Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Things such as this Senior Salute are often difficult to write because I find my self reflecting on the endless memories from not only my time at Saint Mary’s, but those almost a decade earlier.

I began playing basketball when I was nine years old and have been extremely fortunate to have had knowledgeable and caring coaches at every level. Men such as Tom Schroeder, Corky Evans, Roy Hintz, Dave Hauser, Bob Biebel, Adam Eberhardt, Kevin Landrum, and Todd Landrum have all proven to be valuable people in my life. Without these quality coaches, my athletic career would not be what it is and neither would my future.

As far as my basketball career at Saint Mary’s goes, it has been filled with lessons, opportunities, and great times. I had the fortunate occurrence of being cut from the basketball team my freshman year. I say “fortunate occurrence” because it took something away from me that I had always had in the game of basketball. I had taken my opportunity to play the game for granted. Before then, I believed it was my “right” to play basketball, when it really was a privilege I should be thankful for. I will never forget that lesson and will be sure to pass that on to the future young men and women I encounter.

Like everything else in life, basketball provided new times and new opportunities. I continued to work hard during the summer before the fall when Coach Todd and Coach Kevin took over. I cannot thank them enough for the opportunity they gave me and for allowing me to be a part of the team. Without the game of basketball I was simply not the same person, and they helped me get back to being who I needed to be.

There is no greater feeling than having 15 brothers in your family that have complete trust and love for one another. Win, lose, or draw our team never lost those two things and that is something few teams can truly say. It took some time, but I am extremely fortunate to have earned the respect of my brothers and I thank them for that. I would like to say a few words about each of them because they deserve it.

Jish – Tremendous competitor with a huge heart (probably filled with Pepsi). I always appreciate the support you have from your family.

Big Joe – Out of all the guys I have ever played with at any level, I pushed Joe the hardest. I did not miss a chance to get on Joe, only because I know how hard he works to be successful.

Mike – Great family and a great kid. You have always has taken pride in genuinely caring about the team and how we can improve.

Timmy – Another guy who cares about his team. We had some great times as RA and resident. Thank you for introducing me to Jordan Gaffin.

Freeman – I am happy you found a home here at Saint Mary’s. You know the game of basketball and I always enjoyed picking your brain about X’s and O’s. One piece of advice that will help you – if you bet 25 you might as well be 50. LET’S GO!!!

Rod – I have the utmost respect for you because of what you do everyday for this team. You come to practice every day and make the guys around you better by working hard and having fun. It takes a lot of pride and guts to do that. Thank you.

CP – You have great potential in the game of basketball, and also in other areas of your life. I respect your dedication to your family, especially your younger siblings (all 30 of them).

Tommy – You are the first guy I would want in street fight, simple as that. Great sense of humor, great competitor, and an even better friend. We tore up Heffron.

Rebs – I appreciate all the work you have done for us. I hope we taught you a few things along the way. Keep working on those half court shots.

Murph – Could not have asked for a better roommate freshman year. You are a bright guy who will no doubt be successful after school. Not to mention you caught Barry Bonds’ record setting homerun ball…sort of.

Gar-Bear – You are one of the goofiest people I have ever met. Your personality is one that every team needs. Tremendous athlete who loves to compete.

Pat – You know how to have fun and more importantly, how to convince the rest of us to tag along with you! With your street sense and knowledge of movie quotes, the sky is the limit for you.

Lukas – I have never met a more eclectic person. Whether it be playing the ukulele, drums, singing, dancing, basketball, or just doing something crazy, it is always original. You have become one of my best friends during my time at Saint Mary’s and I cannot thank you enough for that.

William – Like Mr. Holland, you have become one of my best friends at Saint Mary’s. I always enjoy your sense of humor and competitive nature whether it is in basketball or an intense game of Clue. You are something else.

Others that deserve a thank you are guys like Sims, Brian Thomas, Sweeney, Boots, Burroughs, and all of the other teammates that I have been fortunate to have over the last three years. I would also like to thank my two best friends from my days at New London High School, Jake Hermsen and Jordan Daun. Those two have been extremely supportive of my dreams as I continue on and those two and I wish those two and their families only the best.

Of course all of my achievements would not have been possible without my family. My parents continue to give all they can to assist me with my studies as well as supplying endless support in athletics. To my sister, Kaley, thank you so much for being my hero. Your support and perspective have made all the difference in my successes and I am excited to see what your achievements will be in your bright future. To my girlfriend, Nicole, thank you for supporting me through good times and rebounding shots for me after tough losses. I am also blessed with two of the best sets of grandparents in the world, as well as an endless list of the best aunts, uncles, and cousins anyone could ask for. I love you all.

There are so many others that deserve recognition: Saint Mary’s Education Department, maintenance staff that takes care of our facilities, the athletic department, student body and alumni, and anyone else who has had a hand in making Saint Mary’s University one of the greatest experiences of my life. With that I will end this essay with two quotes that I have and will continue to live by:

“When the result is not what you expected, the only way to change the result is to work harder.”

“A successful person is one who can be happy, but never satisfied.”