Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Even after five years in this program, it’s hard to believe that it’s coming to an end. It seems like just yesterday I decided to attend Saint Mary’s, a decision that looking back was one of the best choices I have made in my entire life. The people that make up this University are special, from the professors, to the students, to the various other staff members that make this place what it is. I have been very fortunate and blessed to have come into contact and befriend the various individuals who have also called Winona their home, for however long it may have been. There is a tremendous sense of pride that I have to say that I had the opportunity to attend this institution and play baseball for such an incredible program.
    
I owe an infinite amount of thanks to my family. They have had such an impact on my entire life not only as a student-athlete, but also have shaped me into the individual that I am today. To my dad, thank you for introducing me to the best game known to man. I will always remember playing catch almost every night in the backyard and the countless hours you spent with me on the diamond and the lessons I have learned from you and this humbling game. Your passion for the baseball and willingness to be there watching me play almost every game over the past five years means the world. I can say with confidence that few people care about Cardinals Baseball more than you do. To my mom, who I know is watching from above, I could not have asked for a better mother who taught me so many things from having strong character, to everyday life lessons. Words can’t describe how much I miss seeing you in the stands snapping pictures and attending every game from little league all the way to seeing me play at the college level. I strive to become the strong type of individual that you two had been for me growing up, through the ups and downs. Each and every time I’ve put on my cleats, I’ve played to make you proud. I love you more than anything in the world.
    To my sisters, Stacy and Sarah, and brother, John, I know that I am extremely blessed to call you my siblings. To have such great support from you guys through thick and thin is a tremendous asset that I treasure dearly. Whether it’s making the long trips listening to Willy’s Roadhouse with dad to attend our games or driving up for a random weekend to spend time with me, it means so much to know you’ll be there. Stacy and Sarah, the lessons you have taught me and the path you treaded before me has made life easier for me to understand and deal with. You are two of some of the most loving and hard-working people in my life and I couldn’t have asked for better role models to look up to. And John, I am grateful that you became part of the family and I received the brother I’ve always wanted. Your sacrifices to make my games along with the others don’t go unnoticed. I love you guys immensely and know there are many great memories yet to come for us.
    
To Taylor, I know I have the most supportive and loving girlfriend I could ever have hoped for. Having you by my side through everything over the past three years has been a great comfort. Seeing you supporting me in the stands at almost every game and the sacrifices you have made to be there for me is something I treasure and appreciate greatly. I love you and can’t wait for what lies ahead after graduation.
    
Coach Winecke-Ever since being recruited by you and Jake some seven years ago, my life has changed considerably. Having played under you for these five years has taught me countless lessons, both on and off the field. The support that I received from you and the team through the difficult times that led to me deciding to take a semester and season off was second to none. I valued having another family to lean on considerably through a difficult time, even when it wasn’t baseball related in nature. It is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. Playing under you was a privilege and I know that I am undoubtedly a better person because of what you have taught and demonstrated to us as young men. Thank you.
    
Coach Jacobsen- Making the long trips to come see me play in high school and taking an interest in me as a person right off the bat was comforting coming to a new school. The ability you have to joke around and remain loose while commanding respect and getting done what needs to be done is something to be admired. You always kept everyone loose and I know the program is going to miss you. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors that lie ahead in your life. I know you will find success and happiness in whatever you choose to do. I know you’ll be right at home, as they have Taco Bells everywhere.
    
Coach Whaley- I loved having the pleasure of practicing directly with you almost every day. You know so much about the game, catching in particular, and your knowledge of the game has had a direct impact on me as a player. I enjoyed having someone who had a close connection to De Pere to talk to, and I have an enormous amount of respect for you. I appreciate the time you took out of your life to be a member of the coaching staff and wish you and your family the best in the future.
    
Krone Spin-It was great having you around coaching this year. I had the privilege of both playing with you and under you. You are a tremendous person who cares a great deal about the program. I can say that you and your senior class had the biggest impact on my days and Saint Mary’s, showing us the ropes and what it takes to sustain a successful program. Thank you for all of your time and effort. You’ll have to be the guy yelling ‘Rudders!’ next year.
    
Boys of 766- Freddy, Merkle and Krysiak it was a fun year to have spent with you guys. Living off of campus with you brought us closer together and it was great spending every day with you. I know we will continue to be friends post-graduation and beyond. Krysiak- it was great playing with you and becoming friends from the time you stepped on campus. You were a great asset to our team and it was unfortunate that your playing time got cut shorter than you had planned, but I know you will find success in whatever you choose to do after graduation. Freddy-WDP pride. It was fun having a friend from the 920 to live with. Most people don’t understand how good the Phantoms were but at least we do. I know I will be visiting next year and seeing you back home. And, of course, a thank you to Merkle for freezing the pipes while we were away.
    
Ricky Bobby- I think I speak for the team when I say that we appreciate all the time you’ve put in and the jobs you do on a daily basis to make this program run smoothly. Your love for the game is obvious by your everyday enjoyment of being around the guys. I know I’ve enjoyed the pieces you’ve put together and the broadcasting you have done for the teams around campus. You will be great at whatever sports or broadcasting avenue you choose to embark on. Keep on rockin’ the flow.
    
Merk- It was great living off-campus with you this year and being your teammate and friend the past four years. You’ve always had good stuff on the mound and have always made me look foolish in inter-squad scrimmages. You’re extremely gifted with your art ability and I’m sure you will find a career that you love in that avenue. Your hair isn’t as great as you think it is, but as long as you’re happy that’s what counts. It was fun living with you, even though you froze the pipes.
    
Big Bar- To see how much you have progressed as a player these past four years was fun to watch. You are a perfect example for the younger players of the program that hard work and dedication pays off. Growing into the leader you have become has helped our program immensely. I know that we will continue to be friends beyond college. Now if only you can work your way out of the other friend zone the way you worked your way onto the field. Oh and work on those calf muscles please.
    
Drew Dawg- You are one of the players I have the most respect for in the program. The way you have gone about your business for the past four years and took advantage of the opportunity when your number was called is admirable. You’re one of the nicest guys on the team and I know you will do well catching all of the bad guys in the future. For the record, Mariota is no Bridgewater.
    
Reegs- You’re one of the most unselfish guys I’ve ever played with. Your leadership on the pitching staff has been much appreciated the past couple of years and your devotion to changing your delivery to be the pitcher we needed you to be is admirable. I’ve had the best bus buddy for the year. I’m sure you enjoyed listening to ‘Wherever You Will Go’ for the past countless bus rides. It was great having such a good friend through our long days of strategies and I know you’ll go on to be an all-star accountant.
    
Miles- It’s great to have such an awesome person to call a teammate and a friend. Whether it’s baseball or other aspects of life, you are the guy that can be relied on for advice or anything else I might need. I know I’m going to miss playing with you and can say you’re the most genuine person I’ve ever played with. There’s no doubt that you will go on to achieve great things and have an impact on anyone’s lives that you come into contact with. CDH for life.
    
Baby Roe- My original 920 brother. The energy you bring to the team and passion you have for everything you do is obvious. Your work ethic in the classroom, weight room, and on the field is something everyone can feed off of. You’ve taken any role you’ve had and dominated whatever it may be to help the team. I know we will continue to be friends and represent the 920.
    
Willie D- Your athletic talent is obvious but you’re just as great of an individual as you are an athlete. Even since you were a freshman, it was evident that you were a born leader and people look up to you. I know that if I needed anything that you’re one of the people I could come to. Keep up the hard work and continue to be a leader for this team.
    
Cale Pie- I can say that from the time you’ve started playing up until now that you are the most improved player I’ve seen. You’ve switched positions from outfield to pitching to infield which shows your versatility and that you are committed to helping the team in any way that you can. It was a pleasure sharing the love with our bat this year. Even though SPASH is overrated, you’re actually a good guy….with average style.
    
Scatas- You’re a great pitcher dedicated to your craft. It’s great to have guys to rely on day in and day out and you’re one of those guys. I loved talking sports with you even though we disagree on almost every team. Illinois does have the best pizza I will agree with you on that. I’m going to miss our wing nights at the Tav. Keep dicing bud.
    
Benny J- You’re a fun guy to be around and are always fun to hang out with, not to mention a pretty good pitcher. There won’t be anyone who gives the type of haircut you do, so I might have to visit whenever I need a trim. The poise you display on the mound is tough to mimic and always opens the door for you to have success. Keep it rollin’ next year Johns.
    
Ketch- It’s been great catching with you for the past three seasons. We’ve gotten to know each other pretty well and have had some pretty good sports chats along the way. The hard work you put in as a catcher each day is something that has pushed all of us to work harder. Keep ripping on Whitey for me when I’m not there next year.
    
Frosty- You’re a true student of the game. It’s apparent that you are always watching every detail of each game and are eager to get better. You’re one of the best fielders I’ve played with and you’ve always done the best with the chances you’ve been given. It was unfortunate that you got injured this year, but I’m sure it will fuel your hunger to be the best you can be next year.
    
Peddy Brown- ‘Left side! Strong side!’ I’m going to miss quoting movies with you and Redders way too much. You’re an inspirational guy who’s energy is impossible not to love. Your work and dedication is witnessed by everyone you encounter. I know we will continue to be friends for however long we can continue to quote flicks. The role you’ve had on the team is vital to our success and I know your personality will allow you to achieve success in whatever you do.
    
Daws Daddy- The passion you display on the mound and fire you command is impressive. Ever since you first came to campus, you’ve always been a great guy and have an apparent desire to improve on whatever you put your mind to. The obstacles you’ve overcome have molded you into a strong individual. Your work ethic will allow you to find success not only on the mound, but in whatever medical field path you choose. It won’t be the same not being able to pick on Whitey with you.
    
Red Dawg- I’m going to miss not having someone to talk politics with, sing any song that comes to mind, and quote every movie scene of the past 20 years with. You’ve pitched with confidence on the mound and displayed that you are a tough out at the plate. Hitting with you and your dad was a great experience with two great guys. Our bus ride chats are second-to-none. I know we will continue to be friends down the road and hope whenever I visit Madison I can hit you up for a great time.
    
White Tee- Ohhhh the White Tee. Seems like yesterday we were catching and you were using the freshman excuse. Watching you improve as a catcher each and every day over the past three years has been a joy to watch. You’re a tremendous talent both behind the plate and at the plate. I’ll miss our chats and good times but I know that we will continue to be great friends down the road. Save me a few karaoke songs for next year. Keep on tearing it up Oriole.
    
Prim Daddy- ‘Primmma!’ I don’t know who I will go to other than my N64 to hear such a good DK impression. I enjoyed catching you while you pitched for us and engaging in conversation with you this year. There’s few guys who I enjoy to talk sports more with than you and loved when you held Wellington’s down. I suppose I can excuse the fact that you’re both a Badgers AND Marquette fan.
    
Kensington- You may be the guy that I hand the much coveted Swag Committee President keys over to once I check out here. The hard work you have demonstrated day in and day out is seen every day in practice and you are one of the hardest working guys on the team. You’ve progressed so much since you stepped on campus and you have the ability to be a great infielder. I don’t think there’s anyone’s name that I will miss saying more on a daily basis than Kensington.
    
Con- We never really talked a lot until this year, when we became locker buds but I am glad that we did. We found out a lot about each other and it turns out we agree on almost everything. Your bulldog attitude and toughness you bring to the team is something everyone appreciates and strives for. Keep up the hard work and I know you will be rewarded.
    
Shawny Mo- What a great guy. Mostly because you love Bridgewater as much as I do. But on a serious note, I think your personality is one that everyone loves and enjoys being around you. You are always at practice working on something and no matter what your day is like, you always have a smile on. You’re a hard guy not to pull for and I know that you’ll be successful.
    
Buerkdale- You’re one of the best baseball players I have ever played with. Your quiet confidence and attitude makes you an easy guy to root for. I’ve loved having the pleasure of hitting behind you for the past two seasons and wish I could play another one with you, but unfortunately five is the most they’ll let me play. I don’t know if there’s ever going to be a better baby Buerk to keep me entertained. Keep on mashing bud and the sky is the limit for you.
    
Jacobs- Coming in your freshman year, it was tough to get a word out of you. Now being a sophomore, I think you’ve opened up a little bit with your personality and I know everyone on the team loves to hear what you have to say. On the mound I think that you have improved greatly within the last year and that you’ll only continue to improve and be a guy that can be relied on out of the bullpen. It was awesome to see you find such success against Winona State and I hope you build on the obvious potential that you have. I hope you convert 100% to Minnesota fanhood and see the light one day.

Bizzy- I’m going to miss some of the outrageous comments you say on a daily basis. You’ve got a lot of potential as a pitcher and you’re a great guy off the field as well. I still hope that I’m your running mate when you run for President, as I think we would make a great tandem in Washington. Stay with the game and I know it’ll pay off for you.
    
Fejter- It was great having you come into the program and immediately help out our pitching staff in a big way. No one in the MIAC has better flow, and I think it helps you out on the mound. You’re a great person and you have a great attitude towards the game. I have no doubt that you’ll continue to improve and help out the pitching staff as best as you can.
    
Waters- I’m glad you made the switch to SMU. You’ve gained some good experience in games this year and have proved you can play for us. It was great rooming with you in Florida and getting to know you, as you are a wonderful person and one of the best guys on the team. I wish you the best in your recovery from your injury and know you’ll be a big part of the team next year.
    
Cherry Bombs- I think everyone sees your potential as a player. You’ve made some serious strides on the field and have the chance to do great things if you keep working at it. You’re a colorful personality who has the ability to create energy for the team. Nothing will beat the story you told to us at El Patron. Good luck with that Cher.
    
Pow Pow- To see how you’ve improved on the mound from when you got here until now has been impressive. You’ve become a guy that we can rely on to come into games and get hitters out. I’m going to miss our El Patron dates and those steak nachos. I’ll forever regret that I didn’t use ‘Droppin’ Bombs’ that you suggested as my walk-up.
    
Freshmen- You guys seem to have a great group of individuals, full of players with great potential. Although some of you haven’t gotten the chance to step in and play right away, just know that it will definitely come through hard work and dedication. To watch you guys every day at practice and see the potential that is there, I am certain that this program is going to continue in the right direction. Even though I’ve only known you guys for a year, I’ve enjoyed it.
    
Mencacci- Having caught with you every day, I have gotten the chance to know you the most out of any of the freshmen. I know the future is bright for you and you’re one of the best catchers I’ve ever played with. I’m sure we will be staying in touch, even though you’re moving to the greatest state in the world. I’m pretty jealous.
    
To all of the guys I shared four years with before I was awarded another year of eligibility: Thele, Gannon, Wolfe, Merky, Krieger, and Paul, it was a fun ride. We experienced many highs and lows as a program, with many of the lows coming before being rewarded with success. Thank you for being a major part of my ride here through St. Mary’s. Your hard work and devotion to the program has created a new culture that still exists today.
    
I’d like to thank all of the players who came before me that laid the foundation for what was to be my experience at Saint Mary’s. Guys come to mind like Pfennig, Geraghty, Lechner, Serv, Tess, Teddy, Krone, Vin, Mike, Curt, and Max who were there to take me under their wings. There are too many people to try to name, so I’ll keep it short by expressing my gratitude to all of my other past teammates and their hard work and dedication to turn the program into what it is today. Without them, our success over my time here would not have been possible.
    
For anyone that I may have missed, thank you for your help and support along the way. I really appreciate it. Go Cardinals!