Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

After two years of having no seniors in the program, my third year has been spent with a great group of seniors and it has shown. Will Swiggum, Mark Schumacher and Connor Kaiser have already left a significant mark on this program; as these three seniors look to finish out their Saint Mary’s career they have put the Cardinals in position to tie or exceed the best conference and overall team win loss record since the 2000–01 season.  Our seniors’ unwavering commitment to the team concept, the learning process of being competitive in every contest as well as the enjoyment of having a team of guys that are on the same page and genuinely fun to be around.  

Connor Kaiser: Connor has been an integral part of the Saint Mary’s Basketball team.  His ability to score baskets, handle the basketball, defend opponents best shooter as well as be an extension of the coaches out on the floor have had a high impact during his two years at Saint Mary’s.  Connors’ personality has allowed him to be a leader in the locker room and help move this program along at a much faster rate than anticipated.   Connors laid back attitude and infections sense of humor will make him missed in our program.  With his Business Management degree, Connor will be very successful in the business world.  

Mark Schumacher: Mark has been at Saint Mary’s, then not at Saint Mary’s then back again at Saint Mary’s and to date – has been the only player in program history that has intentionally set out to prove me wrong.  When he left Saint Mary’ his sophomore as a need to find his inner peace, he said he would be back after that year.  During a few of those conversations on whether to stay or go he had promised me (to which I was beyond skeptical) that he would return – and he did.  Mark has spent the past two years helping to move this program to new heights as well.  Mark has been an extremely valuable player for Saint Mary’s.  A true game starter in skill, this year Mark has accepted the role of being a steadying and guiding force for our second unit.  He has played very well and has allowed our team to have incredible flexibility when making in-game substitutions.  Mark has been as active a student-athlete that I have ever seen in my career.   His outgoing personality, his outgoing ability to connect with people as well as his outgoing opinions will make him missed in our program.  With his Theology degree, Mark will be very successful in all of his future endeavors.

Will Swiggum: Will has had probably the most emotional rollercoaster ride of any player left in the program.  Playing for two different coaches as well as being told that he was going to be the corner stone of this program by a new coach in addition to being a sophomore at the time could a lot to handle for even the craftiest of veterans; but Will has accepted that task in the only way he knows how—at full speed.  Will is the only senior that has played all four years of his career in a Saint Mary’s jersey.  To date, Will has started 89 of his 98 possible games—making him one of the most experienced Saint Mary’s basketball players ever and it has shown.  Not only has Will played every position on the floor at some point of his career, he has played three different positions consistently for the past two years.   Will is a very big lead by example guy that has no idea on how NOT to be an “All-In” a guy.  Wills toughness and tenacity has put him consistently in the top 20 in the MIAC in rebounding as well as points scored per game the past 4 years; but the biggest fingerprint he will leave comes from setting the work ethic bar incredibly high.  He has been the first one in and the last one out - on the court as well as the weight room; expecting the same level of commitment form the other plyers on the team as well.  Will’s intensity and willingness to have a good time will make him missed in our program.  With his Criminal Justice degree, Will will be very successful in whatever enterprise he sets his mind to.