Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I can remember sitting in my freshman year dorm room. It was quite small, not a whole lot of room to get comfortable. The room reminded me of a closet, a closet that was in my brother’s room at my old house in Mendota Heights. I would stay up all night listening to my brother (Joe) talk about his day, but mostly it was a time for me to spend time with my brother. I loved every second of this. This room, to say the least, was a change for me right when I entered college. No more long nights with my brother, talking about events that definitely did not need to be talked about. No more morning backrubs from my Dad to get me up in the morning. No more Dr. Phil when I would come back from school and see my Mom perched up against our counter top. I had no idea what to expect. I just knew that I was going to be playing one of my favorite sports: Baseball. I am going to apologize if this salute turns into a Patrick Krieger: Saint Mary’s documentary, but that is what all of you will be reading today.
    
Freshman Year: I was put into the St. Thomas game at the end of season, not really sure why, but I guess Coach Winecke felt it was a chance he would give “Dave’s brother.” Before we arrived to the game, I can remember myself reading the nutrition label on the back of a David’s sunflower seeds. I did not play in the first game, but low and behold, I went into the second game to play against a great team. I was excited to play and even more excited to have some at bats against the Tommies. I had a decent game, but the one moment that I will always remember was the towering shot I hit against St. Thomas to finish off the season, that was nice. It was an opportunity that I was hoping to get, and I will never forget it.
    
Team Errors: Coming late to one of my fall practices was not taken very lightly with Coach Winecke. Going 3-17 in the MIAC was quite disheartening.
    
Sophomore Year- This year was arguably my favorite year of playing baseball. This may be contributed to a certain someone (Kevin Gannon) transferring from John Carroll University and deciding to play baseball with the SMU Boyz.  I knew we had a good team, but we did not hit our stride until the very end. We decided to start the MIAC season going 0-6, which was quite unnecessary, but I knew we had a team that could rebound from our slow start and make the playoffs. Sure enough, we accomplished that feat, and it was a fun ride to say the least.
    
Team Errors: Nord throwing a glove at Schlemmer’s face. Geraghty going out the night before Arizona, smart decision Danny. Curt and Kevin claiming that we should have a baseball player named Jared, who hits .800 for the Saint Mary’s Cardinals.
    
Junior Year- We had snow on our field till May 6th, played inside of a RAC that seemed to be turned up to about 90 degrees during the spring, and had 2nd thoughts about switching my major about 50 times. My junior year was utter chaos. Not just for myself of course, but the entire team. Our team was on a mission to make playoffs for a 2nd straight year, and we were all determined to have a successful season. Due to the weather, it seemed as if our team was riding up and down the “Power Tower” a few too many times, but we played consistent throughout the entire MIAC season. At the end of the season, we stayed in 3 hotels to finish all of our games in time, and we ended up making the playoffs due to our senior leaders including Vince Lulic, Kyle Servais, Teddy VanRanst, Justin Kronebusch, Mikey Feriancek, Matthew Tessmer. Sean Minder, and Sam Nord. These guys played every game like it was the last time they were going to put on a jersey, and they made this season a success.
    
Team Errors: Krone pretending the squat lift machine was relatable to farm work in Lewiston. Vince mispronouncing “Penne” pasta, and trying to back up his statement by stating, “it is an Italian pronunciation”.
    
Senior Year: Due to the fact it is my senior year of baseball, I felt very little pressure going into this season. It has been a time for me to realize how lucky I am to be able to put on a college uniform, and to play a game I have loved my whole life. I love all sports, especially team sports. I grew up picturing myself as a Division I basketball player. Unfortunately, it does not help when there are kids jamming the basketball at the age of 10, this of course, is something I will never be able to do. But there is something to say about playing on a team that is difficult to describe. The entire year, you practice with one another, you make time to take extra swings, and you learn from one another from previous mistakes. As a senior, I have realized that this team is more than just a baseball team, but cliché or not, this team is my second family.
    
Team Errors: Alec’s workouts reminded me of my military high school. Buerkle’s quiet demeanor. Way too many philosophical questions asked by Merkle to understand the true meaning of life. Pauly’s unwillingness to realize he will be a part of the “Blue Team” his entire life. Kevin and I have semi’s.
    
So there it is. I would not have been able to be here without the help of a lot of people, and I will try to briefly say my thanks to all those who have been there for me.
    
First and Foremost, I would like to say thanks to my family. I love you all so much.
    
Mom “Mama”- Hi mama. Well, I have already written a senior speech about you, but there is much more to say about the person who has been there for me through everything. I know that I can call you whenever, and you will always be there for me. I am guaranteed to get a laugh whenever I converse with you about something that has occurred throughout our day. You are a very special person to me, and when I do get married someday, I hope my wife has the same qualities as my mama.
    
Dad “Poo Bear”- My guess is that you have more than likely written over 20 papers of mine, have helped me look for work, and have always been there for me. Your calm demeanor and hard work I admire about you I am quite excited to come back home, have a glass a wine with you, and make some delicious food. Thanks for being a great dad, but even more importantly, a great friend. I love you very much.
    
Dave “Daz”- I have come to realize that our personalities are so similar that I feel like I am talking to myself sometimes. This is largely due to the influence you have had on me. My relationship with you is so strong that I cannot even put into words what a great older brother you are. I cannot wait to see you, and I hope China has been the experience of a lifetime. Love ya Daz.
    
Mikey “Miksey”- Here is another older brother that I could talk about for a solid day and a half. Mikey, you are an independent, loving older brother that can always put a smile on my face. I have had numerous compliments on the shirt you bought me for Christmas (the one with the green pocket) and it seems to be that our style of clothing is one in the same. Regardless of clothing attire, I just wanted to say that I love you so much and you are a great older brother. I love you.
    
Joe “Joez”- Wazzz Uzzz Joezzz, I didn’t get in to college and check me out…Well you are one of a kind, as Dave said in his senior speech, “a little edgy”, but that is why I love you. You truly want to know every second what your older brother is doing and I take pride in having a little brother that can talk to me about anything. I love you very much and you are a great kid.
    
Maggie “Maggie May”-Hi Maggie May! You are an absolute sweetheart and I am so lucky to have a little sister as cool as you. A majority of our conversations consist of several sarcastic innuendos that nobody really understands but, that is ok, we are both just weird, so let’s embrace that. I am always going to give you constructive criticism about everything thing you do, but never it take this as a bad thing, it is because I deeply care about you and I love you with all of my heart.
  
I have some of the best friends in the world.
    
Paul “Big Pauly”- It has been a great 4 years with you. I have roomed with you for 4 years and I could easily say that I have picked the best roommate a guy could ask for. You have taught me to be more responsible and you have taught me to work hard, and mostly, you have taught me how to be a good friend. I am not always the easiest guy to deal with, but you know that usually my ridiculous behavior, at times, has always led to a good laugh. You are one of the hardest workers I have ever been around, and this is definitely going to propel you to having a successful future in the workplace. A few things that definitely should be mentioned was that ludicrous mailman costume that you wore during Halloween and the serenading notes you left for a few of the ladies on 2nd street, dumb. PAP’s was a great idea, regardless of Andy Edholm’s unpleasant cooking attire. The bag of hair, gross. That stench outside of the Old village was absolute horrible. These events did not need to happen, but I love them. Events put aside, I met a fun guy who I can always count on.
    
Kevin “Kev”- Well Ghost, searching coast to coast, I heard you worked in the café…our inside jokes are quite outlandish, but they will definitely stick with us until we turn 80. I have never met a guy with such a similar personality of mine. Straight KP. This tandem is undeniable, we were meant for each other. I can still remember to this day when our team learned we were going to play with a kid that should have over a million views on YouTube due to the unsportsmanlike conduct shown during a summer game. Anyway, I found out quite quickly that I had made a friend, and this friendship was going to last longer than either of us expected. Our musical ability is well known, well, in our minds it is, but the nights spending time clashing beats together will be well remembered by Kriegs. As far as play on the field, you are one of the best players I have ever played with, and it is fun watching you play hard day in and day out. You are one of my best friends, and I am really glad that you transferred to Saint Mary’s. Looks like Colorado may be in store.
    
Zach “Zachy”- It all started in Carlos’s room. I did not know who this individual was, but he was on my baseball team. He spoke very little words, but he was able to hit the baseball harder than anyone I had previously played with. His name is Zach. I think the main reason I really like you is because you have always laughed at my jokes, good or bad. You are such a fun guy to be around, and your generosity of letting me borrow your car has not been overlooked. Our friendship has grown so much over the past 3 years that you are undoubtedly the person I am going to miss playing baseball with the most. I may have to make a visit down to Wabasha (if you decide to stay there) to see Tom, and hangout at Bronk’s sometime. I heard their frozen cheese curds and unseasoned burgers are to die for. Thanks for all the great memories Zachy.
    
Merkle “Jacob” (If I am upset with your actions). Well hello Jacob, I am picturing a sunset, a sunset that has been lingering over the horizon for quite sometime. Beneath this sunset is an individual, an individual that by my eyes sees the beginning of a new life haha. You are one interesting guy. I have not met another Merkle, it’s not possible. Your antics on and off the field will always be pondered in Patrick’s mind, but it does not matter. This is why I like you. It was so fun to room with you this year, even though at times it turned into the most stressful living situation of my life. The number of times you jumped on to me stating that you are pretty “live” is too hard not to laugh at. The thought of another Mahtomedi kid entering my life was also a challenge in and of itself. However, you do have some redeeming qualities. You are a great friend, and you’re not afraid to laugh at yourself if you screw up. We have had some great conversations (pretty deep sometimes) that I will remember for quite some time. All in all, thanks for being one of my best friends.
    
Taylor “Thele”- I was really glad I was able to play with such a great person, and a ridiculously good infielder. You have turned some heads due to the outstanding range you have at shortstop. Your ability to listen to Peder yell out your name while playing (Smooth, smooth, smooooooth) is incredible. Even though I did not know you quite as well as during our first years of playing baseball, I feel that this year we have a strong connection, and I am guaranteed a laugh every time I talk with you. Thanks for being a great teammate and friend.
    
Tommy “Merky/Beads”- By far the best nickname, no doubt. You are truly one of a kind, and I am really glad I became closer to you this year. You work your butt off everyday, and it has paid off. When you hit that double down the line at Wheaton, I almost fell off the ball bucket because I was so amped to see you rip that ball. Thanks for being a great teammate and always giving it your all. You are a fun player and best of the luck to whatever you are going to accomplish in the future. Thanks Merky.
  
Jon “Johnny”- It is safe to say that we have never disagreed on one argument during my 4 years. Do I think Dwight Howard would knock on Chara? Yes, Do I believe that Richard Sherman’s outlandish comments during his interview may have propelled him to being the most selfish player in the NFL? This is true. We are always on the same side. You know what that means…you were correct every time. Thanks for being such a great friend and teammate these 4 years. Your name is by far the one I say the loudest every time you’re up at bat, and when you get a hold of one, it is a sight to see.

Good luck next year, and dominate the MIAC.
   
To some of the younger guys:
  
Juniors: Barry: Eastview kids are usually a bummer, but I like you. Thanks for being such a great teammate and understanding the proposed agreement between USA and Canada. Regan: I have not met a nicer person than you Reegs. Thanks for dealing with my pile of clothes in front of my locker, and letting me borrow your practice shirt when I had mysteriously lost mine. You always have a positive attitude in the locker room, and you are going to be a key leader for the Cardinals next season. Keep working hard. Drew: It seems to me that you and Regan are turning into quite the boys. The two lefties, I got it. Thanks for being such a great teammate and working so hard in practice to make this team better. Good luck next year.
    
Sophomores (So many of you): Steph: that ping-pong game, it was a long tough match, but my forehand can be deadly if I start doing that hop, it works every time. You are a great player and I am really going to miss playing defense behind you. Keep up the hard work. Keep doing that made up tee drill because I like it. Kevin “Miley”: I think Sydney may have a crush on me. No, that is a lie. I truly look up to your calm demeanor on and off the field. You are such a great kid, and it has been a pleasure playing with you for the past 2 years. You have one of the smoothest swings I have ever seen and I know (my) outfielders have things covered out there. Willie: You’re too fast, “Fast Willy” I believe the name is. Thanks for being such a great teammate and friend. As much as I like to think of myself as being an unbelievable outfielder, I think you may have a step on me. Be a leader in the outfield, and bring it every single day. Cale: The US/Canada flag: Priceless. Alec “Rollie”- Enough with the pre-workout drinks. Remember, we want flowing conversations. Roe, you are such a fun kid to be around, even though you may be going “too far”. You have worked extremely hard to put yourself in a position to be successful this season, and I am glad to see it has been paying off. Comments such as “KP though” are quite unnecessary, but I love every second of it. Good luck next year. A.J. “Redders”- How’s your pops? Is poppa Kriegs coming to the game today? This all started with my dad playing catch with a kid I barely even knew, but man I am glad I met you. Thanks for playing catch with Jim and being a great friend, love ya Reds. Ben “Benny”- STC? I’ll go. Well it is obvious that you have turned into a fantastic pitcher this year. Keep it up, and never shy away from getting a tan if it’s free. Tyler “Whitey”- That bomb though, I got highly excited. You were absolutely on cloud nine at that point. Your hard work has paid off tremendously, and you are a great catcher. As long as Veema does not make an appearance on your college resume, you will be well on your way to a successful future. Always keep a positive attitude, and thanks for being such a great teammate. Dawson: Your curve ball is absolutely nasty. If I was down 0-2, Patrick is more than likely going to K up on that thing. Thanks for being such a great teammate and keeping Whitey and Benny in check. Your bond with each other seems really strong and you guys are going to have a great 2014-2015 season. Peder: So Coach Winecke wants you to join a Comedy Show, go for it. What a blast it was playing with you in the outfield. Whenever I needed a quick laugh, I always knew that you were willing to hand them out for free. Keep swinging that stick and good things will be waiting for Mr. Sviggum in the future. Matt “Ram”-Keep the #23. Ketch: Don’t hit Cale again, just kidding of course. Frost: “Boring Jake Frost” was unbelievable. I was quite disappointed to hear the news that our field was infested with those no good grubs, but I do know the reason behind this. IT WAS YOU. All jokes aside, thanks for being a great teammate and you are one excellent infielder. Powers: Looks like it is going to be a battle of who wants to win top spot in ping-pong, you and Reds. You are a great person to be around and a great reliever. Buerkle: You are a great player and fun to watch. Keep drinking that cucumber-lime Gatorade, it does wonders.
    
To the entire freshman class, I think you guys are a great group with the potential to take this program to the next level. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication towards Saint Mary’s baseball.
    
To the coaches:
    
Coach Winecke: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to play college baseball. Throughout my 4 years, I have not only seen a maturity as a player, but I have seen a coach who has been determined to take a program to new heights. Your hard work and dedication to making this team better is noticeable by all the players, and the coaching staff. You have taken time to calm me down when I needed it, and for that, I greatly appreciate it. I have come to conclusion that you are not only my coach, but also a great friend. I have enjoyed my years playing for you.
    
Coach Jacobsen: Hey Jake, I would just like to say that you have done a tremendous job coaching our pitchers, and our pitching staff has been deeply strengthened due to all of your hard work. I always enjoyed coming up to your office wondering what my coach was doing because it is clear to me that I may be one of your favorites (this is all of course in Patrick’s sarcastic tone). You have a great sense of humor, and I know I can always come up to you and ask you anything. Thanks for being such a great coach.
    
Coach Whaley: It was hard for me to not read my brother’s senior salute while doing my own, but he stated, “a love/hate relationship between Coach Whaley”. For me, this was not the case. It was all love Coach Whaley. You have taught me more about the game of baseball than I ever expected to learn, and bringing you into the coaching staff was the best of news. You make everyone on this team love the game of baseball that much more, and I deeply appreciate your kindness on and off the field.
    
I would also like to give a special shout out to Donny Nadeau for being a great writer and an advocate for Saint Mary’s University Athletics. You have done a great job and your hard work is well appreciated amongst the entire athletic department.
    
Well, that’s about all I have to say.  Thanks for all the loyal readers who made it this far.  I am going to miss the days of taking bp, hanging out in the locker room, and just playing ball with all of you. Thanks again for the memories everyone.