UN #13-16
Dear Faithful Red —
I’m about 12 hours late in getting this issue out today, sorry — it contains some information for lodging and entertainment choices for the upcoming B-I-G game at Concordia this Saturday and it would be nice for you to have some time to make arrangements if, after determining that the weather looks pretty darn good for mid-November in Fargo-Moorhead and you want to check out the Jays’ final regular season performance, you decide to book a room either for Friday or Saturday nights (or both). Therefore I’ll have to pass on relating all my adventures up at St. John’s last weekend except in broadest terms.
And speaking of that weather, what I’m seeing now is a clear, sunny day Saturday with temps in the mid-to-high 50s but with a stiff near-20 mph wind from the SSW, which is certainly better than a wind of similar velocity coming at you from the NNW. Chris ran into Fr. Eric Hollas in the President’s Suite and he told her to bring blankets — that the wind is a killer, even in milder weather. I heard pretty much the same thing from Max Stein ‘04 out at the tailgate before the game, which we won by the way, 42 to 6 over hapless Hamline. I should say “hapless” only in that the feisty Pipers had the misfortune to run into the SJU defense near at the top of its game and which held the normally active Pipers to minus 40 yards rushing and only 94 yards total offense. That they scored on us at all was, like recent games, due to offensive or special teams fumbles and not defensive weakness. We really should have had four shut-out games in a row.
Offensively Jackson Erdmann started at quarterback for the first time since his concussion and it wasn’t a pretty debut, at least for awhile when he began at 0-5 passing. He played for the first half and left the game with us winning by a tepid 14-6. It certainly wasn’t all his fault — the entire offense looked balky, rusty and uninspired, committing penalties and other mental errors. Yet, despite that, junior Dusty Krueger scored two TDs in the first quarter, one by a short run (See photo #1) and the other by a 34-yard pass into the end zone by Erdmann. Ben Alvord played the second half and the team — no doubt after a tongue-lashing by their coach — came out on fire. Krueger scored two more TDs — a 50-yard run and another short run later — to account for four of our six scores.
Up in the suite, several of us were wondering, quite vocally it would seem, why sophomore tight end Jared Streit was not seeing more action — he’s a game changer and potential All-American but he, and our other excellent sophomore tight end Tommy Auger, only see one or two opportunities to touch the ball per game. Maybe they’re being saved as secret weapons. Also up in the suite, Bernie Weber ’63/’67 was modeling his new red T-shirt (See photos #2 & #3), which touts Boz Bostrom’s ‘95 new book, “A Legacy Unrivaled,” and (on the back side) graphically lays out SJU’s dominance over the hated Tommies during John Gagliardi’s 60 years at the Johnnies’ helm. Before the game I took in the dedication of Gagliardi Field but, because of better coverage below and in the interest of time, I’ll pass on that.
Just a very quick word on Concordia. They’ve come on very strongly since a lukewarm start and share second place in the MIAC win us. Whoever wins this game will no doubt receive an invite to the Div. III play-offs. Since almost beating (and really, they should have) the over-confident Tommies, the Cobbers have received a lot of respect. Our game will be hard, but I’m thinking just a little harder than our game with Bethel, and we ended up handling them pretty well. Two caveats: first, we absolutely, positively cannot play as loose with the ball, especially on special teams, as we have the past few games; and second, we have to play hard for the entire game…sometimes we get up fairly easily and the guys sort of slack off, allowing some pesky quick scores. Concordia’s too good to give them a lifeline like that. Oh, yes, and we have to end the dumb penalties, those momentum killers. Otherwise I think we can take them, maybe handily.
* * * *
The Cobber Handyman —
A Concordia alumnus started a small business in Moorhead doing handyman projects around town. A homeowner near the campus saw his flyer and thought he’d try him out on some exterior painting.
Later the homeowner was delighted with the way the Cobber alum had done all the work on his house. "You did a great job." he said and handed the man a check. "Also, as a bonus, here's an extra $100 to take the missus out to dinner and a movie."
Later that night, the doorbell rang and it was the Concordia guy. "What's the matter," asked the homeowner, "Did you forget something?"
"Nope." replied our Cobber. "I'm just here to take your missus out to dinner and a movie like you asked."
* * * *
Hamline Game Reports —
From GoJohnnies.com:
From Frank Rajkowski, St. Cloud Times:
* * * *
Live Streaming Audio and Video for the Concordia Game —
The audio stream can be heard from St. John’s beginning at 11 am CDT here:
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csbsju/
Concordia will be producing the live video streaming at approximately 12:55 pm CDT here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/concordia-college
(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.
* * * *
A Little About Concordia College of Moorhead —
Concordia College is a private college located in Moorhead, MN, across the Red River from Fargo, ND. Founded by Norwegian settlers in 1891, the school is associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is a liberal arts college from the Lutheran theological tradition. Early in its history the fledgling school was affiliated with St. Olaf College, another Norwegian Lutheran College. Today Concordia has a total student enrollment of near 2,550 who come from 38 states and 26 countries and represent 39 religions and denominations. It offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music and Master of Education degrees.
Since Concordia was founded, it has articulated a Christian and global curriculum. Students are required to take courses in health, communication, religion, and culture. The university maintains athletic teams in 22 sports and carries at least 17 music ensembles: five choirs, three bands, two orchestras, three jazz ensembles, two percussion ensembles, and two handbell choirs.
The college offers four global education programs and offers instruction in nine languages. Moreover, students are permitted to study at two neighboring universities, Minnesota State University-Moorhead (Moorhead State) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) for course credit to their degrees. All those students running around the two towns numbers to about 30,000, enriching the social, sporting, arts and entertainment life of the 200,000 souls of the two cities.
As noted, Concordia offers participation in 22 sports to about 800 student-athletes. While they usually rank fairly high in MIAC competition in most sports, over the years Concordia has developed a strong tradition in winning football, beginning with legendary coach and athletic director Jake Christiansen (in whose namesake stadium we will meet the Cobbers this Saturday) who coached the team to five conference championships over his 28-year career. One of Jake’s former students, Jim Christopherson, took over coaching in 1969 and led the team to nine conference titles and two national championships. Both coaches have been inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame. Continuing that fine tradition is current coach Terry Horan, himself a graduate of Concordia in 1989. Horan was an All-American while playing at Concordia from 1985 to 1988. He still holds the school record for most touchdowns in a single season as well as reception, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns for a career. He also is the second all-time scoring leader for the Cobbers. He was a three-time All-MIAC performer and garnered All-American status in his senior year. Horan was also an All-MIAC baseball player in 1989.
Terry is entering his 16th season as coach and has a most reputable 67.3% winning record. In 2007, Horan became the first coach in school history to win 50 games in the first seven seasons as head coach. He was also the fastest coach in program history to eclipse the 40-win mark in conference games. That win record was fueled by helping guide the Cobbers to the MIAC championship in 2004 and back-to-back NCAA playoff appearances in 2004 and 2005 — the first time any Cobber football team has ever achieved back-to-back playoff appearances. Notice all this ink I’m giving him? That’s because Horan’s a real standup, humble, successful guy, like our own Gary Fasching and unlike that Summit Avenue fella we love to hate.
Finally, a word about the nickname Cobbers. It began as the “Corncobs” catcall slur given to the “Norwegian country” Concordia College outside of town by the “Swedish city” Hope Academy within Moorhead proper. While Hope Academy no longer exists, the nickname does, morphed to Cobbers. Attached is a picture of the Concordia mascot, Kernel Cobb, the Cobber (See photo #4).
* * * *
A Cobber Political Protest —
A young ventriloquist is touring on the college circuit and puts on a show at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. With his dummy on his knee, he starts going through his usual dumb Norwegian women jokes.
Suddenly, a Concordia co-ed in the fourth row stands on her chair and starts shouting, "I've heard enough of your stupid Norwegian jokes. What makes you think you can stereotype Norwegian women that way? What does the national background have to do with her worth as a human being? It’s people like you who keep women like me from being respected at work and in the community, and from reaching our full potential as people. It’s people like you that make others think that all Norwegians are dumb! You and your kind continue to perpetuate discrimination against not only Norwegians, but women in general, pathetically all in the name of humor!”
The embarrassed ventriloquist begins to apologize, and the Cobber interrupts yelling, "You stay out of this! I'm talking to that little sh*t on your lap."
* * * *
Road Trip/Tailgate For The Concordia Game
From information complied by player parent Robyn Sitarz and others. We expect a larger than normal crowd of supporters to be with us in Moorhead, based on verbal and email feedback, due to the importance of the game and the relatively mild weather forecast for Saturday.
From Robyn: Right now the forecast looks great for a Johnnie win on Saturday. We have many options for food/drink/lodging etc. Here are some details that I have gathered:
The NDSU Bison have a home game that day at 2:30. For that reason, I avoided checking into Fargo locations.
Game Info: The following link provides access to directions and maps:
http://concordiamn.prestosports.com/visitors/index
Food/Drink before the game:
Brewtus’ Brickhouse Moorhead 935 37th Ave S, Ste 136, Moorhead, Minnesota 56560 Phone: (218) 359-0744
Located in Moorhead, it is close to Concordia. They open at 10:00 and although they don’t officially accept reservations, anyone arriving at 10:00 will be seated in the front area and they will try to seat us as a group. http://brickhousetaverns.com/the-food/
Tailgating:
Alumni and fans are organizing a tailgating social from 9 a.m. 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.
Aaron Hill ’05, co-owner of Fargo Brewing Company and one of our hosts for the alumni-sponsored tailgate, sent us some further information:
Places to Stay:
• Courtyard Marriott Moorhead - very close to Concordia and right on I-94; phone (218)-284-1000; 1080 28th Avenue So., Moorhead
• Radisson - downtown Fargo; phone: (701)-232-7363; 201 Fifth Street North, Fargo
• Ramada (701)-277-9000, Holiday Inn (701)-282-2700, or Hilton (701)-499-6000 in southwest Fargo
• Four Points by Sheraton (701)-364-0000 or Element Fargo (701)-478-5333 in West Fargo
• Days Inn Moorhead - (218)-287-7100; 600 30th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560
• AmericInn Lodge & Suites - (701) 234-9946; 1423 38th St SW, Fargo
Places to Eat/Drink/Be Merry:
• Fargo Brewing Taproom - (Hours: Friday 4pm to 10 pm; Saturday 12 to 10 pm.) 610 North University Drive (7th and University Dr. N.); (701) 478-2337
• Fargo Brewing Alehouse - (Hours: Friday and Saturday 11 am to midnight) Prairie Stone Center at 4445 17th Ave. S. South Fargo; (701) 205-4188
• Blvd Pub in West Fargo - owned by a Johnnie and Bennie (among a few others); 3147 Bluestem Drive; 701-552-7798
• Mick’s Office - College dive bar popular for low prices and “unique” atmosphere; 10 8th St. S., Moorhead; (218) 233-2295
Brickhouse Tavern in Moorhead - close to Concordia
Rustica in Moorhead - they have a “dining room” side which is more expensive or the “Tavern” side with really good pizza (family friendly too)
Downtown Fargo: Toasted Frog, Wurst Bier Hall or Boiler Room
South and West Fargo: Doolittle’s, Porter Creek, Brickhouse Tavern in Fargo
* * * *
Here are Some Meditations on Golf —
(from a much, much longer list)
- If you really want to get better at golf, go back and take it up at a much earlier age.
- The game of golf is 90% mental and 10% mental.
- Since bad shots come in groups of three, a fourth bad shot is actually the beginning of the next group of three.
- No matter how bad you are playing, it is always possible to play worse.
- Golfers who claim they don't cheat also lie.
- A golf match is a test of your skill against your opponents luck.
- Counting on your opponent to inform you when he breaks a rule is like expecting him to make fun of his own haircut.
- Every time a golfer makes a birdie, he must subsequently make two triple bogeys to restore the fundamental equilibrium of the universe.
- Hazards attract, fairways repel.
- A ball you can see in the rough from 50 yards away is not yours.
- If there is a ball in the fringe and a ball in the bunker, your ball is in the bunker. If both balls are in the bunker, yours is in the footprint.
- Don’t buy a putter until you've had a chance to throw it.
* * * *
The Football Whisperer —
Saturday started with the dedication of the Gagliardi Field. Family, friends, alumni, fans and administration surrounded John Gagliardi to celebrate the creation of a great new facility for SJU. Tom ’59 and Judy Love sat next to John and Peggy. Tom attended SJU in the 50’s and played football for a short time before leaving SJU. Over the years, he has continued to show his ‘love’ for John and the campus. The Whisperer always stops at the Love Travel Stops when driving to Arizona on scouting trips. The new field and dome far-exceeded the expectations of everyone in attendance.
You have to see the entrance to the field/dome which recognizes contributors, the Gagliardi family and some really great historical narrative and pictures. (See photo #5)
The entrance to the Alpers Golf Leaning Center is just off to the left before you enter the dome. Hitting stations, putting green, lockers and displays are yet to be installed. A dedication for the golf facility will be held as soon as the interior is completed. The dome will also be used by the golf team. The hitting net is up and shots up to 60 yards can be hit.
If you get up to campus, make sure you see the Gagliardi field/dome, the entrance, the golf facility, the soccer field, baseball complex, tennis courts and new track field events area.
SJU defeats the Hamline Pipers to capture the Golden Rat. At the start of the first half numerous groups were not in attendance. Many students, excited fans, special teams and the offense just were not there physically (attendance 4,112), mentally and/or emotionally. The Pipers were in the ballgame trailing only by a score of 14-6 at halftime. The second half was a different story. The SJU teams execution and emotions changed immediately as Ben Alvord (QB #14, So) led the offense down the field to score four touchdowns and the defense had another great game, allowing the Pipers 94 yards in offense including a minus 40 yards rushing. I’m sure a combination of factors (small crowd, bye week, few students in attendance, warm sunny day, deer hunting opener, etc.) led to the slow start. The second half of football must carry over to Moorhead as SJU takes on the Concordia Cobbers.
There is absolutely no secret what Concordia’s game plan will be on Saturday. Strong defense and run, run and run the ball. They have rushed for 277 yards per game and held their opponents to 77 yards per game. Their leading rushers are Johnson (#21, Jr) 710 yards, Herzog (QB, #9, Jr) 598 yards, Montonye (#4, Jr) 456 yards, Ringquist (#11, Jr) 305 yards. QB Herzog has a 52.9 passing completion %. Their focus is on the run and stopping the run. SJU will have to run enough to make the passing game effective and the defense will have to force the Cobbers to pass by stopping the run. The winning formula is simple: keep the run under control and capitalize on mistakes and turnovers. This will be decided by the offensive and defensive lines.
Concordia (Moorhead, MN)…Temp at game time on Saturday should be about 50 (mid-afternoon about 55) with gusty winds out of the south, little chance of rain. A great day for a game on the western prairie. No snow for now.
* * * *
Flying The Troubled Skies —
As many here know, Fr. Eric Hollas OSB, SOT ’75, travels quite a bit for various duties for the Abbey and the University. One day recently, while flying to California to participate in a function as chaplain for the Knights of Malta, his plane ran into an extended period of violent turbulence over the Rockies.
As the passengers were being bounced around by the tumult a young woman sitting next to him turned to Fr. Eric, readily identifiable as a member of the clergy by his Roman collar, and with a nervous laugh asked, "Reverend, you're a man of God. Can't you do something about this storm?"
To this Eric replied, “Ma’am, I'm in sales, not management."
* * * *
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 W 62-0
Oct. 22 Gustavus St. Peter W 56-10
Oct. 29 Bye Week — —
Nov. 5 Hamline Collegeville W 42-6
Nov. 12 Concordia Moorhead
* * * *
Around the MIAC —
Concordia 42 - St. Olaf 13 — The Cobbers didn’t have too much difficultly in dispatching the poor old Oles, but St. Olaf did score on them a couple times, so that’s something to relish down in Northfield over the winter.
St. Thomas 40 - Gustavus 6 — Ditto with the Tommies. U$T did score about half their points in the first half, which was a surprise given their recent modus operandi, and they kept the Gusties down to six points, which also was another surprise since I thought they might give up a few more points.
Bethel 62 - Augsburg 27 — Ouch! Bethel’s getting it’s mojo back in a big way.
Saint John’s 42 - Hamline 6 — What a shame our brilliant defense couldn't get a well-served shutout again. Hamline was game, played their hearts out, but were just plain shut down in all aspects by our swarming, smothering defense.
* * * *
MIAC Standings, Week 9 —
MIAC ALL
St. Thomas 7-0 9-0
Concordia 6-1 7-2
Saint John’s 6-1 8-1
Bethel 4-3 4-5
Hamline 3-4 5-4
Gustavus 2-5 4-5
Augsburg 2-6 2-8
Carleton 1-6 1-8
St. Olaf 1-6 2-7
* * * *
Who’s Playing Whom This Week? —
Bethel versus Hamline — We have to pick Bethel…strongly but not overwhelmingly. Hamline is only one game under the Royals in the MIAC standings, but it’s a huge one point. Go Pipers anyway!
St. Olaf versus St. Thomas — Next to the UST-Carleton game, this has to be the yawner contest of the year. The good news for the few Purple fans and family members that show up is that everybody on the bench will get to play.
Gustavus versus Carleton — The Gusties will no doubt jump up in the standings to tie the Pipers for fifth by shellacking the poor Knights.
Saint John’s versus Concordia — For Johnnie players and fans, this is the whole enchilada, especially after our bitter loss to the Tommies. The Cobbers are tough and must be respected, but certainly not feared. We should take them by at least 14 points if we can keep the ball in our own hands!
Augsburg is done for the year. May they rest in peace, just north of the MIAC bottom.
* * * *
More Scenes From Stearns County —
At a wedding ceremony in the Life Forever Community Church in St. Cloud, Pastor Willenbring asked if anyone had anything to say concerning the union of the bride and groom, it was their time to stand up and talk, or forever hold their peace.
The moment of utter silence was broken by a young beautiful woman carrying a child. She started walking toward the pastor slowly.
Everything quickly turned to chaos. The bride slapped the groom. The groom's mother fainted. The groomsmen started giving each other looks and wondering how best to help save the situation. A loud, surprised murmur filled the church.
Over the din the pastor asked the woman, "Can you tell us why you came forward? What do you have to say?"
The woman replied, "We can't hear in the back."
* * * *
Debits and Credits with Boz —
(By Boz Bostrom ’95, Associate Professor of Accounting)
I know that when a major investment is made in athletics, some faculty members get concerned that we are focusing too much on sports and not enough on academics. So, shortly after the dome over Gagliardi Field was inflated, I sent an email out to all faculty. The email got forwarded to our folks in institutional advancement who then asked me if they could post it on their Advancing Saint John’s blog (www.advancingsaintjohns.org), and I happily agreed. So in lieu of my normal ramblings, I will just let folks read my email turned lightly edited blog post.
The guys appear to be really locked in right now, and if not for turnovers, the defense would have pitched four straight shutouts. On paper, we should blow away Concordia. Hamline outgained Concordia when they squared off, and then we gained more than five times as many yards as Hamline. But, the Cobbers are always very tough at home and will probably give us a decent game. I’ve got us winning 28-7 and getting a home playoff game against a very beatable team.
* *
This week a large, white, rounded structure appeared on our campus, to my delight. It’s Gagliardi Field, and I thought I’d pass along some info. The inflatable dome, and the multipurpose field under it, is located in the old football practice field north of the Palaestra. It cost about $5 million to construct, and another $1 million is being raised to fund ongoing operating costs. A large amount of these funds were donated by individuals who otherwise might not have given to Saint John’s, but who did so for this project because John Gagliardi inspired them. The dome will go up each fall around October 15 and come down around April 1. In the winter months, I predict, the dome will look like another snow-covered hill in the Saint John’s landscape. On Saturday, November 5, we blessed and dedicated the new facility and named it in honor of the Gagliardi Family. (See photo #6)
Gagliardi Field will have significant benefits for our entire community. It will be used by varsity, club, and intramural teams. I believe that about 90 percent of Johnnies and a significant number of Bennies participate in those organized activities. It will significantly help in the recruiting of athletes and non-athletes alike. And when we recruit better, we don’t just get better athletes, we get better student-athletes. A wonderful example is our athletic program’s strong history of recruiting biology majors who have gone on to great careers in medicine. During my senior football season at SJU, at least five of our top players were biology majors. Today one is an anesthesiologist. One is an emergency medicine MD at North Memorial Hospital. One is an emergency medicine MD at St. Cloud Hospital. One is an orthopedic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic. And my best friend is a dentist in Saint Paul who does a lot of pro bono dentistry for and donates a significant amount of money to Common Hope in Guatemala.
You see, sports can really help get people in the door. And as our President Emeritus Fr. Bob Koopmann has put it, “Athletics are the front porch of our university.” And then our wonderful faculty and staff members provide the top-notch liberal arts education to develop these student-athletes into the great leaders in society who go on to inspire others.
Last Tuesday was John Gagliardi’s 90th birthday, and he actually taught class. He and I co-teach a one credit course entitled Leadership Lessons. He has taught that course (and its predecessor course Theory of Coaching Football) at CSB/SJU for 63 straight years. It is a course that focuses heavily on discussion and effective communication. A few days ago, 30 seniors signed up to take the course in the spring. Students from the following 16 majors are taking the course this fall or are enrolled for the spring course: accounting and finance, applied physics, biochemistry, biology, communication, computer science, economics, elementary education, English, global business leadership, Hispanic studies, mathematics, nutrition, political science, psychology and sociology. One of his former players, a 2000 political science major, took a red eye flight in from California to guest speak in last week’s class, because he feels forever indebted to John for John’s influence on his life.
John was, in the view of many, the best educator in the history of our institutions — not because he compiled the most wins of any college football coach ever, but because he taught more than 3,000 young men and hundreds of young women how to become better people and leaders in society. My faculty colleagues and I should take the time to reflect on how we can become the type of educators who will touch our community so much that one day those we influence will donate several millions of dollars to the schools in our honor. I hope that someday we will have on our campuses even more extraordinary buildings, built in honor of these faculty. And I hope that those buildings will be here because of all the good we will have inspired our alumni to do in the world.
* * * *
The Tommy Carpenter —
A St. Thomas alumnus finds a job as a construction worker doing carpentry work. One day on the job he accidentally cuts off one of his ears. He calls out to a guy walking on the street below, “Hey, do you see my ear down there?”
The guy on the street picks up a bloody ear and yells back, “Is this it?”
“No. Mine had a pencil behind it.”
(Compliments of Conrad Macina, Landing , NJ)
* * * *
More Scenes From Stearns County —
A gorilla walked into a ice cream shop on St. Germain in downtown St. Cloud and ordered a $1.50 chocolate sundae. He put a ten-dollar bill on the counter to pay for it.
The clerk thought, “What could a gorilla know about money?” So he gave the gorilla a single dollar bill in change. As he did, the clerk said, "You know, we don't get too many gorillas in here."
"No wonder," the gorilla replied, "at nine dollars a sundae."
* * * *
SJU Miscellany —
• Political Science Comes To The UUN —
The Unofficial Underground News usually avoids politics like the plague, but I received this article link the day before yesterday’s election and was fascinated by it and by the fact that Lee Hanley ’58, before his recent death, had something to do with the research quoted in it. I would have loved to be able to discuss this with him now, given the unexpected voting results.
* *
• Drone-Based Video of SJU’s New Solar Farm —
This video — with the solar farm’s 360º aerial view — was taken about October 30 by the Abbey Arboretum Forest & Lands Committee and Outdoor U Advisory Committee. It is expected that the farm will be able to operate by the end of the year. On a good clear day the solar power generated in these three fields, in addition to our natural gas-fired boilers, should allow the St. John’s community to meet nearly 100% of its power needs.
https://roundme.com/tour/88982/view/225195/
* *
• SJU Brag Sheet —
A few days ago I received a letter from John Young ’83, associate vice president for Institutional Advancement, regarding the annual progress of the Rich Hall Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Initially money was raised from alumni friends of the late Rich Hall to provide scholarships to SJU for worthy students from Boys Town, from where both Rich ’63 and his older brother Fred ’61 had come to St. John’s. Unfortunately Boys Town has changed its emphasis from its earlier days and we found that virtually none of the possible recipients could come to St. John’s and be successful. With the Hall family's blessing the school is now awarding scholarships through Christo Rey High School in Minneapolis. This year two of their graduates received aid through the fund. But that’s not why I’m writing this; in his opening paragraph John said this:
I’m pleased to report that Saint John’s University is thriving at every turn. This fall we met our student enrollment goals; the renovation of Alcuin Library is nearing completion and the construction of the Learning Complex is underway’ the new tennis courts and our multipurpose athletic complex — Gagiardi Field — have been completed; and we continue to be ranked exceptionally high among our peer institutions across the country. Money Magazine ranked SJU No. 3 among the 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the nation and No. 8 among the 50 Most Affordable Colleges in the nation. And in the category of “Return on Investment,” SJU ranked No. 1 among all colleges and universities in the state of Minnesota.
* *
• A Most Unusual Sung National Anthem —
(Forwarded by Bill Healey ’65, Lake City, CO, who asks: “Well, How special is this?)
https://twitter.com/i/videos/tweet/789970623871279104 (1:36 min)
* *
• Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk parody Suburban Funk For UUN Moms —
* * * *
The Tommie and The Genie —
This St. Thomas graduate finds a lamp. He rubs it and a Genie emerges. The Genie tells him he will be granted three wishes.
The Tommie thinks for a moment and says, "First, give me a bottomless mug of beer."
A mug of beer appears in his hand. He sips it once, then again and the mug is magically refilled. The Tom is thrilled and continues to drink. The mug never empties.
Then the Genie says, "And what about your other two wishes?"
Our Tommie one again thinks for a bit and says, "Give me two more just like this one!"
* * * *
From Our Readers —
From Paul Capecchi ’77, Inver Grove Heights, MN —
Thank you so much for all the great weekly SJU Underground e-mail updates. I look forward to them and always enjoy the many fun details. I graduated from SJU in 1977 and still attend every home and away football game. It has been another great season. I sure hope we can knock off Concordia on Saturday and make the playoffs again.
On Saturday November 5, my wife Ellen (CSB class of 1977), and I brought our daughter Christina, her husband Ted and our 2 granddaughters Maria (age 3) and Jane (age1) to the game. Even though they went to college in Iowa, Christina and family always come up with us for one game each year. With the weather so perfect on Saturday, it was an ideal opportunity to spend the day at St. John’s. I don’t think everyone appreciates just what a kid-friendly environment it is on a football Saturday. The girls just love being up there and had a great time. We went down and sat on the sidelines of the field during the half time dance routine, which mesmerized Maria and Jane.
I thought the attached photo of Ted caring Jane with Maria walking ahead, while the sun shines brightly, made a rather unique shot. [See photo #7] Again – thanks for all the updates, and hopefully you will have reason to keep them coming for many more weeks! — Paul
(Editor’s Note: I first met Paul close to ten years ago at a SJU-UST hockey game at the Tommies’ arena, so he’s not just an avid football fan. And he’s not alone in being a Johnnie in his family; I asked Paul how many Capecchis are in his family, both immediate and extended — here is his answer:)
Yes, all the Capecchis listed [in the Online Directory] are related and are part of my extended family: My wife is Ellen (Storms CSB 1977), and our son Tony (Anthony Capecchi) graduated from SJU in 2006, along with his wife Joanna (Tappella CSB ’06). Joe Capecchi ’70 is a cousin, as is his wife Eileen (Twohy CSB ’70). John Capecchi ’74 is a cousin and his son Billy ’09 is an SJU graduate. Jerry (Jerome) Capecchi ’78 is a cousin and was my roommate for two years at SJU; his wife is Becky (Groebner CSB ’78). Mark Capecchi ’79 is my brother and his wife is Mary Kay (Niva CSB ’79). Their son Peter ’13 is an SJU graduate and two daughters Theresa ’09 and Maria ’04 graduated from St. Ben’s. [Ed’s Note: Also listed is Matthew Capecchi ’12, but I don’t know who his parents are.]
(Editor’s Further Comment: Paul, sure hope you are forwarding the UUN to your wife, son, brother, cousins and their offspring.)
* * * *
From Sister Lois Wedl OSB ’53, St. Benedict’s Monastery —
Thanks, Bob! Always enjoy the SJU UUN but this is one of the best news-wise, “story-wise” and history-wise. Enjoyed learning more about Hamline’s history. Go Johnnies. S. Lois
* * * *
From Paul Hamann ’63, Edina, MN —
Thanks for a little bit of home while in the Carolinas. See you in Moorhead. By the way, Joe Tombers, my Tommie friend and a Johnnie fan, and I are staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Friday night; 4776 Agassiz Crossing South, Fargo, ND 58103; 701-356-8070. It's off freeway 94 in Fargo and 12 min/6.5 mi from Concordia. — Paul
* * * *
From Harry Froehle ’63, Eagle River, AK —
A man was riding on a full bus minding his own business when the gorgeous woman next to him started to breast-feed her baby. The baby wouldn't take it so she said,
"Come on sweetie, eat it all up or I'll have to give it to this nice man next to us."
Five minutes later the baby was still not feeding, so she said, "Come on, honey. Take it or I'll give it to this nice man here."
A few minutes later the anxious man blurted out, "Come on kid. Make up your mind! I was supposed to get off four stops ago!"
* * * *
From Paul Doyle ’77, Mendota Heights, MN —
Hi Rob, Please add me to the (growing) list of subscribers to UUN. I’m a Class of ’77 alum and thoroughly enjoyed issue #12-16, this first I have seen. I’m formerly a Highland Park guy from Juno Avenue but am currently in Mendota Heights. My wife is Bev Barten Doyle ’75. Thanks very much! — Paul
* * * *
From Bill Walsh ’61, Rapid City, SD, regarding my comments about three Hamline upsets of the Jays over the years —
I remember the Hamline ’64 loss! — Bill
(Editor’s Recollection: I told Bill I was there too, and it was such an unexpected shock, that I still recall it vividly, coming the year between our first two national championship teams in ’63 and ’65 when we were really loaded with talent. Bill later mentioned that he proudly hopes Denis McDonough ’92, a linebacker on another strong team that was upset by Hamline, will come back to SJU to speak on his experiences as White House Chief of Staff.)
* * * *
From Peter Harrington ’81, Minneapolis, MN, father of injured senior wide receiver Dan Harrington who, after receiving a medical red shirt, has decided to return next year for a fifth season along with senior Evan Clark.
Dan mentioned to me last night that [junior] Matt Miller tore his PCL last game against Gustavus and is out for the season. Down to two of our top four WRs. — Peter
(Editor’s Note: Those two are Evan Clark and sophomore Will Gillach.)
* * * *
From Anthony “Addy” Bombich ’64, Clinton, MS —
Hi Rob, Just a few lines to tell you that my son Karl, his girlfriend Rosemary, and I really enjoyed our visit to St. John's last Saturday for the dedication of the Gagliardi Dome and the Hamline game. They were very impressed with everything at St. John's. We enjoyed our brunch with Fr. Don. He is so special! Unfortunately, we failed to get a photo with him, but that was the only down side to the visit. It was great to see you again. I have attached a photo of the two of us. (See photo #8)
We took in the Vikings game on Sunday and enjoyed everything about the experience except the missed extra point. Karl and Rosemary returned home on Monday and I traveled to the Range for a visit with family and friends. Had dinner with Bob ’64 and Roz Whalen last night in Virginia [MN]. Heading back to MPLS today and flying back to Mississippi tomorrow. Keep up the great work with the Underground News. The UUN really helps those of us who live great distances from St. John's to stay connected to the Johnnies. Hopefully we will see you next year. — Addy
* * * *
From Ray Bergen SJP ’60, Woodstock and New York City, NY, in a note to Paul Carlson SJP ’60 and me, regarding his trip back to Collegevile for his brother-in-law Bobby Vee’s funeral. Karen Velline, who was Ray’s sister, died a year or so go.
…Since the wake, funeral, burial and after-lunch were at St. John's I spent a lot of time there. On memorable moment was having dinner in the Refectory after the wake. I actually recalled to one of the servers that I had eaten there 60 years ago. That stunned even me. I also got to show my wife around in and out of the Quadrangle after dinner. That was fun.
(Editor’s Note: Ray joined the Maryknolls after SJP, where he stayed through 2nd Year Theology. He holds a PhD in Psychology and Religions from New York University. He has been a couples counselor for 25 years and more recently has taught courses in the Graduates programs of Fairfield University and the State University of New York.)
* * * *
From Tom Varley ’65, Northfield, MN, who asked:
Did you hear about the St. Thomas offensive lineman who thought Wikileaks was a strong safety on the team?
And from your editor who responded:
No. But did you hear about the St. Thomas offensive lineman who thought Wikileaks was a urinary tract infection?
(Editor’s Query: Do we have any other readers who would like to play?)
* * * *
Battle of the Sexes, Geriatric Division —
After his exam the doctor asked the elderly man, "You appear to be in good health. Do you have any medical concerns you would like to ask me about?"
"In fact, I do," said the old man. "After I have sex with my wife, I am usually cold and chilly, and then, after I have sex with her the second time, I am usually hot and sweaty."
Later, after examining his elderly wife, the doctor said, "Everything appears to be fine. Do you have any medical concerns that you would like to discuss with me?”
She replied that she had no questions or concerns. The doctor then said to her, "Your husband had an unusual concern. He claims that he is usually cold and chilly after having sex with you the first time, and then hot and sweaty after the second time. Do you know why?"
“Oh, that crazy old bugger," she replied. "That's because the first time is usually in January and the second time is in August.”
* * * *
When you've been online too long —
- You start introducing yourself as Jim at gmail.com.
- Your wife drapes a wig over the monitor to remind you of what she looks like.
- You check your mail. It says "no new messages" so you check it again.
- You name your children Safari and Facebook.
- All of your friends have an @ in their names.
- You tell the cab driver you live at http://123.elm.street/house/bluetrim.html
- You tell the kids they can't use the computer because "Daddy/Mommy's got work to do.”
- You start tilting your head sideways whenever you smile. :-)
- As your car crashes through the guardrail on a mountain road, your first instinct is to search for the "back" button.
* * * *
Battle Between the Sexes (A Continuing Series) —
A sweet young thing who has just been shopping is pulled over by a traffic cop and given a ticket for speeding. Rather than fight the ticket, the woman writes a check for the amount of the fine and puts it in the mail.
However, the young woman is anxious. Her husband always examines her checkbook carefully, and she doesn't want him to know about the incident.
Then inspiration strikes, and she scribbles on the check stub: "One pullover, $125."
* * * *
New UUN Feature: CLASSIFIED ADS —
(Our man in New Yawk City, Terry Kotnour ’64, thought these ads would broaden the usefulness of the UUN.)
FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER.
8 years old. Hateful little bastard. Bites!
FREE PUPPIES
1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog.
FREE PUPPIES.
Mother is a Kennel Club registered German Shepherd.
Father is a Super Dog, able to leap tall fences in a single bound.
COWS, CALVES: NEVER BRED.
Also 1 gay bull for sale.
JOINING NUDIST COLONY!
Must sell washer and dryer $100.
WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE
Worn once by mistake. Call Stephanie.
FOR SALE BY OWNER.
Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent condition, $200 or best offer. No longer needed, got married, wife knows everything.
* * * *
Medical Referral —
Two older Johnnie alums from the mid-‘50s were arguing the merits of their doctors at a recent meeting of the Lunch Bunch in St. Louis Park. The first one said, "I don't trust your fancy doctor. He treated Hugh Flynn for a kidney ailment for nearly a year, and then Hugh died of a liver ailment."
"So what makes you think your doctor is any better?" asked his friend.
"Because when my doctor treats you for a kidney ailment, you can be sure you'll die of a kidney ailment."
* * * *
THE FINAL WORD —
The Busy Barber
(With thanks to Tommy Cebulla ’58)
A guy stuck his head into a barber shop and asked, “How long before I can get a haircut?“
The barber looked around the shop full of customers and said, “About two hours.” The guy left.
A few days later, the same guy stuck his head in the door and asked, “How long before I can get a haircut?’"
The barber looked around at the shop and said, “About three hours.” The guy left.
A week later, the same guy stuck his head in the shop and asked, “How long before I can get a haircut?”
The barber looked around the shop and said, “About an hour and a half.” The guy left.
The barber turned to his friend and said, “Hey, Bob, do me a favor. Follow that guy and see where he goes. He keeps asking how long he has to wait for a haircut, but then he doesn't ever come back.”
A little while later, Bob returned to the shop, laughing hysterically. The barber asked, “So, where does that guy go when he leaves?’"
Bob looked up, wiped the tears from his eyes and said, “Your house!”
* * * *
That’s it for Issue #13; hope to see many of you in Fargo-Moorhead Land — Remember:
G O J O H N N I E S ! ! Cornhole the Cobbers (Or something like that. I’m speaking of the bag toss game, of course.)
* * * *
Respectfully submitted,
Rob/Bob/Wick/Theo Wicker SJP ’60/SJU ’64, St. Paul, MN
651-699-4697; theowick@aol.com
* * * *
