Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

KEVIN GANNON: The Saint Mary’s Baseball Program would like to thank Kevin Gannon for becoming one of the best defensive first basemen we have ever had in the program. Not only has Kevin saved countless amounts of runs with his glove, but his bat has been a presence in the 3-hole for most of his three years in the program.  Kevin transferred to SMU after his freshman season and his presence in the program had an immediate impact on all involved with Cardinal Baseball. Kevin is a very intelligent and kind hearted person who is very much a deep thinker and has the ability to make any team he is on better.  Kevin is a devoted student-athlete and it can be seen in the classroom and on the field. One of the many things I will miss with not having Kev around next year is the conversations we have had both on and off the field. Kevin at times has questionable style but one thing I don’t have to question about Kev is his love of competing. I will never forget the photo of Kevin after a big conference tournament win where you can see the clear emotion of competition on his face. Kevin, you will be highly successful in whatever you decide to do down the road because of your work ethic and your ability to take challenges head-on. I wish you nothing but the best and please don’t be a stranger to the program down the road! Good Luck Kev!

PAUL LANASA: The Saint Mary’s Baseball Program would like to thank Paul LaNasa for his willingness to do what is best for the best even if that means putting his own success second. Paul has been one of the most dedicated players we have ever had in the program, not only on the field but also in the classroom. When we were recruiting Paul he had many options of schools to choose from and the one thing I told Paul was, “You can go to any established program and fit in or you can come here and be a difference maker.” I can honestly say looking back over Paul’s last four years that he has without a doubt been a difference maker in this program.  Paul is the kind of player that plays with the energy and the love for the game that many players lack. He isn’t the fastest, strongest, or the biggest players on the field but he maximums his ability by thinking and taking advantage of opportunities and challenges set in front of him. Pauly is the kind of player that would drive you nuts to play against because the kid just never goes away and simply competes pitch after pitch. Paul, throughout life you will always be tested with challenges and it’s because of your mind-set and your mental toughness that you will be able to beat any challenge put in front of you.  You are a person/player that dominated the mental game and play baseball and life one pitch at a time. You will be missed bud. Good Luck Paul!

PAT KRIEGER: The Saint Mary’s Baseball Program would like to thank Pat Krieger for his team first attitude and his big heart. Kriegs is by far one of the best teammates we have had in the program since I have been coaching. He has done everything from being a defensive replacement, a starting outfielder, a pinch hitter, and of course one of the best laundry guys in the Midwest. Patrick has the ability to make everyone around feel good and has a positive aura about him which rubs off on those in his life. Patrick is one of the few players that I have coached that for whatever reason I have not been able to stay mad at. It is just his look and honesty he has about him that makes you just take a deep breath and say, “Ok Kriegs let’s not do that again.” Right or wrong it is just the way it is. We would not have had success over these last four years transforming our program into a MIAC contender if it wasn’t for Patrick. He has had big hits, big catches and more importantly an even bigger responsibility to his teammates.  I have known Patrick for many years and it has been so much fun to coach and be around him over that time. He is a great teammate, player but most importantly a great guy. Patrick, If I ran a company I would hire you in a second, even if you didn’t even know what you were doing, because you have the ability to connect and relate with people. People love being around you and it’s because of those traits that you one day will be able to accomplish all your dreams! (Not hopes but dreams). Good luck Patrick!

TAYLOR THELEMANN: The Saint Mary’s Baseball Program would like to thank Taylor Thelemann for being one of the hardest workers in practice this program has ever had. Thele is a warrior in practice every day and that’s why he has become in my, and the coaches, opinions one of the best shortstops in the conference. Thele is having a great senior season and I couldn’t be happier for him because of the work he has put in. Thele has grown more than maybe anyone that I have coached over his time here both on and off the field.  Thele for his first year in the program thought I hated him, to say it nicely, because I would not let up on him at practice. Thele and I laugh about this now and he even talks with recruits about it but I think what it showed was how tough Thele really is and he is a prime example of when you put the work in good things will happen in the end. Thele has made so many big plays and had so many big hits this year that whoever plays short next year will have big shoes to fill. Thele has given this team a toughness and has shown many of the younger players what it takes to be great every day at practice.  Taylor, we will miss your maturity both on and off the field next year. We always talk about wanting to be the person that people can count on and be known as reliable to other and without a doubt in my mind you are that person. You have meant a lot to this program and I hope this program has meant as much to you. Good luck Thele!

ZACH WOLFE: The Saint Mary’s Baseball Program would like to thank Zach Wolfe for transferring to SMU after his freshman year and for finally coming out of his shell.  The reason I say that is because Zach is one of the players that each year you learn more and more about. I think we are all happy that Zach came out of his shell to finally tell Paul to , “Shut Up” . Zach is one of the overall best athletes we have had in the program and I am just happy our basketball coaches never saw him play because they would have tried to get him to suit up. Zach might have the must overall toughness on the team and those that are around him every day know what I am talking about. Zach was thrown to the fire from his first days on campus and has worked hard and keep his head down know matter the situation. Zach has had many big hits for us over the course of his three years, the one that I will always remember came this year with his RBI double that tied the game against Carleton that capped of one of the best comebacks  I have ever been a part of. It is these big situations that we will miss next year not having Zach in the program. Zach, I only wish you would have talked more in your first two years in the program because you have a great sense of humor and you can tell how much respect your teammates have for you just by the way they act when they are around you.  I have great respect for your work ethic, toughness and your willingness to put the team first. You are one of those guys that when this group gets back together down the road , people will stop their conversations to go say hello to you because they will not want to miss the chance to talk with you. Good luck Z!

TOMMY MERKELIS: The Saint Mary’s Baseball Program would like to thank Tommy Merkelis for just being, “Merky”.  Tommy is one of those players that will do and has done anything and everything for the program and his teammates. He has been a third baseman and catcher over these four years, but I think more than anything this year he has given us a spark at the plate when we needed a jolt of energy and a big hit. To hear the guys go crazy after Tommy gets hits tells you enough about who he is and what he means to his teammates. I don’t have to write about it, just listen to them when Tommy gets one of those big hits.  Tommy has given us a senior off the bench that can flat out just get the job done, whether it is to driving in a run, laying down a bunt or catching the pitcher in-between innings, Tommy is your guy.  We had no idea who this kid was when he came out to try-outs his freshman year but wow am I happy he has been a part of our program since day one. Tommy maybe is the best teammate we have ever had in our program and will be remembered for his great work ethic at practice and is preparation to be ready when his number is called. Our season is not done yet as we try to make another run to the MIAC  playoffs and I can tell you right now that Tommy Merkelis will come up with a big play to help us get to our goal. The reason I know this is because good things happen to good people and Tommy is one of those people. Tommy, it goes without saying how much we will miss not having you at practice every day next year but I know how excited your family will be to have you back home. We will miss your leadership and your willingness to do good things to help other even if that means putting yourself second. You are one of a kind and we will never have another “ Merky” in our program. Thanks for all you have done for Cardinal Baseball! Good luck Tommy!