have been through a lot together and have shared many ups and downs. Sweny, I think we became instant friends the minute we started talking about hunting and fishing. I also appreciate your laughter at all of my witty sayings. I will keep you up to date on any new ones I find. Fersch, I will miss all of our great conversations and jokes we shared at practice and on the bus rides. I will also miss our two morning workouts we had together.Dave, I really only have two words for you, “KYLE JOHNSON”. That memory will forever be etched into my mind, along with everyone else who witnessed the first ever baseball to actually leave a vapor trail. Kyle, I will not miss your tiny little body flaunting over the foul line every time we go into the field. I will however miss having to stop practice because Jake was giving you the raspberries. You are truly one of the best infielders I have ever played with and it has been a pleasure watching you. Ding, I have to say that your approach to the game of baseball is one of a kind. Not thinking and just playing is an interesting approach and I have to say it was fun to watch. Willy (Fill), we have had many great times together over the years. Remember that Mary Fox will always enjoy your work and think highly of you. Continue your morning swims and jogs, they are good for your health. Krause, every field we go to there is much debate of where exactly Kirby Carr’s home run would have landed. Sweny never seems to exaggerate the distance. You are one of the most talented people I have met and your skills are going to take you a long way in life. Last but not least. Joey O, your hard work and determination is a quality of yours I admire. My fondest memory is watching you dominate the stairs on the way to Saint Yons. I thank all of you for the memories you have provided me with. I wish all of you the best of luck in the next stage of your lives.
   
Juniors, our time has come and past, now it is your turn to captain the Duster Ship. Rew, you have been on my case ever since principles of management, and I would have it no other way. Boges, keep putting that cheeseburger into it. We beefalo need to stick together. Ruf, your witty comments and quick comebacks is a talent you should be very proud of, even though many of them are used on me. Lechner, your passion for the game is obvious to everyone. Don’t ever loose that passion and the desire; it is a wonderful quality to have. To all of you, enjoy the time you have, it goes a lot faster than you think. Your senior year will come and go faster than you may want it to. All I can say is take in what you can of it and enjoy.
    Sophomores, it is up to you guys to continue the Duster Disco tradition, I know you will not disappoint us. It may seem like you guys have a lot of time left but trust me it goes very fast. Enjoy being with your teammates because these are guys you will call your friends for the rest of your lives. I forgot one thing. Max, remember, you can’t bring your catchers gear through airport security.
   
Freshmen, YO YO YO, all I can say is, it has been interesting. Cody, you are an interesting kid. Between carrying around your lucky fungo and your unbelievable impressions of people, you never failed at making people laugh. Enjoy college guys because they really are four great years of your life. The people you meet and the friends you make, you will remember forever.
  
I also want to take this time to thank all of my teammates who were with us last year. I never really got the chance to thank you guys for all the love and support you guys gave to me when I lost my mom. I thank you guys so much from the bottom of my heart. I would not have been able to make it through that rough time without friends like you guys in my life. So Again I say thank you.
  
There is one last person I would like to thank for all the time and hard work he puts into Saint Mary’s athletics. Thank you, Donny, for everything you do for this university. I will always remember the great times we had on our spring trips and how much you admitted you will miss me when I am gone. Thanks Donny for everything.
   
As I leave Saint Mary’s on move on to where ever life takes me, I will never forget the memories I have made and the people I have met. These have been the best years of my life so far and I wouldn’t change anything. I want to thank anyone whom I may have missed and my apologies for missing them. Thank you for bearing with me through this very long farewell. I only have three words to sum it up, Get Outta here. Ryan Archambault, over and out.