I would first like to say how appreciative I am that I had this experience of playing basketball at this university. Initially upon coming to school here I had not played basketball in two years and I was truly scared that I would not be able to keep up with my teammates, and I questioned whether I would fit in as a basketball player at all. But thanks to my family, my teammates, my coaches, and my friends I can leave here saying that this was one of the best experiences of my life. I have never had so much fun competing in basketball and getting to know new people all while getting an education on top of that. It has been frustrating at times, but I will truly miss just coming into the gym for all the practices and games. But as I said before this all wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for everyone that helped me, so on to the thank yous.
To my family:
Dad, thank you for making so many drives from Chicago just to see my games. It really helped that you encouraged me to come to this school when I was skeptical. It helped that you had confidence in me as a basketball player even when I didn’t. I really appreciate all the times you have rebounded for me and helped me in whatever way you could with basketball. And most importantly thanks for providing me with the education I have received here.
Mom, thanks for encouraging me to come to this university. I don’t know where your instincts come from, but you really have a knack for knowing what will be a good fit. Thanks for coming to all my games and once again thanks for providing me with this education. P.S. Don’t worry I’ll get a job eventually.
Tim, I’m so glad that I don’t play football anymore. It was truly a blessing that I quit that sport that you wanted me to play so bad. But honestly thanks for coming to my games and helping me become a better athlete. And despite what you say, I’d kill you in a rebounding contest.
Erin, if it weren’t for you, mom and dad would have no one to yell at. So thanks for taking the pressure off of me. You really are an amazing sister and you’ve taught me that no matter where you are it’s okay to scream at the top of your lungs or laugh way too hard, the general public simply doesn’t matter. They can learn to deal with it.
Dan, thanks for never responding to any of my texts or phone calls for the last three years. And thanks for reminding me that we should always say things with 100% confidence even when we have no idea what we’re talking about. Can’t wait to finally watch some Loras College football games next year.
To my Coaches:
Coach Todd, I’m really happy that you encouraged me to come to Saint Mary’s. Even when I told you I was 100% sure that I was going to stay around Chicago you still kept in touch with me just to check in, and that is something I’ll never forget because it persuaded me to reconsider. I thank you for helping me mature as a basketball player throughout the years. Upon arriving here I knew hardly anything about post play, and now I can honestly say I’m very comfortable and confident when I get the ball. This could have been a bad experience for me with a different less patient coach, but thanks to you I had a great time playing basketball at this school.
Coach Kevin, thanks for all the time and hard work you put into this program. You challenged all of us to better players, and you really helped me to become more aggressive. Guarantee there will be no “soft Eurostep” moves for the rest of my life.
Coach Adam, thanks for all the time you put into scouting and helping the team in any way. I know it’s a hard job with all the travel you have to do and it is much appreciated.
Coach Ryan, I knew you had to be a coach someday because you are too intense to work some simple job where you don’t get to yell at all. Wish you were still on the court with us but at least I still have you on the sideline to tell me where to go, “Joe get in the post!!!” “Joe get out of the post!!!”.
Coach Biebel, thanks for all the times you helped me mature as a player in any way you could. But I still wish you were on the sideline with us because I simply look tougher by merely standing next to you.
To my teammates:
Brian, so glad you came back on the team this year. It’s always great to talk to you about the freshman year and all the fun times we had together. And despite what you say the Chicago Bulls are a fantastic basketball team and Joakim Noah is a phenomenal player.
Josh, I probably would have failed out of accounting without your help. Can’t wait to play some softball and grow some more fantastic looking handlebar mustaches with you after the season is over.
Mike, it has been a pleasure to live with you for 3 years. It’s rare for me to find someone who won’t complain about the messes I make and at the same time has the sensible taste to enjoy some of the greatest movies of all time with Cloverfield and District 9.
Tom, you would love it if I wrote in here that you are some tough guy who has no feelings. But the truth is that Tom has a kind and gentle soul. He has a huge heart and is a very sympathetic person. And he will always lend you a hand when you need one. The anti Lindsay Lohan.
Ben, you are always one of the most intense players in practice. You always made me laugh with your very unusual sense of humor. And I’m sure you’ll be a great bookie someday.
Brandon, you are a great player and you’ll come back even stronger than you were before for next year. Just remember my name is Joe (not Tom).
Evan, you a great competitor and great player. I love your intensity on and off the court can’t wait to see you play again next year, and can’t wait to rock out to some more jock jams to close out this year.
Preston, you are one of the hardest workers on this team, you are one the best guys I know, you have thousands of nicknames, your IMDB account is phenomenal. And yet I hate you so so so much.
Tyler, you are a great competitor on the court and I would have been so bored in the ice tub without you. Keep going hard, for the boys!!!!
Johnny, can’t wait to see you play next year. Unless it’s a road game, heard you have trouble making it to those.
Mark, you are a great player, but you lack alarm setting skills (it will come in due time, don’t worry). I can’t wait to hear your sermons someday.
Sean, keep practicing and working out hard man. Can’t wait to eat some spam with you in Hawaii one day.
Trent, keep draining three’s. Can’t wait to meet your alternate ego, hopefully he’ll actually want to be my friend.
Will, you are a great athlete and very disciplined player. Can’t wait to see the next James Bond movie with you (we’ll catch the early show).
Managers:
Jake, da Illini and some Teddy Brewski’s!!!!!!
John, communism! Are you happy now?
Reebs, miss having you around. What MLB franchise’s bandwagon do you want to jump onto this year?
Bo Beyer, go easy on the refs they are working hard. Ooooo I’m soooo coooooool.
Former Players:
Kevin, wish you were still here. Hopefully I’ll see you around this summer.
Sam, it was great playing with you. Hope to see you around campus again soon.
Freeman, really miss your leadership. And wish we had someone to teach these freshman about how to play roulette, they just don’t get it. Let’s go!!!
Kunkel, miss seeing you around here. There’s nobody to wake me up in the middle of the night and say what’s needed to be said. “Hamline!.....Ummmm Carleton!........Uh Gustavus!” Go to bed Timmy.
Rod, can’t wait to play some more ball with you this summer. Let’s ride!!
Gary, Connolly, Lukas, Will, Murph, Chris, Simms, James miss seeing you guys around. You were all great teammates on and off the court.
Others:
Ann Merchlewitz, thanks so much for helping our team out as much as you do. You are a great supporter of our team and we are very grateful to have you with us.
Jamie, thanks for being there for me through all of this, I don’t know if I could have done it without you. I can’t wait to watch you play these last games.
To all the parents that had us over at their houses for meals and team events it was very appreciated.
To all the fans thanks for all your support. |
