Gunnar Bids Farewell

The scariest day in my life was four years ago when I woke up in my bed on a hot August morning and realized I was now officially a college student-athlete. So many thoughts were running through my mind that I thought my head would explode. I was scared about leaving my family and friends, and the thought of doing my own laundry and making my own food terrified me.

To my luck, the first day of pre-season at Saint Mary’s I sprained my MCL during our fitness testing and was out for the remainder of pre-season and on crutches for two weeks. What an awesome way to start your college career! At this point, I was getting sick of college life and waiting for our first break to be home again with my family. But as the weeks passed by, I started to enjoy my time here at Saint Mary’s. Classes were going well and I was starting to meet a lot of new people and making friends who I know I’ll be friends with for a very long time. College wasn’t so bad after all.

Everything was going well, besides soccer. Before coming to Saint Mary’s I played on a club soccer team called Bangu Tsunami (Now MN Thunder Academy), which was comprised of players throughout the metro region of Minnesota. We were a nationally ranked team from U13-U19 and won our State Cup six times in a row. Needless to say, I had very high expectations going into college and wanted to be on the best team in the MIAC every year I was at Saint Mary’s. Unfortunately, our team won a total of 10 games, two of those being conference games in my first three years. This was definitely not the ideal college soccer career that I had in mind. But looking past all the losing, long bus rides back to Saint Mary’s, and frustrating practices, I can truthfully say that being a Saint Mary’s student athlete has been one of the best experiences of my life. Being on this team has taught me that there is more to life than sports and winning soccer matches. It is about being around good people and loving what you have and where you are in life.

To the players who have made that possible for me: Brian Neu (Coach Neu)- aka king duster. I don’t think I have ever had a conversation with you without laughing. We’ve had so many memorable times on bus trips, practices, or just hanging out together. I have the utmost respect for you and I know I’ll keep in touch with you for years to come. Kameron McKeeth-My favorite Georgia boy for sure (also the only Georgia boy I know). Great memories playing with you over the past four years and always someone I can talk soccer with. You better make some trips up to Minneapolis after we’ve graduated. Jacob Bina-West Salem’s finest! In the presence of a legend! You have been a great teammate and captain. If I ever get pulled over in Wisconsin I’ll make sure to tell the cops that I know you. Sam Puff- My fellow city boy. Even though you play on the tennis team, we all know where your heart truly lies. Eric Lusch- Luuuuuuuuusssssscccchhhhhhh! Definitely the best “League of Legends” player around (sorry Puff). I hope that you can one day forgive me about our disastrous marketing research project. Zack Palma (Highlighter)- You are one crazy dude. I’m glad that you decided to play this year. Christian Van Dam- Where in the world do I begin with you. I could write a whole page about our jokes and ridiculous sayings. You have had an immediate impact with the soccer team on and off the field, and I’m sure you’ll continue to do so the next two years you have at Saint Mary’s. Matt Graber- Too many good times with you. You have been a huge part of our team’s success this year, and I am sure you’ll lead the team to the conference finals in the upcoming years. The sky is the limit for you. To the freshmen and other players that I missed- you have no idea how lucky you guys are. Not a day goes by that I don’t wish I were in your shoes. You guys have the ability to become the best team in the MIAC if you continue to work hard and stay positive. I have had an amazing time getting to know all of you and wish you all the best of luck in the upcoming seasons. Bring home a banner for our school!
To my coaches Pete and Drew- It is amazing what you have done in only two years for Saint Mary’s soccer. You have created a fun and competitive atmosphere for all of us. You make practices challenging and expect us to give 110% every day. I know all of the players have a great amount of respect for you guys and trust you will do whatever you can to make this team successful.

To the best parents in the world- Words cannot describe how much I love both of you. I am forever grateful for how much you have done for me, not only in sports but in the rest of my life as well. You have encouraged me to be the best in everything I do and only have the highest expectations for me. I can’t thank you enough for how much you’ve invested in my love of sports: taking me to soccer and hockey practices every day when I was a kid, even if some of those practices were at 5AM; buying all my equipment; travelling to out-of-town tournaments; putting me on the best teams and making it to all of my games. Through all the memories I’ve had playing sports, the ones I will cherish the most are playing in front of you guys because it didn’t matter if I had a good or bad game, you just loved watching me play. I love you guys more than anything and would not be where I am today without you.

It is crazy to think my four years of being a college student athlete is coming to an end. Looking back on everything that has happened these past four years, I couldn’t be happier being apart of Saint Mary’s and the soccer team. I have memories I know will stick with me forever and friends I’ll keep in touch with for the rest of my life. I thank all of you who have made this an amazing experience for me, and wish the best of luck to the Cardinals in the future.