Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

If you would have told me three years ago that I would end up at Saint Mary’s, I would have told you that you were crazy. Life is full of surprises, and man was this a pleasant surprise. Following a bad first semester at the University of St. Thomas, I was welcomed with open arms into the Saint Mary’s University community. Prior to my decision to come to SMU, Coach Winecke told me, “There’s no better feeling than feeling wanted.”. In my short time here, the feeling of being wanted has never left, and I am forever grateful for that.  Being a part of such a special community has assured me that my decision to come to Saint Mary’s has undoubtedly been one of the best of my life.
    
Baseball is an unbelievable game. Having the opportunity to play at the college level has been an amazing experience. The more I play the game, the more I realize how much more it is than just a game. Playing a game you love alongside some of your best friends makes for memories that will last a lifetime. I may not remember each game years down the road, but I will never forget those who were there with me. As my time at Saint Mary’s comes to a close, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the times I have had and the people that have been there with me along the way. For those mentioned in the following farewell message as well as those not mentioned, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making my time at Saint Mary’s so special.
    
First and foremost, I would like to thank God for anything and everything He has blessed me with. I’m well aware that my college experience has been an absolute gift from God, and I could not be more thankful.
    
To my family – Mom, Dad, Matt, Tim, Joe, Monica, Mary Kate, and Caleb – there are no people in this world I love more than you guys. Thank you for all the unconditional love and support while I have been away from home. Mom and Dad, the sacrifices you have made to make all of this possible did not go unnoticed. I will never be able to thank you enough for encouraging me to make a change and attend SMU. Dad, thanks for leaving the seminary. Matt and Tim, you guys have allowed me to see what a great mix of hard work and fun looks like. I admire so much about you and will always owe you guys for letting me tag along so much over the years. Monica and Mary Kate, I couldn’t ask for better sisters. Whether it be hanging out at home or seeing you two in the stands at countless games throughout the years, I always enjoy being around you. Caleb, even though you hate Winona, you’ll always be my guy. Thanks for ditching Ethiopia - I can’t imagine my life without you. I have missed you all so much, and although the end of college comes with a heavy heart, there is nothing I look forward to more than being home with you.
    
Grandma and Katie, you are two of the most special people in my life, and nothing will ever change that. I am really going to miss seeing you at my games. You have been the most loyal fans, and it always put a smile on my face seeing you in the stands. On the other hand, I can’t wait to spend more time with you when I am home. Thank you so much for all the fun and happiness you have brought to my life.
    
Br. Pat Conway, you were a huge part of my college career. Thank you for helping guide me in my decision to come to Saint Mary’s. I’m glad we both saw the light and made the right move. I have so much respect for you and consider you a role model. When I think of people who care, I think of you. Having you in class was such a privilege. I have never met someone with the patience and care for students who struggle – in and out of the classroom. Treating people with kindness and respect can go a long way, and you are living proof of that. Just remember, you’re in charge next year!
    
Coach Winecke, thank you so much for having me. I will never be able to thank you enough for brining me on board to Saint Mary’s and the baseball team. You have taught me so much through baseball that I will use in my life for years and years down the road. You were a huge help to me at a tough time in my life, and words don’t do a great job of expressing how you made me feel. Thank you for making me feel wanted.
    
Coach Jacobsen, I have admired your love for what you do and your love for God over the past few years. There is truly nothing more I look for in a coach. I wish you nothing but the best as you move your life to Chicago. They will be lucky to have you.
    
Coach Whaley, I have enjoyed playing for you more than you know. I was able to relate to you more than most people I encounter and loved being around you. You’re the ultimate family man, and that is something I will always remember about you. There was nobody I loved seeing around Winona more than the Whaley’s. You have an awesome family, and I will miss seeing you guys. Being from St. Paul, I can’t tell someone I go to Saint Mary’s and play baseball without being asked, “So you know Nick Whaley?”. I have never heard anything but high praises about you. You seem to always have your priorities straight and know what is really important. I hope we can stay in touch in the future.
    
Now, on to those who came before me. Over my three years here, I have learned time and again that kindness requires no talent. Although I am surrounded by talented people day in and day out, it is the kindness of these people that I remember at the end of the day. People often talk about leaving a legacy, and these people surely left their mark on me.
    
Paul LaNasa: I truly may not be where I am today without you. It was probably not your favorite thing to do, but the phone calls you made to talk to me about Saint Mary’s was my first impression of the people I would be around. I don’t think I have ever become friends with someone so fast upon meeting them, either. Thank you being so welcoming to me at a time when I needed it.
    
Zach Wolfe: I could say a million things about you. Not a day went by this past school year that I didn’t wish you still lived next door. Joe and I have said in the past that we really think you could be our brother. I might be flattering myself, but I don’t think I’ve ever met someone that has so much in common with me. I’m looking forward to some good times in the years ahead, especially our road trip to find Jade for you. I consider you one of my best friends and know you’ll be my friend for life.
    
Vince Lulic: Thank you for your help and guidance during my first semester here at Saint Mary’s. It did not go unnoticed. I’m glad I was a 9 out of 10 catch partner.
    
Kyle Servais, Matt Tessmer, and Taylor Thelemann: I am forever indebted to you guys for the way you brought me under your wing when I transferred here. Coming into an unfamiliar place was scary, and you guys made all the difference. People never forget the way you make them feel.
    
Mike Feriancek: You are hands down the kindest human being I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. The way you treat people is something that will never leave my mind.  You left an impression on me in the four months we had together that will last a lifetime. Thank you for showing me what’s really important.
    
To my current teammates, this year and every year I have shared with you has been a blessing. There is nobody in this world I would have rather shared all the memories with. My life could have led me to so many different places, but I’m so glad it led to you guys.
    
Jon Schlemmer: Although I often felt like a wuss hitting right behind you in the lineup, you are one of the most fun people to be around. Your attitude and love of people is something I will never forget. You have been through more than I could ever imagine these past few years, and you come out every day smiling. That’s pretty powerful. There’s no doubt in my mind that there are great days ahead for you.
    
Pat Regan: Your hard work and leadership have been amazing these past few years. People look to you to lead, and you always seem to take everything in stride. You’re a great guy, and I’m glad I got the chance to play with you.
    
Drew Denning: This goes back about ten years to Midway Little League. I’ll never forget when you were on the white team, and I always told myself, “I want to be on his team”. Little did I know I would be playing with you almost every year for the next ten years. It’s been a pleasure to be around you for so long.
    
Jake Merkle: Thanks for all the good times…don’t tell anybody about the Bonchos. I wish you all the best. If you paint any houses in Kentucky in the years to come, don’t forget to invite me.
    
David Barry: I consider you one of my best friends in college. I’m pretty sure you’re good at anything you try – you’re just the man. There are few people I enjoy running into on a daily basis more than you. I’m glad you live in the Twin Cities, and I’m looking forward to sitting down with some cherry cokes this summer and having a great time.
    
Steph Scatassa, Brian Powers, Ricky Palermo: I’m going to miss seeing you guys rolling around campus together. I’ve always been a little jealous of your friendship. I can’t think of many people as tight knit as you guys. It’s been awesome getting to know you the past few years.
    
Ryan Fejt: I’m really happy you came here this year. You have been a great addition to our team. I admire your down-to-earth attitude and wish you nothing but the best in the future.
    
Ben Johnson, Jake Dawson, and Whitey: It just wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t address you guys as a group. Aside from all of you being really talented baseball players, you have been very fun to be around the past few years. All three of you have outstanding work ethics – I don’t think it’s a coincidence. I’m looking forward to hearing about your future success.
    
Jake Frost: I always enjoy walking by you on the path on the way to class. I know I’m starting my day off on a positive note when that happens. You’ve had some bad luck with injuries, but I know everything will pay off for you in the end.
    
AJ Redders (Alex Jay) – There’s so many places I could start with you, Redders. It isn’t often that you meet someone that makes you smile by simply being in your presence. That statement defines you perfectly for me. I’m really going to miss your hugs, strut, great conversations, and positive attitude. There aren’t many guys quite like you.
    
Shawn Morris: I couldn’t be happier that you transferred here. It’s hard to imagine our team without you. I’ll be giving you a call in March next year for some bracket advice.
    
Josh Ketchmark: I have admired the way you play the game of baseball and embrace your role as a member of the team. Things like that make a team so much better. I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to get to know you a bit over the past three years.
    
Austin Jacobs: It’s been awesome seeing your hard work pay off this past year. You have a lot of talent; don’t ever sell yourself short. I’ve always loved your quiet, reserved personality. Some people don’t understand why people are quiet. It’s just the way we are, right? Best of luck the next couple years, Austin.
    
Blake Matuska and Connor Christenson: When I think of guys who come to play every day, I think of you. It always seems like the ball is always hit a million miles an hour to you in batting practice and you never have any time to rest. Maybe it’s just me, but I swear it’s true. Keep working hard.
    
Chris Bartosz: It’s been really nice getting to know you the past couple years. Thank you for proving to me that great people come from Montini. Keep enjoying yourself and your time at Saint Mary’s – although I don’t think I really have to worry about you not enjoying yourself.
    
The next group of people is one that I hold near and dear to my heart, the outfielders. In my opinion, this is the most laid back group of guys in the world. I couldn’t hand pick a better group to spend so much time with.
    
Zach Slowiak: It has  been really nice getting you know you and bringing you over from the dark side (the infield). You’ve improved so much this year, and I’m excited to see you play in the future.
    
Peder Sviggum: You are the most energetic person I have and probably will ever meet. Your positive energy is infectious, and you’re awesome to be around. Smiles are contagious. You’re a stud.
    
Jack Cherry: EEEeeeEeyyy big buddy! I’m really going to miss you, Cherry. There’s just something about you that I love. I could always count on you for a good chat or a good laugh. Sorry about tickling you all the time…it was just too easy. We seemed to always be paired up for things at practice, and I’m really happy about that. Go Hopkins.
    
Ben Buerkle: Aside from being the best baseball player I have ever played with, I have really enjoyed getting to know you the past two years. You’re one of my best friends here, and I’m going to miss you next year. I remember being excited when I heard a Roseville kid was coming to Saint Mary’s.  I guess Raiders just kind of flock to each other. When people ask me about how great of a player you are, I always make sure to tell them how great you are to play with too. Regardless of how things are going for you, you always remained calm and collected. I really respect that. Have fun the next couple years. Don’t break too many records.
    
Alec Rolain: Thank God I met you. You’re one of my very best friends, and I can’t imagine my college experience without you as a big part of it. I’m confident we will be friends for a very long time. Although some people may question our relationship if they spent enough time with us. I enjoy all our time together. I’m going to miss you a lot next year and I’m bummed that I won’t be able to room with you. Keep Willie and Cale under control. I’m really hoping you end up in the Twin Cities for law school just like high school at Cretin (man that was fun, huh?). You’ve got a lot to look forward to. I’m really sorry about all the times I scummed you…I’m just a scum. Raiders forever. Martinnneeezzzzzz.
    
To the freshmen - Jake Mencacci, Joe Seegers, Joe and Alex Kleve, Jake Barry, John Olsen, Bobby Zerfas, Michael Beethe, Javi Madrid, RJ Brown, Nathan Mathwig, Chris Grazioli – it has been great having you guys aboard this year. You are all a step ahead of me by making the first college baseball team you tried out for. Keep working hard and enjoy the ride. It goes by fast.
    
Managers - Joe, Ricky, Primmer, Sully, and Scotty: Your hard work and dedication to the program is appreciated more than you know. A lot is/was asked of you guys at times, and you really helped things run smoothly. You guys are the best.
    
201: It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you guys better this year. I am going to miss all the fun nights we had together. You guys never failed to brighten the mood for 301. Thank you for being the greatest neighbors ever.
    
Jon Kinsel: Thanks for showing me what a true friend is. I consider you one of my best friends and really look up to you.
    
Cale Pieczynski: I hope you know how much your friendship means to me. Over the past two years as roommates, I have come to consider you one of the best friends I’ve ever had. I truly think you would do anything for me, and that’s a great feeling. You’re as loyal as they come, and I’ll be here if you ever need anything. Ever. Thanks for teaching me about SPASH and the city of Stevens Point. I don’t know what I’d do without that knowledge. I’m really going to miss hanging out with you every day, Cale. These past two years have been amazing and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
    
Willie Doll: I think it goes without saying that there is a big reason that I left you for the end. I was always told that there are a few people that come into our life and transform it into something you could have never imagined. Well, you’re one of those people. Everybody likes you, for good reason. Many people probably think everything has always been perfect for you, but you’ve been through a ton. I can’t even begin to explain how much I love and respect you. I’ll never forget one of our outfield conversations during a game when I asked you, “Why do we play baseball?”. Without hesitation, you said, “It reminds me of my dad.” I can’t imagine how proud your dad is of you as a player, and more importantly as a person. It’s hard to think I went twenty years on this earth without knowing you, but thank God our paths crossed. It’s nice to know I’ll always have you as a huge part of my life.
    
Joe: Simply put, I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. Thank you for taking the risk and coming to Saint Mary’s. I guess I just couldn’t stay away from you for longer than a semester. Your decision to come here alone changed my life for the better more than I could ever ask for. You are and always will be my best friend. There is nobody in the world I’d rather spend time with than you. Thank you for all the love and support through college. Regardless of how things were going for me, I could always count on you to be there for me. I’m looking forward to being home again with you.
    
I would like to leave you with a quote that sums up my time here pretty well: “Rich is not how much you have, or where you are going, or even what you are. Rich is who you have beside you.”