Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

As my time at Saint Mary’s comes to an end, it is hard not to think about the memories I have here and the great people that I have met. After my freshman year of college at Winona State, I felt like there was something missing. In high school I was playing football, basketball, and baseball year round and when I got to WSU all of that was gone. I decided in the spring of that year to make a change. I contacted Coach Winecke and asked him about the chances of me trying out the following fall. Coach Jake got sent out to one of my summer games where we were playing a bad team and I was in left field. I’m not really sure what he got out of that, but the following day I received an e-mail from Coach Winecke saying that they were looking forward to giving me a chance in the fall and that’s all that I wanted, a chance. The day of moving into Saint Mary’s was tough. I started to question if I made the right decision on switching schools and if I would be good enough to make the team after taking a year off. It turns out; making the switch was the best decision I ever made. On the first day of captain’s practice and meeting all of the guys, I knew that I made the right decision.
    
I want to thank Coach Winecke and Coach Jacobson for giving me the opportunity to play college baseball. It has been a pleasure being able to play for both of you over the last three years. The time that both of you put in, and your passion for the game is second to none. You have done a great job at turning the program around and getting people excited about Saint Mary’s baseball again. You have instilled in us that it takes hard work and dedication to reach a common goal. The lessons I learned while playing baseball will go with me far beyond the baseball field. You both have been great coaches and I look forward to seeing what new heights you are going to take this program to. Coach Jake, Taco Bell and a Dew is not considered a healthy meal.
    
Coach Whaley, it has been great having you as a coach these last two years. What I enjoy most is your calm, easy-going attitude and your knowledge of the game. Also, you will be happy to know that the mask made it back to its owner. I can’t thank the coaches enough for the opportunities they have given me and my time here is something that I will never forget.
    
Next, I would like to thank the most important people to me, my family. Mom and dad, thank you for everything you have done for Jordan, Ryan, and myself. You always have pushed us to do our best in everything that we do, from school to athletics. Mom, you are always our number fan and usually the loudest at all of our games. You are always someone who I can tell anything too, and quite frankly you have probably heard way to many stories from my friends and myself. I’m not sure how you didn’t get more upset about all the footballs and basketballs that were thrown around the house as we were growing up. I guess part of it is because dad was the one throwing them to us half the time. Dad, thank you for all of the ground balls you have hit, shots that you have rebounded, and football passes you have thrown to Ryan and myself over the last 20 years. Those are times that I will never forget. All of the things that you and mom have done have helped get me to where I am today. Jordan, we have had some good times over the years, from playing football in the living room, to going on double dates to the Twilight movies, to you having our lazy days on the couches at home watching Friends. Keep working hard in school and in volleyball and enjoy your last two years at Saint Mary’s, they go by fast. Ryan, I miss our nights of staying up and watching the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and quoting the lines during the show because we have seen them so many times. I’m not sure how we didn’t break more things in our house from throwing balls around inside. One of the highlights was when you put a whole in the wall with your head while playing basement basketball. I’m looking forward to being able to come to more of your games as you finish up high school. Keep working hard and maybe one day you will actually be able to beat me in a game of horse. This is all very much summarized as this senior salute is due in a couple hours and I’m just getting started. I love all of you and can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for me. I couldn’t ask for a better family.
    
I also want to thank my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins for always being there and for being great people to be around. You guys always came to all of our games and since we are from a small town, usually took up about half the bleachers and the whole fence line at baseball games. I remember a couple games at Saint Mary’s where you all came and took up the bleachers down the third baseline. Thank you for all the support. I know that there was always one person that couldn’t be at the games, but he had the best view in the house watching down from heaven. Dennis, you have always been remembered by your nieces and nephews by the number we wear on our backs, 24, and I think about you every time I put my jersey on.
    
When talking about my teammates at Saint Mary’s it is hard to know where to begin. There have been so many great guys that I have met over these years that have made my time at Saint Mary’s special. I would first like to mention my past teammates that made the first two years here so much fun. My first year at Saint Mary’s, we only had three seniors on the team: Curt, Danny, and Max. These were three of the funniest people to be around, which as a new student and player made you feel really comfortable to be a part of the team. These three were good leaders and the main reason why we were able to start the conference season 0-6 and be able to turn it around and make the playoffs. This was one of the most fun seasons I had playing baseball. Being able to turn a season around the way we did made the feeling of making the playoffs that much better. The moment we found out we got in will be a moment that I will never forget.
    
We had a few more seniors the following year with Vince, Mikey, Tessmer, Krone, Minder, Nord, Teddy, and Servais. These were guys that were all unselfish and always put the success of the team before their own. We again made the playoffs for a second consecutive year and these guys were the main reason why. I want to thank all of my past teammates for making Saint Mary’s such a great experience.
    
To my current teammates: The best to place to start would be with my roommates Paul, Pat, and Jake. I couldn’t have asked for better roommates to live with, Paul and Pat for two years and Jake joining us this year. All of us have different personalities, which lead to some interesting and funny nights in the 204. I’m going to miss the nights of lying in bed and listening to Pat and Merkle’s deep conversations about the meaning of life.
    
Paul was one of the first people I really got to know at Saint Mary’s, which is interesting because I was the one that didn’t talk and he was the one that wouldn’t shut up. Needless to say we became pretty good friends and I knew he had an impact on me when I went home for the first time and my mom told me I was being a smart ass. I told her it was Paul’s fault. Once Paul and I started to live together he pretty much became my personal chef and over the last two years has become a pretty good one, upgrading from strictly rice and green peppers to mixing in some chicken dishes. It will be nice to get up in the morning without those early morning wake up calls “Oops” and without you threatening my pillow every time I wouldn’t do something. With that being said, Paul has become one of my best friends and I wish him luck in California. I’m planning on getting invited out for a visit.
    
Pat is one of my favorite people to be around. It is hard to be around Pat for two minutes without laughing about something. His personality and sick dance moves just attracts you to him. Two months of our lives were consumed by watching Netflix. One by watching the whole series of Prison Break and pretending that we were Scofield, and the other by Friday Night Lights where we would reminisce about the high school days. While living with Pat nothing really seems to surprise you anymore such as finding eggs in the cupboard, seeing your socks on his feet, and the urine stained pants. Living with Pat the last two years has been a lot of fun and has resulted in a lot of great times that I will never forget.
    
Jake is one of the most interesting people that I have ever met. You never really know what is going through is head except for getting a coffee and protein shake in at least twice a day. Merkle teaches us some valuable lessons such as if it happens at Schydes it doesn’t count. I have enjoyed listening to all of the deep talks that he has had with Pat and Kevin while Frank Sinatra plays in the background. Jake our semi’s are out there somewhere, we just need to find them. You could always tell what Jake thought about something by the tone of the C’mon man that came out of his mouth. Jake has been a great friend and I am going to miss him next year. P.S. she should have just let you sleep. It has been a lot of fun living with all three of you guys this year and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
    
Kevin Gannon (our fifth roommate). Kevin spent a lot of his time in our room and when he did, there was never a dull moment. Once Pat and him get going on something, it is hard to stop laughing. The creation of Jared was one of the highlights of sophomore year. I’m hoping to hear more from KP Productions and think that “Ghost” should be on iTunes. The Extranormal you made will forever be one of my favorite things posted in Our Team.
    
To Taylor and Peder, my fellow show ponies. It has been great to be a part of the ponies for the last two years. With the loss of Mike and Tessmer, there was a lot of pressure on us to carry it forward and we did that.
    
Taylor, I am glad I got to know you over the last few years. You have been a great friend and teammate and it has been fun watching you at short this year, “Smooth, smooth, smooth.” I am glad the MJ phase quickly passed; there was no need for that. Watching the Gophers beat North Dakota and seeing the look on Jim’s face was one of the top highlights of the year. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do in the future.
    
Peder, you have more energy than anyone really needs and I love it. The wide shoulders were an issue in the locker room but the fist bumps were always solid. Also thank you for being another person that has actually seen MacGruber. You could always put a smile on someone’s face no matter if they were having a good day or a bad day. That is one of the best qualities a person can have. You are in charge of the ponies next year, choose wisely.
    
Tommy “Merky Beads” Merkalis- Merk is one of the best teammates that anyone could ask for. He gives 100% in everything that he does and all of his hard work has paid off for him this year, with him coming up with some big hits in key situations. Merk is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team and always puts the team before him. I will be looking forward to the holiday texts to come; I hope those don’t stop just because we graduated. Thanks for being a great friend and I wish you the best of luck in the future. Also, you shouldn’t take chips that aren’t yours.
    
Schlemmer, thank you for including me as a member of the swag committee. People have to remember that the shoes should match the outfit. Thanks for being a LeBron guy and I agree with you that Howard would take down Chara, due to the fact that I don’t know who Chara is. It has been fun watching you hit those 400 foot moon shots and I wish you luck next year. Enjoy your final year of school.
    
Up next is the Culver’s crew; Kevin, David, Willie and Cale, sorry Joe you were replaced. I would like to first apologize to Willie and David for Cale and I always beating you in 2-on-2. It’s understandable though. Dave couldn’t handle Cale’s jumper and Willie couldn’t guard the fade away. I am going to miss all of you next year.
    
Kevin, what’s the password? I’m very glad that you decided to leave St. Thomas to come here. I guess we probably have Joe to thank for that and for giving up on his football career. You are one of the nicest guys that I know and it was always a good time being able to talk to you about the most random topics. Thank you for sharing all of those chocolate bars that I would usually steal. Your Facebook creeping abilities are unbelievable. It has been awesome getting to know you and you are the best friend that anyone could ask for. Our trip to SPASH should be fun.
    
David, I will miss our finger pointing dance moves to Friday Night. I know that if I was from the valley I would be boys with Tyus, but you must not be on that level. It has been a lot of fun getting to know you and watching you develop as a baseball player. Our 21-3 ping pong matches show that I was pretty outmatched, but lets be honest you had a couple lucky shots. We were the best tandem in FIFA no matter what Cale and Willie say. I am glad that I got to know you and I hope the friend zone isn’t too harsh to you, just remember to put a smile on and have fun.
    
Cale, I don’t care what Willie says, keep your chest puffed. Your big arms are going to be the reason you get girls, it has already worked once. I’m not sure why you were the one that was at the end of most jokes but you took them all really well. You have been a great friend and I’m glad I was able to get to know you.  In my eyes you will always be the one that lost Big Al to Peter Gunn.
    
Willie, you have become one of my best friends. You are a great baseball player and an even better person and I know that your dad is smiling down and is so proud of you. It has been great getting to know you and even though you are stronger than me, I am still bigger than you. If LeBron wins another title be prepared for some tweets to come your way. Every time Dark Horse comes on I will think of the side bump. If physical therapy ever falls through I here there a lot of careers in roller coaster tycoon that you could always fall back on. Thank you for being a great friend. I am going to miss you a lot next year and I wish you all the best. To learn more about “fast Willie” you can check out the Channel 7 news in Amherst. In Doll we trust. #SVN
    
Drew, thanks a lot for starting the whole night owl nickname, I am really glad that stuck. The quick jabs and pinches never got old. That will be good for your cop days down the road, just remember the pressure points. Also, Eminem most overrated rapper out there.
    
Pat “Regs” also know as the shark. You are one of the nicest guys I know and a great teammate and really admire you for dropping down. I wish you the best of luck in the future with baseball and your accounting classes.
    
Redders, I will never forget about our night at McDonald’s and yes I still have the video. Continue to work hard and keep getting those groundballs. I will be rooting against the Badgers again next year. Your boy Frank might get to be an All-American. FYB.
    
Steph, you are a great player and teammate. There is no one that works harder than you and this has all paid off. Keep working hard and you will reach all of the goals you have set for yourself.
    
Powers, I will always remember the day you got flicked off by the Bethel coach after picking signs. Dude was rattled.
    
Dawson, I enjoyed our day working the volleyball tournament. The soup and sandwich made it a great day. Be confident in your stuff while on the mound and you will be a tough pitcher to face. That curveball is nasty.
    
Johnson, it is fun watching you pitch. The energy that you bring and the pace that you work at makes it fun to play behind. Keep up the good work.
    
Whitie, “Game 7 baby.” I love watching you get a double and seeing the smile on your face when you get to throw up the twos. Watching your improvement from last year to this year has been fun to see. Thanks for being a great teammate. Keep working hard. You are a true Vemma warrior.
    
Frost, thanks for the grubs. I’ve enjoyed being your catch partner over the last two years. You have one of the best gloves on the team and your workout habits are going to take you far. Also, I am willing to lend you a pair of shoes so I don’t have to see you where turfs around campus anymore.
  
 Ram, the key to a good body is to workout and eat M&M’s. Thanks for all the kind compliments over the last two years, they are appreciated. Keep working hard.
    
Rolain, the pace you set during our warm up laps is a little unnecessary. We aren’t all on pre-workout during practice. You are one of the hardest working people on the team and that helps with making yourself and the team better. You have been a great teammate and good luck to you in the future.
    
Ketchmark, I can’t believe that you would hit a tennis ball at Cale’s face.
    
Ben, your ability to hit the ball hard every time is skill that many people wish they could have. It will be fun to see what type of numbers you put up in the future. You are the best scope wrangler that Faber has ever had. I don’t know what he is going to do without us next year. He won’t be able to get a good look at the eagle’s nest. Also, your love for the cucumber flavored Gatorade is a little much.
    
Dobo and Bartosz, thank you for introducing me to the Dobo express. It is the best drink I have ever had. Also, Bart, than you for the knowledge on the waning crescent.
    
To all of the freshmen that I have yet to mention; Alex, Connor, Austin, Jack, Blake, Shawn, Tyler, and Primmer, it has been great to get to know you guys this year. Thanks for working hard everyday at practice, it is going to benefit all of you down the road. In years to come, I will be staying updated on how all you guys are doing. I wish you all the best of luck.
    
To the managers; Scotty, Ricky, Jim and Joe. Thank you for all of the work that you do at practice and during the games. Scotty was always excited to be at practice and at the games. His book skills have helped us in a couple games this year by finding kids that were not on the roster and noticing in Arizona that one of the kids hit out of order. Ricky was always trying to learn more about the game and was a good guy to have around both at practice and in the dugout. Jim, you always smelled good at practice. I’m not sure who you were trying to impress but it was the same smell as Coach Jake. Joe, I know we haven’t been friend since you left us to go to Cretin. I hope we can get past that. I missed you a lot this spring and having all of our great talks. Thanks for all of the tips (first step back).
    
To all of my teammates, both past and present, I want to thank you all again for making my time at Saint Mary’s so memorable. When we look back on our time at Saint Mary’s we won’t remember the scores of the games, but we will remember the relationships that we made and the good times we had and those will stay with us forever.
    
Baseball has given me some of the best experiences of my life from going to state tournaments, to the MIAC conference tournament, and meeting some of my best friends and for that I am truly grateful.