Tom Bids Farewell

Basketball has played a large role in my life ever since I was a child. It has given me the opportunity to develop strong relationships with many people while allowing me to grow as an individual. Basketball has provided structure in my life that I always found helpful. I believe that basketball, along with other sports, guided me to be the best student and person that I can be. I’ve learned many life lessons through my years on the court and I plan on continuing to use those lessons as guidance in my future.

There’s no better feeling than being able to compete at the collegiate level; not many people can say they get that opportunity. I owe special thanks to my parents, coaches, and teammates throughout the years for making this all possible. There’s no way I could’ve done any of this without the help from all of them. I’ve met some of my best friends through basketball and enjoyed some of my fondest memories. I believe basketball has taught me how to be a competitor, and that will bode well for me in my future as a man.

Saint Mary’s University has been a great four years of my life, and basketball played a large role in that. When I decided to attend SMU, I didn’t know that many people. My teammates and coaches welcomed me from the beginning and allowed me to settle in and feel at home. The basketball program here at SMU is filled with great individuals whom I’ll remember forever. My four years have been filled with many ups and downs, but I’m glad I stuck with it because the ups definitely outweighed the downs in the end.

Special thanks to:
Mom and Dad: You guys have been amazing. I can’t imagine a better support system than you two. You have always been here for me when I’ve needed you but you’ve also let me become who I am on my own. You’ve allowed me to learn from my mistakes and you’ve been around to celebrate my accomplishments. Thanks for everything; I love you more than anything!

Lucy and Grady: Thanks for always being around for me when I’ve needed you most. I know you two would be here for me at the drop of a hat if I asked. There’s no better feeling than coming home and hanging out with you guys as a way to get away from everything else. It’s great to see you two doing so well in your lives. I love you guys!

Greg Kunkel & Company: Thanks for everything; it’s been awesome getting to know you all throughout the years. Thanks for opening up your house to me for the summer I lived with you guys, it was a great experience. I know we will all keep in touch as time goes on. Timmy, you should’ve stayed for a 5th year…you missed out on some good times!

Coach Jim Daly: Thanks for putting in so much time with me in the gym. I owe a lot to you for shaping me into the basketball player and person I am today. I learned a lot about basketball from you, but I probably learned more about life.

Coach Todd Landrum: It has been a great experience playing for you here at SMU; I’ve had a great time. I’ve learned a lot from you on the basketball court as well as in the classroom. I believe you’ve really helped me grow as a man, which will help me considerably in the real world. Thank you.

Coach Kevin Landrum: I’ve had a blast playing for you here at SMU. It has been fun being able to pick your basketball mind and learn from you. It has always been a good time being able to joke around with you before and after practice. Thank you.

Coach Biebel, Adam, and Ryan: Thanks for all the time you’ve put in to helping me be the best basketball player I can be. We’ve shared some great times.

Ann Merchlewitz: Thanks for all the support you’ve given me here at SMU. It has been great getting to know you and I appreciate your efforts in always being around for us guys.

Josh Bennett: Good times on and off the basketball court! Thanks for everything, especially helping me in the classroom! Lets play some ZOMBS!

Mike Burfeind: It has been great being able to play with you over the years big fella! I’ve had a great time being roommates this year as well, even though you’re never around to hang out.

Joe Murray: Joseph Jeremiah, I don’t know what else to say besides the fact that you’re a beauty! It has been a great four years with you lil fella! I wish for nothing more than for you to reach your dream job as store manager at Family Video.

Brian Thomas: I’m glad you decided to come back out for basketball; it has been great playing with you. I’ll miss joking around with you before and after practices!

Preston Black: Sooo many nicknames for you! It felt weird typing your actual name. I’m pretty sure I’ve lost track but I think you have about 15 nicknames by now. I’m glad I really got to hang out with you this year.

Tyler Fleming: It has been fun playing with you this year. I’ll miss joking around with you and whining like little girls in the ice bath together!

Kevin Hoffman: I wish you would’ve stuck around, Kev! I’ll remember all the good times we’ve had together and I’m sure we’ll stay in touch.

Brandon Larson: It’s a bummer you got hurt this year man; you definitely would’ve helped us out on the court. Keeping working hard and you’ll be back stronger than ever next year.

Ben Meyer: I’ll really miss you Benny Boy! I’ve had a great time getting to know you over the last two years and I’ll never forget all the sarcastic moments with you. You might finally be able to win a game of Spades on the bus with Josh and I gone.

Evan Pederson: E-Bug!! You’re one tough kid. I’ve enjoyed playing with you the last two years but I’ve enjoyed hanging out even more. I’m kind of nervous to leave you, because I don’t know who’s going to have your back now when you open that big mouth of yours.

Freshmen: It has been a great year with all of you, and I wish you all the best. Keep working hard and you guys will be great. Will, I know it will be difficult, but will you please keep all these guys in line?!

All my previous teammates: Thanks for everything; I miss you guys all the time! We had some pretty close teams and it was a blast to be a part of. I’m glad to see you all are doing well out there in the real world! Special thanks to those who have followed us and kept in touch on a weekly basis.

Matt Rebernick, Jake Colwell, and John Kaiser: Thanks a lot for everything you guys have done for the team and me over the years. Sometimes your hard work can go unnoticed, but you guys make life easier for everyone else.

Bill Rossini: Bill, Bill, Bill. Boy have you earned your paycheck with all the crap you’ve had to deal with because of me. I feel as if the training room turned into my second home. I’ll make sure to continue coming down there to bother you every once in a while. Thanks for everything.

I know I probably missed a few people, so thank you all very much as well! My time here at SMU has been great, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I hope I was able to make a slight impact on some of your lives during my time here, and I wish you all the best in the future!

Thanks for everything!