UUN #3-19
Dear Exasperated Readers —
You who did not witness our game with UW-Stout last Saturday may have been surprised reading about both the relatively low score and closeness of that score, a narrow Johnnie victory of 14-7. Well, you should have been present to really feel the shock, disappointment and frustration of the fans with our team's performance, particularly in the first half. A very motivated and sharp-looking Blue Devil team really handed it to our Jays in the first 30 minutes...but only led by a TD at halftime.
The third quarter showed a great turn-around in that we demonstrated some glimpses of offensive talent hoped for (and expected) throughout the game. On both sides of the ball we looked almost as explosive as we did last year. Fortunately our defense was mostly solid and kept us together, even in the fourth quarter when we started to fizzle again offensively. But, as the Uncasual Fan says later in this issue, "A win is a win is a win." We'll take it and hope that the coaches will hit on all our weaknesses, mistakes and over-confidence before we play an always-tough Gustavus team two Saturdays from now in Collegeville. We lost a point in the national standings from our performance last Saturday and we might feel lucky that's all we dropped. I heard the phrase "over-rated" several times by disillusioned Johnnie supporters. Still, let's wait to see what happens between Stout and Gustavus this Saturday. It may just be that Stout is very strong this year, that the Jays played an excellent team that may go far in the WIAC this season.
Other than the game, which failed to meet the preseason hype, the day was really fun. The Johnnie Nation was out in force and 'Ready for Some Football!' We packed the Silver Dollar Saloon in downtown Menomonie for the pregame bash and also had an energetic turnout at the main SJU tailgate outside the Stout stadium.
Some of the Johnnie Faithful enjoying tailgate time together before the UW-Stout game.
As usual, we seemed to have nearly as many red-clad fans as did the host school. Menomonie is a nice town: some outstanding historic buildings; a clean, prosperous-looking and orderly city; friendly people; cheap beers; nice campus seemingly spread out all over town; and a balanced economy judging from all the large, new medical and industrial buildings we spotted while taking Jim '64 and Anita Conn back to the airport for their return flight to Alexandria, MN.
The Johnnies' No. 1 fan, Fr. Wilfred Theisen, OSB SJP '47/SJU '52 (lower left), and his chauffeur/friend, Ev Weber '68 down from St. Cloud to support SJU.
My companions and I returned to the Silver Dollar for a bite to eat before heading back to the Cities. There we ran into Damien "Dumo" Dumonceaux SJP '01/SJU '05, his wife Patti (Canik) '05, with some family members. Dumo is the Johnnies' recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach. When I mentioned that some of us fans were pretty nervous about the outcome of the game, Dumo said, "We never were in doubt we'd win." I thought that he was being kind of cavalier until I got back home and read the defensive statistics. Other than the Blue Devils' second possession drive for 77 yards and a TD in the first quarter, our D boys shut them down for only 100 yards for the other 12 possessions; we also sacked their QB seven times, turned in twelve tackles for a loss, and made three second-half interceptions, two by senior Chris Harris who was named MIAC Defensive Player of the Week. First game or not, that was some performance by the defense and I understood then what Dumo was saying.
SJU Senior Chris Harris snags the Blue Devils' last-ditch effort to tie the game as time expired.
Turning then to the offense, its performance was hardly sublime. Not counting nine penalties for 121 yards (most of which belonged to the offense), our heralded O-Line, aka "maybe the best ever," was simply underwhelming. And D-III player of the year, Jackson Erdmann, looked rusty as all get out. Yet we managed to outgain Stout 301 yards to their 177, including outpassing 235 to 136, and rushing 66 to 41. Still, a very tough-to-the-end Blue Devil squad kept us out of the end zone two other times when we needed to (and must in the future) convert. We have work to do. My friend Wayne Hergott '57, John Gagliardi's first quarterback, wrote before the game, "I'm concerned about all the hyperbole about our Johnnies. It's so strong that any surprises can only be disappointments. I hope the players are not digesting it. Frankly, I think a tough game for our guys Saturday would be beneficial."
What wasn't beneficial was an early first-quarter injury to outstanding sophomore starting defensive end, Michael Wozniak. A 6'6", 300+ lb. Stout tackle fell on Michael's left hand and smashed it, leading to delicate surgery this past Monday by a specialist from Mayo Clinic. His return is said to be between four and six weeks, maybe longer. Ouch! It's the curse of the WIAC preseason games, and a bitter pill for Michael and the defense.
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SJU Game Report —
UW-Stout Postgame Highlights —
Video by Sam Chalmers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Kz4KMaZ48 (:58)
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On Team Development —
The UW-Stout football coach was asked his secret of evaluating raw recruits.
"Well," he said, "I take 'em out in the woods and make 'em run. The ones that go around the trees, I make into running backs. The ones that run into the trees, I turn into linemen.”
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Helping Our Bahamian Johnnies and Bennies —
Hurricane Dorian’s devastation in the Bahamas has hit hard at Saint John's University and the College of Saint Benedict. Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s has sixty-eight Bahamian students attending classes this year. The group, led by Kistacia Thompson ’20 and Owyn Ferguson ’20, is trying to raise money and supplies for their home country in an attempt to do what they can to support the victims of the hurricane.
We have all seen the disastrous stories, the utter destruction that has taken place, especially on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama. It is an ongoing disaster that will take years to overcome.
Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s have long had strong ties to the Bahamas, home to 1,200 alumni/alumnae. Saint John’s Abbey and the Monastery of Saint Benedict’s presence on the islands date back to the late 1800's when monks and sisters first arrived there to establish a religious presence and to provide pastoral and educational outreach to the local communities.
If you would like to help the victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, here is the link created by Saint John's and Saint Ben's students for making a donation: https://www.globalgiving.org/fundraisers/32143/
Please consider doing it now, as you read this, rather than thinking you'll come back later...
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 above link on social media platforms.
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Going To The Cobber-Whitewater Game? —
From Bill Kauffmann ’87, Plymouth —
Hey Rob, The Bormanns and Kauffmanns are going to have some turkey burgers on the grill at the Concordia v. Whitewater game Saturday. According to the Cobber website the game starts at 12 noon so we'll be set up and serving between 10:30 and 11:45 am. We'll be in the grass parking lot adjacent to the Cobber baseball field and all Jays and Bees are welcome. Thanks for putting this in the UUN. — Billy
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Fr. Columba Stewart To Give NEH Jefferson Lecture —
Father Columba Stewart, OSB '85, Benedictine monk, scholar of early Christianity, and executive director of the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML) at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, will deliver the 2019 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities, titled “Cultural Heritage Present and Future: A Benedictine Monk's Long View,” on Monday, October 7, at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., at 7:30 p.m. The lecture is a free public event and will also stream live online.
Dubbed “the monk who saves manuscripts from ISIS” by Atlantic magazine, Stewart has spent 15 years working with international religious leaders, government authorities, and archivists to photograph and digitize ancient to early modern religious manuscripts, especially those at risk due to war, strife, or economic uncertainty.
The Jefferson Lecture is the National Endowment for the Humanities’ most widely attended annual event, and it is the highest honor the federal government bestows for distinguished intellectual achievement in the humanities. Past Jefferson Lecturers include filmmakers Ken Burns and Martin Scorsese, novelists John Updike and Toni Morrison, and historian James McPherson.
The October 7 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities will be live-streamed at www.facebook.com/nehgov. NEH invites those unable to attend to watch the event online and join the national conversation about the lecture, using the hashtag #jefflec19 and tagging @NEHgov.
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St. John’s Prep Classic Golf Outing —
Have you been notified, or heard via the rumor mill, that the Prep School and Madden’s decided to discontinue co-hosting the Prep Classic. This year would be its 19th anniversary. Operating from the premise that if alumni don’t keep it going it will die, John Sipe ’61/‘65 and Dave Thorman ’65/‘69 believe it’s a tradition worth continuing! They hope you agree.
They have made all of the arrangements to hold this year’s Classic at Deer Run Golf Club in Victoria, MN Friday, September 27th. Although no longer involved in the sponsorship or management of the event, the Prep School fully supports their efforts.
They invite you to organize a foursome from your class, family or friends and join fellow Johnnies for a fun, Friday of frivolity, camaraderie and an occasional decent golf shot. Deer Run is a fun course, competitive but not intimidating.
Here is the event registration website and Deer Run’s website.
https://www.eventregisterpro.com/sjprep
https://deerrungolf.com/
How good is Deer Run Golf Club?
Tee Times' Readers' Choice Awards tell the tale of Best in the State in 2018:
No 1 in Best Golf Experience
No 2 in Provides Best Value
No 1 in Best Hospitality
No 4 in Best Condition
No 3 in Best Greens
No 4 in Best Merchandised Pro Shop
No 1 in Favorite Gof Course For A Tournament
No 1 in Favorite Clubhouse
Please feel free to call Dave Thorman SJP ’65 (612) 709-9372 or John Sipe SJP ‘61 (651) 600-4902 with any questions.
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Battle Between The Sexes —
Four Quick Hitters:
1. A guy bought his wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas. A friend of his said, "I thought she wanted one of those pretty 4-Wheel drive vehicles."
"She did," he replied, "But where in the world was I going to find a fake jeep!!"
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2. HUSBAND: When I get mad at you, you never fight back. How do you control your anger?
WIFE: I clean the toilet.
HUSBAND: How does that help?
WIFE: I use your toothbrush.
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3. A middle-aged guy is out to dinner with his wife to celebrate her fortieth birthday.
He says, “So what would you like, Julie? A Jaguar? A sable coat? A diamond necklace?”
She says, “Bernie, I want a divorce.”
“My goodness,” he says, “I wasn’t planning on spending that much.”
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4. I never married because there was no need. I have three pets at home which answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog which growls every morning, a parrot which swears all afternoon and a cat that comes home late at night. -- Marie Corelli
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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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School of Theology, Understanding Ecumenism Division —
Top Ten Signs You Are A Lutheran —
... you only serve Jell-O in the proper liturgical color for the season.
... rather than introducing yourself to a visitor at church, you check their name out in the guestbook.
... your choir believes volume is a fair substitute for tonality.
... in response to someone jumping up and shouting "Praise the Lord!", you politely remind him or her that we don't do that around here.
... peas in your tuna noodle hot dish add too much color.
... you think anyone who says "casserole" instead of “hot dish" is trying to be uppity (or maybe even Episcopalian!)
... you tap a church visitor on the shoulder and say, "Excuse me, but you're in my seat."
... you think that an ELCA Lutheran bride and an LCMS groom make for a "mixed marriage."
... you're 57 years old and your parents still won't let you date a Catholic.
... all your relatives graduated from a school named Concordia.
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Johnnie Question of the Week —
Season 2, Issue 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFa2B-syl6w (6:18 min)
Season 2, Issue 3 (Available 9/12)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gscSstxl52o
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Results From Last Week —
Buena Vista 51, Hamline 7 — This game was played last week (Thursday, 9/5) so it wasn't included in my predictions for last Saturday, but if it had been, that would be the anticipated result.
Bethel 42, Simpson 10 — This win was predicted but certainly not by that much!
Gustavus 50, Martin Luther 19 — Nailed that puppy.
UW-La Crosse 21, Concordia 14 — While hoping for the Cobbers you had to guess La Crosse would prevail.
Augsburg 36, Ripon 26 — A bad pick by me, but GO AUGGIES!
Carleton 41, Macalester 0 — Forgive me, O Knights! I picked Mac and figured it would be a close game to boot. (Assume that Mac isn't ready to return to the MIAC anytime soon.)
St. Olaf 45, Crown 14 — One of the easier picks.
St. John's 14, UW-Stout 7 — An uninspiring showing by the not-ready-for-prime-time Johnnies.
St. Thomas 69, Trinity Int'l 3 — Way to hold it under 70, Glenn. Wonder how much U$T had to pay TIU for it’s sacrificial offering?
(Editor’s Note: In answer to the most asked question at the game Saturday — “Who is Trinity International?” — here’s a quick look.)
Trinity International University (TIU) is an evangelical Christian university headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois. It comprises an undergraduate college, a graduate school, a theological seminary, and a law school. TIU is operated by the Evangelical Free Church of America, a Christian denomination in the tradition of Radical Pietism (see below). The university enrolls about 2,700 students. They can be likened to a Bethel on religious steroids, kind of like fundamentalist Lutherans instead of fundamentalist Baptists.
Trinity International University teams are known as the Trojans [I can assure you they are not named after the condom company]. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC), although its football program competes in the Mideast League of the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football and soccer; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball and volleyball.
Radical Pietism are Pietists who decided to break with denominational Lutheranism, forming separate Christian churches. Radical Pietists contrast with Church Pietists, who chose to remain within their Lutheran denominational settings. Radical Pietists distinguished between true and false Christianity (usually represented by established churches), which led to their separation from these entities.
Pietism emphasized the need for a "religion of the heart" instead of the head, and was characterized by ethical purity, inward devotion, charity, asceticism, and mysticism. Leadership was empathetic to adherents instead of being strident loyalists to sacramentalism.
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Wick’s Picks For Week Two (Sep. 14) —
UW-Whitewater at Concordia — Ouch! Cobbers lose another 33-17
Bethel at UW-River Falls — Royals over River Falls 32-7
Carleton at Lawrence — Knights slip by Lawrence 27-20
Concordia (Wis) at Augsburg — Auggies have their way 42-15
Gustavus Adolphus at UW-Stout — Blue Devils over Gusties 26-12
St. Olaf at Luther — Oles prevail 17-14
Hamline at Macalester — Who cares? But, Go Pipers 30-17
Tommies and Johnnies idle.
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d3Football Top 25 —
We’re not the only ones disappointed in SJU’s first outing — the panel of coaches sent us down a point to No. 4 and U$T climbed one to No. 6 — now you sort of get an insight to Glenn’s running up scores. Bethel remained at No. 10, so the MIAC has three in the Top Ten nationally. https://www.d3football.com/top25/2019/week1
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The Uncasual Fan —
(Review of the 14-7 victory over the University of Wisconsin Stout on Saturday September 7th, 2019)
FYI – If you have not read the (pre game) Game Notes from the SJU website it is 17 pages of very good info about current players and statistics. A great way to catch up on things and very well done. Kudos to the author, whoever it is.
Also the write-up/summary on the football home page about the game was a very good summary and fair perspective about the game. Once again – well done !!!!! SJU is stepping up its communication game all over the place.
The pregame festivities were excellent. The Silver Dollar Saloon was packed with Johnnie faithful. The fire code allowed for 100 patrons or so and 150 signed up to attend. What could be better. A bar full of red shirts and $4 tap beers. Are you ready for some football !!!!! And then a five-minute walk to the parking lot by the field for some tailgating, excellent cheeseburgers, brats and some spicy beans. This was going to be a great day.
Expectations were extremely high for our guys, knowledgeable fans were saying SJU 48-7, 41-7, 34-7. Heck , even the O-Coordinator at the football luncheon told us not to worry about who was punting because we were never going to have to punt. Everyone was talking a trip to the National Championship Game already and we had not even taken one snap or thrown one pass or anything. A Gagliardi Trophy winner returning and the best O-line ever.
What could possibly go wrong?
Just about everything. Stout came out and punched SJU in the mouth and knocked us down. The Johnnies got back up and fought hard and were able to walk away with a win, so I am going to try and take the high road here and not list all the things that went wrong on Saturday in Menomonie.
Instead, let’s try and remember we have the privilege and fun of watching a group of young men who play a game we all love and sometimes things do not always go as expected. But a win, is a win, is a win. Sometimes it just provides more teachable moments for the next game and for life.
The good news is:
1. We won
2. The defense played great. Just like all of last year. They had some key takeaways and critical defensive stands and basically saved the cardinal and blue from an 0-1 start. ( I hope we never put blue on a football uniform in any way)
3. There were a lot of teachable moments to look back at and there are two weeks of teaching to make things better.
Takeaways from Game 1:
1. Maybe a little humble pie is the best way to go for a while. We do not seem to be as good as we think we are.
2. The Defense had answers at just about every turn (Thank goodness)
3. The 2nd half was much better than the first (for the offense)
Teachable moments for the coaching staff to focus on:
1. Do not throw the ball with someone draped all over your body
2. Too many penalties !!!! 9 for 121 yards
3. Offense failed to take advantage of key defensive takeaways
4. 4th and 6 inches at the goal. – Hey, big guy – Maybe lower your helmet a bit
5. 230 lb running back running around the end (multiple times) and getting tackled for no gain and the smaller fast guy running up the middle. I am sure I am missing something somewhere.
6. We dropped a couple of balls.
One final thought - Hey, offense – remember in the Question of the Week video — which are actually quite good and funny and give us a chance to see some personalities — when you were talking smack about torching the defense in practice. Maybe make a video this week and have the offense walk down a line and shake the hands of the defense for saving their butts in Menomonie.
Go Johnnies – see you September 14th in Collegeville.
(Editor’s Note: The Uncasual Fan is a fervent Johnnie who was a standout member of the 1976 National Championship team.)
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Remembering Hilary, Part 1 —
Fr. Hilary Thimmesh was an institution at St. John’s Abbey and University for seven decades. He had many important jobs and various responsibilities there over the years but no doubt he was best known by students for his presence as a Prefect, then “Faculty Advisor” as terminology changed, for over 60 years, most of them on Second Floor Tommy Hall.
It was as my Prefect beginning in the second semester of my junior year in 1963 that I began to know him well. After graduation and then Naval service we reconnected and, over the next half century, enjoyed an ongoing friendship for which I shall ever be grateful. I have so many memories of time spent together — in the Cities, letters sent, emails received, books recommended, and many quick visits upon my returns to campus.
This year, Hilary’s final one on earth, Chris and I were able to twice take him out to dinner. The first time back in early March when we celebrated his 91st birthday and our last in late June when we accompanied him in the presence of some others of the Class of 1964 back early for our 55th reunion: Gary Kordosky, Paul Judge, Tom Stockfisch and Anthony Bombich. Sharp as ever, Hilary had us laughing as he recalled some antics by Gary and Paul involving a snipe hunt perpetrated on Dominic Chow from Hong Kong back in the day. After dinner he returned with us for one of his favorite after-dinner traditions — partaking in some red wine and dark chocolate — this time in our reunion quarters in Virgil Michel House. He was slowing down and his eyesight was failing but he fully enjoyed being with all of us.
Hilary was a monk’s monk; he loved his monastic life and embraced its spiritual demands and communal pleasures. One memory that comes to mind now is from the early 1970s when Hilary came down to St. Paul to my old house, Degradation Hall, for a weekend. We planned to attend a Latin sung High Mass at St. Agnes, which I had described as beautiful although more like a museum piece from back in the 1600s than a satisfying post Vatican II Mass that I was used to by then. After attending it, Hilary was excited about bringing the Abbey’s novices down for one so they could see what a pre-Conciliar liturgy was like.
Anyway, before leaving for the church, Hilary and I were enjoying some coffee and he had his head buried in the Sunday paper. I put on a record of Gregorian Chant sung by the Anglican monks of St. Thomas Abbey in England as background music. Still reading the paper, Hilary said about the first cut, “Ah, that’s the Introit for the 1st Sunday in Advent.” I went over to the record jacket and confirmed that it was. One of next songs came up and he said again, “Oh, the Offertory for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany.” I looked and again he was correct. After he identified the Communion for the 2nd Sunday in Lent I asked, somewhat flabbergasted but deeply Impressed, “How do you know all those chants sung in Latin?” Hilary responded, “After singing them annually for so many years, you just recognize the words and where they fit in the Liturgical Calendar.” Perhaps I’m wrong but I don’t think many monks, even back then, could have identified all those pieces as easily. Hilary was so intelligent, so learned, so knowledgeable...and so humble about it all.
This past Sunday Mass at St. Cecilia’s, between the first two readings, we sang In Every Age, based on Psalm 90: 1-3; 12. I instantly thought of Hilary and how the words seemed to me to suggest how Hilary lived his life, what he believed, how he saw his and our role in God’s Creation. I’ve included a rendition of this beautiful piece here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M1lyUVKWYo (3:35) and also include the three verses:
Long before the mountains came to be
and the land and sea and stars of the night,
through the endless seasons of all time,
you have always been, you will always be.
Refrain
In every age, O God, you have been our refuge.
In every age, O God, you have been our hope.
Verse 2
Destiny is cast, and at your silent word
we return to dust and scatter to the wind.
A thousand years are like a single moment gone,
as the light that fades at the end of day.
Refrain
Verse 3
Teach us to make use of the time we have.
Teach us to be patient even as we wait.
Teach us to embrace our every joy and pain.
To sleep peacefully, and to rise up strong.
Refrain
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CSB/SJU 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards —
Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Time: 5 - 6 p.m. Social; 6:15 Presentation of Awards; 7:00 Social and Dessert Bar
Location: Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom, 5418 Wayzata Boulevard, Golden Valley, MN 55416
Cost: $35-$75
Awards will be presented to the 2019 CSB Entrepreneur of the Year, SJU Entrepreneur of the Year and CSB/SJU Social Entrepreneur of the Year. Winners are selected from nominations of Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s alums who have successfully launched, and led ventures by seizing opportunities while leveraging resources and initiating changes that create value.
Congratulations to Sandy Pfefferle Forster ’82 - little pepper promotions; Russ Sherlock ’83 - Equian; and Pathways 4 Youth - Tim Wensman ’79, John Bodette ’72, Steve Bresnahan ’75, and Bill Maney.
Register here:
https://csbsju.imodules.com/s/1433/interior.aspx?sid=1433&gid=1&pgid=5233&content_id=3957
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Wicker’s Health Rant —
Time For Your Colonoscopy?
Colon and rectal cancers will cause over 50,000 deaths in the United States this year. The good news is that 90% of all colon and rectal cancers can be prevented with appropriate screening and removal of precancerous growths called polyps.
Read more in this brief article:
https://www.mngi.com/gi-systems-disorders/colon-cancer-prevention
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Don’t Erase The Line —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqKBJmtAcFE (:55 sec.)
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CSB volleyball picked to win the MIAC —
After finishing second in the regular season for each of the past two years, MIAC coaches think that this is the year that the College of Saint Benedict volleyball team makes the leap into the top spot.
For the first time since 2009, CSB is the team to beat in the MIAC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Saint Benedict received seven of the possible 12 first-place votes and tallied 114 points to finish first in the voting, which is done by the league's 12 head coaches. When CSB was last predicted to win the conference in 2009, it went 10-1 in league play and finished first in the regular season and later won the MIAC tournament title.
Gustavus was picked second, St. Thomas third, Augsburg fourth and Bethel fifth rounded out the top five, just one point ahead of St. Olaf.
CSB – which was ranked 25th in Division III heading into the season — starting climbing in the poll after defeating No 15 Mary Hardin-Baylor and No. 4 UW-Eau Claire, and narrowly losing to NO. 17 Trinity.
Among several key players from the 2018 lineup that made a run to the NCAA Sweet 16, includes twin juniors Hunter Weiss and Madison Weiss, who both earned All-American accolades last season, and junior setter Katie Koch, also earned All-MIAC First Team honors in 2018.
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Quote of the Week —
It takes courage to break through the masks we have co-constructed
and speak from the truth of our hearts. — Terry Patten
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Truth in Politics —
It was election time and a politician decided to go out to the local reservation and try to get the Native American vote. They were all assembled in the Council Hall to hear the speech. The politician had worked up to his finale, and the crowd was getting more and more excited. "I promise better education opportunities for Native Americans!"
The crowd went wild, shouting "Hoya! Hoya!" The politician was a bit puzzled by the native word, but was encouraged by their enthusiasm. "I promise gambling reforms to allow a Casino on the Reservation!"
"Hoya! Hoya!" cried the crowd, stomping their feet.
"I promise more social reforms and job opportunities for Native Americans!" The crowd reached a frenzied pitch shouting "Hoya! Hoya! Hoya!"
After the speech, the Politician was touring the Reservation, and saw a tremendous herd of cattle. Since he was raised on a ranch, and knew a bit about cattle, he asked the Chief if he could get closer to take a look at the cattle.
"Sure," the Chief said, "but be careful not to step in the hoya.”
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From Our Readers —
From Pat McDonnell ’67, Lilydale, MN —
Wick—Here is an article that deserves honorable mention in the Undergroundregarding the running back I asked you about. Must have been some kind of a horse, since his nickname was BRONCO. — Pat
http://cdm.csbsju.edu/digital/collection/CSBArchNews/id/33754/
(Editor’s Explanation: Pat was emailing with Jeff Schmitt about an SJU running back named John Balestri '69 who, after sitting as a third-stringer for three years, finally got his chance as a senior and exploded into action during the 1968 season. Nursing a bad shoulder bruise that never healed during the season he nonetheless smashed through enough lines to be named MIAC rushing champ, averaging 112 yards per game, mostly at about 4 yards a carry. Pat asked me if I remembered him and I had to admit I didn’t, although I did recall his running mate, Bill Laliberte.)
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From Patty Weiler Sullivan ’65, Woodbury, MN —
I don't know if you if you noticed, but in the Mpls. paper obits, Father Hillary's obit was right next to Phyllis "Kelly" Sullivan Carmien, Bro. Pat's [Sullivan] sister! She was/is a big contributor to the Abbey. We had her second funeral yesterday I Woodbury with Fr. Geoffrey [Fecht] from St. John's presiding. Her first funeral was 8/24 in Palm Desert, CA. We will miss her!! — Patty
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From Casey Lund ‘95, Maple Grove, MN —
Great as always. So excited for another Johnnie football season. — Casey
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From Chris Kennedy, friend of St. John’s, Chicago, IL —
WOW, you are thorough! I’ve wondered who plays their games in the Allianz field; now I know — St. Thomas, right?
Early season bye is not good! We were passing through on the way to University of Mary and went to the Fair on Saturday night –heard you had a shooting there on Monday—must have been Chicago guys. Also went to Church of All Saints - nice Latin Mass – never saw so many pregnant women in my life! — Chris
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From Kathleen Ziegler, wife of Frank ’62, Lino Lakes, MN —
Go here to see how Blake Elliot ’03 continues to make SJU proud:
http://www.startribune.com/new-roommate-matchmaker-rumi-connects-caregivers-people-with-disabilities/559599532/
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From Frank Ziegler ’62, husband of Kathleen, also Lino Lakes, MN —
Wick — Well, I think you have some grist for your journalistic mill this week after the contest between the Jays and the Blue Devils (a name derived from a French WWI army unit according to Wikipedia). I couldn't get there until the very end of the first half but was happy to see the Johnny spirit awaken in the second stanza. Two TD's with Erdmann finding more than open receivers in that far right corner of the end zone.....how many times have we seen that at Collegeville? And, maybe, even a third TD that didn't make the record book? Gotta love those refs. Looking forward to your comments and insights..... —frziegler
PS - That was my younger daughter --- Ruthie Lucachick ’04 and husband, Aaron ‘04, whom she met in freshman colloquium at SJU...and their 3 year old mascot Hendrix --- with me.
(Editor’s Conversation Continuation: I asked Ziggy where his usual sports companion, classmate John Ditzler ’62, was for this game and he responded thusly: “As you know, Ditz lives in Shakopee and it happened that he and Julie had to stay there this weekend because his granddaughter Lizzie's hockey team was playing. He tried to give me updates on U$T and I tried to give him info on SJU but it was hard to talk and hear in the stadium. Cheers — fz"
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From Wayne Hergott ’57, Edina, MN —
Bob, In response to the UUN the other day I said that I thought a tough game Saturday would be beneficial for the Johnnies because of my fear that they may be digesting the hyperbole about how great they are. Thus, I think Saturday was a good day for the team, not the terrible experience that some concluded it was. I heard several people say it was a typical first game when many mistakes are made. I don't buy that. It was the first game for Stout also. Rather, I think the Johnnies got the game they needed for the attitude adjustment they need and they will be better because of it. I'm betting their performance against Gustavus will reflect that they are really good.
It was nice to see so many Johnnies at the Silver Dollar Saloon. Michael Cummings '89 said he counted about 150 even though some had already left to tailgate. — Wayne
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From Bill Kauffmann ‘8, Plymouth, MN —
Rob, I couldn't agree with you more on Concordia's aggressive scheduling. I think La Crosse is going to be in the mix for second place and a playoff bid in the WIAC. This may be the third or fourth year Concordia has scheduled Whitewater. With only 5 at-large bids for playoff spots I find it incredibly bold for Concordia to take this approach. Being in the MIAC and already having to play three top 25 teams annually in SJU, Bethel, and “the other team”, it is strategically high risk and low reward but I respect them greatly for it. I'll be cheering for the Cobbers Saturday while wearing my Johnnie cardinal and white.
If we didn't have a cabin in Detroit Lakes I would drive back to Stout in a heartbeat to watch that Gustie game Saturday. I was miffed by our performance and hope the guys start focusing on beating the next team they play instead of talking about championships. John never talked about championships and I think it makes Gary cringe. I believe this team can make a deep run and I love their single mindedness, determination, and confidence. I hope Saturday was a wake up call that it is going to take a team effort to win this conference and, as John would say, "prayers and luck." I'll tell you this much. If the Gusties beat Stout they will be coming to Collegeville with a lot of confidence. I can't wait for that game! — Billy
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From Jim Conn ’64, Alexandria, MN, who with his wife Anita flew in for the Stout game in their iconic Cessna 177 Cardinal —
Hi Bob - Anita and I sat right behind the Blue Devils bench at Saturday’s game. Reflecting upon the outcome the next day, it dawned on me how motivated the opposing team and coaches were throughout the game.
For the Blue Devils, this was not just a preseason game but rather a playoff game — and that’s exactly the way they approached it. IMHO — every Johnnie opponent this season will be gunning especially hard to knock the Johnnies off the pedestal.
Fortunate this lesson was delivered early on in the season. The Blue Devils almost got the job done! — Jim
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From John Maas ’58, Hudson, WI to Pat Twohy —
Pat, you may want to put yourself on Rob’s list. Even if you are not a great football fan, his notes both pre- and post- are fun to read and he does include info from both the Prep eras as well as the SJU eras. — John
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From Pat Twohy SJP ‘71, SJU ‘76, Bayport, MN —
Please sign me up to receive your very interesting newsletter. Thank-you. — Pat
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From Harry Acker, Honorary Johnnie ’64, Virginia Beach, VA —
Rob, Good luck to the Johnnies for a championship season! In answer to your question, yes, we are going to get up to 6 inches of rain and about 50 knot winds. Should hit us early tomorrow. We have no place to hide. There are no basements here. We live about 15 feet above sea level, however we are not in a flood zone. We just put stuff in a safe place and hope for the best! Trust all is well with you. — Harry, (Proud Honorary Johnnie)
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From Tom Troskey ’67, St. Paul, MN —
Bob, As usual ---you are doing a terrific job. Always anxious to see the UUN in my mail. Thanks —Tom
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From Ron Youso ’64, Foley, MN —
Rob, Thanks for putting me on your email list. Reading it brightens my day. What a gift you have in getting your message across. And thank you so much for the time you spend to create this great masterpiece. — Ron
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From Tom McKeown SJP ’47/SJU ‘51, Mendota Heights, MN —
Rob, I would just like to second, agree with your comments about funeral masses at St. John’s. They are unique and very moving spiritual experiences...monks or lay persons..I have also attended Bob Mahowald, Robley Evans and John Gagliardi’s funerals as well as several monks. Except for the homilies they are all identical and classic Benedictine. You almost want to sign up for your own!! We are blessed to be the benefactors of a Benedictine education.
Corwin and Hilary were good friends and good monks.Your comments, as always, are right on. — Tom
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From Jim Conway SJP ’58/SJU ’62, Wayzata, MN —
Thanks, Rob, for the very warm tribute to Corwin. One of my all time favorites. I must have been dozing...don't recall seeing a notice of his passing. Great to see you back in action! — Jim
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From Bill Draves ’64, Goodyear, AZ —
Wick, Can Fall be far behind your newsletter! Thank you again for all that you do for us. And could you please make a mention of the SJU Military Honor Roll for anyone who has not added an update? Even just adding Name and rank and service dates is helpful. Thanks — Bill
https://apps.csbsju.edu/military-honor-roll
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From Dave Steil ’64, Bristol, PA —
Rob, one other issue hurting enrollment especially for out of state students is the 529 tax incentive program available in many states. I have personally lost several good SJU candidates due to the incentives under the plan to attend a college with their state of residence and to where their parents made the 529 contributions.
Freezing tuition for an in-state school from the date of first enrollment and contribution is a powerful incentive. — Dave
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From Bob Neis '65, St. Louis Park, MN —
This article appeared the Twin Cities' dailies this morning:
https://www.twincities.com/2019/09/10/st-thomas-appoints-wilder-foundations-ceo-to-be-dean-of-its-new-college-of-health/
UST is aggressive and smart in the way they are positioning the university for the future. SJU has done very little in the last 30-50 years to position itself for the future. That is why we are now not meeting the minimum enrollment figures to make this work going forward. Minimal evolution is not going to make it. If everyone (students, faculty, administration, trustees, alumni, abbey) does not in a timely manner create a new vision, just hiring a new president is not going to do it. — Bob
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From Tom Gottwalt ‘82, Plymouth, MN —
I’ve had several recent encounters and Johnnie connections leading to the following names to add to the UUN distribution list. I told them all I’d foot the bill for their subscription fees.
1. My neighbors in Plymouth, MN, Pat and Kim Kane, have a Johnnie son, Joe Kane ’09, who would really enjoy the UUN. He’s married to a Tommie so needs all the support he can get including access to all those Tommie jokes and Battles Between the Sexes advice.
2. My classmate, Mark Dobberstein ’82, and I met Patrick Edrey, a 2004 Peace Studies major, at Menomonie’s Silver Dollar Saloon before Saturday’s Stout game. A staunch and knowledgeable fan, he’d driven there by himself to support the Johnnie Nation. He works for the Wilder Foundation as an advocate for the homeless and has been an advocate for the homeless for about the past 10 years.
3. Sitting in front of Mark and me at the Stout game were Dan and Melissa Clifford of Lake Geneva, WI. Their son, Connor, is a first year student on the football team. I guess that makes him a Class of 2023 Johnnie. Mark and I enjoyed hearing about the Clifford family’s journey to St. John’s and how Connor was instantly attracted to the place and the ethos of the campus. It was refreshing to hear of a recruiting experience from a family’s perspective with no prior connection, relative, or experience with SJU. Connor had many choices and chose SJU over all of them. My hope is that he, and others like him, will begin to turn the tide on the low recruiting numbers in recent years. Also, he has a younger sister who may become a future Bennie. Keep your fingers crossed.
Thanks, as always, for the UUN and for tirelessly promoting SJU. Go Johnnies! — Tom
(Editor’s Observation: For all those who would like to add readers to the Unofficial Underground News, I sure recommend you follow Mr. Gottwalt’s sterling example of introducing us to new subscribers.”
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From Paul Hamann ’63, Edina, MN —
Hi Bob, Saw you after the game across a parking lot as we were leaving the Stout stadium,. We were visiting our friends, the former Stout professor you met last year. Next week we'll have a comparative score as the Gusties visit Stout.
Had a chance to visit with the grandfather of a back-up QB for the Johnnies. Grandpa's pretty knowledgeable about the sport. Played for the Tommies when we were in school. Both his sons played DII football. His grandson loves SJU and while he would like to play, of course, there is the reality of Jackson. Remember when Gary told the Lunch Bunch about the wide receiver on the scout team who was giving the defense fits? Grandpa pointed out it was his grandson who was delivering the ball. So maybe there is a fallback position and a bright QB future as well. Go Johnnies! — Paul
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Introducing Maury Glover —
(Editor's Note: The upcoming guest speaker for the September Lunch Bunch meeting is Maury Glover ‘91. He prepared these background notes to assist the "management team" for his introduction to that rapidly aging but still avid group of '50 and '60 grads that comprises the Lunch Bunch. Maury's story is worth sharing with UUN readers.)
Maury Glover '91
"I grew up in Minneapolis and live here to this day. My father, Gleason Glover, was the Executive Director of the Minneapolis Urban League for 25 years, so I guess growing up the idea of public service of some kind was always in the back of my head. It was Dad's calling to make the community a better place for African Americans so I figured whatever I did would be on the public stage as well.
I went to Minneapolis Southwest High and graduated in 1986. I always thought I would go to college at St. Olaf because I tagged along when my dad taught a class there once. But when I went with a friend for a college visit to St. John’s, I fell in love with the campus (and the food at the Refectory & Bo Diddly's) and decided to head behind the Pine Curtain instead. While at St. John’s, I rowed on the crew team, was a counselor for the Peer Resource Center, and had a radio show on KSJU. I majored in English figuring I would go to law school or become a teacher of some sort but again fate had other plans.
When I was in college, I worked at KSTP for a couple of summers, and got to know many of the people in the newsroom. After a graduation from St. John’s, the station offered me a job and my career in news took off. I have worked as a producer or reporter at KSTP & KMSP here in Minneapolis, WITI Fox 6 in Milwaukee and then came back to Channel 9 in 2002. I have covered several high profile stories since then, the most memorable being the death of Prince and the day Danny Heinrich went to court and confessed responsibility for the disappearance of Jacob Wetterling.
I have won two Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Awards for stories I covered in 2015 & 2017. I was recently named the Best TV Newsperson for 2019 by City Pages.
I love telling stories about the people who live here in Minnesota and feel honored to be able to do it every day."
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Excuses Department: Running Late —
The official glossary to running late:
"On the way..." - Still in bed.
"In the car..." - In the shower.
"GPS says 35 min..." - Getting ready.
"There's traffic..." - Leaving the house.
"Parking now..." - 15 minutes out.
"Can't find a spot..." - 5 minutes out.
"Walking in..." - Looking for a spot.
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The Last Word —
(Courtesy of Pat McDonnell '67)
Two old guys, one 74 and one 77, were sitting on a park bench one morning. The 77-year-old had just finished his morning jog and wasn't even short of breath.The 74-year-old was amazed at the guy's stamina and asked him what he did to have so much energy.
The 77-year-old said, "Well, I eat rye bread every day. Haven't you heard? It keeps your energy level high and you'll have great stamina with the ladies."
So on the way home the 74-year-old stopped at the bakery. As he was looking around, the counter lady asked if he needed any help. He said, "Do you have any rye bread?"
She replied, "Yes, there's a whole shelf of it. Would you like some?"
"Yes, I want five loaves," the man said.
She said, "My goodness, five loaves! By the time you get to the third loaf, it'll be hard."
He replied, "I can't believe everybody knows about this stuff but me."
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So long for now...it's a bye week but you all can still remember to holler —
GO JOHNNIES!
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R. L. Wicker SJP ’60/SJU ’64
St. Paul, MN
theowick@aol.com
651-699-4697
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