Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

First and foremost, I have to thank my mother and father, Brian and Lisa VanRanst. Mom, ever since I was young, you have always been there for me. Whether it was icing my arm after games, or calming me down if things weren’t going that well with school, sports, or anything else. You have been the best mom anyone could ask for. I love you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have sacrificed for me, Emily, and Amanda. It doesn’t matter how many times I say it, it never loses its meaning to me. Dad, I can’t thank you enough for being there for me ever since I was swing golf clubs and hitting wiffle balls out of the air when I was younger. I know there were times when you didn’t feel like throwing or hitting with me, but pushed your own feelings to the side to help me get better. You taught me the true meaning of hard work and just what it means to never give up on something, even if it starts to get hard. I am incredibly lucky to have you as a father and want you to know that Emily, Amanda and I all love you, along with mom with all of our hearts. Thank You.

To my grandparents Al and Bonnie VanRanst, along with Ted and Claire Schramm, the support that you have given me ever since little league and grade school through now has been greatly appreciated. Even when I played some sports (soccer?) that you did not really enjoy or had a rough time watching, you still came and supported me with all your heart. I honestly could not have done it without you. You all hold a special place in my heart and I look forward to coming home to spend time with each and every one of you. To Grandma Schramm, I know you’re always with me, watching over me and making sure my lucky horseshoe is in a safe place. I love you all, and once again, thank you for everything.

To Coach Winecke and Jacobsen, both of you have been large influences on me during these defining years of my life. To Coach Winecke, thank you for looking my way and giving me a shot when others were turning the other way. You have always kept me humble and focused on what’s most important, both in sports and life. To Coach Jacobsen, thank you for putting up with me for the past 4 years. I know there were days when my weirdness, accompanied with the antics of Tyler, Bia, Gary, and others could have pushed you over the edge and brought on a patented Jacobsen flip out, but you took it in stride and focused back onto the task at hand. Thank you again for developing my skills not only as a player, but as a student, and now a graduate of SMU. And remember, SAY IT WITCHA CHEST!!

Now to the interesting stuff. To all of the guys that were on the team and graduated before us, thank you for showing us just what it takes to be successful. You all had a strong impact on the seniors and me when we were new freshmen. Ever since that first day of captains practice in 2009, we knew we could go to any one of you for help with any part of our game or even our day to day life. So on behalf of the senior class, thank you!

Seniors, these four years have flown by. It seems like only yesterday that Mike and I were playing MW2 in Benilde with Servy when he wasn’t ditching us. Mike, I couldn’t ask for a better roommate. I mean, who else lets someone have an entire room to themselves haha. But in all seriousness, thank you for being such a great friend and support system for me when times weren’t going so well. Late night bro talks with you and the other guys is going to be one of the biggest things I miss about SMU, along with gaming for ungodly hours on end. Servy, I still can’t believe you broke my PlayStation 3. Who does that?! You have always been able to dish it but not take it. I’m glad you know we do it because we love ya man. The memories that we made will always be cherished, but for right now, they probably shouldn’t be spoken of. That includes you Tessmer. I still think the Servais Strike Three call on you is probably the best line of his career to date. Tessy, I can’t wait to coach ball with you and hopefully coach/play amateur ball together just to frustrate the youngsters coming up in the world. And after all of its said and done, we can go and hang out in the garage with Bryan Tester if he’s allowed out of his house. Krone, K-spin, hang cleans, I don’t think I’ve ever met a scarier individual that I’ve grown to like more. NOW WE GO!! I’m proud to say that you’re a friend of mine. The intensity and drive you bring to everything from ball to school to work has rubbed off not only on me but the young studs of our team. Me, along with everyone else will never forget the discussion in the car on the way to Rochester big guy! Vinny D, having you out in the outfield behind me the past 4 years has been a blessing in disguise. I can honestly say when the stuff starts to hit the fan, your voice reminds me to focus and just throw strikes, and for that, I thank you. Nordy, having you as a teammate and friend has been interesting over these few years. From freshman year to now, you have matured into a completely different person, that not only us, but you should be proud of. Seniors, we’re all done, finished, ka-put! Regardless of whether our seasons were good or bad, I am proud to say you’re my teammates, but more importantly, some of my best friends.

Juniors!!! Your turn …. To SchlemDogMillz, I don’t think I’ve met someone who loves Hot and Readys more than you. Your hunger is legendary, but not as legendary as the arguments you have had with different teammates over the past few years. And for the record, CHARA, not Howard. Just remember you have 40 brothers man, you always can call on us to help you out man. To Minder………. 99. After these years of playing with you, I’m at a 99. Don’t ever change man. Keep on these guys next year, you know you’ll be able to bring out the best in them. Wolfy, Pauly, Krieger, you guys all have something special. Push one another to become the best you can, both in athletics but in life as well. And Pauly, Krone’s still expecting you to repay him for stealing those dews. Thelly, its college bro. I can’t wait to hit up the links with you this summer and show you what a true bad golfer looks like. Keep making the sick plays look easy over at short and have a great senior year next year man. Gannon, just keep hitting bombs. I’m expecting to see some of yours struts and bat flips on Youtube and Sportscenter in the coming years. Merky Waters, Old Blue better still be kicking next year when I come visit and we go to A&W to get fat. Keep busting your butt man. You know not only you, but everyone else is getting better because of you.

Starting off the Sophomores is Jake Merkle, Big Merk, The Bandit. Merk, you’re always there to pull guys in if they’re not focusing and to get us all amped before the game. Keep working hard and showing these young bucks just how to be successful in the MIAC. Hey BAWWY! You got to find a different dance move man, the arm pump’s getting old. Playing with you over the last two years has proven to me that one does not need defined calves to be a stud shortstop, hitter, speed demon on the bases, nor the best dougie dancer to walk this earth. I just hope you bring your golf game this summer big guy. Reegs, stay focused on the game rather than those trouble making girls. Lead these pitchers with the confidence and knowledge I know you have. Drew, what can I say? After all of these years of playing pick-up ball with you and going to our sisters tournaments together, it’s been an honor having you in my life and one of my good friends. Just remember, 60% of your strength comes from your legs big guy. Chubs! I think that fine for you not being Chubs anymore is perfectly fine. You’ll always be eating Oreos and snacking with me in my memories. Have fun these next couple of years and lets go see Monster’s University together this summer! Serres, keep working hard with the pitchers and keep the ball down. PS don’t throw so much over the top, ya weirdo! Kiesner, stay focused and keep taking hacks up there man.

Krysiak, here is your own paragraph. Ever since the first time you came lumbering up to Hendo’s and my room last year, you’ve been a great buddy of mine. From you bringing back friends last year to wake me up from a good night’s sleep, to going on late night adventures with me around Winona and SMU, to quoting Kevin Hart and Katt Williams, to watching Friends and connecting with Joey and Chandler, to all the events that we aren’t allowed to talk about, our memories will always keep a special place in my mind. Next year, keep the tradition going of getting Jake rattled, especially with little(not) Matty coming in. And just throw the ball harder would ya?? 89!!!!!

To all the freshmen in this program, keep busting your butt and build on what you have accomplished this year. Frosty, just keep dancing and making those sick plays in the field, it’s not going unnoticed. Rolain, don’t forget this game is fun. Don’t be so hard on yourself. That goes to you too, Jake Dawson! Dawson #1 is no fun. But let’s be honest, you can’t stay mad ?. Willie, hit the gym. Keep making ungodly range plays in the outfield and stealing bases. Great things are coming your way. Peder, all I have to say to you is cheer up and bring the energy to practice and games big guy! Johnson, make sure the White Oriole stays relaxed down in the bullpen these next three years, and keep using those standard Johnson lines. That a BABYYYY! Steph, Powers, Zapps, Ricky, stay out of trouble. You guys have something strong between you, don’t lose sight of that. Whitey, stop being so gullible and falling for jokes and scams. Just kidding big guy. Hunter, just drop bombs and watch Pitch Perfect and you’ll do just fine. Redders, keep those hitters off balance and you’ll have a ton of success at this level.

To anyone I happened to miss, I apologize. I hope I didn’t offend anyone, just know that to everyone that has been with my throughout my career up to now, I am truly thankful and owe all my success to you. From teachers, to coaches, family members, everyone. Thank you for everything.