Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

People always told me my four years of college would go by fast, but I couldn't truly grasp what they meant until I experienced it. The past four years of attending Saint Mary's University has flew by. It seems like I was just getting dropped off by my parents and moving into Benilde Hall and having home withdrawals. Now I am graduating. Saint Mary’s has taught me a lot of things that I know I will need for the future to be successful, not only in the classroom, but out of it as well. I couldn't have asked for a better place to learn from and I will proudly say I am an alum of Saint Mary's University. Not only was the school itself great, but the people I met and the experiences I had are unforgettable and will be a part of me for the rest of my life.
    
All of the experiences I have had and the things I've learned could not have happened without some help and acceptance along the way so I have some people to thank. First, thank you to my parents, Pat and Tammy, for everything you've done. You have put up with me for 22 years now and that is probably why dad's hair is like that. Everything I have become and everything I will become is because of you two and I will forever be in debt to you guys. I may not show my appreciation enough but I wouldn't be here without you. I love you guys.
    
I'd also like to thank Saint Mary's University for giving me the opportunity to learn at this institution and for giving me the knowledge I will need in the future, where ever that may take me.
    
Next I would like to thank my coaches.
    
Coach Winecke, thank you for giving me the chance to play on a collegiate baseball team and for teaching so many life lessons. One major thing you have taught me was discipline. I know I will need that in the future and I can never repay you for always make me doing everything my best and at 100% even when I didn't feel like doing it. The work ethic you have ingrained in me is something that will stay with me forever and is something that will give me a higher chance of being successful. You are a person I know I could come to with anything and that is something that is unteachable. Playing with you as my coach for the last four years has been an honor and I wish you the best.
    
Coach Jacobsen, I hope you know that I will still be texting you every Sunday night to chat with you about the walking dead, me graduating doesn't change that. But, I'd like to thank you as well for allowing me to be a Cardinal baseball player. My time here at Saint Mary’s would not have been the same if I did not get the opportunity you and Coach Winecke gave me. I am eternally grateful for that. You have grown to be one of my favorite people to talk to and know so much about the game of baseball. I am going to miss getting knucks from you after reaching first base, no one does it better. I know leaving the Saint Mary’s community will be tough for you but you will do great with whatever you choose to do. I wish you the best of luck with your future.
    
Coach Whaley, it was great getting to know you and to have the chance to learn about the game of baseball from such a great player. It was fun getting to play under a family friend. You're definitely one of the wisest coaches i have ever had the privilege to play for. Good luck with your own team now and thank you for everything.
    
Krone, Bill, and Ben, thank you for all of the time you put in for us. You're work goes a long way under the radar and we would not be the same without all the hard work you have put in for the team.
    
Now I'd like to take the time to talk about the people I was with every day, the people I worked hard with everyday, the people I went throught the best and worst times with, my teammates.
    
Seniors:
    
Dave- HEY! Loudest voice in the MIAC. You've been one of my best friends since we met the first week of freshman year and we clicked right away. Who would have thought we'd be up the middle together our senior years. You're one of the hardest workers I know and you have turned into a great leader and I know you will be successful with whatever you do in the future. We've had some LT's together and I won't forget any of them. Remember, we didn't start the fire.
    
Regs- It's been a pleasure rooming with you the past 2 years. You're one of the smartest guys I know and you deal with numbers better than anyone I know. You'll make for a great accountant and you are going to make a company very happy. You lead the pitching staff the past couple of years with great poise and everyone is appreciative of your work. Even though were graduating, you have to always remember the best show to fall asleep to: cops reloaded.
    
Merkle- Big Merk. One of the most unique guys I have ever met and your personality fit so well with our team. You were also a great leader for the team, especially the pitching staff. You gave so much knowledge to the younger players on the pitching staff that will undoubtedly be beneficial to them in years to come. Even though no one else will admit it, you really did start every saying and trend on the team. Sweep city baby.
    
Schlem- After 35 years you are finally graduating from Saint Mary’s, congrats big dog. You hit some of the farthest no-doubters I have ever seen and I will remember them all forever, even though you used that crappy bat with Cale. You are a die hard Minnesota sports fan from Wisconsin and I respect that. I had fun playing with you the last four years and can't wait to see you living in Minnesota one day, because Minnesota is better than Wisconsin. Teddy Bridgewater for life.
    
Kevin- I've been playing ball with you basically my whole life, even softball a little bit, and I can honestly say it's going to be weird not looking behind me and seeing you in right field anymore. You are one of the nicest and most genuine guys I know. I, along with so many others, have so much respect for you and the way you carry yourself. Coach always said stay off the emotional roller coaster, and you were best at that. Such an even keel attitude. I know I will still be seeing you a lot in St. Paul, you will have to come down to my Mcdonald's sometime and get a coke. Maybe Joe and night owl can tag along too.
    
Juniors:
    
Steph- Stephy, you're the most talented pitcher I've ever had the pleasure to play behind. The sky's the limit for you and I know you will be successful. Best calves in the MIAC too. Keep working hard and lead the team next year.
    
Powers- Pow Pow, you've got a good head on your shoulders. You just get it. I've had some good talks with you the past year and it's been great getting to know you. You are definitely the best campus safety worker ever, should have pursued becoming a police officer and made it official. You'll be big for the team next year and I wish you all the luck in the world.
    
Dawson- Bases loaded, 2 outs, down by 2, full count, and you throw a 3-2 curve ball?? I will still never forgive you for that. What were you thinking? You couldn't just be a good guy. You have developed into one of our most reliable pitchers and give the team great starts when we need them. It was awesome to see everything you've done this year and it makes me excited to see what you can do with your senior year. Maybe this summer you will actually not ditch me and come to bdubs with me. See you later, go Polars.
    
Reds- Oh what up Denns?? Oh what up Reds?? I'm going to miss being able to say that every day to you. You have some of the best hands I've seen on a guy and you can pick the ball like no other. I find it crazy that you have memorized every lyric to every song ever made too, no idea how you did that. I also have no idea why you always asked me to fight then you'd say I was going to fast when we did, c'mon man. Good luck next year, I'm sure you'll still be suckin' in air.
    
Will- Oh man, I know you're going to miss me the most out of everyone next year and I think you know why. Last year was the best when we work locker neighbors, created so many good memories. You are honestly probably the most talented baseball player I have ever played on a team with and I will never forget some of the plays you made or how a routine ground ball is a hit every time for you. Just like they were for me, with my speed. You are going to have to recruit a new person to talk Batman with. You have also stepped up this year and became a great leader and role model for people to look up to. Good luck next year. How's the field playing?
    
Cale- I wrote yours right after Will's because I know you'd have separation anxiety if I split you two up. You are one of my favorite guys to talk to on the team and you've made the transition from pitcher to outfielder to infielder very nicely. Your contributions have been a major part of our success this year. I am going to miss your little kid voice and our handshake after we get a win. You've gotta keep the tradition going with someone next year. I think next year is the year you break out of being "average Cale".
    
Shawn- Bear cub. I have no idea what year you are in school so I just put you here. You've turned into one of my best friends this year and you're a guy I know I can talk to about anything and come to for advice. It was fun rooming with you this year in 207 and we're going to be roommates in St. Paul once you graduate, right? We both know actuarial science is the hardest major in school. Keep doing you and you still gotta pimp every scoop and flare line drive up the single. Go Wild. Go Vikes. Go St. Mikes. Go Longhorns. Lata man.
    
Peder- Big Pete. It was a blast rooming with you this year. You brought that energy everyone needed when we weren't feeling our best or weren't completely into the game. Everything you did for the team was just as important as anyone else's role. I appreciate everything you did. You are a very reliable guy and you are someone I know will always have my back if I ever needed something. You are so caring and always look out for others. Keep working hard and I know you will get what you deserve. I am going to miss hearing "C'mon slim shady" when I am in the batter's box. 207 won't be the same without us in it.
    
Whitey- I'm glad I got to hit right after you the last half of the season because you almost always got on base and made my job more fun because I got to see you distracting the pitcher with your speed on first. Even though you always got so rattled with school, you are a very smart kid. You work hard in everything you do, from school to ball to friendships. You've grown so much on and off the field and it was fun to be a part of that. Good luck next year. Corn dog.
    
Frost- Shave that stuff off your chin. You should have to since I always beat you in real golf and in Tiger Woods. Maybe one day you'll beat me. You are going to be big for the team next year and you will have to be a leader in the infield. It will be your party next year. Stay healthy for once eh? See you later you patriot.
    
Rolain- You are one of the hardest workers I have ever been on the same team with. You gave 100% in everything you did and you always played, practiced, and acted like it was game 7. I respect that about you. You gave other people energy by your actions. You commit to your role better than anyone. Keep being you and I know you will be successful.
    
Johnson- You are one of my favorite pitchers I ever got to play behind because you keep a good pace and throw strikes. You also say "nice play" to anyone before the ball even gets to them, bold, but I love it. Had some great times rooming with you down in Florida, I think that was the main reason for our success down there. Keep up that pace and keep being the outgoing guy you are.
    
Ketch- Loggers for life man. Can't wait to play with you this summer and for all the car rides and all of your subpar stories you tell. I also can't wait to see how the Thunder do next year with Durant being their player-coach. You work as hard as anyone on the team and I know you will get your time to shine. You're the man. Oh and every time I visit next year, the fumbles will always be going to you because I know how much you love them.
    
Rickie- Best manager and prez in the MIAC! Our team would not be the same without you and we all appreciate all the work and time you have put in. Good luck with all of your upcoming chess matches with Redders.
    
Sophomores:
    
Blake- How's Whoville been treating you? You seemed to always be in 207 even when Shawn didn't want you there, he always complained about you. But it's been fun getting to know you the past couple of years and you have a lot of potential. Now that you've been with me for a year a second base, it's time for you to take the reigns next year and rake it so it's perfect. Keep Prim in line next year and keep your chin on too.
    
Connor- That fumble you caused at the end of this year, priceless. You are one of the toughest players I have been with and you body up balls that take crappy bounces and that are hit hard off the bat. That is something that is unteachable. You are one of the realest guys and you are always straight up all the time. Can't wait to be on the force with you one day and be partners for a department somewhere.
    
Prim- Wow. So many things I could say for this one. We've become almost inseparable and everyone knows it. We're the funniest duo on campus, right? Some of the conversations we've had are unforgettable and I don't even know how they came about. I am going to miss seeing you everyday, even though sometimes you'd look different and I wouldn't even recognize you. Foxtoberfest. You are going to have to find a new guy to talk to before and after practice and to do all the shenanigans me and you did. Remember that Brandon Knight is the best point guard in the NBA. Give Auggie and Agnes my best regards. Johnny and Jenny will be missed. Jonathan Lucroy for President.
    
Cherry- Cher bear, you always have perfect hair somehow. Everyone else says it's crazy, but I know that's how you actually want it. You have a lot of potential and know a lot about the game. It was great being a locker neighbor with you this year and keep working hard and good luck the next couple of years.
    
Bartosz- Bizzy. It's been fun getting to know you the last couple of years and I've had some great conversations with you. Even though you think the Braves, Batman, Eminem, and Oregon suck, I still consider you my friend. And that takes a lot from me. Keep working hard and you will be big on that mound for the team in upcoming years. Rango.
    
Buerkle- You have one of the most unique and different swings I have ever seen, but you square up every single ball and can hit like no other. It's been an amazing experience being able to watch a player of your caliber and see you have as much success as you have had. I am going to miss your baby voice next year but I am glad we live close so we can hang out. Someone else will have to take care of you next year since I can't. You make the best tacos, as I got to see in Florida.
    
Austin- Sometimes you're too polite. You don't have to knock before you enter 207! And you better not do that next year to their places. Keep that confidence on the mound, you are a good pitcher with a ton of talent and contribute a lot to our team. You will be a leader in the pitching staff next year and I can't wait to see what is coming for you. Taco John's and Dale are the best.
    
Freshmen/First Year: You're guys' first year is almost finished and I bet it flew by. Everybody has a role on this team and there isn't one more important than the other. So you guys need to understand that everything you guys did this year, no matter how small you think it is, played a role in this season's successes. It was a pleasure to get to know all of you and I wish you all the best of luck for years to come. Keep working hard and perfect your craft. Each of you can be as good as you want to be, you just have to put the work in and trust the process.