Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Basketball has always been something close to my heart and although I know I will never stop playing this sport that I love, it is hard to think that after this year basketball will never be the same for me. Being on the court with my best friends in practices and games will be something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Basketball has helped me grow as a person, learn to take nothing in my life for granted, and develop some of the closest friendships one could ever imagine. Though there have been many ups and downs these past four years I am happy I went through every single moment and went through them as a Cardinal.

I would first like to thank my parents for all you have done for me throughout my basketball career and life. You have guided me and been by my side even when I know I was anything but easy to deal with. Thank you for first putting a basketball in my hand, for never letting me quit, for picking me up when I was down, for pushing me to become successful, for your words of encouragement, for every sacrifice you have made, and for believing in me no matter how impossible my goals seemed. Having you both by my side throughout my life and cheering me on game after game has meant more to me than you could ever imagine. I love you both more than you’ll ever know.

To my brother and sister: Bradley and Mackenzie. First of all, thank you for not killing me when we were younger. Thank you both for all of the memories of playing ball in the driveway and making me tougher by never letting me win. Brad, you have inspired me with your work ethic and success in whatever task is at hand. Kenzie, you are by far the strongest minded person I have ever met and helped motivate me in believing in myself. Most of my finest memories have involved being with the both of you and I couldn’t ask for two better people to look up to in my life and I thank you for that. Love you both.

I would also like to thank my first basketball coaches: Vince and Richie. Thank you both for having a tremendous positive impact on me both on and off the court. The two of you have had a great impact on shaping the person and basketball player that I am today as you have stuck with me throughout my life through coaching, mentoring, and being a friend. Thank you and your families for all of your support.

To all of my coaches, past and present, that have helped me throughout my basketball career, I would also like to thank you. Coach Fergot and Padesky, thank you for giving me the ‘green light’ even when it came with my own interpretation of a good shot. Coach Todd and Kevin, thanks for trusting in me and pushing me to become a better person and player every day. Thank you to coach Biebel for motivating me and for being the great guy you are. Coaches Trewick and Jenkins, thank you for bringing me to Saint Mary’s. If it were not for the both of you, I would not have any of these great experiences I have had over the last four years. Your support throughout the last three years has really showed me how much you care about your players.

To all of my teammates. Thank you all for the memories I will never forget and for all the memories I will work on forgetting for the rest of my life (I apologize for the inside jokes, but they are what will make many of friendships so memorable).

Will — aka Bill, Billiam, William, Billy, Thrill, Ming Ding, Williamson: Thanks for being my roommate for the past three years. We have had some of the best times that I will never forget and many more to come. I will continue to train you to be a lethal ninja … tangerine!!

Gary:?Thanks for always making me feel so smart (high five Rod). Thank you for being a great friend that I know I can rely on for anything. I have never met someone with such an interesting use of vocabulary so thank you for your outrageous sayings and all of the laughs that have come with them. I believe in our music career.

Pat — Nature Boy! You are an out of control human. Thanks for all the fun times on and off the court. I am sure there will be many more great times to be had after school. You would make a sick gym teacher.

Ryan: I’m happy that we became such good friends this year. You are the kind of friend that everyone needs and a player that is a necessity to every team. Also, I still believe I am stronger than you.

Murph: Thanks for always arguing against Gary with me when he makes ridiculous claims. It has been a pleasure playing with you these past four years. Please remember me when you develop the cure for cancer.

Freeman:?You’re a crazy dude. I wish you the best of luck next year; I wish I could be out there playing with you again. I BET you will do great though.

TG (boo): You’re a freakin animal and I like it. I don’t know how they do it at Lourdes but at SMU, you’re the guy.

Goolsby: Thanks for letting me steal you candy all the time. Soup bowl?

Timmy: You are my number one redhead for life.

Joe: Your one Crazy motha fricka! I believe you could beat up a bear with your fingers.

Mike: Please stop judging people, we all know we’re not as cool as you.

Jish: Next time we sled down stairs, you are in the front.

Palmer: Down and back, and then the next group goes … got that?

Rubberneck & Jake: Thanks for all you have done for the team this year.

Boots, Sweeney, and Burroughs: Thanks for continuing to be a part of my basketball career and life after your graduation. I look forward to every time you guys come down and visit You all have made my college and basketball experience better than I ever could have imagined. I hope to remain in contact with you all throughout my life.

Sims, James, and Brian: I wish you all the best. Ey mon ey mon ey mon.

I have truly had the time of my life at Saint Mary’s and am glad for every moment spent here. Although basketball has been a significant part of my life through my last four years here and that is now coming to an end, I am sure the friendships I made through this sport will last forever. Thank you to all who were involved in my journey.