I have always enjoyed sports but playing basketball has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Over the years there have been many ups and downs and I have loved and enjoyed every minute of the journey. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to play the sport I love for so many years. I have had a lot of support along the way and I would not be where I am today without the people who have surrounded me throughout my life.
I have many people to thank as they have all played critical roles in my life. First off I would like to thank God for guiding me and providing many great opportunities throughout my life. I also need to thank my parents. They have been there for me every step of the way. Thanks for putting up with me during my high school years. I realize I wasn’t the “perfect child” back then and probably just the opposite but thanks for dealing with all the stress I caused. The one thing I can’t thank them for enough is for never forcing me or pushing me into sports. They let me decide at a young age and I was able to find my passion in basketball and I believe that is one of the reasons I love it so much and have never got burned out. It has never been a job or work for me; I have always played for fun and the love of the game. Dad, I really appreciate all the time you spent rebounding for me as well as driving me all over the state for countless tournaments throughout the years. You have taught me the importance of hard work and that has gotten me where I am today. I was never the most talented kid out there but I think by all the time I spent practicing helped out a lot. Mom, thanks for always being there for me and not being that “crazy parent”. I really appreciate your positive support throughout the years as well as covering all the trips to the doctor’s office for the numerous injuries I have dealt with. You guys have been there every step of the way through three different colleges and I am so grateful for all the help along the way.
I would also like to thank my younger brothers Will and Rob. Thanks for putting up with me through all our workouts the last few summers. I have had a lot of fun with you and all your friends screwing around in the backyard and causing a ruckus around the house! Thanks for coming to many of my games and I really enjoyed always having a little cheering section when you guys were there. Theresa, my younger sister who graduated before me, thanks for being the smart and intelligent one of the family. Its been fun these last few years and glad were so close again. Jean, I realize you aren’t here anymore but I can thank you enough for the impact you had in my life. Bringing me to every Gopher sports game when I was young, I was able to find a love in sports and couldn’t have asked for a better childhood. Your passion and love for the Gophers and sports really rubbed off on me and I am so happy it did. I had so many memories from so many games and spending time with you I will cherish forever.
Nat- I can’t thank you enough for putting up with me all these years. You have been my number 1 fan since day one back in high school. Thanks for always being there for me through the ups and downs. I love you very much and cant wait for what our future holds!
Thank you to all of the coaches I have had throughout the years. I was blessed to have great coaches since I was little and they taught me everything I know today.
I would also like to thank the Athletic Director Nikki Fennern and Assistant A.D. Mike Lester for helping make my transfer as easy as possible as well as supporting our team throughout the years. Also thanks to Donny Nadeau for all of the pre and post game write-ups as well as all the other work you do, it is much appreciated. Also a need to shout out to our trainer William “Bill” Rossini, I tried to tell you the truth most of the time ? but really appreciate all the help you have given me and thanks for keeping me out on the court and not getting sick of me after all the time we spent together. And I am STILL waiting on that TV!!!
Coach Todd, I really appreciate everything you have done for this team and myself since I have been here. It’s great to know that you’re playing for a coach that will always be there for you or have your back. Your passion for basketball, enthusiasm, knowledge, and excitement out there are on the sidelines is second to none. All of the hours you have put in to make us a better team really does help and matter. I have also appreciated that I have never really had to express my displeasures with the zebras because you would somehow always beat me to the punch! My time here at SMU has been a great experience and you have been a huge part of that.
Coach Kevin, I really appreciate all the hard work you have put into the program since I have been here. The locker room changes you have made each year have been very much appreciated. All the extra time you have spent and drills in the pre and post season I have really benefited from. It is great knowing that I can come talk hoops with you at any time and you are always aware of what is going on in the world of sports. Your ability to officiate in practice may still need some fine tuning from time to time, your job you have done coaching has been very much appreciated since I have been here.
Coach Adam, It’s been great getting to know you more since we used to work camps back in the day. We are lucky to have a coaching staff that is passionate and loves hoops as much as you all do. Although we don’t get to see you every day, I look forward to every game when you make the trip because it always is enjoyable.
Brenda- Thanks for the many meals you have provided us over the years as well as your positive support. You really took care of us each year and I always looked forward to meals at your place because it was always great!
To all the parents of players that have came and supported us each game thank you. We have appreciated all the support and it is always nice to see a little red in the stands at away games.
I want to thank all the former teammates I have had here including Will the thrill, Lukas, Gary, Pat, Murph, Ryan. I was blessed to play with some great players in my time here and as good as teammates as these guys were they were even better people. We had a lot of fun together on and off the court and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Special thanks to Ryan for spending many early mornings with me this fall to help me improve my game; I really appreciated the time you spent working with me!
Brother William- It’s awesome to have a president who is involved and active around campus. It has been great getting to know you these last four years and thanks for everything you have done for everyone at this university.
I would also like to thank Ann Merchlewitz who has been a HUGE supporter these last few years. Thanks for everything you have done and I always enjoy seeing you and talking to you after our games!
Now to the team! Although this year has been a struggle, I still believe we can finish on a good note and we have a few games to prove it. I didn’t picture my senior year quite like this being banged up all year with surgery ahead but I can’t thank my teammates enough for all the hard work they have put in. We have been through a lot together and I enjoyed and will miss every minute of it.
TK- It’s been a ride man! Don’t think it would have been the same without ya. You always can put a smile on peoples face with those jokes and it’s been a lot of fun these last 4 years. D-Rose is still overrated! 301
Jake- Thanks for all the help over the years man, I will never forget that silky smooth left-handed J you had going on!
Hot Rod- I got a ton of respect for you man, not one complaint over the years. You come to practice everyday and work your butt off. I love your competitiveness and enthusiasm! You probably are the SMU all time leader of AND1’s in practice ? Lets ride, AHHHHH! Love ya kid!
Reebs- You have come a long ways my friend! I am sure you are going to be the best darn life insurance agent in the company in no time! Enjoy senior night and I’m so glad to be done with strategies with you!
Mike (Did you just kill my dog!) Dirk- The ladies do really love you man! You have been a beast all year; it’s your team now. Time to step up even more next year, you guys have the chance to do something special with the guys returning and with hard work and determination you will have the chance to do something I was never able to do. LETS GO.
Tommy G- “When it rains it Gores” where did that end up anyway! And also the all time leading scorer lets not forget! I still cant pronounce your dang high school, but will never forget that great email I received in my inbox after your parking shenanigans. I really wish I would be around next fall to run that favorite hill of yours with you in the bluffs! #YouStillNeedATwitter
Jish- my goal this next year is to win the lottery so I can buy COD and then we can further enhance our relationship by being friends on x-box! Sorry Britt! When I do win the lottery ill make sure the first purchase I make is an unlimited supply of Pepsi for my laundry boy!
Little Joe- Glad your healthy enough to play again! Just don’t lift too much triceps’ this summer it may screw up that jumper! I am sorry no actually I’m not, Cloverfield is the WORST movie of all time but I still love you! Murricane 4 life!
To the freshmen- (Brandon, Ben, Evan, Lamonte, Tyler, Kevin and Preston) It’s been great watching you all develop over the coarse of this year. If you can dedicate yourself in the offseason you will come back with a year of experience, and stronger than ever next year. I enjoyed you guys always keeping it fun throughout the year and most of you all are some hooligans!
Flounder- For your B-Day I’m going to buy you a pair of scissors; you know what to do with them!
Cheers Crew- (Cheer, John, Donny, LeRoy) Thanks for supporting us night in, and night out. I always enjoy hearing you guys yelling during the games, especially at the officials!
I would also like to thank all the fans, teachers, and the community who have supported us. I want to apologize for not being able to get the job done. I came here to help turn the program around; although it has been a struggle I wouldn’t have traded this for anything. Well I guess now after we finish up the school year and after I find a job, I will finally have some time for some more rac ball, at the lifetime fitness of course, working on my AND1 moves, playing great Coach K DUKE help side defense (does Ohio State have help side anyway I have never heard a mention to it), and gunning up an insane amount of 3’s from anywhere and everywhere! Doesn’t sound to shabby does it? ? I have really enjoyed my time here and Saint Mary’s has been the best 4 years of my life.
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