Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Pretty crazy to think my time is almost up here at Saint Marys. As I sit here and reminisce on all the great memories that I shared with people, it gets me pretty emotional. I am very fortunate for the opportunity to acquire an education at a four-year university and to play the game I have loved since I picked up a baseball. The crazy thing is, I think I have matured quite a bit since freshmen year in that Saint Ed’s dormitory.
    
The very first people I would like to thank are my loving parents. I have always wanted to further my education and you guys helped me to choose the right path. Dad, you’re one of the hardest workers I have seen in my life and rarely complain. I think I really get my hard work attitude and composure from you. Kent has taught me all kinds of sports especially baseball along with football and wrestling. My competitiveness comes straight from you. I am very thankful for all of the hours you have spent with me in the past to make the man I have become today and for what’s to come. Mom, the passion you have for everything that you do amazes me. Every little thing needs to be done as best you can do it. If you do all the little things, life will be a lot easier. Colleen has taught me that I can do anything my mind is set on. No matter if things get tough, trust God and he has a plan for you. Maybe I won’t be a labor and delivery nurse like you but I think I followed you in the medical field by pursuing my dream to become a chiropractor to help others. Brother, I always looked up to you growing up considering I was four years younger and it helped me in the long run. Koby probably had more competitiveness in his body then myself. He has taught me to never back down, whomever you’re facing. No matter the difficulty or size, considering I am bigger than him now.
    
Coach Winecke – I still remember the first time you called me in my high school days and I could tell the massive amount of passion that you had for the game of baseball. That’s what I was really looking for in a coach. If we wanted to talk about literally anything, your door was always open. Anytime we wanted to take extra swings in the cage, you were always ready to throw to us with a great attitude. One of the biggest things you did for me was when you recommended changing up my swing and stance in the middle of my sophomore year. Throughout the numerous of swings off a tee and the help from you, I could finally hit the ball consistently with much power than before. This change really helped me grow as a baseball player and it showed. I’m glad I trusted your word and it went in the positive direction. You have taught me to always give it my all (100%) on every rep. You taught me to work hard not just in baseball but at schoolwork as well. You and I have not always been on the same page but I know that you mean the best for the team and I respect that. I have learned a lot from your attitude that you need to have each and every day.     
    
Coach Whaley – As my catching coach, I am very thankful to have you still coaching at Saint Mary’s. The knowledge that you have for the game of baseball is beyond me. From my freshmen year till now, I tried to take in as much as I could. I have improved dramatically on my blocking skills as a catcher and my communication skills on the field. I have learned to be the vocal leader every pitch when I catch because of you. From my accomplishments as a catcher, I owe them to you. PS: You might need to still use a dog leash to keep me close to home plate for plays at home.
    
Coach Jake – You were a very unique coach that I got to experience for a couple of years, even though I wasn’t a pitcher. You were such a friendly guy and you work so hard. Thank you for all the time you put into the Saint Mary’s program and where it’s headed. You deserve a great future and I hope all goes well.
    
Coach Oakes – Your knowledge for the game is great and it will show for the future years. I wish I could have seen you pitch in games when you were in your younger years. I know I wasn’t a pitcher but I was all ears when talking to you. Your sense of humor is great and your calmness might be able to calm Coach Winecke down at times. Thank you for all the curveballs you threw to me and it got my better as a player. I know the pitchers are grateful for you to be in the program.
    
Coach Krone: You’re one of the most humble guys I know. I got to play my freshman year with you and you led by example. You have taught me to keep my composure no matter the circumstance. You were a great pitcher and I am glad I got to catch for you. That left hook of yours had some break on it! All the time you put in on and off the field for the Saint Mary’s program is greatly appreciated and sometimes unnoticed. Keep up the hard work and things will come your way.
    
Baseball alumni: Words can’t explain the amount of time and effort you guys have all put into the program. The program would not be where it is today if it wasn’t for all of you guys.
    
Ben Johnson: Benny J, you have dealt with my butt for 4 years being my roommate. Living at St Eds, St Joes, The Old Village and The New Village all with you will be missed. Our memories from high school and college will be ones to remember. You have helped me grow as a person and you have become one of my best of friends. It has been a blast catching for you all these years and I hope I have done my very best I could to get you all those close calls every at bat. Next year in Bloomington will be much different without you. Easy on the V Reds and we will keep in touch.
    
Kyle Servias: Serv piece, catcher bro, I’m a freshmen excuse, you took me under your wing when you were a senior. You taught me to work hard and things will come your way. You waited for your time to shine and all the time put in bullpens paid off. I probably wasn’t the best option for catcher in the world for you but I appreciate everything you did for me on and off the field.  
    
Jake Dawson: Cakes Awesome, I’m glad you let me be your friend even after you disliked me the first time we met at orientation. Somehow I was cool enough for you to change your mind. I have figured out that I will never swing at your slider unless 2 strikes are on me. These few years with you have gone so fast and I’m glad I got to catch your stuff. Your intensity gets me on another level and you’re a good advantage to have on your team. Just remember, when you become that doctor profession you have always wanted, be sure to send them my way to chiropractic. Sorry that I made physics so hard for you. Don’t run home again. Colin Funburger.
    
Ryan Fejt: Fidget, you’re one of a kind and a great guy. I know you do your own thing but I know you like my presence when I play video games on your TV. When you had pneumonia, it was a funny time for me considering it hurt for you to lay in bed and all the noises you made through the wall to my room. Maybe go to the doctor? Your competitiveness on the baseball field ups my game and I thank you for that. I’m glad I got to spend my last year with you in the New Village and I wish it lasted forever. Tav Tuesday. Bears took last place in our senior year.
    
Brian Powers: Pow Pow, I really wish your smartness transferred to my brain. Like I wish you were my identical twin and took all my exams for me. It has been a blast spending so much time with you man. When you throw your curveball to your walk up song (Bigfoot), it gets me going and I want to catch it every time. Jay Cutler will never win a superbowl.
    
Willie Doll: WWWDD, What Would Willie Doll Do is what I thought numerous times throughout the day. Even though your freshmen year in Benilde was a shame, you have grown to become a good guy (gg). I was lucky enough to have you in the same major and you liked the packers. That’s neat. You did everything imaginable to explain what we learned in class to myself and I admire that. You go over a topic one time and you know it completely, that makes me mad sometimes. You hit the ball pretty far and you’re pretty fast so I guess that’s cool too. Success will always come your way. It will be sad that I can’t sing to you and Emily Diercks in class anymore. Go pack go. PS: your Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes lost their last game of the season.
    
Josh Ketchmark: Ketch em Ketchup, man have we gone through a lot at this school. The science classes we have taken together have been one to remember. You work so hard and I see success in your future. The business classes…umm not even in comparison. All of those times you have pushed me to become a better catcher is why I am where I’m at and I thank you for that. Thank you for showing me how to do the new snapchat backwards mode even though you were in the shower.
    
Peder Sviggum: Backer, we will forever be linebackers for life. I’m glad I got that in at least one person at this school. You’re stronger than me but you deserve it. One of the hardest workers I have seen and you will get what you want in life. Whatever it is. Your big hack of a swing is amazing. You get me so excited on the baseball field with your unique attitude and that’s where we match. Sometimes you gotta be different than others. Stay golden pony boy.
    
Ricky Palermo: Pretty Rick, the amount of time you put into our baseball team is amazing and usually unnoticed. It takes a very mature guy to do that everyday and not get in the game. Our practice and games wouldn’t run as smooth if it weren’t for you man. You’re one of the best announcers I have heard, I am very excited to see where that goes for you. Tav Tuesday and the Bears still aren’t good.
    
Steph Scatassa: Tee and Gee, I will always remember when you drank that water from the freezer. Your personality is pretty unique, always weird and outgoing. You throw the ball pretty hard and I love catching you man. I will always frame the ball better than Schlem dog. Stop taking my mouthwash, iphone chargers and food. Just be a gg (good guy) for once. I think you and Ben have a secret relationship. Bears suck.
    
Alec Rolain: Ro Tide, you scare me sometimes but that’s what makes you different. I think you might put more time in the weight room then me. It gets me kind of rattled but it’s okay. I want your big TV and your skills of saying what’s on your mind. You work very hard for the things in life and they will come, sooner or later they will. All those times of you taking Ben’s pop made me laugh. Thanks for all your weird noises and sayings. All the Packers games in your room have been great, especially the hail mary win. Along with the 5 “people” on the tackle comment. Thanks for being you. Go pack go.
    
Jacob Frost: Frost ball, you have great hands man. If I could trade hands with someone it would probably be you. You need to teach me how to dive at balls like you do (baseball field) haha. Thanks for all the Illinois coupons on necessities and we will keep in touch my man.
    
AJ Redders: Reddog, even though you have the same taste in girls that I do, you’re an all right guy. You love the Wisconsin Badgers too much! Somehow you win our fantasy football, maybe it’s cause you’re so smart. You may need to shave your face when you get in the big boy world, just saying. Glad you are on our baseball team because I don’t know if I could wait to hit your fastball, your curveball I wouldn’t even swing at. I like catching you though and I will miss your waddle walk around campus. Stay in touch. Go pack go.
    
Shawn Morris: Shawny Mo, yepper yep yep yepper, your sense of humor is great man. You can always put a smile on someone’s face at practice and I knew we could always get that from you. I know St Michael is an okay place but you need to venture out man. If you need help venturing out, you can come to Osseo sometime and see how we really play sports. We will keep in touch man, yep yepper.
    
Cale Pieczynski: Caleb, I saved you last for the seniors because you wear really small shirts and you shouldn’t. Stop with the mediums and go up to a large buddy. Hey I give you crap cause I care about you. I will never forget when you hit your first homerun and you were in the zone. You literally ran right by me near second base. It was a great moment for you. I don’t know how you put up with Willie for 4 years that must have been dreadful since he is so much bigger than you. You love to pull the baseball like me and I love it! Finally someone I can relate to. Thanks for all the times you let me watch the packers and for our stool back, go pack go.
    
Blake Matuska: Blake Mats, my young blonde friend. I wish I could field grounders like you cause I’m not very good at them. Lucky’s might be different without us together. Blonde babies.
    
Bob Kinne: Ricky Bobby, you’re a great guy and one of the best athletes I have played with. I do not know if you’re better at hockey or baseball. You tell me. I’m glad you got to play the outfield for my senior year because you bring up the level of every player. Stay healthy and keep doing you. Tropical starburst jelly beans.
    
Jack Cherry: Chair Master, pretty cool a Hopkins kid came to old Saint Mary’s. Moving boxes with you all summer for random people was pretty fun and you have a great sense of humor. You’re pretty weird kid but you have a great arm and you need to believe that. Have fun with your senior year. Always use the Whitey move I taught you at the right time.
    
Connor Christenson: Lakeville, you’re one of the hardest working guys on the field and you don’t let anyone tell you what to do. You’re toughness brings everyone to higher level. You always get 100% from this kid. Hikes up to the rock with you helped me clear my mind to hit the baseball.
    
Ben Buerkle: Bean dale, pretty talented kid. You came in your freshmen year to captain’s practice and we all thought your swing was pitiful right away. We were wrong and you hit bombs. Next year you need to become more of a vocal leader because Johnson’s loud mouth won’t be there anymore and we all know cherry doesn’t know what he is saying sometimes.  
    
Blake Primmer: Prim dilla prim homie, our sense of humors connected right away and you’re great guy. Even though I wasn’t the best lab partner in Chemistry class but we got the job done. I am exciting to see where you go in the future and you have great people skills. Donkey Kong sounds.
    
Austin Jacobs: A Jacobs, you didn’t talk at all your freshmen year and I was kinda worried. You opened up more as you progressed your sophomore year. Your stuff is nasty on the mound and you need to believe that.
    
Jake Mencacci: Versace Mencacci, my name is Jake, even though we look much alike with our gear on, you might be better looking. It was nice to have another catcher bro on the squad. Ever since you came into the program you have made the whole catching core better. Even Schlemmer got a little bit better because of you. One of the hardest workers on the squad and it’s pretty cool to see someone go for what they want. You couldn’t even take getting one wrong on one of our online management quizzes! Can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you. Keep in touch with me if I am still cool enough to hangout with you. Best RA at Saint Mary’s.
    
John Olson: Jay O, the next legend. You’re a pretty funny kid. You have some nasty hands in the infield and have confidence when playing the game.
    
Nathan Mathwig: Wig Master, you’re curve ball is great to catch. You’re low key very smart and that will get you far in life. Keep your personality cause it fits you well.
    
Joe Seegers: Sieger, you’re pretty good at school even though you’re home schooled. You have a lot of talent and you’re only a sophomore. Keep working hard and you will see success.
    
Zach Slowiak: Slow, you love sports. If sports weren’t a thing then I don’t know what you would do with your life. Your tough personality brings up the others in practice and I support that. Keep being yourself.
    
Alex Kleve: Klive, catcher bro you work hard. You have drastically improved as a catcher since your freshmen year. Keep doing daily drills and success will come your way my man.
    
Chris Grazioli: Graz, you’re one of a kind. I’m glad I got to host you when you came on your visit. Your personality is great and never let that go. You always say what’s on your mind and I support that.
    
Jacob Taschetta: Jake from state farm, even though you transferred here, you will always be a cardinal. Work hard and you will get what you want. Try to keep Hottinger in line while I’m gone.
    
Jake Barry: Big Bar, you hit bombs. I’m sorry your red demarini bat broke and it was devastating. Find another bat to use. You’re really tall and I want some of it but what can ya do. Keep working hard and success will be consistent for you.
    
RJ Brown: Jay, your sense of humor is great. You can always make someone laugh on the squad. Your stuff is good on the mound and it will come. Your fastball moves quite a bit. As a catcher I am telling you the truth. Keep at it and it will all come together.
    
Josh Hottinger: Hot ta ta, Peter Pettigrew, rat guy, you’re one of a kind. Thanks for transferring to Saint Mary’s and I know you like it here. School might be a little hard then your other school but it’s worth it. You have some good stuff on the mound and keep working on your craft. Taco Bell.
    
Freshmen: Dirk Drohner, John Heim, Dixon Irwin, Jesse Barron, Jacob Petraitis, Zeke Chamblee, Nick Pilz, Jake Kramlinger, Charlie Hilger, Nolan Russell, Andy Kramlinger, Bailey Melz, Eli Morison — you guys have a pretty big task in front of you. The 2016 senior class was a big part of the team numbers wise and you guys need to take it up a notch to bring this program even farther. This freshmen class reminded me a lot of ours. Big, energetic, different, hard working and loving. Your goal is to get EVERYONE on the team to a different level. Baseball or not, go out of your way to make someone’s day. I have confidence in this class. DJ, you look like me, I don’t look like you. Have fun guys because the years fly by way too fast.