Letting go of my basketball career is something that is extremely hard to do. It has been a part of my life for so many years and has given me so many great memories. Basketball has molded me and made me a better person so I will always be indebted to the game that I love. I am very grateful for the people that have been responsible for me being able to enjoy this game for so long. To my family, friends, teammates, and coaches, without you I would be lost and I am so thankful to have you in my life.
Mom - I wish I could tell you in words how much you mean to me. My appreciation for all that you have done for me is endless and I will never be able to repay what I owe to you. A simple thank you is not enough because you deserve so much more. I love you very much and want you to know you have impacted my life in the most positive way possible. Any complement I ever receive is only because you made me who I am today. I love you Mom
Dad – You have had a tremendous influence on me and I am so proud to be your son. Thank you for doing all that you do, you mean so much to me it’s hard to explain the bond we share. Sports have always brought us together but our relationship goes beyond that and I am so fortunate to have you as my father. Let’s tee it up with Regis and Jeff soon.
Eric – I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me. You have been a great role model in my life and I truly appreciate all that you have invested in me. You were a great coach by the way, but I’m glad Phil didn’t quit his day job.
Debbie – The amount of support you have shown me is incredible. You have made a great effort to be involved in my life and I am lucky to have you in it. Thanks for everything
Jeff – If there was one person responsible for my success in athletics the credit would go to you. Growing up so close together I can’t remember a time when we weren’t competing together or against each other. You were always there to show me the way and I couldn’t ask for a better big brother. Thanks for all that you have done for me and always having my back. Now let’s go take Dad on 2 on 1, I think we are ready to climb the mountain.
Dy-anna and the Stewart family – I never thought someone could mean so much to me but after being with you over the last few years I know I have found my match. Dy-anna I don’t know how you do it but you do. You are the most incredible person I know and I am so thankful to have you. I love everything about you but mostly because you push me to be better in every aspect of life. I’m having trouble writing anything else because anyone who knows you would agree that there are not enough complements to say about you. Your family has always gone above and beyond to support me and for that I thank you guys. I’d especially like the thank Quinn and Kennedy for being my #1 fans! With all that being said, I love you Dy.
Jordan – How are you today, Bud? Thanks for always being my best friend. You brighten everyone’s day whenever you are around. Don’t forget to punch in, and you still owe me $5.
Freeman – Your passion for basketball and commitment to the team is something that really stands out and is something everyone should learn from. We have had a blast together these last few years and I’m looking forward to a game at lifetime with you soon. #LEGGGOOO#DEALERBUSTS#301#NICEFLOP
Rod – You are a great teammate and I’m glad to share these last 4 years with you. I think it’s time to go shoppin’ for a new one, Let’s Ride!
Tom/Tigger – When Saint Mary’s claimed you off waivers from Duluth I think we got the steal of the century. Scoring all those points at Lords High School was a remarkable accomplishment but I still think it’s a myth; it’s almost as believable as James Murphy. I will say you have been an above average roommate over the years but I wish Karl Gores would have stuck around.
Mike – The silent assassin. Playing with you has been a great privilege and makes for some easy assists. You should really smile more because it does look like someone shot your dog. Lewiston should be proud.
Joe - True love is your soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another. I have found that with you and I am excited to continue our journey together. I’ll never forget that night we played tummysticks.
Josh – I tried warning you about those hockey girls but you didn’t listen.
Matt Rebernick – The only way to describe our time together is to say that the last 4 years are like the camera lift, it’s had a lot of ups and downs. Beyond that I think you deserve a lot of credit for what you do for the program. Whenever I have needed something you were always there to help, especially when I needed change and you remembered to bring your coin purse. By the way I’m glad you told Cece to shut up.
To my past teammates: Boots, Sweeney, Eric, Josh, Brad, Ben, Bruno, DJ, Will, Lukas, Gary, Connolly, Chris, Thomas, Zach, Demarcus, Brian, James, Ryan, and Murph, thank you guys for making my time at SMU memorable. I will never forget you guys.
To the freshmen: It has been an honor playing with you guys and I hope I was able to leave a small impact on you. Enjoy your time here at SMU and somehow teach Brandon the weave.
To anyone that I left out I’m sorry, here’s a quick thanks to some important people: Grammy, Grandpa, Julie, Pinky, Steve, Bill Reid, Pwoss, Pete the Greek, Regis, Ron Waytula, E.J, Bill Bohr, Gordon Voit, John Barrett, Hoho, Tom Florentine, Joe Blow, Luis, Dave Adelman, Dan Powers, Mike Hills, Tom Boylen, Joe Hajduch, and the Caddyshack crew.
A special thanks to Dr. Jim Dolan, without your guidance and support I would have never gone to SMU so thank you for making all of this possible.
“As you go through life strive to always leave everything be it people, places, or things, just a little better than you found them”
I hope that after my 4 years at Saint Mary’s I have done that and have encouraged others to do the same. Thanks!
Tim Kunkel
|
