Unofficial Underground Asks: Just How Good Are We? (UUN #4-19)
Dear Puzzled Fans
What's going to happen this Saturday? What SJU team will show? Anyone know? In my heart, and because I'm an almost incurable homer, I think our boys will recollect themselves from our disappointing debut in Memonomie against UW-Stout two weeks ago and put on a turn-about show of force and skill. I'm speaking of the offense; the defense was pretty darn good against the Blue Devils and I fully expect more of the same against offensively-talented but defensively-suspect Gustavus Adophus.
The Gusties are an ascendant team in the MIAC; on paper they will be battling Concordia for fourth place in the league; last season they were seconds from upsetting St. Thomas. They gave us a good game down in St. Peter last year, too. Arguably their best offensive player is senior quarterback Michael Veldman of Becker, MN, (St. Cloud area) who was a member of Div. I North Dakota State University for a season before transferring to Gustavus. In two games this season Veldman and his offense have scored 91 points...50 against lowly Martin Luther but 41 against a much better UW-Stout.
After SJU over-confidently skipped down to Stout for a presumed check-off game to our "inevitable place" in the national play-offs and then had to slink out of town with a narrow, unsatisfying, embarrassing win of 14-7, the quiet Gusties went over there and, after a tight game in the first quarter, pounded the same team we couldn't score on with 41 points of their own. The bad news for Gustavus is they gave up 31 points.
What does this all mean?
A few thoughts here: First, while I fully expect St. John's to win (again, partially because I'm a homer) I won't bet the farm on it...the Jays have to offer proof that they have replaced their preseason swagger with a consistent, controlling, aggressive, balanced offensive attack that — yes — puts points on the board, especially when they are first and goal on the four!
Second, I am confident that the Gusties will not score 41 points against us. But how many will they score? A rigorous passing attack seems to be their forte and I wonder if Saturday's 50% chance of scattered showers might (pardon me) dampen their receivers' ability to hang onto the ball. Their running game shouldn't challenge us too much. By the way, for your planning, the temperature will be a comfortable 75 degrees but cloudy with possible light showers and/or a T-storm moving through.
Third, whether the weather is a large factor or not, I look for coach Gary Fasching'81 to keep the ball moving on the ground, mostly to keep it away from Veldman and eat the clock, but also it was obvious we need more work for and output from our sputtering offensive line. On the other hand, Jackson Erdmann still can whip the ball downfield with the best of Div III, and the Johnnies score really quickly through the air, so if the Gusties give him the opening, then look out!.
As far as our defense, it may bend a few times, as it did in the first half at Stout, but won't entirely break. In other words, I sure don't expect a shut-out but the Gusties will meet a stubborn, talented defense that could frustrate them a great deal.
I suggest a reasonable prediction is a 35-14 win for St. John's.
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Gustavus Self-Employment —
This past summer a Gustavus Adolphus College offensive lineman walked into a St. Peter hardware store and asked for a chainsaw that can cut down six trees in one hour; said he was starting his own landscaping business to stay in shape for the upcoming football season. The salesman recommended the top of the line model. The Gustie was suitably impressed, and bought it.
The next day he brought it back, complaining that it would only cut down one tree and it took ALL DAY!
The salesman took the chain saw, started it up to see what was wrong, and the Gustie said, “What’s that noise?”
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Johnnie Question of the Week (Season 2, Episode 4) —
Freshman asked who they were most/least intimidated by on the first day of fall camp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNUKUvjfx5M\
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Overheard at the Gustavus Student Union —
Girl Gustie: "You remind me of the sea."
Boy Gustie: "Why? Because I'm so wild and romantic?"
Girl Gustie: "No, because you make me sick."
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Hall of Honor Inducts First Class —
The Hall of Honor Banquet will take place in Guild Hall (a.k.a. Old Gym) and begin with a 5 p.m. social and 5:45 dinner and program. $75 per person through Sept. 21 ($100 per person after) includes dinner and beverages. All proceeds go to the J-Club to support all SJU athletics. Casual, game day attire encouraged.
Please join us to honor the incredible accomplishments of the 2019 inductees:
1963 Football Team (SJU’s first national championship team)
Tom Arth '66 - J-Club Distinguished Service
John Cragg '71 - Cross Country & Track and Field
Blake Elliot '03 - Football
Adam Hanna '07 - Hockey
Pat Haws '72 - Coach - Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Golf , Tennis
John McDowell '64 - Football
John "Johnny Blood" McNally '24 - Football
Sammy Schmitz '03 - Golf
Bill Sexton '55 - Basketball
Fr. Wilfred Theisen, OSB '52 - J-Club Distinguished Service
Frank Wachlarowicz '79 - Basketball
Matt Zelen '99 - Swimming and Diving
Register here for the event: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1433/gid3/interior.aspx?sid=1433&gid=3&pgid=5189&cid=8049
Or Call Leila Utsch at 320-363-3654
(To view the Attendee List thus far, go here: http://sjualum.csbsju.edu/s/1433/gid3/interior.aspx?sid=1433&gid=3&pgid=5190&cid=8050&fid=8049 )
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Just In From St. Thomas —
An administative report leaked to us recently says most U$T freshmen students aren't very good with American history. It's pretty shameful. On a recent test, a majority of them thought Lincoln's Gettysburg address was ALincoln@gettysburg.com..."
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Battle Between The Sexes —
Len Smith and Dick Jones were playing racquetball in the local gym. After the game, they went into the locker room to change, and Smith is shocked and amazed to see Jones wearing a lace bra and garter belt.
“My God, Dick, when did you start wearing women’s underwear?”
“Ever since my wife found them in the glove compartment of my car!”
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2019 SJU Football Schedule
(All games start at 1 pm, except the St. Thomas game, naturally, which starts at 1:10 pm.)
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Week 2 Results —
#3 UW-Whitewater 20, Concordia 10 (RIght winner, but I had it 33-17)
Concordia (WI) 31, Augsburg 0 (Blew it terribly; picked the Auggies 42-15.)
Carleton 20, Lawrence 10 (Okay. I had it 27-20)
Bethel 38, UW-River Falls 20 (Got it. I had it 32-7)
Gustavus 41, UW-Stout 31 (Wrong, wrong, wrong! — thought Stout would beat them 26-12!)
St. Olaf 33, Luther 20 (Got it. Mine was 17-14)
Hamline 31, Macalester 27 (Got it. Mine: 30-17)
St. John’s and St. Thomas were idle
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Wick’s Picks for Week Three —
Carleton at St. Olaf — The Oles will prevail in this inter-town rivalry, 28-10
Augsburg at Concordia — The country Lutherans beat up on the City ones, 41 to 12
St. Thomas at Hamline — U$T will have a hard time staying under 70, 68 to Zip
Gustavus at St. John’s — We’’d better beat them by at least two TDs or we’ll sink in the polls again, 35-14
Bethel is idle
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And Speaking Of The Polls —
Things pretty much stayed the same during Week 2 in the d3football poll. SJUremained at No. 4 and St. Thomas stayed at No. 6. Bethel moved up one place to No. 9. Although it's early in the rankings it’s significant that the MIAC has three teams in the Top Ten.
On a regional note, UW-La Crosse jumped up to No. 16 from No. 23, based on their 2-OT win over #14-ranked Illinois Wesleyan, who dropped to No. 18. This was the Eagles' second over-time win in a row, beating Concordia 21-14 in Week One. On those receiving votes, Gustavus was listed; no disrespect to the Gusties but I think Concordia should have been listed before them based on how close they played in near losses to #3- and #16-ranked teams. https://www.d3football.com/top25/2019/week2
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The UUN's Assistance To Undergraduates —
Things Not To Say To On Date
* I really don't like this restaurant that much, but I wanted to use this 2-for-1 coupon before it expired.
* I refuse to get cable. That's how they keep tabs on you.
* I used to come here all the time with my ex.
* I never said you NEED a nose job. I just said it wouldn't hurt to consider it.
* Could you excuse me? My cat gets lonely if he doesn't hear my voice on the answering machine every hour.
* I really feel that I've grown in the past few years. Used to be I wouldn't have given someone like you a second look.
* And I won that trophy in the inter-fraternity belching contest.
* I know you said you don't eat anything with a face. But a good butcher will cut that part off for you if you ask.
* It's been tough, but I've come to accept that most people I date just won't be as smart as I am.
* * * *
Tuning In To The Gustavus Game —
Johnnie Radio Network —
Saturday’s game can be heard live on WBHR-660 AM across central Minnesota, KDIZ-1570 AM in the Twin Cities and KOWZ-1170 AM in Waseca, which covers most of southern Minnesota and into western Wisconsin. Mark Lewandowski, Bryan Backes '87, Mike Carr '77 and Charlie Carr '03 will call all the action, beginning with Johnnies Magazine at 11 a.m. and the pre-game show at 11:30 a.m. The game will also be broadcast on the SJU football website via Stretch Internet. This is the 23rd season SJU football can be heard worldwide over the internet.
(Note: KDIZ-1570 AM is a new affiliate serving the Twin Cities Metro area this year.)
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Listening via the Internet: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csbsju/
Viewing (for $10) via live streaming: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csbsju/
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New Tailgating Policies —
From Adam Herbst '99, Executive Director of University Relations —
Hi Bob, The tailgate lot is now a paid, reserved lot. Most of the parking spots are $100 season passes. These passes are transferrable – we want the lot used for tailgating and not simply as a reserved parking lot. We also have a limited number of game-by-game tailgating passes for $25 per game. If anyone is interested, please have them contact me (aherbst@csbsju.edu) and I will check on availability.
All are welcome in the tailgate lot. If you want to tailgate but don’t have a parking pass, simply park elsewhere and walk in to the lot to join the festivities. Pack light for ease of walking in – they even make cooler backpacks nowadays.
A new activity for students is being planned on home football Saturdays. It will be a student pre-game gathering in Flynntown. Students remain welcome in the tailgate lot (many have parents, relatives and friends who will be tailgating). However, we are hopeful the student-focused pre-game will be attractive to them.
We are starting a tailgating blog that outlines improvements we have made (more portable potties, garbage and recycling stations, etc.) and emphasizes our tailgating policies. The blog will be a communication channel we have never had before with the people parking in the tailgate lot. Here is the link: https://www.sjujohnnietailgatingblog.com/
I’ll miss seeing you on campus this Saturday. As always, thank you for keeping our alumni and friends connected and informed. — Adam
(Editor's Comments: Adam and the Alumni crew are to be congratulated for addressing some of the weaknesses and problems of the tailgating site the past couple of years; it is hoped that, by listening to dissatisfied regulars and making these changes, the overall experience will improve to benefit Johnnie football fans, parents and guests who want to enjoy a pre-game celebration before leaving for the stadium to support the Johnnies, as opposed to those who just come to party, often in excess.
Still, there are other fans, mostly in the Classes of the '50s and '60s, who choose not to participate in the official tailgate due to its crowded party environment, distance from the main campus and stadium, physical difficulties in getting there, and the inability to readily find and visit with people of their eras. Some had asked if these older fans might have a sanctioned spot, perhaps outside the Humphrey Auditorium where they could gather, with sandwiches and beverages available to purchase. Adam said we could talk about that later but for this season we might see if this population will gather in Br. Willy's Pub to visit, obtaining food next door in the Sexton cafeteria. He said that the pub is student-run and money spent on beer and soft drinks there could help that endeavor. It's worth a try.)
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Bennie Volleyballers Steadily Climbing In The National Rankings —
For the first time since 2014, CSB cracked the top 10 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Coach's Poll, released Tuesday afternoon. Saint Benedict checked in at No. 8 in the third poll of the 2019 season.
Tuesday's move marks another notch up the ladder for CSB in its climb up the national ladders. Saint Benedict started the year at No. 25 in the AVCA Preseason Poll, and moved up to No. 22 in Week 1. CSB jumped 10 spots to No. 12 last week, and into the top 10 Tuesday.
The team's latest jump comes after its second straight 4-0 weekend. After winning four games at its home tournament Sept. 6-7, the team won four more this past weekend at the Falcon Invitational in River Falls, Wis. After a dramatic come-from-behind victory against Bethel on Wednesday, CSB is currently 12-1 (i-0 in the MIAC) – its best start since 2013 when the team started the year 11-0 and went 14-1 before picking up its second loss of the year.
As well as moving up in the team rankings, CSB has three individuals in the top five in the national rankings: junior Hunter Weiss; junior setter Katie Koch; and Madison Weiss.
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Gustavus Theme Paper —
After football practice, an assistant coach asked one of his charges about his class assignments. He turned to the sophomore safety and asked, “How is your history paper coming along, Sam?”
“Well, it was hard at first," answered the young Gustie. "My history professor suggested that I use the internet for research and it’s been very helpful.”
Surprised at the professor’s suggestion, the coach asked, “Oh really, how so?”
“Yes, so far I’ve located seven people who will write it and sell it to me for a good price.”
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MIAC Salutes Sister Lois —
Legendary Leaders: Sister Lois Wedl, OSB
One of the most recognizable and beloved figures at the College of Saint Benedict, Sister Lois Wedl has become a fixture at CSB athletic contests over the last three-plus decades. A graduate of the Saint Benedict class of 1953, Sister Lois is particularly well-known for her strong relationships with student-athletes and her legacy is one of passionate support for young women who have been provided the athletic opportunities she was not afforded during her youth.
Prior to the internet age, Sister Lois was known to make copies of the numerous St. Cloud Times stories about Saint Ben's athletics and hand-deliver them to student-athletes in their dorm rooms. She also routinely assembled packages for players' parents so they could keep up with their daughters’ outstanding athletic accomplishments.
Prior to joining the faculty at Saint Benedict, Sister Lois spent ten years as an English teacher in Puerto Rico and later earned her Ph.D. in counselor education. She returned to her alma mater as a faculty member in 1986 and went on to serve as a residence director on campus. During her time in St. Joseph, Sister Lois has been named the American Counseling Association’s Counselor of the Year and received as the Gilbert and Kathleen Wrenn Humanitarian Award, the most prestigious honor presented by the organization. In 2005, Sister Lois was named the recipient of a Breaking Barriers Award for her efforts to support women in athletics. Sister Lois was inducted into the Saint Benedict Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
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More Scenes From Stearns County –
Two old retired friends, Donald Klinkner and Bert Bossenmaier, were fishing off a bridge over the Sauk River near Rockville as they had done daily for many years. Suddenly a funeral procession came down the road.
Bert suddenly reeled in his line, laid down his pole, faced the street, and bowed his head until the procession had passed. He then picked up his pole and started fishing again.
His friend Don was amazed and stated, "I dint know you were dat religious."
Bert looked at him and said, “It was da least I could do -- we were married 42 years!"
* * * *
From Our Readers —
From Gary Kordosky ’64, Tucson, AZ —
Wick, I did not bother to look up the score of the Johnnie game against Stout until yesterday and was I surprised by the score. It must have been an interesting and nervous game to watch. The inability to punch the ball into the end zone from a short distance when the offensive line is said to be quite good is concerning. My best to Chris. — Gary
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From Jim Conn ’64, Alexandria, MN —
Bob, So I wasn’t worried about the St John’s/Stout football game before kickoff. After kickoff, I bit my nails wondering if we would ever show up.
But we won. Whew.
Then you said, “Let’s wait to see what happens between Stout and ‘God-Save-Us Adolfus' on Sep 12.” Back to biting my nails. Go Johnnies! — Jim
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From Tony “Addy” Bombich ’64, Clinton, MS —
Hi Bob, Just read your “Remembering Hilary, Part 1” in this week's SJU UUN. Great Read! I thought you might be interested in several photos I took at our dinner in St. Joe on Reunion Eve, a couple of them of Fr. Hilary.
Thanks for everything during the reunion, especially inviting me to the Reunion Eve dinner. It was special to me because I did not have Fr. Hilary for any classes at St. John's and as a result, I was able to spend some time with him before the end.
Getting prepared for another 10-day visit to the country of all my four grandparents, Slovenia, from 2-12 October. We will spend the first several days at the Piran area (on the Adriatic), then go on to Ljubljana, the capital city. I am looking forward to visiting with members of the Bambič (Slovenian spelling) Family. I met some of the family last year on my first visit. Will be doing additional genealogy research at the Catholic Archives in Ljublijana.
Because I have a Dishnet satellite receiver, I will again be able to view the Johnnies-Augsburg game live on 5 Oct. (at 5 hours later, local clock time). I will probably miss the 12 Oct. game vs. Bethel as I am traveling home that day. Looking forward to each episode of UUN. — Addy
Our 'last supper' in St. Joe with Fr. Hilary. Clockwise from lower left are 1964 classmates Bob Wicker; Fr. Hilary Thimmesh OSB '50; Paul Judge (CA); Tom Stockfisch (CA); Addy Bombich (MS); Chris Scholl; and Gary Kordosky (AZ).
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From Patrick Tomczik, Johnnie FAN-atic, Northfield, MN —
Hi, Mr. Wicker, As always a great newsletter. And because of your great newsletter, the Johnnies were able to beat Stout. [Ed’s Interjection: Huh?]
You asked a question though about why SJU/CSB attendance is down. My thought on it: Last fall 2018 for sure, and I was told the previous two years before, fall 2017 and Fall 2016, SJU/CSB did not have a booth or representation at the College Fair which is held usually around the first days of October, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This year it is October 2nd-3rd.
Thousands of Junior and Senior High school students from Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa and Wisconsin attend to get info, be invited for campus visits, recruitment, etc. For whatever reason, SJU/CSB is not there. The exposure that is missed by SJU/CSB, in my opinion, is large. No banners, no pictures, no samples of Johnnie bread?
To be fair, SJU/CSB sent a representative to Northfield High last year. There was a poster put up in the hallway and the rep was here for about an hour, as he had three or four other area high schools scheduled the same day. My source for the above info is a current Northfield guidance counselor. The Northfield News publishes a special section of graduating seniors each spring. There were about 400 this year. ONE boy was planning on St. John’s, and TWO girls were planning on St. Ben’s. I’m not sure if a poster in the hallway and one hour in a corner of the library is enough time and attention. Take great care. — Patrick
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From Aaron Smith ’91, Elk River, MN —
Bob - The UUN Looks GREAT! Sorry you had to switch streams on the delivery method, but the MailChimp formatting makes it much easier to read - and makes the photos nice & big, too. -A-
(Editor’s Gratitude: Smitty, along with Colleen Lilly ’81, Jack Uldrich SJP ’82 and younger daughter Caitlin, all steered me to make the necessary changes for mailing list management and emailing. I’m indebted to them all, especially Caitlin who has been holding my hand as I tread cautiously in unfamiliar technological waters. In another couple of weeks I’ll probably have it down.)
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From Martha LeDuc, mother of ’03 Bennie Megan Wicker, and emergency “re-sizer” of photos for the old delivery method, Ridgewood, Queens, NY —
This looks really good! Very professional, indeed! Glad to see the jokes are still the same.
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From Aaron Miller SOT ‘01, VP-Advancement, St. John’s Prep School —
Great issue as always. Thanks for putting in the piece about the Prep Classic. Always enjoy reading your work. — Aaron
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From Terry Kotnour ’64, our man in New Yawk City —
Good to have you back, Wick. Been missed for quite some time. — Terry
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From Mike Sidders ’87, Detroit Lakes, MN —
Fellow Johnnie and former Rep. (he finally got smart and took a real job) Joe Hoppe ‘87 passed along your last week’s installment. One word - virtuoso.
Might I humbly ask to join? Up here in Detroit Lakes the telegraph line really needs to stretch from behind the Pine Curtain, and armed with your recap, I can rest assured I’d achieve a status of “in the know.” I’d be in your debt. Thanks for your consideration. — Mike
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From Cathy Youso Mumma ’77, Janesville, WI —
Rob, I read every word of the UUN. It’s incredibly informative, enlightening and enjoyable. Thanks so much for your good work and fine writing! — Cathy Youso, with 3 Johnnie football brothers!
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From Thom Woodward ’70, Sartell, MN —
Bob/Rob/Wick: I don't tell you often enough how much I appreciate your hard work and diligence in cranking out the UUN. So here's this fall's kudos: KUDO.
And a postscript on the shout-out to John Balestri '69 by Pat McDonnell '67. My recollections come as a football player in Fall '67 and Record sports editor in '68.
John Gagliardi turned Bronco, a tough fullback from Illinois, into a guard for his junior year, that calamitous fall of 1967. It was John's last losing season. The portend came in the season-opening loss 10-0 to St. Cloud State with the two guards pulling out to block near the goal line - - the right guard pulled left and the left guard pulled right to met head-on behind the center. Bronco indeed had a great senior season in the offensive backfield the following year.
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The Big Promotion —
The boss called one of his employees into the office. "Rob," he said, "you've been with the company for a year. You started off in the mail room, one week later you were promoted to a sales position, and one month after that you were promoted to district manager of the sales department. Just four short months later, you were promoted to vice-chairman. Now it's time for me to retire, and I want you to take over the company. What do you say to that?"
"Thanks," said the employee.
"Thanks?" the boss replied. "Is that all you can say?"
"Uuuh ... Thanks, Dad?"
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Remembering Hilary, Part 2 —
Our Civil War Trips With Fr. Hilary Thimmesh
By Dave Wendt ’63, Edina, MN —
It all began when my late wife Karin became a flight attendant for Pinnacle Airlines at the conclusion of her working career after Honeywell and US Bank.
Hilary had become interested in researching the lives of two St. John’s monks who had joined the Monastery following the conclusion of the Civil War. Hilary discovered that either Senator Eugene McCarthy SJP ’32/SJU ’36 or Senator Dave Durenberger SJP ’51/SJU ’55 had gifted SJU with a complete copy of the official “Battle Notes” of every battle that had occurred during the Civil War. Apparently the military requires commanders (or their aides) to write detailed records of everything that occurred during a battle so that awards for bravery, promotions, etc., could be granted. Hilary used these documents plus many other published journals, papers, and books for his research.
When Karin learned of Hilary’s scholarship in this unique area she suggested to him that the three of us personally visit as many sites as possible. Karin was able to obtain airline passes and other discounts for our clerical friend and noted “History” professor,” not to mention former President of St. John’s University. (We were never asked to specify “which St John’s.”)
We were able to visit six sites in all, one a year for six years. The battle sites were Cold Harbor (VA), Vicksburg (MS), Shiloh (TN), Manassas, aka Bull Run, (VA), Harper’s Ferry (WVA) and culminated with Gettysburg (PA), the greatest of all. It was like having a personal expert tour guide with us for twenty-four hours per day for a few days each trip.
I also gained even greater great respect for this very holy man. We could never begin our day until Hilary had concluded his morning prayers. THEN HE WAS READY!
Later on I had one of my proudest moments introducing Fr. Hilary to my book club as a guest lecturer when the book “Grant” was assigned. Hilary was a perfect gentleman is demonstrating his extensive knowledge of the book, which was very meaningful to me since we had personally visited the site where Grant wrote his famous Civil War History to guarantee an income for his wife before he died of cancer. Grant was nearly bankrupt before he wrote his masterpiece.
(Editor’s Further Comment: Dave met Karin, in the U.S. from her native Germany and working in Chicago, on a ski trip. After a quick courtship Dave married Karin and brought her back to Minnesota where she began at Honeywell. Dave travelled a lot for business in those days and that put a strain on their young marriage. Then one day, searching for something to do together, Dave brought her along to a homecoming game at St. John’s and introduced her to Fathers Don Talafous ’48 and Hilary Thimmesh '50. Karin really hit it off with the two monks, loved the whole Collegeville scene that she could now share with Dave, and began her own long association of well over 40 years with St. John’s Abbey and University (and her two monks). That lovely relationship lasted until her death when she was honored by five priests concelebrating her funeral Mass: Fr. Don; Fr. Hilary; Fr. Joe Gillespie OP, ’64; Fr. Michael O’Connor (a great friend of CSB-SJU and of Karin and Dave); and the pastor of St. Patrick’s in Edina. During the Mass Fred Senn ’64 leaned over and whispered, “Not bad for a Lutheran kid from Germany.”)
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Helping the Bahamas, Part 2 —
If you are like me, some of you meant to make a donation last week to the giving page created by CSB-SJU Bahamian students led by Kistacia Thompson ’20 and Owyn Ferguson ’20, but passed it by thinking you'd come back later.
Here's another chance: To donate money directly to this Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund, Kistacia and Owyn ask that you please follow this link: https://goto.gg/f/32143.
The Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund is a highly rated charity locally based in the Bahamas providing on-the-ground assistance to those impacted by the hurricane. To spread the word, please consider sharing the graphic and link on social media platforms.
You may also be interested in helping our current students from the Bahamas whose families and friends may be suffering the effects of Hurricane Dorian. These students may have unexpected needs for financial assistance, so you may also go to giveCSB.com or to giveSJU.com. If you make a gift please indicate the purpose as the Student Support Fund at Saint Ben’s or the Bahamian Hardship Fund at Saint John’s.
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From Bill Carney '66, Ft. Lauderdale, FL —
Bob — Remember Basil Christie '66?
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/minnesotans-in-bahamas-comment-on-hurricane-dorian-relief-efforts/89-5c1b0ac0-9c98-498e-a732-f1d9770ef6f4
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Wicker’s Health Rant —
15 Reasons to Eat Organic
http://www.onlyorganic.org/15-reasons-to-eat-organic/
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Homecoming Is Just Around The Corner —
Make plans to return to SJU & CSB on Saturday, October 5, 2019. Alums of all ages will find good times and familiar faces during Homecoming 2019. The entire day is packed with events and activities, so there's sure to be something for everyone. Make the most of this chance to reconnect with our campuses, and fellow alums. In fact, why don’t you call or email some of your friends and ask them to join you.
Here is the link for the entire list of activities:
https://www.csbsju.edu/alums-and-friends/homecoming-2019
A few things jump out for me:
Michael Crouser ’85 art exhibit “Mountain Ranch: Traditional Images of Traditional Lives”, SJU Art Center (I’ve seen it — dynamite photography);
Chloe Briggs ’11 art exhibit “Close”, CSB Benedicta Arts Center; both open 10 am to 6 pm.
Fr. Don Talafous, OSB ’48 will be signing copies of his new book, “Musings: A Benedictine on Christian Life” in the SJU Bookstore from 10:30 am to 12 pm.
Football vs. Augsburg, Clemens Stadium, at 1 pm; at half time CSB Dance Team alumnae of all classes come together for a special Homecoming performance; also Lou Raiola ’82 will receive the Bob Basten Excellence in Leadership Award.
Celebration on the Tundra, 2 to 5 pm. This is family-friendly social with cash bar featuring Johnnie brews and inflatables for the kids (Interestingly enough, it begins about half time of the game…remembering how it was with small kids, around 30 minutes of football is about all they can take, thus the inflatables.)
CSB Volleyball vs. Augsburg, Claire Lynch Hall, at 3 pm. Check out our 8th-ranked nationally team in person.
Hall of Honor Banquet – 5 p.m. registration required, $75 per person through Sept. 21, $100 after. In Guild Hall (Old Gym).
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The Last Word —
The Nervous Hitch-Hiker
A guy driving a pickup truck in the middle of nowhere picks up a hitch-hiker. It gets dark and the hitch-hiker falls asleep. Suddenly bang, and the hitch-hiker wakes up.
“What the hell was that?” he asks shaken.
The truck driver replies, “Ehh, just some kinda animal, go back to sleep.”
Further the same thing again, bang, “What the hell was that?”
“Some kinda animal again.”
Further into the night, the hitch-hiker wakes up to bang, bang, bang.
“What the hell was that?”
“One of my wife’s lovers!”
“How terrible,” says the hitch-hiker, “but there were three bangs.”
The truck driver replies, “Yeah, well I had to go through two fences to get da bastard!"
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That's all for today. Sorry it's getting out late today. Lot's of little details to put in and got a late start this week to boot...but all that comes to no matter if you just remember to bellow
G O J O H N N I E S ! !
Knock the gusto out of the Gusties! (Or something like that.)
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Sincerely yours,
R. L. Wicker SJP ’60/SJU ’64
St. Paul, MN
theowick@aol.com
651-699-4697
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