UN #9-16
Dear Football Faithful —
A couple of thoughts passed through my mind as I contemplated our 49 to zip mastery of Augsburg last Saturday in Minneapolis. The first was we’ve scored 40 or more points in every game we’ve won this year — 49-7 vs St. Scholastica; 40-17 vs Buena Vista; 44-0 vs St. Olaf; 42-21 vs Bethel; and of course this last game, again at 49-0. That’s remarkably consistent against teams of varying strength. With this most recent win the d3football.com pollsters moved us up one place to #10, And that brings me up to the second thought.
St. Thomas, who was ranked #4 in the same poll, remained at its same spot despite almost being defeated by a non-ranked team. If UST was treated the same as SJU was after we defeated Bethel (and not even as close as was the Tommie-Cobber 23-20 game), the Tommies should have dropped at least a couple of points as we did after our win over the Royals. Sure doesn’t make any sense. What does make sense is that the Tommies aren’t as good as they were last year despite running up some large scores against the dogs of our conference. Talking to our players, they want another shot at UST. And, although it actually was better for our post-season chances that the Tommies pulled out a win, wouldn’t it have been great to see U$T get upset by the Cobbers?
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Despite the fact that the Auggies pale by comparison to the team led by Ayrton Scott the previous four years, they still played hard against a very strong St. John’s team. Two things stood out after this game: first, again it was running-by-committee — eight RBs carried the ball and all did pretty well. I read somewhere that cumulatively SJU is second in rushing yards to date in the MIAC. The second thing was the excellent performance of our patched-together defense with second- and maybe even some third-stringers coming though in a big way to shut out the Auggies. Ben Alvord shrugged off his bruised sternum injury from the week before to handle the QB duties again in the absence of Jackson Erdmann, who’s still not ready after suffering the concussion against the Tommies. Dusty Krueger scored a rushing TD and was the leading Johnnie runner, but it was for blocking a punt and falling on it for a score that he was named MIAC Special Teams Player of the Week. Evan Clark continued his scoring ways with a 54-yard reception for the first TD — on our first play! On defense sophomore Nathan Brinkman really shined in his relief role on the line with three sacks.
Said Augsburg coach Frank Haege about playing the Johnnies, “It’s really the same as it’s been for the last 100 years of MIAC football. They’ll run the ball, they’ll make explosive plays and they’ll be incredibly quick on defense. It’s the same story as it was 5, 10, 15 or 20 years ago. It’s really amazing the level of tradition they’ve been able to build up there.”
* *
Before the Augsburg game I dropped into the Town Tavern located in the 7 Corners neighborhood near the West Bank of the U of M. It was a nice place, a comfortable brew pub with many of their own offerings. The Class of 1972 had a definite presence there with Vic Moore, Bob Foster and Mike Urbanus holding center stage with a some other 1970s guys — Jeff Norman ’78, Jeff Starbird ’75, Mike Fahey ’75 and Scott ’77 and Della Edstrom in attendance. The ’72 crew wanted me to call out their classmate Tom Hokr who was to be there except for a broken water pipe in his office. They gave him an excused absence for that. Kim Devoy ’63 joined me as the 1960s “old phartz” in attendance.There was a good crew of parents once again and I enjoyed visiting with several. Dave Christensen, father of senior lineman Jake, reminded me that his son played on the offensive line, not the defense as I mentioned recently. Dave also told me about their other son Dan who is a junior and was an offensive lineman the past couple years but dropped out before this season after some injuries. I said hello to Jerry and Mary Glomb, parents of senior defensive back Lucas. I asked how Lucas, who was from Hill-Murray H.S. like the Christensen lads, decided on St. John’s. The Glombs said he was being wooed by several schools, including some from D II, but what clinched the deal for SJU was the fact that he could go fishing after practice.
At the game I sat up at the top of the bleachers on the 40-yard line with Ken, Jane and Kyle Hemmesch, all down from St. Cloud. Ken, who is as avid and knowledgeable a fan as are Fr. Wilfred and the Football Whisperer, passed on lots of interesting tidbits about players and others items he’s seen or come across. For instance, Ken said he heard SJU coach Gary Fasching ‘81 in a radio interview during the week say that the Augsburg coach deserved to be named MIAC Coach of the Year every year because he never knows who he’s going to have out for practice, such are the challenges of coaching at an inter-city school. Nevertheless he still gets his team ready for their games. The Hemmesches said they attended a tailgate at the park in the middle of the Auggie campus and our little get-together there of about 20 Johnnie supporters outnumbered the Augsburg tailgate more than 2 to 1. Although it was their homecoming, SJU fans were almost in equal number. When we stood for the National Anthem I was impressed with the man singing in front of me; it turned out to be Bob Niehaus of Melrose and who, with his wife Deb, are parents of Mitchel, a senior defensive lineman. John Ditzler ’58/’62 was there with two grandchildren, Tom and Lizzie Hamel; Ditz sat with Jim Senden ‘64 and me. I was also pleased to see two other ’64 classmates, John de Rosier and Larry Ebnet, who has been following the team a lot this year up from Rochester, MN. Seen among the Johnnie fans were Pete ‘65 and Judy Regnier, Pat McDonnell ’67 and wife Pam Johnson, Dana and Donna Buttenhoff, John Uldrich ’60, superfan Dick Wilkie, Bernie Weber ’63/‘67, Nick Hayes ‘69, Ev Weber ’68, Pat Maxwell ‘66 and Joe Mucha ‘66.
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Saturday in Collegeville brings the Carleton Knights to be buried behind the Pine Curtain. It’s Family Weekend, meaning parking will be precious again. Again, with no disrespect meant to the Carleton, the outcome is not in doubt; it’s more of a series of questions, such as: How many kids on the bench will get in? Will any more linemen get hurt? How many injured players are ready to return? Can our defense keep the Knights out of the scoring column? How high into the 40s will we be get…Or is this the week we break into the 50s? Will Jackson Erdmann be well enough to come in for a few downs? Will Evan Clark receive just one or maybe two or more passes for a touchdown? Which of our eight+ running backs will really turn loose this weekend? Will the student body come to the game in respectable numbers? How many will stay past half time? Will the attendance surpass 8,000? By how far? And how many times will we hear the word “Rhino Deck?” GO JOHNNIES!
* * * *
The Balding Tommie —
Billy McCarthy, a 40-something, rather vain St. Thomas alum, was experiencing a thinning hairline. His once thick mop of reddish hair kept falling out and he complained to his barber, ”That stuff you gave me is terrible!” UST Bill whined. “You said two bottles of it would make my hair grow, but nothing's happened."
"I don't understand it," said the barber. "That's the best hair restorer made."
“Well," said the Tommie, "I don't mind drinking another bottle, but it had better work!"
* * * *
From Wayne Hergott ’57, Edina, MN —
Bob, Marge & I just sold our house and moved into a senior community place where we can get three meals a day if we want. We just felt it was time to do that. We're kind of across the street from Jerry's Foods on Vernon Avenue in Edina at a place called Vernon Terrace. I say all of this to try and justify missing the last two Johnnie games because we had a group of our kids and grandkids packing two Saturdays ago and cleaning out the old house last Saturday. Thus, I thought I'd better not go to a football game either day.
I did hear the last 29 seconds of the Tommie-Cobber game and was sick that the Tommies pulled it out. Mark Lewamdowski said it was a good thing for the Johnnies that the Tommies won and I didn't understand that. Yesterday Marie Eli explained if the season ended with the Tommies, Cobbers and Johnnies tied all with only one MIAC loss, the Johnnies would most likely not get in the playoffs. Mark suddenly made sense.
The best thing about that is that in the post-game interview, Mark told Gary Fasching ’81 about the Tommies’ last second victory and Gary said that good teams find a way to win in the end and St. Thomas is a good football team. That is a classy remark and I was very proud of him for that quote, especially when at that moment I was ticked that the Tommies won and certainly would not have said anything that profound. Shows which of the two of us has character.
That reminded me of a couple of years ago when Pat Reusse [Star Tribune columnist] picked Michael Hemesath ‘81 as the third runner-up in his Turkey of the Year award because in discussing values of a university Michael gave academics a hefty priority over athletics. I'm proud that St. John's has two people of high character in very important leadership positions.
Hope to see you Saturday when we celebrate a reunion of Gagliardi's first team, 1953 MIAC champions. My best to Chris. — Wayne
(Editor’s Note: Wayne said there are eleven players left from that team and nine of them will attend. The are Bob Aufenthie ’54, Bill Braun ’54, Jim Dalglish ’57, Wayne Hergott ’57, Al Jirele ’57, Leroy Lilly ’55, Ed Roos ’57, Jeb Vachuska ’54 and Casey Villandre ’54. These players will gather in the Alumni Lounge at 10:00 to get reacquainted, move to the Montpetit Suite for lunch and the game, be introduced by name to the crowd at 12:52 and close with dinner at Anton’s. The two other living members of that team, Don Westbrock ’55 and Ray Schmitz ’55, couldn’t make it.)
* * * *
From Scott Becker ’77, North Oaks, MN —
Hi Rob, Couple items for you: First, there is a great feature article posted today on D3football.com on Johnnie senior Evan Clark. Even better, I learned that yesterday Clark was granted a medical redshirt for last year (2015) so he will be back for the Johnnies in the fall of 2017 [if he elects to return]!
(Link to above-mentioned article: http://www.d3football.com/columns/around-the-region/west/2016/evan-clark-johnnies-return-injury )
It sure would be nice if Dan Harrington were also granted a medical redshirt but I have no definitive information on that case. I do know the rule is if you play more than 3 games then no medical redshirt. Unfortunately, Dan’s injury occurred in Q1 of Game 4 against the Tommies. I would argue that he only played half the game in some of those early routs…so really he has played in less than 12 quarters of 2016 football. I don’t know if they accept that logic. Could be a case for “Johnnie Red” [Judge Mike Fahey ’75] to argue for us.
Second, as we all know, we take them one game at a time in Collegeville but that being said, the Cobbers certainly got our attention last weekend. Terry Horan’s crew had Glenn’s [Caruso] boys beaten until they lost their discipline in the last 30 seconds of play falling 23-20. The regular season finale in Moorhead on November 12th looks to be a “slobberknocker” (technical term). Concordia only completed two passes against UST all day and one was on a hook ’n ladder play on a 4th and 23 in the last minute of play. We will need our entire defense healthy to deal with the Cobbers’ triple option attack. PASS is a four letter dirty word in Cobberville! Thanks for your great writing each week during the season. Best, — Scott
(Editor’s Abstract Reasoning: Yes, the Cobbers caught everyone’s attention, particularly that of the Tommies and Caruso. Concordia played a helluva game and even fathead Glenn admitted in post-game comments he was out-coached. But here’s how I explain why this near-upset almost happened:
First, the Cobbers lost a non-conference game to a low-ranked North Dakota team (Jamestown) that they’ve always clobbered in years past. Second, Concordia barely got past Bethel, 21-13 on September 17. Then they had their bye week, before beating the so-so Gusties 42-21 on October 1.
Third, in the meantime the Tommies took it to St. John’s 33-21 on September 24, then saw how SJU decidedly manhandled Bethel 42-21. Therefore UST figured — and probably with good cause — that they would have a bit of a laugher up in Moorhead last Saturday. I know I did.
So — Fourth — the Toms took the Cobbers for granted and almost paid dearly for it. I’m not demeaning Concordia. They played their hearts out and actually had UST on the ropes; they deserved the victory. The Tommies were incredibly lucky to win and I hope they have the humility to recognize that. I said last week that the Cobbers annually are one of the teams to beat, especially up in frigid, windy, inhospitable Fargo-Moorhead in November. It’s just that, in my opinion, St. Thomas played flat-footed and emotionally uninspired football while Concordia played over their heads. Will our game with the Cobbers be easy? Nope. Will we be caught flat-footed and play uninspired like the Tommies? Also nope. Will we beat the Cobbers? That’s why they play the game.)
* * * *
The Deputy Knight —
The sheriff of Rice County was looking for a deputy-in-training, so a young Carleton alum still living in Northfield went in to try out for the job. The sheriff had dealt with many smart-alecky Carleton College kids in the past and thought he’d screen this applicant out pretty quickly.
"Okay," the sheriff drawled, "what is 1 and 1?"
"Eleven," replied the Knight smugly.
The sheriff thought to himself, "That's not what I meant, but he's right."
Then he said, "What two days of the week start with the letter 'T'?"
Our Knight replied with a smile, "Today and tomorrow."
He was again surprised that the Carleton grad supplied a correct answer that he had never thought of himself.
"Now, listen carefully: Who killed Abraham Lincoln?" asked the sheriff.
The Carleton grad looked a little surprised himself, then thought really hard for a minute and finally admitted, "I don't know."
"Well, why don't you go home and work on that one for a while?" said the sheriff, thinking he’d ridded himself of further interviewing this candidate.
So, the Knight wandered over to J. Grundy’s Rueb ’N Stein where his pals were waiting to hear the results of the interview.
Our Carleton grad was exultant. "It went great! My first day on the job and I'm already working on a murder case!"
* * * *
Augsburg Game Reports —
From GoJohnnies.com:
From Frank Rajkowski, St. Cloud Times:
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Live Streaming Audio and Video for the Carleton Game—
The audio stream can be heard from St. John’s beginning at 11 am CDT here:
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csbsju/
Carleton College will be producing the live video streaming at 12:50 pm CDT here:
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csbsju/ (which means that you’ll either need a radio nearby so you can hear Mark and Bryan’s game coverage while you watch the action…or set up two computers: one for the video broadcast and the other to live stream Mark and Bryan’s audio.)
Johnnie Radio Network —
660 AM - WBHR, central Minnesota; 740 AM - WDGY, Twin Cities; 1170 AM - KOWZ, southern Minnesota.
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A Little About the Carleton Knights —
Carleton College is celebrating its sesquicentennial this year, it being founded 150 years ago in 1866 by the Congregational Church. Located in picturesque Northfield, MN, the college began existence as “Northfield College.” It was renamed in 1871 in honor of William Carleton of Charlestown, MA who was an early and generous supporter. Beginning in 1916 and lasting for about 40 years Carleton College had an agreement with the Baptist Convention and Episcopalians to adopt the college as their “Christian” college, but finally the Baptist fundamentalists severed the connection. Today, although a non-denominational institution, a wide variety of faiths are represented at Carleton. The college chaplain and associate chaplains host weekly worship services and special religious holiday celebrations representing numerous faiths, and serve as resources for student religious groups of all faiths.
Currently the college has a bit more than 2,000 undergraduates enrolled; it is one of the few liberal arts college that still runs on the trimester system. The college, located 45 minutes south of the Twin Cities, has been and continues to be recognized as a top-ranked liberal arts institution in the nation. It is very selective, accepting about 20% of its applicants. Carleton has a strong history of enrolling students who are in the National Merit Scholarship Program, often enrolling more than any other liberal arts college in the nation. Its Class of 2016 included 79 National Merit Scholars. It is pretty closely divided between men and women and is almost 25% domestic students of color.
Carleton was a founding member of the MIAC in 1920, but left in 1925, re-joining the conference in 1983. The athletic department sponsors 18 teams, nine each for men and women. The school adopted “Knights” as varsity sports teams name in 1950. All students must take physical education or athletic classes to fulfill general education requirements.
Besides its reputation for attracting serious students, it has been an activist campus, a leader in racial, gender, sexuality and cultural diversity, with international outreach going way back, and any number of other firsts, such as the first college to own and operate its own wind turbine and now, with a second one, they provide more than 60% of campus power. Best of all, from my perspective, they are the quirkiest college in Minnesota with long-running pranks, gags, campus in-jokes and other fun/odd happenings held in high esteem there.
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The Knight’s Big Sales Presentation —
Preparing for the most important presentation of his life since his graduation from Carleton College, a young sales rep went to a psychiatrist to find help for his increasing nervousness and self-doubt.
"I'll implant a hypnotic suggestion in your mind," said the shrink. "Just say 'one-two-three,' and you'll give the presentation of your life. However, do not say 'one-two-three-four,' because it will cause you to freeze up and make a fool of yourself."
The kid from Carleton was ecstatic. He tried it at home and gave a fabulous presentation. He tried it at work for the rest of the sales team, and got a standing ovation. Then came the big day. Everything was set up in the boardroom and the CEO signaled him to start. The Knight whispered under his breath, "One-two-three."
Then the CEO asked, "What did you say 'one-two-three' for?"
* * * *
2016 SJU Football Schedule
(All games begin at 1 pm)
Sept. 3 St. Scholastica Collegeville W 49-7
Sept. 10 Buena Vista Univ. Storm Lake, IA W 40-17
Sept. 17 St. Olaf - Homecoming Collegeville W 44-0
Sept. 24 St. Thomas Collegeville L 21-33
Oct. 1 Bethel Arden Hills W 42-21
Oct. 8 Augsburg Minneapolis W 49-0
Oct. 15 Carleton - Fam Wknd Collegeville
Oct. 22 Gustavus St. Peter
Oct. 29 Bye Week —
Nov. 5 Hamline Collegeville
Nov. 12 Concordia Moorhead
* * * *
Around the MIAC —
St. Thomas 23 - Concordia 20 — Yikes! How close can one team get to winning and another to losing and then have the situation switch so suddenly? Watch this:
d3football.com Play of the Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U0QV8WFGx4
Bethel 56 - Carleton 8 — Poor Carleton felt the Royals’ wrath and frustration from the beating they took from SJU the previous week.
Hamline 34 - St. Olaf 16 — This result seems fitting and proper since the Pipers are about twice as good as the Oles.
Saint John’s 49 - Augsburg 0 — The Johnnies looked completely on top of their game in the first and fourth quarters; in between, maybe not so much on offense…but our patchwork defense held firm throughout the game.
* * * *
MIAC Standings, Week 4 —
MIAC ALL
St. Thomas 4-0 6-0
Saint John’s 3-1 5-1
Concordia 2-1 3-2
Hamline 2-1 4-1
Bethel 2-2 2-4
Gustavus 1-2 3-2
Augsburg 1-3 1-5
Carleton 1-3 1-5
St. Olaf 0-3 1-4
* * * *
Who’s Playing Whom This Week? —
Hamline versus Concordia — Concordia will roll, not pass, over the Pipers by four TDs at least.
Carleton versus Saint John’s — The Knights should be given props for continuing to stay in the conference. Will SJU hit 50 points for the first time this season?
Gustavus versus Bethel — We have to take Bethel here…by how much will be of interest since we play at Gustavus the following week.
Augsburg versus St. Olaf — The Auggies should take this in a pretty close contest and avoid the race to the MIAC bottom.
The Tommies enjoy a bye week to heal up their two big guns in the backfield who are ailing. And then the next week they get to play Hamline at home…O whoopee ding!
* * * *
Div. III Provides Loads Of Fun…At Least Last Weekend —
(Excerpted from a D3football.com column by Adam Turer)
Are we having fun yet?
In the span of about 15 real time minutes on Saturday afternoon, UW-Whitewater came from behind to close out UW-Oshkosh in a battle of top five teams; St. Thomas gave up what looked to be a miracle, then responded with an improbable comeback of its own to remain undefeated; and Washington and Jefferson out-dueled Carnegie Mellon for a wild 55-52 double overtime win...
...The WIAC continues to deliver great games between great teams. I have a feeling we will look back on the 2016 WIAC as quite possibly the strongest D-III football conference we have seen in a very, very long time, maybe ever. Another top ten matchup delivered, as No. 2 UW-Whitewater rallied for a 17-14 win over No. 5 UW-Oshkosh. The Warhawks scored the go-ahead touchdown with under a minute to play. The 17,535 people on hand to watch the game set a record for largest recorded crowd in D-III football history. They were justly rewarded.
(WIAC has three teams — Whitewater, Oshkosh and Platteville — in the Top Ten in the US, plus Stevens Point receiving some votes.)
http://www.d3football.com/top25/2016/week6
(Note votes for Concordia after its strong showing.)
* * * *
Halloween at the La Playette - A Preview —
(Two pre-holiday quickies sent in by Tommy Cebulla ’58, Andover, MN)
These four vampires walk into the La Playette on Halloween. The bartender asks for their order, and the first vampire asks for a bottle of blood. The second vampire also orders a bottle of blood, as does the third. But the fourth vampire orders a bottle of plasma.
Then the barkeep says, “OK, let’s see if I got this right... That’s three bloods and a blood light.”
* *
This skeleton walks into the La and orders a beer…and a mop.
* * * *
The Football Whisperer —
The SJU golf ‘team’ is now at the top of the MIAC. On Monday, the ‘team’ took the MIAC Championship honors at Bunker Hills golf course in Coon Rapids. Wes Dickhaus (Sr), Mack Farley (Sr), Ryan Gallagher (Sr), Austin Kottke (Jr) and Sam Olson (Jr) played three days as a ‘team’. When one player was down, another player picked it up.
The Whisperer watched and walked with the golfers, coaches (Bob Alpers, Casey Vangsness) and supporters (parents and friends) on Monday. Golf at the college level is both a team and individual sport. Much of the day is spent without contact with other players, relying on your own wits and, if you are lucky, having support from coaches, friends, and loved ones. All five golfers had loved ones there and the Whisperer made sure each and every one knew how honored SJU is to have their loved ones playing for SJU. On Saturday, the entire ‘team’, including non-championship players were there to support the participants. That was a first for the SJU team. Individually, Sam Olson finished first and Ryan Gallagher finished second. That is the first time SJU players took the top two spots. Four of the players finished in the top 10. As champions, the SJU team gets an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III championship to be played next spring in Florida at Howey-in-the-Hills, Mission Inn Resort.
The Whisperer may be out there all alone [on this football-related comment] but what the heck. I believe our play at Augsburg was the best effort we have put forth in maybe five years, maybe longer. The defensive play was aggressive, some younger players really came on strong. The communication amongst the players and coaches was the best I have seen. Offensively, we played hard and took advantage of Augsburg’s weak areas. The special teams were really strong. The Whisperer tries to read between the emotions and feels the vibes were really good. What was really important and fun was to see many of our players get some more needed experience and have fun doing it. You could see it on the bench after every series. You probably noticed I did not mention any names of star players. This was a real ‘team’ effort. Players and coaches were at their best.
Now we need to carry this play into the Carleton game, come out of it with a win and without injuries. More experience and a fun game for the players and fans is the objective.
The ‘Purple Reign’ (teams with purple colors) continues. The top four teams in Division III (Mount Union, UW-Whitewater, Mary Hardin-Baylor and St. Thomas (UST)) all won their games. UW-Whitewater and UST won in the last minute. A new Division III single game attendance record was set on Saturday, 17,535: UW-Oshkosh at UW-Whitewater.
* * * *
Practice: Living Simply —
By Fr. Richard Rohr O.F.M. (the Franciscans) —
(Forwarded by Sister Lois Wedl OSB, St. Benedict’s Monastery, and Marilee Giere, friend from St. Cecilia’s Parish)
We discover simplicity in the silence of contemplative prayer. As we let go of thought and sensation, we reconnect with our Center, our source of abundance and enoughness. I invite you to consider ways beyond your contemplative practice in which you can live more simply. Quaker teacher Richard Foster suggests ten principles for expressing simplicity outwardly. Here’s his list in my words:
1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status or prestige.
2. Learn the difference between a real need and an addiction. Then find support and accountability to regain “sobriety,” freedom from addiction.
3. Develop a habit of giving things away.
4. Avoid unnecessary and short-lived technological gadgets that promise to “save time.”
5. Enjoy things without owning them. For example, take advantage of public libraries and parks.
6. Nurture awe and appreciation for nature. Spend more time outdoors!
7. Get out—and stay out—of debt.
8. Use plain, honest speech. Say what you mean and keep your commitments.
9. Reject anything that oppresses others. For example, buy Fair Trade products.
10. Seek God’s kingdom of love and justice foremost. If anything distracts you from that purpose, let it go.
Gateway to Silence: Live simply so that others may simply live.
* * * *
Bits & Pieces —
#1. Second Notice: Johnnie Fan Tailgate At Concordia —
Alumni fans are organizing a tailgating social starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday until game time at 1 p.m. The gathering will be held in the grass parking lot adjacent to Jake Christianson Stadium. We will have some spaces reserved along the baseball field fence. Look for the Johnnie Flag. Several grills will be provided, so bring food as well as refreshments.
Date: Saturday, November 12
Time: 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Outside Jake Christianson Stadium, Concordia College, Moorhead MN
(Editor’s Further Pronouncement: This will be a HUGE game, so plan to be there in support of our team.)
* *
#2. Second Notice: John Gagliardi’s 90th Birthday —
John G. turns 90 on Nov.1. Let’s see how many cards we can get to him at 16446 Jasmine Court, Cold Spring, MN 56320.
Get your card NOW, address it and get it in the mail no later than Friday, October 28.
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#3. Second Notice: Dedication of Gagliardi Field on Saturday, Nov. 5 —
Johnnie fans – Please join us as we honor legendary Hall of Fame football coach, John Gagliardi.
The dedication of Gagliardi Field at Saint John’s University is set for Saturday, November 5. The ceremony will take place at 11:30 am, just prior to the Johnnie football game against Hamline.
Gagliardi Field is located at the site of the old football practice field – a place where John spent most of his coaching career. This multi-purpose athletic facility, which features an artificial turf field and a seasonal dome, will serve as a football practice field as well as an athletic field for other varsity, club, intramural and recreational sports, such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse, rugby and ultimate Frisbee. It will also feature an indoor golf learning center that has been named after our Hall of Fame golf coach, Bob Alpers ’82.
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#4. First and Only Notice: Collegeville Colors
If you're looking for a great outdoor family event, join Saint John's “Outdoor University” for Collegeville Colors in the Abbey Arboretum from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 at Saint John's Abbey and University. Registration will be near Saint John's Preparatory School.
Attendees are invited to walk a three-mile loop on the Arboretum's Chapel Trail while enjoying various activities and presenters along the way. If you have youngsters that are not up for the full loop, join them on the shorter "Kids' Loop" near the Preparatory School. Some of the trail activities and presenters included are: Johnnie Blend, a cappella group; community painting and poem; folk musicians; classical musicians; Minnesota Herpetological Society; wool felting demonstration; kids' scavenger hunt; St. John's Boys' Choir; and slackline demonstrations. There will also be a bonfire with music, lawn games and light refreshments. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of Collegeville Colors, where art and nature invite you for a walk.
The cost for Outdoor University members are $3 pre-registered and $4 the day of the event; children of members (ages 17 and under) are admitted free. The non-member fee is $6 pre-registered and $7 the day of the event; children of non-members (ages 4-17) are $3 pre-registered and $4 the day of the event, with children ages 3 and under admitted free.
Pre-register by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, to receive the discount. Call 320-363-3163 or visit the Outdoor University website for more information and to register. The event is entirely outdoors — rain or shine. Dress for the weather and please leave pets and bikes at home.
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CSB-SJU Career Counseling Corner —
Understanding The Job Market
If you're in the job market right now you might want to familiarize yourself with the Human Resources Lingo...
"COMPETITIVE SALARY"
We remain competitive by paying less than our competitors.
"JOIN OUR FAST-PACED COMPANY"
We have no time to train you.
"CASUAL WORK ATMOSPHERE"
We don't pay enough to expect that you'll dress up.
"MUST BE DEADLINE-ORIENTED"
You'll be six months behind schedule on your first day.
"SOME OVERTIME REQUIRED"
Some time each night and some time each weekend.
"DUTIES WILL VARY"
Anyone in the office can boss you around.
"MUST HAVE AN EYE FOR DETAIL"
We have no quality control.
"APPLY IN PERSON"
If you're old, fat or ugly you'll be told the position has been filled.
"NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE"
We've filled the job; our call for resumes is just a legal formality.
"SEEKING CANDIDATES WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPERIENCE"
You'll need it to replace three people who just left.
"PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS A MUST"
You're walking into a company in perpetual chaos.
"REQUIRES TEAM LEADERSHIP SKILLS"
You'll have the responsibilities of a manager, without the pay or respect.
"GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS"
Management communicates, you listen, figure out what they want and do it.
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The Frugal Tommies —
There were two recent graduates of the University of St. Thomas who married shortly after their senior year. Neither one was able to find a very good paying job and they seemed to be chronically hurting for money due to their lifestyle spending.
Alarmed at their irresponsibility, one of their parents paid for a financial manager to review their situation and put them on a pretty strict budget. The consultant drew up a common sense plan that mainly called for watching every-day expenses and cutting whenever possible. The Tommie couple said they would really concentrate on doing that.
One day shortly after that meeting, the UST husband staggered into their apartment, out of breath and completely exhausted.
“What happened, Honey?” asked his wife.
“I had this great idea! Instead of taking the bus home, I ran all the way behind it and saved a buck and a half!”
“What an idiot!“ said our Tommette. “Why didn't you run behind a taxi and save ten bucks?”
(Editor’s Attribution: This was suggested by Conrad Macina, Landing, NJ, who has only been following SJU-CSB for a few newsletters and already he doesn’t care for the Tommies.)
* * * *
DEBITS AND CREDITS WITH BOZ —
(By Boz Bostrom ’95, Associate Professor of Accounting)
A couple weeks ago, I mentioned how frosh offensive lineman Chris Clarkson from Compton, CA brought his goldfish Kevin to class. It was an emotional week for Chris and the rest of us, as when Chris was changing Kevin’s water, Kevin slipped down the drain. Chris says it is “too soon” to decide whether he will replace Kevin.
Speaking of class, I handed back exams today to my first year accounting students. I have 55 of them spread over two classes, and eight of them are football players. But it was actually a football player’s sister who got the high score. Gunnar Anderson’s younger sister Teagan has bragging rights for the next month, until they take exam 2.
It was great fun to watch the guys practice on Gagliardi Field for the first time on Tuesday. They marched through the Palaestra, up the hill, and over the road like the good old days. I was there to witness it and would be lying if I said I didn’t get goosebumps. The first play run on Gagliardi Field was a complete pass from Ben Alvord to accounting major Jarod Streit. The field felt wonderful to walk on, and the guys will practice outside for a few days before the dome goes up late next week. It was pretty fun to chat with the players and explain how I and over a thousand others practiced in that very spot on something called grass. I could tell they appreciate being part of history, and they seemed to enjoy it when I would yell out, “Welcome to the first ever practice on Gagliardi Field, and the first practice in this spot since August of 2002.”
Speaking of history, John Gagliardi watched a chunk of practice from the comfort of Brother Mark Kelly’s pickup truck (picture attached). John’s class kicks off next Thursday — this will be the 63rd year he has taught the class. He relies on me and guest speakers quite a bit now, but still works in plenty of wisdom and laughs.
Great win by the Johnnies over Augsburg, and seeing how far the Auggies have fallen is even more evidence (not that we needed any) of how great Ayrton Scott was. Carleton is worse than Augsburg, but given that it is a home game, we will clear the benches and I will predict a repeat of last week’s 49-0 win.
It should be a fun Family Weekend. My teammate Trent Anderson, 1995, and his family are coming up to stay with us Friday night and then go to the game. The eldest of his four girls is doing a tour of St. Ben’s on Friday. Trent is looking at a price tag of nearly $1 million (including room and board but not including scholarships) if all four of his girls become Bennies. Good thing he is a dentist. High GPAs and ACT scores are critical these days in order to receive a nice scholarship, but I will save that for another time.
* *
(Editor's Recollection: Thanks, Boz. Your tale of the goldfish's sad (but inevitable) passing reminds me of the time as a sophomore I had a roommate for much of the second semester on 2nd Floor Mary. John Fruth '66 of Brainerd came in from a brief senior year stay at Prep School to become a first semester frosh in that second semester. He was a delightful, smart young man and a hell of a wrestler (he was MIAC 130 lb. champ that year). And, as it turned out, he was also married with a new son. [As Fr. Fabian Wegleitner, of Bookstore and Prep theology class fame, used to say, "The first one can come anytime; after that it always takes nine months."] Their parents wouldn't let John and his wife Pam live together until he had finished high school and seriously established himself in college. Toward the end of the semester John was able to move into a St. Cloud basement apartment to begin married life.
Because we were compatible roomies and because he felt sorry for abandoning me, and so I wouldn't be lonely, John bought me a cute little hamster with its own small cage. I can't recall its name, but one of my Biology major classmates, Major Boddicker '64, examined it and proclaimed it to be a "her." My good friend Tom McKasy '60/'64, living on 4th Tommy Short Wing, then decided to get one as well, a bit larger as it turned out. Major determined Tom's to be a male. So that was the start of our "Hamster Ranch," which we advertised around the floor.
Imagine — if you can without cringing — about a dozen 19-year-olds curiously gathered around McKasy's bed as we "introduced" the two would-be partners in our new operation. Much to our collective disappointment, our two hamsters seemed quite disinterested in each other, moving away to explore the far reaches of Tom's bed despite our encouraging and repeated placement of them next to each other. Finally, one by one, our witnesses left for other pursuits and Tom and I decided that the large audience had discouraged romance. So we placed them in Tom's new cage together, covered it with a small towel and decided to let Nature take its course in discrete privacy.
The next morning I came over to collect my furry, hopefully pregnant, companion. Tom and I were shocked to discover that his larger hamster was dead, with nasty gnaw marks on its genitalia. We felt terrible for the loss of life and the early demise of our venture. I don't remember whatever happened to my hamster but, in hindsight, I think the result of our efforts was an ominous foreshadowing of the Women's Lib movement’s worst elements that would follow less than a decade later.)
* * * *
The ‘What’s It All About’?’ Department —
(From Fr. Don Talafous’ in Today’s Reflection)
Two pivots of our faith, as well as that of the Jews, are, one, the fact of God's loving care for us and, two, recalling that in a ritual celebration. The latter in the case of Christians is the Eucharist or Lord's Supper; in the case of the Jews, the Passover feast. As God prepared Moses for his role in the deliverance of his fellow Israelites from slavery, God said: "I am concerned about you and about the way you are being treated; so I have decided to lead you up out of the misery" (Exodus 3:16). That God cares enough to deliver us from misery of whatever form is celebrated yearly in the feast of Passover. Jesus is our Moses, the one who has delivered us from slavery and misery. He says: "Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you" (Matt 11:28).
We recall this invitation at the table of the Lord's Supper: "Do this in memory of me." Clearly, just coming to Mass does not guarantee the end of cancer, the lifting of depression, the settling of family feuding, an end to unfaithfulness. On the other hand, it is clear from Scripture that God is concerned to do something about our problems. Isn't it related to the fact that God is only able to work in us when we are receptive and, further, expect something from God? Why can't we trust in God's help at the same time that we call the doctor, consult the therapist, see the financial consultant and work hard at overcoming our difficulties? God ordinarily works through us, through other human beings.
(Editor’s Note: Interested parties may freely subscribe to Fr. Don’s daily reflections by going here and scrolling down: http://www.saintjohnsabbey.org/your-visit/praying-us/todays-reflection/ )
* * * *
The Carleton Couple —
When Sam, a alum of Carleton College, returned to the house one evening, his wife Sarah, also a graduate of Carleton, announced that the new cleaning woman they had hired had stolen two towels.
"Yeah," said Sam very disinterested, and reclining on the sofa, "that wasn't very nice of her to do."
"You're sure right it wasn't," Sarah insisted. "And they were the two best towels we had... you know the ones we got from the Hilton Hotel while we were on vacation!"
* * * *
From Our Readers —
From Sister Lois Wedl, OSB ’53, St. Benedict’s Monastery —
Great photos and write-up...Darn injuries. — Lois
* *
From Dave Foley ’81, Edina, MN —
Hi Rob, Mike Nentl ‘81 introduced us in the tailgating lot before the St. Olaf game. Thank you for taking down my name and email address and adding me to your UUN distribution list. Its great reading about the Johnnies each week. Keep up the great work. — Dave
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From Drake Dierkhising SJP ’59/SJU ‘63, Sonoma, CA, about the “Beethoven” piece on the wall of the La Playette —
Wick - Look for the munchkin on the wall between the bar & the ball room. It was dedicated to Ted Heimer ‘61, Pat Hendrickson & John Mamer ’63 — I re-donated it back to the LA. — Drake
(Editor’s Comment: We’ll still try for a photo of it one of these days.)
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From Terry Fruth ’60, Minneapolis, MN —
Wick, I heard from Drake Dierkhising in the last week. He reminded me that he, my brother Gary and I worked one summer on the expansion of the La. We lived in St. Joe. The Dierkhisings were our away-from-home family.
My roommate Paul Weber ’60, Bernie's brother, and I performed on Saturdays at the La and we were well paid----cash and credit. We were called the Hill Dillies. We packed them in and our fame spread across Stearns County. We played Billy's Bar in Richmond and other venues----including St. Cloud Catholic Charities’ annual fund raiser where we warmed up for the Lennon Sisters. The concert ended in a near riot when the Lennon Sisters won the drawing for a new Lincoln. I thought it strange that they could participate in a raffle and assumed they were just doing the draw from the hat. Anyway, I told Paul to run, and we got away unscathed. We got no compensation and I thought it strange that the Lawrence Welk stars would do a free show in St. Cloud. The La gave me my start in life----with SJU in close support. — Terry
* *
From Tom Super SJP ’63/SJU ’67, Leesburg, VA —
I'm sure Phil Steger '97 is a fine, intelligent young man, but his identification of Rich Froehle ’65 as a "longtime St. John's groundskeeper" is like identifying Michael Jordan as a "longtime Nike shoe salesman." Someone please tell Phil that Rich Froehle was probably the toughest fullback to ever pull on pads for the SJP and SJU football teams, and was one of the stars on SJU's first national championship team.
(Editor’s Addition: Rich Froehle was indeed all of what Tom’s suggests. Rich was named All-American in 1964 and All-Conference 1963 and 1964. A quiet young man off the field, he was controlled mayhem on the gridiron.)
* *
From Don Coy ’54, St. Louis Park, MN —
Bob, this is one of your very best. Love to get them. — Don
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From John Lohmann ’64, St. Cloud, MN —
Bob, My admiration for you only increases. You do a great job. I hope you and Chris are doing well. Thanks. John
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From Owen and Jan Krueger, grandparents of Dusty, Sonoma, CA —
We're back in the wine country, however, we'll be watching St John's via our computer The support you give does not go unnoticed . Thanks for sharing your newsletter with us. GO JOHNNIES!!!!! — Jan and Owen
* *
From the earthy Suzie Gooding, wife of Bruce ’69, Durham, NC, who identified other Johnnies and Bennies — in addition to Jim ‘64 and Anita Conn — who will be taking the French canal tour with them later this month —
In addition to the Conns, those listed below are the remaining Johnnies and Bennies joining our trip to Normandy and Paris: Steve ’69 and Anne Peters Schneider ’69; Jerry Oberembt ’69; Bill ‘69 and Bernie Farmer; and Bruce ‘69 and Suzie Gooding. Sadly, terrorism has taken hold and several people cancelled their cruise/tour. Thanks so much for your interest, Mr. W! — Earthy
* * * *
The Old College Try —
Alex is a Johnnie senior who was invited to an Italian-themed dinner party over at some St. Ben’s friends’ on-campus apartment last weekend, and he was asked to bring the dessert. Since he was neither a big dessert eater nor a cook, and a member of the football team to boot, he did not have the time nor the expertise to make something to feed 12 people.
To overcome this problem, Alex bought a large cake at Coburn’s and had the store write MADE IN ITALY in icing.
* * * *
From Dave Wendt ’63, Edina, MN —
Bob, Thanks for continuing your tremendous UUN tradition. I was pleased to see you and Chris at the Fr. Walter Reger Dinner honoring Wayne Hergott [’57]. My recent marriage, honeymoon and several hunting trips have required me to follow SJU
FOOTBALL on the internet. Great job of keeping us travelers informed. Thanks again. — Dave
* *
From Nellie Klein ’60, St. Cloud —
Got a message from [a Tommy player friend of the family] after the St. Thomas game with Concordia. Said it was the most bizarre game he's ever played in! We listened to the 4th quarter of the Tommie game as the Johnnies were doing so well. Unbelievable turn-around with 27 seconds left!! Oh my! Cobbers had it if a player would have just fallen down with the ball after a play! [Our friend] did say the Cobbers are for real and the Johnnies better be ready to play them. They are strong, fast, smart and big! All positions are handled by very well-coached players. — Nell
* *
From Marilee Giere, St. Ceciia’s Parish, St. Paul —
Rob, I was talking to Scott Springman [’95] at church. He and all of his brothers went to St. John's. So I just forwarded him your latest newsletter. Here is his e-mail. Take Care. — Marilee
(Editor’s Gentle Correction: I learned in speaking with Scott (and his Tommie wife, Julie) last night at St. C’s that none of his brothers went to SJU but he has a nephew who recently graduated. I also met Bill Vitt ’87 wearing a St. John’s sweatshirt at church last evening; he said he receives the UUN thanks to our late, great Official UUN Subscriptions Manager, Joe Pilon ’62/’66.
In conversation with Scott I learned he was the manager for the basketball team under Jim Smith, recently retired legendary B-Ball coach. He recalled one of Jim’s favorite stories of when SJU was hosting St. Thomas at a jam-packed game at old Rat Hall. There were so many people crammed into the old gym that fans were standing up in the last row of the bleachers, partially blocking the scoreboard. The St. Thomas coach, a pretty notorious hothead, was perturbed at not being able to clearly see it so he angrily summoned the ref over and loudly complained about the situation, adding that, “I can’t even see the score!” The ref walked onto the court, craned his neck to view the scoreboard, and returned to the coach and said, “We’re ahead by five.”)
* *
From Ed Vogt ’65, Walnut Creek, CA —
Hi Bob, I just read your recent news/sports letter and was ed-ified. You have the airy air of the sportswriter, so I wondered if you had ever thought of doing such a thing in your earlier years. [Nope.] We in the Bay area had Charles McCabe years ago, who started out sports writing and then became a regular well-known topical columnist for the SF Chronicle. He regularly got his Irish dander up, and was quite a storyteller.
Keep up the good work. You have given the lie to those who claim that a large pizza is more to be admired than an English major. All best, — Ed
(Editor’s Reply: Might depend upon what kind of pizza, don’t you think?)
* * * *
From Tommy Cebulla ’58, Andover, MN —
Re Father Emil Kapaun: I have not seen this before. Why hasn't it been publicized by the mainstream media? This is amazing...so well done:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/AZuPrQBSDCs (5 minute video)
(Editor’s Note: His is an amazing story of selflessness and trust in God. Actually Fr. Kapaun’s [pronounced KAY-puhn] story has been told over the years and just three years ago President Obama awarded him the Medal of Honor for his bravery and self-sacrifice in Korea. Here is a summary of the actions that have led him to be considered for sainthood: http://www.roman-catholic-saints.com/father-kapaun.html )
* * * *
Battle of the Sexes (A Continuing Series) —
A Double Booking Problem
(Contributed by Mike Murphy ’61, St. Paul, MN)
A buddy of mine has two tickets for the 2017 Super Bowl. Box seats plus airfares, accommodations, etc. But he didn't realize when he bought them that this is going to be on the same day as his wedding — so he can't go.
If you're interested and want to go in his place, it’s at St. Peter's Church, in New York City, at 5 pm. Her name's Sara. She's 5'4", about 125 lbs, good cook, makes $130,000 a year! She will be the one in the white dress.
* * * *
THE FINAL WORD —
What’s In A Name, Anyway?
(Contributed by Jim Conn ’64, Alexandria, MN)
An Arizona Highway Patrol officer stops a Harley for traveling faster than the posted speed limit, so he asks the biker his name.
'Fred,' he replies.
'Fred what?' the officer asks.
'Just Fred,' the man responds.
The officer is in a good mood, thinks he might just give the biker a break, and writes him out a warning instead of a ticket. The officer then presses him for the last name. The man tells him that he used to have a last name but lost it.
The officer thinks that he has a nut case on his hands but plays along with it. 'Tell me, Fred, how did you lose your last name?'
The biker replies, 'It's a long story, so stay with me.' I was born Fred Johnson. I studied hard and got good grades. When I got older, I realized that I wanted to be a doctor. I went through college, medical school, internship, residency, and finally got my degree, so I was Fred Johnson, MD. After a while I got bored being a doctor, so I decided to go back to school. Dentistry was my dream! Got all the way through School, got my degree, so then I was Fred Johnson, MD, DDS. Got bored doing dentistry, so I started fooling around with my assistant and she gave me VD, so now I was Fred Johnson, MD, DDS, with VD.
Well, the ADA found out about the VD, so they took away my DDS. Then I was Fred Johnson, MD, with VD.
Then the AMA found out about the ADA taking away my DDS because of the VD, so they took away my MD leaving me as Fred Johnson with VD.
Then the VD took away my Johnson, so now I am Just Fred.'
* * * *
This is good…Number 9 is out the door even if I’m running late. But I leave you with this:
G O J O H N N I E S ! ! Say Knight-Knight to Carleton (Or something like that.)
* * * *
Respectfully submitted,
Rob/Bob/Wick/Theo Wicker SJP ’60/SJU ’64, St. Paul, MN
651-699-4697; theowick@aol.com
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