Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I can’t believe that my four years at Saint Mary’s is already coming to an end. It seems like just yesterday that I was moving into Benilde to start my four years of college. I never could have seen myself coming to a school like Saint Mary’s but when looking back on my past four years I wouldn’t change one thing. It is by far the best decision of my life. All the friendships and memories that were created are things that I will remember forever. Being able to play baseball in college was always a dream of mine and I couldn’t be happier that it came true. Growing up as a little kid playing in the backyard I could only imagine that I would play college baseball. I am very blessed and thankful that I could put on a Cardinal uniform and represent this school. Putting on that jersey is something that I will remember forever and is something that has made me the person I am today.
    
The first people that I need to thank are my family. To my Mom and Dad, words can’t describe how thankful I am for having you two by my side. You always pushed me to be the best that I could be and were always supportive no matter what. Mom thank you for all the support and it is truly a blessing to look into the stands and hearing you cheering me on no matter how bad I was doing. You truly have been an inspiration to Michael, Melissa, myself and we couldn’t have asked for a better mother. Your genuine personality and ability to always put a smile on my face has made me the person I am today. Although we never talk about baseball because usually we only talk about school… I know you had the best intentions for me and wanted me to succeed in both baseball and school. Dad thank you for all you do. All the ground balls or throwing to me really has had a major impact on the player I am today. Without you I wouldn’t be the person I am today. No matter how far away the games were I knew I could look around and see you pacing around. It was probably because I made a mistake but no matter how bad I did at the end of the game you would always find the good in what I did that game and not a lot of people can do that. Your work ethic has really been an inspiration to me and made me want to work just as hard as you do. Both of you are the definitions of role models to me and I can’t express how thankful I am for you guys. I can only hope that one day I will be able to care for my family like you guys do. I love you guys and thank you thank you thank you for all you have done.
    
To my brother and sister, Michael and Melissa, thank you for not only supporting me but always wanting the best for me. I couldn’t ask for a better pair of siblings. You guys always pushed me to be the best I could and although we didn’t always see eye to eye, I knew you wanted me to succeed. I can’t count how many games you two have had to sit through, some boring I know, but it really does mean a lot to be able to see you two at the games. Michael- thank you for all the help with baseball and also with anything that I need. Melissa- thank you for making the long trips out to my games although I know you didn’t want too. Good luck finishing school and if you do pick Saint Thomas I will be at your games but I will never wear those ugly colors. I can’t say thank you enough to you guys for all you do for me. Thank you!
    
I also would like to thank my extended family. Pushing me to be the best is something I am very thankful for. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandma, Grandma and Ray, thank you for coming to games whenever you could make it. I love you guys and thank you again.
    
To my best friends, Mary and Raske, thank you guys for putting up with me and being the best friends anyone can ask for. You two constantly make me laugh and always put a smile on my face. I don’t know what I would do without you two. Thank you guys for always being there for me whenever I need you. All the memories that we have created will never be forgotten although usually it was Mary yelling at me for something I did. Love you guys and thank you so much!
    
Before I get to the coaches, I would like to say a quick thank you to all my coaches that I have had growing up. You guys made me love this game and I couldn’t be happier. Also thank you to all the alumni that I had the opportunity to play with. You guys pushed me to be the person I am today and I thank you for that. Curt, Dan, Max, Serv, Nord, Teddy, Krone, Vince, Tess, Mikey, Minder, Gannon, Krieger, Thelly, Paul, Wolfe and Merky. Thank you!
    
Coach Winecke- Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play for such a great program. These past four years have been the most fun I have ever had. Although we might not have been on the best terms because I could be a “smartass” which I am sorry for, I thank you for pushing me to succeed not only in baseball but also outside of it. Although I was the worst player my freshman year by a long shot you never gave up on me and gave me a chance to play for this team. Your passion for not only baseball but life has been a true inspiration to me. I appreciate all the time you have put in to this program and how you are always wanting what is best for us. Thank you for all you do.
    
Coach Jake- It has been a lot of fun to play for you and get to know you. This program wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for you. Although we didn’t spend a lot of time together since you were with pitchers, I knew you wanted me to succeed. Thank you for always throwing to me whenever I wanted and also making me laugh. Good luck in Chicago and I hope they have a Taco Bell close to where you’re living.
    
Coach Whaley- Playing for you has been a blessing. Your calm and easy going personality has made playing a lot more fun. I know you are very busy and I thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help coach us. Thank you.
    
Coach Sager- Thank you for pushing us to be the best that we can be. It is nice to know you wanted the best for me and I thank you for that. Also every time I now hear quarters I will cringe just a little.
    
To my roommates thank you guys for putting up with me whenever I’ve been crabby or had to wake up for morning workouts.
    
Schlem- When I first came out to the field during my freshman year for fall ball, I thought you were the coach. Thank goodness you weren’t because you have made a huge impact on this program. Although I have disappointed you by not going to wings or to karaoke every night during the week I think we have created a great friendship. Although some of your arguments are just ridiculous they make me laugh and I will miss listening to them. Also if you try out for American Idol I would definitely vote for you.
    
Drew- “Drew Barrymore”. I have never seen a kid who is more passionate about Oregon and also Batman. I didn’t know it was possible to be able to quote an entire movie until I met you. It has been a true honor to be able to play up the middle with you this year. Good luck with the whole cop thing and hopefully we can still find time to go to Ikea and Casettas.
    
Regan- You are one of the nicest and most positive kids I have ever met. It shows how much of a team guy you are by deciding to drop down and throw submarine. You truly want what is best for others and that is a special trait to have. Thank you for helping me get through some of my classes and good luck to you in the future. I know you will work hard and be very successful.
    
Merkle- I don’t even know where to start with this. Maybe freshman year when you threw an apple through the window because you didn’t get the housing you wanted. Or trying to watch a Gopher football game with you and just listening to you complain about the play calls. Although we have had our fair share of arguments you still are a good guy, sometimes. Although I have no idea what actually goes on in your head you always seem to want the best in people. Keep drinking those protein shakes and keep working on your hair game.
    
Miley- Getting to know you has truly been a blessing. You are one of the nicest kids at SMU and really do care about others more than yourself. I hope that we can go to B Dubs again and maybe Dairy Queen with Joe. Your memory is unbelievable and some of the things you remember is just crazy, but you always seem to put a smile on my face whenever I see you.
    
Fejt- Although you haven’t been here for long you have made a huge impact on me and also on the program. Your work ethic and also how you push others to be the best they can be is a great characteristic to have. Keep working hard and you will be able to do great things.
    
Red Dog- Your ability to memorize movie quotes is unbelievable. You always make me laugh and are the definition of a great guy. Although I hate Wisconsin we still found a way to be good friends and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Hopefully one day I’ll get to see you reporting on the sidelines of a Badgers game.
    
Peder- Your high intensity and passion for the game makes me love showing up to practice everyday. I look forward to running back into the dugout to give you a finger touch. Your energy is definitely contagious and keep working hard.
    
“The Boys” Ben, Whitey and Daws- Thanks for basically being my second roommates. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to spend my time at school with. All the memories we have created will never be forgotten. Ben- I hate to admit it but I actually like hearing you scream my nickname, whichever one it might be. Also you might be one of the best laundry people in the nation. Also thanks for introducing me to sportsbook… definitely made my college experience a little better. Whitey- Although sometimes you would get emotional over nothing especially when Uncle Ron is in town, I knew at the end of the day we were still friends. Keep wearing that Ragers sweatshirt and thank you for the Christmas gift. It will be used a lot. Daws- You are the one guy I know I can go up to and talk about anything. Your work ethic on and off the field is truly an inspiration. I will miss sitting down and playing Chel with all you guys. Also try not to burn down the New Village next year.
    
Willie and Cale- The days of playing FIFA for hours and taking snus are memories that I will cherish forever. Although Cale you weren’t very good it was still a good time. The dance videos that are on my phone will never be forgotten. Although we give you a lot of crap, we still do love you Cale so don’t get so mad. Good luck to both of you and hopefully this summer you boys can come visit the Valley and we can go to Snuffys. Also Willie make sure Cale stops puffing out his “big chest”. It’s too much.
    
The “Chi town boys” Steph, Powers and Ricky- First thank you Ricky for all you do. You are the best manager around and thank you for all you do. It has been a lot of fun getting to know you guys. The memories of yelling random stuff like casa stein is why I love you guys. Come visit the cities this summer so we can hit the links.
    
Ketch- Thank you for helping me get through geography. Without you I wouldn’t have ever showed up to that class. Keep working hard and it will pay off.
    
Frost- Although you might be the dirtiest kid I have ever met you still are a good guy. Just a tip is that when you hit the ball out of play in golf that still counts as a stroke. No one likes a kid who shaves his score. Your glove in the field is the best I have ever seen and keep doing work.
    
Rolain- Thank you for pushing me to be the best I can. Whether in the weight room or on the field you always were pushing me to succeed. Good luck with the whole cross fit thing and hopefully one day you’ll be actually strong. I’m blessed to call you a good friend of mine and thank you for that.
    
Jacobs- Although we play against each other in the summer, I am glad you are on my team at school. You really have improved and keep working hard. It has been a lot of fun to play with you.
    
Waters- Good luck with the whole nose thing. Hopefully it recovers because this team could really use a guy like you. Best of luck to you in the future.
    
Connor- Seeing how hard you work has inspired me to work hard. No matter what it might be you seem to always put your full effort towards it. It has been great to get to know you and good luck in the future.
    
Shawny Mo- Hopefully the Wild continue to succeed. Along with Ketch thank you for helping me with geography. I can’t wait to play some golf this summer. Keep being a great guy.
    
Matuska- Hopefully your golf game is a good as you say it is… Hopefully you aren’t too busy this summer and I can actually see how good you really are at golf. Also it has been a lot of fun watching you improve over the past few years.
    
Buerkle- Thank you for being my bus buddy. The memories that we had on the bus rides are something I will never forget. I am glad I found someone who likes deserts just as much as I do. Can’t wait to go to Snuffys and another Timberwolves game.
    
Cherry- I will definitely miss hitting with you and playing the game. Make sure you keep Buerk and Bart in line next year. Also when you throw try not to look at the ball but look at the target.
    
Bartosz- Although I used to think you were pretty annoying cause of your constant talking, you actually are a pretty funny guy. Also thank you for telling everyone that I look like Corey Crawford. Good luck working with Cherry in the future.
    
To all the freshmen guys keep working hard. Your four years go by very fast so cherish every moment and continue to have fun. Thank you for helping and pushing me to be the best that I can be.
    
Managers Ricky and Primmer- Thank you guys for all you do. The amount of time you put into helping us has made a huge impact on how we perform. Without you guys it just wouldn’t be the same.
    
Lastly a quick thank you to Donny. You are the best at what you do and thank you for all that you have done. You make the job look easy and your hard work is appreciated by everyone.
    
To all my teammates, coaches, family, and friend’s thank you for pushing me to be the best that I can and also creating great memories that will last forever. Thank you!