Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

It is hard to believe how fast the last four years have flown by here at Saint Mary’s. It feels like just yesterday I was moving into Benilde and getting ready to take the next major journey in my life. Now, four years later it is time to say goodbye to Winona, and the wonderful friends, teachers, coaches and teammates that have made the last four years fun and memorable. Looking back on the last four years here at SMU, I have many people to thank, some jokes to make, and some advice to give as my friends and teammates start reflecting the years past, and what they look forward to as the program continues to move on the path of building champions.
    
When reading past Senior Salutes, most of my teammates have begun by thanking their family, but I will start mine out first by talking about my coaches. Four years ago when I decided to come to Saint Mary’s, I was a non-recruited prospect that had the attitude why not tryout. “If I make the team I will play, if not then I won’t”. I showed up to fall ball not having a clue what to expect, am I am sure the coaches had no idea what to expect out of me either. Over the course of the fall I learned a lot just about college and what it would take to be a student-athlete at Saint Mary’s. At the end of fall ball, it was then time to meet with the Coach Winecke and Coach Jacobsen to see if I would be spending the next four years playing college baseball. I still remember that conversation that took place with them. I walked into Coach Winecke’s and coach said, “Hey Tommy, how is the semester going?” I then responded with a simple “no complaints.” At this point obviously not an answer coach wanted to hear as he probed more questions about school and classes. At this point of the conversation I was like I do not want to talk about school, I want to talk baseball.  Coach Winecke then said lets get right to the point because you probably want to know where you sit in the program and then he said “you have improved a lot over the fall, you hustle, work hard, and you listen without hesitation. Therefore, we are going to keep you around and see what you can do to help this program. Then the meeting continued, although at that point as a freshman, I just was focused on telling my family and friends that I had made the team. Thank you to Coach Winecke, Coach Jacobsen, Coach Whaley, Coach Rob, Coach Schmidt, and Coach Ogden for giving me the opportunity to play baseball at Saint Mary’s. I have had a great deal of fun, made lasting memories, and have learned how to grind out whatever it takes to be successful. I could not have asked for a better coaching staff, which devotes endless hours into doing whatever it takes, to help the players and the program continue to grow and be successful. I cannot wait to see what the program will continue to do well into the future. Thank you once again for all that you guys do.
    
After thanking my coaches, it is now time to thank my family for their support over my career here at Saint Mary’s. Papa Merk first and foremost Thank you for allowing me to go out on my own (and picking up the costs) and letting me continue my Catholic education at Saint Mary’s. I know it has not been easy but you always tell me we will find away, (although sometimes it was easy to be like yeah ok if you say so), but after four years I can truly say you were right and you found away to help me get through college. Your support throughout the years is immeasurable and I cannot wait to hang out with you more often now that I will not be living in Minnesota. Thank you for everything.  
    
Next on the list of family members are Grammie, Papa, Gramma Merk, Aunt Connie, Aunt Gail, Aunt Jodi, Aunt Erin, Aunt Lu, Uncle Ken, Uncle Russ, Uncle John, Uncle Ernie, Aunt Janice, Uncle Don, Aunt Terri, Coach Tom, and Denise. It is hard to put into words how much I appreciate all the support you all have given to me over the years. I thank you all for the time spent visiting, donating money to the program (well and of course the donations to me), the talks and the advice. I would not be here at Saint Mary’s without the loving support from you guys. You guys have always believed in me and supported me in all my decisions. It is truly hard to say how much I appreciate all of you Thank You again for everything.
    
I cannot forget my sister so she is next on the list. All I am going to say to you is I DID IT! (You didn’t think I would) BUT I DID! Well in a few weeks anyway. Thank you and that is all.
    
Next, I have to thank the people I work with. Not only have they financially supported the program, but they have also become a great part of my life outside of baseball.  Thank you to Mark, Stacy, Roger, and Granny for all of your support through the years. It is hard to believe that I have been working at Beautyguard going on four years. You guys have done a great deal and there is not enough I can say to thank all of you. It means a lot to me that all of you have taken the time out schedules to help me get to this stage in my life.
    
The next people that need to be thanked will not get the chance to read this but they have influenced me, and without them it is hard to say where I might have ended up. Uncle Mark, thank you, the Chief, thank you, and especially my Mom, thank you the foundation I needed to become who I am today.  All of you have showed me to continue the push for excellence, and to never be satisfied. These are the three best guardian angels anyone could ask for. Thanks for all the help that you continue to give me as you guide me on to the “real world”.
    
Another family member thank needs recognition is my roommate for the last four years Jake Colwell a.k.a. Chiefy. It is hard to believe that in 2 weeks we will both be college grads. Thank you for all the support over the last four years and all I can say is mi casa is truly su casa. Good Luck in whatever you plan on doing in the future. Your one of the hardest workers I know and you will be very successful.       
    
Next, I have to thank my high school baseball coaches (Coach Wirtz, Pena, Savickis, Mysliwy, Bently, Kozak, and Furman). Thanks for helping me develop my skills to be able to show case them at the college level.  Also thank you for continuing to help and support my athletic and academic milestones.  
    
Now it is on to my teammates. First off I have to thank all the guys that I have played baseball with, in the past, in this program. All of them have helped me to develop into the person I am today because of how hard they pushed me to be better every day. Geraghty, Servais, Nord, Teddy, Krone, Max, Vinny, Tessmer, Curt, Minder, Mike, Bia, and Chubs. Thank you to all of you guys and chubs we need to have some Oreo cookies soon.
    
Now, it time to talk about my current teammates on the 2014 Saint Mary’s Baseball team.  
    
Primmer (prim daddy) - The year started out with us being roommates down in AZ. We had a lot of fun keep working hard and stop cheating at the name game. You have great work ethic and that will take you far. Good luck in the future.
    
Morris and Matuska I am combining you both in this one Lets Go Avs.  Both of you show up to work every day. Keep working hard and good luck in the future.   
    
Pientok get 100 percent healthy so that you can come back ready to go. Keep putting the work in cause good things will be coming your way. Good luck in the future.
    
Dobo and Bartosz it is okay to talk to other people and stand by them in the dugout. Both of you are great assets to the team. Keep up the hard work and good luck in the future.
    
Buerkle you have one of the best swings that I have ever seen. It is unreal how well you see the ball and how much power you have. Keep working hard cause as you know great things happen when you do. Good Luck in the future.
    
Connor - You are a great teammate and you push everyone to be better on a daily basis. You a little guy with a big heart and that will take very far in the program and in life. Keep up the great work and good luck in the future.    
    
Slinger- Stay with the process, I know how hard and frustrating it can be when you cannot seem to figure out why things have changed from league to league. Keep working on it and good things will happen. I am glad we got to hangout and watch NASCAR this year as many people give me a bunch of crap for it. Although you are a Junior fan, it could be worse I guess. Good Luck in the future.
    
Jacobs- You started out the year as a quiet kid, but you have since seemed to come into your own on the team and on the mound. Keep up the great work and of course no sarcasm here, go Avs my fellow burgundy and blue follower. I look forward to seeing great things out of you in the future. Good Luck to you in the future.
    
Cherry- you have improved a great deal from the fall until know. Keep that going into the summer and next year here at SMU. Keep working hard and learning every day. Good Luck in the future.
    
Time for the sophomores:
    
Scats –  It is going to be weird not driving you back home for breaks and stopping in Madison at the Chipotle. I always enjoy the conversations that we have especially the one when we were in Wheaton in the hotel with scooter and frost. You are always willing to go the extra mile in all that you do and no one can take that away from you. It has been a lot of fun playing baseball with you over the last two years, keep up the great work, and good luck to you in the future.  
    
Rollie- You are one of if not the hardest worker on the team. You are always pushing yourself and others to be better. Thanks for letting me use your sunglasses during the season as I needed them to keep up with the team swag. Keep working hard, which I know you will, and good luck to you in the future.
    
Willie – I have never seen someone beat out or almost beat out as many should be routine ground balls. It has been a lot of fun watching you play ball and I also cannot wait to see the great things you do for this program over the next two seasons. Good luck to you in the future.
    
Miley- The one person everyone on the team can count on to bring a smile to their faces. I always enjoy talking to you in the locker room and seeing how things are going that day. (Always good I am assuming). It is also good to see that you are still using ancient technology with your outdated flip phone. It has been a lot of fun being on the same team and sitting in the same seats on the bus for the last two years. Keep up that great work and tell Joe hello as it is always good to see him. Good luck to you in the future.
    
Ketch – First thing to say is basketball sucks and the Heat are the best team in the NBA. NBA players get paid to dunk it is not special. You always push people to be better. We have had a lot of great talks and have become good friends over the time here at SMU. I hope to keep in touch in the future and hear how the next few years at Saint Mary’s go for you. Lastly, NASCAR is a sport and Athletes do race the cars. Good Luck in the future kid.
    
Daws- When it comes to pitching, you are always learning and working on something that will make you better, and it shows. Keep plugging away at it. Keep pushing people because that is what makes the program better. I look forward to staying in touch. I also hope that when you go to AZ next year you find others to enjoy the sunshine. Good luck to you in the future.
    
Powers- You have come a long way over the two years at Saint Mary’s. You always work hard and the results have been drastic. You are also good at every activity. Golf, Bowling, even Ping pong (just an animal). You Scats and Rickey will have to keep in touch and hang out as you guys live close. Although if we go golfing your golfing left handed (although your probably just as good anyway.)
    
Cale- LOOPS? For all the crap you get for doing laundry, I thought I would ask one more time if we were doing loops. Keep up the great work. Thank you for taking on the ever challenging role of laundry. I am sure not too many people have thanked you for it, but all the guys do appreciate it. Keep pushing guys to be better and good luck to you in the future.
    
Johnson – Benny you have made many improvements on the hill and no doubt always give us a chance to win. Your winning attitude and work ethic help the pitching staff on the daily. Keep up the great work. Make sure to rattle Whitey on the daily. Good luck to you in the future.
    
Whitey – You bring a lot of energy to the program which is well needed every day. Although sometimes you just need to relax and not get so rattled over pointless things. Also you probably should not be involved in scams like Vemma. Nobody wants that stuff. Also your walk up needs to go. Keep working hard and hit some more dingers. KN loves you and Good luck to you in the future.
    
Frosty – Boot! Your foot is fine. Be a man. Keep making those sick plays and short and keep working hard. I am glad we hang out and have the chats that we have. Good Luck coaching your travel team this summer and maybe I will come for a guest appearance on the coaching staff. You know someone has to actually teach the kids baseball. Keep up the great work bud. It also wouldn’t hurt to shower once in awhile. Good luck to you in the future.
    
Ram – Good Talk bro! Kudos to you on making the transition from outfield to being a pitcher. It took a lot of hard work but you have progressed greatly. I hope that we will be able to hang out in the summer. I have enjoyed hanging out with you at SMU and chatting with your dad. Good luck in the future.
    
Red Dog – Red dog we have had a lot of great times here at Saint Mary’s. I am glad that we became friends. I still remember when you introduced yourself to me at third base in the fall of your freshman year. When you asked me where I lived because you were going to come over and hang out. I always enjoy talking to your family and cannot wait to keep in touch with them in the future. Keep up the great work and good luck to you in the future.
    
Peder – “Gronk” yes Peder I said it. You are a great kid and you bring the energy to a new level every day. The team could not be as successful without you. You work hard and you will get rewarded for it. Programs need people like you to make everyone better. Keep being a tigger and always play hard. I look forward to staying in touch and good luck to you in the future.     
    
Juniors:
    
Big Merk – You are always getting after it. You push yourself and others to be the best. You never settle for mediocrity. Now if only you would do that in keeping the area in front of your locker clean. We roomed twice in AZ, but nothing beats this past year. Seize the day is what you told are room every morning. Keep doing that and you will be in business. Stay in touch and good luck to you in the future.
    
Barry – The last few years have been fun watching you improve daily. You are always looking to make someone else better which is key to the success of our team and program. I look forward to hearing great things about you next year. It also has been a lot of fun being your teammate for the last three years. Good luck and stay in touch in the future.
    
Regan – Regs you have come a long way in the program over your few years. You have had many challenges to overcome in baseball with your knee and the dropping down side arm. You have taken them all in stride and you are always absorbing information. It has been a lot of fun becoming friends with you and hanging out with you all the time out side of baseball. You are a great friend and you always bring the best out of those around you. I cannot wait to come back up to visit. Keep in touch and keep working hard brother. Good  luck to you in the future.
    
Drew- You have come a long way in the program and I am sure there are many great things coming your way in the future. I still remember the metro dome game when you came up to me and were picking my brain about third base. You are always learning and you throw some pretty good BP as well. Thanks for helping me become a better player and making this program a better one to be a part of. Keep working hard. Good Luck in the future.
    
SchlemDawgMils – Schlem Dawg not that you need to know but we are on card 1 to start this one. It is hard to find a place to start with this one big dawg. The last four years have been a lot of fun and I am glad we got to be teammates.  Card 2 I am glad that we are friends and I enjoy the talks about sports politics and everything else. You have a lot of passion for everything you do and you make people better because of it. Card 3 Good luck next year and in all that you chose to do in the future. Keep in touch and keep on swinging. PlusEvoSwag       
    
Seniors:
    
Gannon – KG3 you are a natural leader and a very talented baseball player. It has been a privilege being a part of the same program with you. Whether playing third base, outfield, or first you always have a sure glove and are always learning and ready to go. Good Luck in the future and keep in touch. Thanks for pushing me to be better, and thank you for the recent conversations that we have had as we have come down the home stretch of senior year.
    
Thele – The ChelMaster Being one that has also had arms problems, it has been great to see you bounce back from early career injuries, to the sure handed shortstop in the lineup every day. You are always pushing guys to be better. I still remember when we were freshman in the program when we would take BP before games (only in the cage). Now look your playing every game and giving us a chance to win. Good Luck in the future and keep in touch. Thanks for making me a better player and teammate.
    Krieger – Kregs you are a great player and a really good teammate. It has been a lot of fun playing on the same team as you. You always work hard, now like big merk, you should probably put some effort in keeping your area in front of your locker clean. Good Luck in the future and stay in touch. Thanks for pushing me to be a better teammate.
    
Paulie –   Big Paulie there are lots of things that I could say but some of them probably would not be appropriate for others to read. Although both of us have been in the program for four years we have only really been hanging out for the later part of our careers here. You have always given good advice and you pretty much know everything about anything or at least your good at BS-ing it. I am glad that we have become as close as we have and I look forward to hearing all about your big time sales job in Cali. Thanks for helping me be a better teammate, and pushing me to be a better person, not only at baseball but outside of it as well.  I know that you will be successful in the future because I am sure you will find someone that will do your work for you. In all reality, thanks for a fun four years, good luck to you in the future and stay in touch.
    
Wolfe – When you transferred into Saint Mary’s it took you awhile to come into your own (I am assuming Paul helped you do that) but I am glad we have become friends over our time here. You are always learning and you put a great deal of time into understanding the game. You are always ready to go whenever you are called upon, and no one can ask for anything more. You are always willing to help the next guy, and if you do not know how to help them you find someone that can. It has been a lot of fun being a part of this program with you, and I know you will be good at whatever you do after graduation. You’re a great teammate and a good friend. Good luck to you in the future and stay in touch.
    
Scottie – Scoots it has been a lot of fun watching you play hockey and getting to have you as a manager on the team. Programs like us cannot be successful if we do not have guys like you to help us out. You bring a lot of passion and take great pride in your role as manager. I could not have asked for a better friend and I hope that we stay in touch. Thanks for pushing the team and thank you for all that you do. Good Luck in the future
    
Rickey – Trips to and from Illinois will no longer be the same without you and Scats. Thank you for helping out as our team could not be successful without all that you do. You are going to have some big shoes to fill next year without scoots Mr. President. Good Luck in the future and keep in touch.
    
Sully – I know you have only helped out with the baseball team this year but you have always supported us. Thank you for helping out this year as we need the help of all of our managers to be successful. Good Luck in the future and keep in touch.
    
Joe- It is always good to get the chance to see you. Just like your brother you always bring smiles to the faces of the people you are around. It goes without question that your help is greatly appreciated and is much needed for the success of our team. Good luck to you in the future.
  
 Next I have to say a quick thanks to all of the parents that come out to the games all the time. It is always nice to have a good following whether down in AZ, up in the cities, or even down here in Winona. Thanks also for supplying food between games. It means a lot to all of us that you all continue to support the program in so many ways.
    
As I close the book on my four years here there are so many people to thank and mention. Whether directly mentioned or indirectly, thank you to all who have made my time at Saint Mary’s great over the years. I have truly had the best four years of my life so far being a student-athlete at Saint Mary’s. Some last bits of advice to pass along is to find a reason to play and never forget why you play the game. Also discover your role and be the best damn person at it. Don’t take things for granted, because your four years here are over just like that. Seniors start your salutes early because when it comes down to the wire it takes a long time to write them.  I have learned so much, and have had so much fun being a part of this program. Lastly, if any of you guys need anything at anytime track me down, and stay in touch. Good Luck Boys. Play Hard. And most of all, have fun.